transport advice between WDW/US (long..)?

[dandee]

Confused about transportation situation, need help!!!

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to ask, but we're thinking about flying into Orlando for a 2-part trip this February; starting at Universal for 2-3 days, then onto WDW for 8 or 9 days... we also don't really want to hassle with renting a car if we can avoid it. I usually get a towncar to drive us from the airport to Disney and back again - but we're trying to save a little money this time (plus we're kind of jumping around from place to place). If we stay at a cheaper hotel/motel while we're visiting US/IOA, we are wondering what our best course of action is:

1. To stay at a hotel really close to Universal that has a free airport shuttle - take a cab or some type of shuttle back and forth from the hotel to Universal for 2 days and then have the hotel shuttle take us back to the airport so we can catch Mears back to WDW POFQ ($40 a night for US/IOA area hotel)...

2. To stay at a hotel really close to Universal that doesn't have an airport shuttle (we can't seem to find one with both), but does have daily shuttles to Universal and IOA ($63-$65 a night for the US/IOA area hotel). We could get a cab to take us to the hotel from the airport and then (if it's cheaper) back to the airport where we'll catch Mears to WDW...

3. A cab from airport to US/IOA hotel, then move directly from US/IOA hotel to WDW by cab or shuttle - does such a thing exist? I'd need to figure out a cheap way to go from WDW back to the airport at the end of the vacation (Mears one-way?).

Does anyone have a better, less convoluted idea you would be willing to share? Is it easier to bite the bullet and get a car for the first few days, then return it to a car agency in the WDW area and somehow get a ride to WDW at that point?
The agony (and excitement) of planning at this stage! Sorry this is so long, any advice appreciated (even if you think I'm going about the entirely the wrong way!!). thanks!

 

[Disney_1derland]

the one thing you didn't say is how many people are traveling. That would help me in figuring out the best deal for you.

 

[swilshire]

Cars are dirt cheap in Orlando and it's pretty easy to get around. I would at least rent for the Universal part. You could probably turn it in at one of the Disney hotels if you didn't want to keep it while you're there. Personally, I wouldn't think twice and would keep the car for the whole time for the convenience. The money you'd save on cabs/limos and a few meals off-site would more than make up for the cost.

I haven't been to Universal in years, but from reading the boards here, I gather that there are a lot of advantages to staying in one of their own hotels. The biggest impact seems to be the ability to bypass the lines for the rides. I'd go over to the Universal board and check it out before deciding.

Sheila

 

[dandee]

Sorry! Thanks for your response - it's 2 adults (yearly girls trip)... thanks!

 

[Disney_1derland]

thanks, okay, give me a bit, I'm just positive there has to be a hotel with shuttles to both, I work in an office where I have a lot of access to area hotel guides, gonna look through the orlando books, will get back with you!

 

[dandee]

Thanks so much for your effort Disney_1derland!!!!

 

[Disney_1derland]

okay, so there are no hotels with shuttles to both in a decent price range! I tried! Here is what I found....

Taxi from aiport to an I-drive area hotel is approx. $32, Mears is $17/person I think. Just about the same.

I think you would probably save money if you can find a hotel in that $40 range that has an airport shuttle and is within about 5 miles of Universal. If it's on I-Drive near wet and wild you should be VERY close to Universal. Then a taxi would not cost much.

OR........You could stay somewhere like Quality Suites Universal which has a shuttle to both Universal and Disney. Take Mears or taxi (I'd take a taxi just becuase they tend to be more efficient than Mears.) to hotel then use their shuttle to get to universal and disney property and use disney transportation from there. Quality usually runs specials in the $69-$74 range and has a complimentary breakfast.

These are the two best options I see although I'd be leaning towards the Quality deal if you're not packing much luggage to take over to disney.

Have a Great time!

 

[Mad4Dizne]

You might want to look into getting a towncar service to do the three way transfer; we did this last trip and Tiffany was not only efficient but a value for us! They can give you the rate when you call...it might be the most convenient solution. Good Luck.

Have a great trip!!!