Transportation from airport -> Universal -> WDW same day. How would you do it?

[skier_pete]

So, we recently got back from a week in Florida where we went to Universal for the first time in a while, and bought APs to go back again next February.

We are planning a short (4 night, 5 day) getaway in November just DW and I (leaving DD13 at home with family) and we are debating whether to use our APs for a single day at Universal. We are probably flying in Saturday morning on an early flight - arriving around 10 AM. Our thought is to spend this day at Universal directly from the airport, as opposed to trying to transport from Disney property.

The one piece that's making us hesitate is that we aren't sure how difficult making the transition will be. I can come up with two potential ways to do it:

Option #1: Send suitcases to Disney via Magical Express. Take a taxi/shuttle/uber from airport to Universal, and then another taxi/shuttle/uber to Disney. I am thinking this will cost somewhere between $50 and $100 to do...which has me not real thrilled to the idea.

Option #2: Rent-a-car for the day. Send suitcases to Disney via Magical Express. Get a car from National for $42. Drive to Universal (I have a preferred pass - so parking would be free). Return to airport in the evening. The take later Magical Express to Disney. This seems more clever, assuming Disney lets us get away with taking ME 8-10 hours after we land - I will check with them on that, but I doubt it's an issue. We also wouldn't have to worry about what to do with our carry-ons at Universal for the day,we could lock them in the car and just take our valuables into the park with us.

Option #3: I don't have any better ideas...am I missing something I don't know about? Anyone have a suggestion??? Does Universal offer a free shuttle from the airport that I'm not aware of?

 

[skier_pete]

Oooh - I thought of a variation on Option #2...can I drop the car at the WDW Car Care center if I rent from National? That seems like an even better version of that option.

 

[pcstang]

Oooh - I thought of a variation on Option #2...can I drop the car at the WDW Car Care center if I rent from National? That seems like an even better version of that option.

That's what I was going to suggest. Rent a car that can be turned in at WDW. I don't go there so I'm not sure which companies are onsite.

 

[macraven]

The super shuttle that goes from mco to UO is $15 pp

But, this shuttle will stop at other hotels along the way

Could eat into your time

I'm with pcstang on what he suggested

Car rental and drop it off at wdw car care center

You could have all your luggage in the car and not have it transported by Disney to your room

 

[macraven]

I vote for option 2

 

[bchbetha]

Can you go to Universal later in the trip? It's super easy and cheap to just take an Uber between Universal and Disney. Unlike the airport, there's nothing tricky about using Uber around Orlando.

 

[pcstang]

Can you go to Universal later in the trip? It's super easy and cheap to just take an Uber between Universal and Disney. Unlike the airport, there's nothing tricky about using Uber around Orlando.

I was thinking that too. Take a day in the middle of your trip and Uber to USO and then back. That way you can use the tragic express and spend nothing that you haven't paid for already.
ETA: I see it's a short trip so I get why you want to use your abbreviated first day at USO.

 

[pcstang]

I agree with Mac too. I would leave my luggage in the car but, again, I have no experience with luggage going on the bus or how that works exactly.

 

[skier_pete]

I was thinking that too. Take a day in the middle of your trip and Uber to USO and then back. That way you can use the tragic express and spend nothing that you haven't paid for already.
ETA: I see it's a short trip so I get why you want to use your abbreviated first day at USO.

Well, the primary purpose of the trip is to visit Epcot for food and wine, but our first day is Saturday, and I won't go near Epcot during F&W on a Saturday, so that's my reasoning. I also considered doing it the LAST day as well.

But yes, we don't feel the need to spend a whole day there - even not sure 100% if we will want to spend any time there this trip.

 

[keishashadow]

Oooh - I thought of a variation on Option #2...can I drop the car at the WDW Car Care center if I rent from National? That seems like an even better version of that option.

Not sure if u r tied to National, but their rates have been amongst the highest I've seen last few years.

I'm seeing overnight on Saturday, 4 night but 5 day might be long enough to bump you to a weekly rate wherein u could use a coupon to bring it down. Not unusual to find such rates for compact/midsize under $130 all in. Hotwire/Priceline another good option for a one day rental but you will spend fair share of time @ counter in MCO to pickup

Dolphin has car rental as do DTD area hotels

CCC easy in they will shuttle u to your resort

We always leave luggage in car trunk when doing split trip, no issues. Have done so with SUV too, but not overnight somewhere as you can see the luggage, why tempt the fates? The garage is safe @ U no issue there but carry your $/CC with you in park.

 

[skier_pete]

Not sure if u r tied to National, but their rates have been amongst the highest I've seen last few years.

I'm seeing overnight on Saturday, 4 night but 5 day might be long enough to bump you to a weekly rate wherein u could use a coupon to bring it down. Not unusual to find such rates for compact/midsize under $130 all in. Hotwire/Priceline another good option for a one day rental but you will spend fair share of time @ counter in MCO to pickup

I get corporate rate with National, plus they would allow drop off at Disney - also can get Emerald Aisle pick-up which means I can skip the counter, so you just walk to the car. Not "tied" to them, though. No interest in a full week rental. I have no desire to drive around Disney Property. I one of those crazies that prefers being bused around. (Plus you can drink at F&W and not drink and drive.)

 

[pcstang]

Well, the primary purpose of the trip is to visit Epcot for food and wine, but our first day is Saturday, and I won't go near Epcot during F&W on a Saturday, so that's my reasoning. I also considered doing it the LAST day as well.

But yes, we don't feel the need to spend a whole day there - even not sure 100% if we will want to spend any time there this trip.

Honestly, for a four or 5 day trip I wouldn't. Go enjoy f&w. I've heard Saturday's are crazy!

 

[macraven]

Well, the primary purpose of the trip is to visit Epcot for food and wine, but our first day is Saturday, and I won't go near Epcot during F&W on a Saturday, so that's my reasoning. I also considered doing it the LAST day as well.

But yes, we don't feel the need to spend a whole day there - even not sure 100% if we will want to spend any time there this trip.

well, you're screwed either way with that saturday.....hahahahaha

i always say i will not do epcot f/w on saturdays but i always end up eating my words.
the place is so packed and the lines are so long for beverages and food


but, uo is the busiest on saturdays too...

if you do want to bide your saturday, uo would be the lesser of two evils crowdwise.

the outdoor entertainments and shows would be less crowded as most will be doing the potter sections

also, the shows such as animal actors on parade and horror make up show would not have the large crowds

 

[skier_pete]

well, you're screwed either way with that saturday.....hahahahaha

i always say i will not do epcot f/w on saturdays but i always end up eating my words.
the place is so packed and the lines are so long for beverages and food


but, uo is the busiest on saturdays too...

if you do want to bide your saturday, uo would be the lesser of two evils crowdwise.

the outdoor entertainments and shows would be less crowded as most will be doing the potter sections

also, the shows such as animal actors on parade and horror make up show would not have the large crowds

Thinking we can do single rider line as well to shorten wait times...

 

[macraven]

that will work fine.

i go solo on my trips and stay onsite (free ep) and still use SRL a lot.

it can be faster to get on the ride.

 

[skier_pete]

that will work fine.

i go solo on my trips and stay onsite (free ep) and still use SRL a lot.

it can be faster to get on the ride.

I used SRL for Rip Ride Rocket, and I was the 2nd person in the line...I think the standby wait was maybe 40 minutes...

 

[keishashadow]

I get corporate rate with National, plus they would allow drop off at Disney - also can get Emerald Aisle pick-up which means I can skip the counter, so you just walk to the car. Not "tied" to them, though. No interest in a full week rental. I have no desire to drive around Disney Property. I one of those crazies that prefers being bused around. (Plus you can drink at F&W and not drink and drive.)

Well you said it lol

If you sign up for whatever rewards program, you can walk to garage with Dollar, even budget & skip the counter. Dollar especially with AAA rate/perks (free extra driver/car seat, etc.) has worked out fine for me several trips over last year with significant savings. Still, I always price out Alamo first.

Even with plugging away as to various Corp Rates/executive level upgrades with National; haven't used them in years since they've priced out crazy high. Alamo can be dropped easily @ WDW (AP rate usually good).