Transportation from WDW to Universal

[LockShockandBarrel]

Taking the family to WDW in January 2022 and we have two young kids who still use car seats. We plan on taking Mears transportation from the airport to WDW because we don’t want to have to pack the car seats. Any ideas for transportation from WDW to Universal where again we won’t need car seats? Our group is 6 in total.

 

[AlanBradley]

Taking the family to WDW in January 2022 and we have two young kids who still use car seats. We plan on taking Mears transportation from the airport to WDW because we don’t want to have to pack the car seats. Any ideas for transportation from WDW to Universal where again we won’t need car seats? Our group is 6 in total.

I am in the same boat on the car seat front and am still trying to figure out the best option.

From what I have read:
1. There is a city bus that takes you from Disney Springs to UO - maybe someone local can confirm that is still the case?
2. There are also limo/mears type services that can be booked to and from anywhere - but I am not sure about car seat exceptions on these and they sound kind of pricy.
3. Uber and Lyft have an option to select a vehicle with car seats - but it sounds like availability is generally horrible and they generally will only have 1 seat that is hopefully not expired(definitely the sketchiest option).

I am just trying to figure this out myself and will reply back to this thread if I figure anything useful out - but it seems like since the pandemic there is a lot of question marks on this topic.

Has anyone dealt with transporting multiple babies/toddlers that need seats lately? I would love to know how the transfer worked and what company you used.

 

[joelkfla]

1. There is a city bus that takes you from Disney Springs to UO - maybe someone local can confirm that is still the case?

There is not.

You can take a bus from DS or TTC to downtown Orlando, and then another bus to Uni; total time about 90 minutes; does not run after 7pm.

Or you can take 2 buses to get to I-Drive & Universal Drive, and walk about a mile.

Or you can take 3 buses.

See Google Maps from Disney Springs to Universal Orlando with the transit option selected. https://goo.gl/maps/X1aV987WnxcAzhax5

3. Uber and Lyft have an option to select a vehicle with car seats - but it sounds like availability is generally horrible and they generally will only have 1 seat that is hopefully not expired(definitely the sketchiest option)

Uber, not Lyft.

 

[AlanBradley]

There is not.

You can take a bus from DS or TTC to downtown Orlando, and then another bus to Uni; total time about 90 minutes; does not run after 7pm.

Or you can take 2 buses to get to I-Drive & Universal Drive, and walk about a mile.

Or you can take 3 buses.

See Google Maps from Disney Springs to Universal Orlando with the transit option selected. https://goo.gl/maps/X1aV987WnxcAzhax5

Uber, not Lyft.

Thanks for the info. Do you have knowledge of any car services that are able to provide seats for a fee?

 

[AlanBradley]

Section 613 (6) of Chapter 316 on the Florida Senate Statutes website(https://flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2014/316.613) states: (6) The child restraint requirements imposed by this section do not apply to a chauffeur-driven taxi, limousine, sedan, van, bus, motor coach, or other passenger vehicle if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for the transportation of persons for compensation. It is the obligation and responsibility of the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare as defined in s. 39.01 to comply with the requirements of this section.

Does this mean that all hired cars can technically be used withoucar seats, similar to DME.

I don’t like the idea of not having a car seat for the kiddos but I don’t see car services advertising child seats as an option. Which seems very odd considering central Florida’s economic engine runs on family power…

Why do I feel like I am staring at a magic eye and I’m the only one that can’t see the sail boat.

 

[joelkfla]

I don't have any personal experience with car services. I think people have said on this board that some services will provide a car seat, if you request it in advance. Just call and ask (before the trip). You might start with Mears; I think their "black car" service, which is one step above taxis but not quite limos, may offer it. I'm almost sure they offer it in their limos, but that's expensive. Mears may also be offering a pay-per-rider shuttle, which is probably exempt from the car seat requirement if they're using large vans or buses. They ran the shuttle in the past, but the company has changed ownership and with the pandemic, I don't know whether it's still available.

Several years ago, I drove a little for Uber & Lyft. There was a lot of discussion about the child seat law on message boards frequented by drivers. It was never fully resolved, but it seems to say that car seats are required, but violations would be against the parent or guardian, not the driver. Still, responsible drivers will not take children under 5 without a car seat or booster, as applicable. I don't know what Mears Taxi (who owns most of the taxis here) policy is, or if it's left up to the drivers.

 

[dez1978]

Section 613 (6) of Chapter 316 on the Florida Senate Statutes website(https://flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2014/316.613) states: (6) The child restraint requirements imposed by this section do not apply to a chauffeur-driven taxi, limousine, sedan, van, bus, motor coach, or other passenger vehicle if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for the transportation of persons for compensation. It is the obligation and responsibility of the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare as defined in s. 39.01 to comply with the requirements of this section.

Does this mean that all hired cars can technically be used withoucar seats, similar to DME.

I don’t like the idea of not having a car seat for the kiddos but I don’t see car services advertising child seats as an option. Which seems very odd considering central Florida’s economic engine runs on family power…

Why do I feel like I am staring at a magic eye and I’m the only one that can’t see the sail boat.

How old are your kids? Are they still in full harnessed seats?

 

[AlanBradley]

I don't have any personal experience with car services. I think people have said on this board that some services will provide a car seat, if you request it in advance. Just call and ask (before the trip). You might start with Mears; I think their "black car" service, which is one step above taxis but not quite limos, may offer it. I'm almost sure they offer it in their limos, but that's expensive. Mears may also be offering a pay-per-rider shuttle, which is probably exempt from the car seat requirement if they're using large vans or buses. They ran the shuttle in the past, but the company has changed ownership and with the pandemic, I don't know whether it's still available.

Okay - thats good to know. I will start calling around the various shuttle/car services to try to get car seat commitments.

Several years ago, I drove a little for Uber & Lyft. There was a lot of discussion about the child seat law on message boards frequented by drivers. It was never fully resolved, but it seems to say that car seats are required, but violations would be against the parent or guardian, not the driver. Still, responsible drivers will not take children under 5 without a car seat or booster, as applicable. I don't know what Mears Taxi (who owns most of the taxis here) policy is, or if it's left up to the drivers.

That's interesting. So the uber community viewed it is still illegal basically, with the owness put on the parents in the event of a traffic stop.

 

[AlanBradley]

How old are your kids? Are they still in full harnessed seats?

Yes, they are all under 5 in full harnessed car seats.

 

[nkereina]

I'd recommend Tony Hinds. Him and his drivers are often recommended here. They drive private 12 passenger vans and car seats are available upon request. His pricing is typically the same as a taxi or other private car services. He will also include a complimentary 30 minute grocery stop upon request as well. His email is aobh607@gmail.com.

 

[dez1978]

Yes, they are all under 5 in full harnessed car seats.

Have you looked into the travel vests like these as an alternative to a car seat? Might be worth it if you travel often. Also, depending on the age of your oldest and your comfort level with it, we used a bubble bum travel booster for uber type rides when my youngest was 4-5. I obviously wouldn't have used it for long trips, but I felt better using that than a strangers carseat that I didn't know if it had been in an accident or if chemicals had been used to clean.
https://www.whizrider.com/product-page/whizrider-portable-car-seat

 

[AlanBradley]

Have you looked into the travel vests like these as an alternative to a car seat? Might be worth it if you travel often. Also, depending on the age of your oldest and your comfort level with it, we used a bubble bum travel booster for uber type rides when my youngest was 4-5. I obviously wouldn't have used it for long trips, but I felt better using that than a strangers carseat that I didn't know if it had been in an accident or if chemicals had been used to clean.
https://www.whizrider.com/product-page/whizrider-portable-car-seat

I appreciate the suggestions, and I will definitely look into the booster and harness option more. But, it looks like the linked option is for 3 and up, so wouldn't work for our youngest. But a good option for the future for sure. Thanks!

 

[AlanBradley]

I'd recommend Tony Hinds. Him and his drivers are often recommended here. They drive private 12 passenger vans and car seats are available upon request. His pricing is typically the same as a taxi or other private car services. He will also include a complimentary 30 minute grocery stop upon request as well. His email is aobh607@gmail.com.

Thanks for the recommendation, I did a search for Tony on the Boards and he seems to get a lot of praise here.

But I am a little nervous using someone who doesn't have a larger presence or even a website. Sounds like he is in such demand that he likely doesn't need one, but still.. makes me a little uneasy.

I was stood up once by a similarly highly recommended shuttle driver in central America and it left us scrambling.

 

[LockShockandBarrel]

I'd recommend Tony Hinds. Him and his drivers are often recommended here. They drive private 12 passenger vans and car seats are available upon request. His pricing is typically the same as a taxi or other private car services. He will also include a complimentary 30 minute grocery stop upon request as well. His email is aobh607@gmail.com.

This sounds like a great option. And if he’s recommended - even better.

 

[LockShockandBarrel]

Thanks for the recommendation, I did a search for Tony on the Boards and he seems to get a lot of praise here.

But I am a little nervous using someone who doesn't have a larger presence or even a website. Sounds like he is in such demand that he likely doesn't need one, but still.. makes me a little uneasy.

I was stood up once by a similarly highly recommended shuttle driver in central America and it left us scrambling.

I’m sure you’ll get a sense of how he runs his business based on the email interactions ahead of time.

 

[AlanBradley]

I’m sure you’ll get a sense of how he runs his business based on the email interactions ahead of time.

That's a fair point.

I just know my DW would NOT be happy if we were stood up again. I still hear about the central America incident from time to time as it was my call who we went with. I wouldn't want to be 0 for 2 on the ride service front.

Maybe it's time for both of us to give Tony an Email.

 

[nkereina]

Thanks for the recommendation, I did a search for Tony on the Boards and he seems to get a lot of praise here.

But I am a little nervous using someone who doesn't have a larger presence or even a website. Sounds like he is in such demand that he likely doesn't need one, but still.. makes me a little uneasy.

I was stood up once by a similarly highly recommended shuttle driver in central America and it left us scrambling.

He used to have a web site - one of those template Go Daddy style web sites. I can't find it anymore. He's gotta be in his later 60s, near retirement age, so I don't imagine he's too tech savy. I was surprised to learn he even uses the Square app to accept credit cards.

We've used his service at least 10 times over the years, even for cruise transports to and from Port Canaveral. He's never even been late, say nothing about standing us up. They track flights and adjust accordingly. He has at least 2 or 3 guys that work for him and they all have been great.

I think he's built his business primarily on recommendations, and his name has become a fixture on these boards because of recommendations. I think macraven knows him best and can probably provide additional assurances.

If you'd rather call than email, his number is 407-406-9093. He doesn't typically answer when driving so email is probably easier.

 

[LockShockandBarrel]

That's a fair point.

I just know my DW would NOT be happy if we were stood up again. I still hear about the central America incident from time to time as it was my call who we went with. I wouldn't want to be 0 for 2 on the ride service front.

Maybe it's time for both of us to give Tony an Email.

I’ll send him a message and report back. Feel free to do the same. I don’t want you to get in hot water with the Mrs!

 

[macraven]

Dreams Unlimited is the Disboards transportation company that is owned by Pete

Never read any complaints on them and they do keep a repeat customer list

 

[AlanBradley]

Dreams Unlimited is the Disboards transportation company that is owned by Pete

Never read any complaints on them and they do keep a repeat customer list

I have listened to Dreams Unlimited ad reads a hundred times but didn't realize that it was also a transportation company.

I had a quick look at their website but didn't see a transportation option - I will shoot them an email to see if they offer that as a standalone service.

I would be happy to support them - thanks for the suggestion!