Transportation other than Disney Cruise bus?

[psimon]

We are staying at VGF prior to our cruise in June. Currently I have the Disney bus booked to take us from VGF to the port and then the Disney bus to the airport after the cruise.

I recently found out ( and confirmed with DCL) that the buses start departing WDW around 10AM and can depart WDW as late as 1PM. Doing that, we could get to the port as late as 2:30. That means we would miss booking opportunities for on-board activities (such as tastings, etc) and probably miss lunch as well.

It was suggested I take a limo to the Port, where I can define what time I want to go as opposed to what time they want to take me, meaning I can guarantee I leave VGF by 9AM and be there when boarding starts.

Looking for suggestions for a limo. I have heard good things about Happy Limo, but right now don't know one from the next. Any thoughts on them, or any better suggestions for WDW to the Port transportation?

Many thanks...


---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[OKW Lover]

It was suggested I take a limo to the Port, where I can define what time I want to go as opposed to what time they want to take me, meaning I can guarantee I leave VGF by 9AM and be there when boarding starts.

What is your Port Arrival Time? Boarding doesn't typically start until 11:30-ish, and proceeds according to your PAT.

As far as limo services go, why not try FL Tours who sponsor the Transportation section of the DIS.

 

[psimon]

I don't have a PAT because I was told I should not select one if I am using Disney transportation.

With respect to a limo, that's why I am here asking. I don't know one from another. I'll check them out.

Thanks....

---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[FigmentSpark]

Your other option would be to get back to the airport and take the DCL transport from MCO. It leaves quite early, I think.

 

[bumbershoot]

Happy limo and fltours are the big ones. And i noticed (in a thread with a moderator stating it, I believe) that recently we've been allowed to mention quicksilver again, and many on other sites have enjoyed their time with that company.

There's also the rental car option.

Who told you not to select a PAT? If the system lets you pick a PAT, pick one. Arriving on the Disney bus from a resort means you're getting there after general boarding has been canned, which means it's a bit redundant. I believe that arriving from the airport bus you still need to choose one and while you'll be allowed into the building your boarding time is linked to the PAT.

If you are relying on early arrival to get things done, you definitely don't want to arrive on the later side.

 

[Drusilla99]

Other than the dcl buses we have used happy limo once. I was, well...happy, with them. They arrived early, texted their location, drove safe, and got us there when I wanted. The time we used the dcl bus from the resort, we arrived o the port after one. We were still able to enjoy lunch. I wasn't interested in any other sign up opportunities, so I'm not sure availability for those at that time.

 

[coloradocutie]

We used mears and was quite pleased. Great experience.

 

[My2Qtz0205]

We are happy customers of Happy Limo.

 

[Tozzie]

Your other option would be to get back to the airport and take the DCL transport from MCO. It leaves quite early, I think.

The DCL transport is staggered and buses leave as they are filled no need to rush

 

[lanejudy]

I don't have a PAT because I was told I should not select one if I am using Disney transportation.

I always recommend you get a PAT when you do onboard check-in anyway, unless the option is grayed-out (unavailable to select). One reason is this very situation, if you change your arrival transportation plans. Another is that if your bus happens to arrive before open boarding is called, you'll have to wait as boarding numbers are tied directly to PAT.

If you are past your online check-in date, I recommend you see what's available for PAT now. Arriving at 10:30am without a PAT, or with a mid-afternoon PAT, won't get you onboard until open boarding.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[nenglim]

when you use happy limo, do they drop you at the disney port terminal? and is the pick up in the area too?

 

[CamColt]

We have used FL Tours many times and they have been great.

 

[LSUfan4444]

We are staying at VGF prior to our cruise in June. Currently I have the Disney bus booked to take us from VGF to the port and then the Disney bus to the airport after the cruise.

I recently found out ( and confirmed with DCL) that the buses start departing WDW around 10AM and can depart WDW as late as 1PM. Doing that, we could get to the port as late as 2:30. That means we would miss booking opportunities for on-board activities (such as tastings, etc) and probably miss lunch as well.

It was suggested I take a limo to the Port, where I can define what time I want to go as opposed to what time they want to take me, meaning I can guarantee I leave VGF by 9AM and be there when boarding starts.

Looking for suggestions for a limo. I have heard good things about Happy Limo, but right now don't know one from the next. Any thoughts on them, or any better suggestions for WDW to the Port transportation?

Many thanks...


---Paul in Southern NJ

Rent a car. Easily found for under $100

 

[Drusilla99]

when you use happy limo, do they drop you at the disney port terminal? and is the pick up in the area too?

We only used them for drop off, but yes, it was right at the terminal. The driver unloaded all our luggage right to the porter.

 

[JWG]

Drop off and pick up is the same general area.

 

[psimon]

Rent a car. Easily found for under $100

Not for 5 people and associated luggage!

 

[CM Dad]

associated

What about for 15 with luggaage???

 

[LSUfan4444]

Not for 5 people and associated luggage!

For what dates? I see minivans for under $100 pretty frequently. Large SUVs can be found for less than $150 a lot of the time as well.

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

For what dates? I see minivans for under $100 pretty frequently. Large SUVs can be found for less than $150 a lot of the time as well.

This is my problem too. We are 4 people with 4-5 suitcases plus carry ons. To rent a van or SUV looks like $160 plus tax, plus gas, plus tolls. Or we can suck up the $140 and take the bus and let DCL handle the suitcases.

I may have to look for that $100 van though......I'll keep my eyes out!

 

[carolina_yankee]

We happily used Happy Limo for our 4/22 sailing. Driver and vehicle were great. Everything was exactly on time. If I I had to do it again, I wouldn't worry about arriving early unless I needed something on board I was at risk of not getting with a later arrival. The security line was beyond ridiculous. We arrived at the port at 11:10 and didn't get on the ship until 12:30, with 45 minutes of that time in security.

This was our third cruise, and it was pretty bad our second cruise as well. There are just too many people arriving early for the number of scanners they have. Maybe it's better with the classic ships when they sail out of PC.

I wouldn't want to arrive at 2:30, but I wouldn't mind a 1:00 arrival. With thirty minutes to clear security and checking in, my stateroom is open and I can drop stuff off before lunch at Cabanas. Even arriving at 12:00, the crowds have died down and handling day bags at Cabanas wasn't difficult.

Dirk