Transportation to/from Universal Orlando: A first timer's question

[skatalite]

Hey, all!

I'm surprising my wife with a trip to Universal in September and I'm looking for the best price on safe, reliable transportation from MCO to Universal (specifically, Sapphire Falls) and from Universal to MCO.

I know Universal offers a shuttle for $70 round-trip for two, and that's the best price I've been able to find so far. The next lowest is $90 before tip, but most hover around $120 before tip. I can't keep track of all the names of the services I've received quotes from, but they range from Mears and taxi services, to Uber and Lyft.

Which service do you recommend? Are there any coupons/promos/specials I should keep an eye out for?

Thanks! I'm so excited for this trip. Mostly because I'm terrible at keeping secrets but I'm doing pretty good with this one (so far)!

 

[macraven]

I use and recommend Tony Hinds transportation company

If you need his info let me know and I'll post it

You can also use the star shuttle, taxi, etc

 

[skatalite]

I use and recommend Tony Hinds transportation company

If you need his info let me know and I'll post it

You can also use the star shuttle, taxi, etc

Thanks, @macraven! I'll give Mr. Hinds a ring.

 

[sandam1]

My advice - stay far, far away from the Universal shuttle. My friend and I used it back in February when we did a short Universal-only trip. We had previously used a private car service (Quick transportation) and was very impressed, but we decided to try the Universal shuttle to save a few bucks. Big mistake! The trip to Universal was fine (we had a reasonable wait at the airport and then had to stop at one other hotel before we got dropped off). The return trip was a nightmare. After two panicked phone calls to dispatch, I finally got picked up over an hour after my scheduled time and arrived at the airport 20 minutes before my boarding time. If not for having TSA Pre-check, I would have missed my flight!!! Never again!

Pay the extra money and go in style. It's worth it.

 

[PHamrick]

Can you give me an idea of prices? There will be four of us going from MCO to RPR in August. I'd love to do private transportation, plus I'm willing to bet it would accommodate our luggage better (going on a cruise after US/IOA). THANKS!

 

[sandam1]

I know that Tony Hinds is highly recommended on these forums. For a round trip for two back in February, he quoted me around $100. Given how things turned out, I wish I had gone with my gut and spent the extra money.

Another hint - If you are booking your trip through a travel agent, they might have a special with a particular car company. Last November, I was able to do an airport to Universal to Disney private car for $78 (total) for 2 people. But that was only available through that agency.

 

[macraven]

Tony has a 10 passenger van with car and booster seats if you have a larger group or need to go to port
He has other vehicles if you don't need the large vans he has

 

[delgrec]

Any reason not to use a taxi? This was our plan as we aren't too concerned about going in style, just getting from point A to B. We will be arriving at 9:45 PM on a Wednesday and heading to Hard Rock.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

Any reason not to use a taxi? This was our plan as we aren't too concerned about going in style, just getting from point A to B. We will be arriving at 9:45 PM on a Wednesday and heading to Hard Rock.

I tend to use a taxi or ask the concierge at the resort for a town car. It is a little more expensive, but they are readily available and don't require arrangements on my part. I know some people like to stop by a grocery store on the way, and that might be easier with pre-arranged transportation.

 

[macraven]

reason i don't use a taxi is i have been gouged before by extra charges i was not expecting.
tied up in traffic and the meter kept running.

fares pay by mileage and time in the cab.

many prefer to use taxi/cabs and there are plenty of them that can be flagged down.
should be taxi's at the airport you can catch once you have your luggage.
if you usually use a taxi and like it, suggest keep using them.
it's a good reliable way to get to where you need to go.

 

[nkereina]

Uber from the airport will only be available on UberBLACK which is Uber's more expensive service. Fares are estimated at $64-$80 from the airport. I'm thinking a taxi would come in under this, even if it's metered and they don't give you a flat rate.

Whenever we leave Royal Pacific, we take one of the cars from the stand they have waiting. It's usually a sedan or an SUV and it's always a flat rate of $55 to the airport. There are always some waiting for passengers, so we never arrange it in advance. Just tell the bellman when we're ready for one. Has worked out well for us. I think they may be operated by Mears, but I can't confirm.

 

[Heidi K]

We used a taxi both ways last month. With tip, it was $54 from MCO to Cabana Bay, and $51 back to the airport. Our flight into Orlando was scheduled to arrive around 11pm, then was delayed almost an hour, so the taxi was a good option for us (2 people).

 

[sandam1]

I liked the private car service because that way it was already taken care of - i.e. one less thing that I needed to deal with once we land. We met the driver as we entered the baggage claim area. After we found got our bags, the driver took them to his van that was waiting right outside the door and we were on our way. The cost of the fare was already set (and in our case, paid in advance). But again, different people have different opinions.

 

[macraven]

i have used other means to get around years ago.
taxis, shuttles, car rental and private car service.

for many years after i started private car service i would never go back to any other form of transportation.
that is me and my preference.
when i found a company that exceeded my expectations, i have stayed with them.
that was tony hinds company.

but, i understand that is not the way of thinking for all that read here or take trips.
i always offer as many ways that are available for those needing transportation.

at times i still will catch a taxi while at disney to return from my hotel if i am running short on time to reach a park.
the disney busses are okay but not always on the schedule that i need at the time

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

I have been a happy Mears guy - pick up at MCO to RPR on a Saturday in June is $58.50 (after WEB10 discount) and $45 return to MCO the following Sunday. I am flying a friend in mid week and using Mears for that along with a there/back to Disney Springs on one day.

Total Cost - Mears $237 (again, after ten percent off with WEB10 promo)

I have never used Tony Hinds, but got a quote from him today for the same setup - $250 all in (no gratuities included).

It was nice to know in case Mears discontinues the discount, and I find both really competitive with taxis. For me, I feel safer. And they have been WONDERFUL in adapting when my plans change.

Again, opinion only - UBER = no way!

 

[imprint]

On our first trip to USO, we used a taxi. I think it was $30-$35 each way, and we didn't have any traffic issues. After we read the reviews here about Mr. Hinds, we decided the Publix stop and removing the possibility of a running fare while stuck in traffic was worth an extra $30-$40.

So, we now use Tony Hinds, too. $100 round trip from MCO to USO (run credit card for full amount when dropped off at USO). When booking, we ask for the quick stop at the Publix. He helps me with the 8-12 bags we lug around. He has always been on time, and he promptly responds to messages (I prefer to email). He drives safely but directly. His van is clean. I tip $10 (cash) at each drop-off.

I'm sure there are other great transportation services, but we're very happy with Mr. Hinds.

 

[FaithsWish]

We have 8 days planned in September. We have always rented a car for trips in the past, but this time we have no intentions of going off site so we booked a town car from Tiffany Towncars. MCO to RPR round trip with a grocery stop for 3 people with 1 wheelchair was $130 (minus tip). Looking forward to not paying the parking fee at RPR this time around.

 

[Squirlz]

Whenever we leave Royal Pacific, we take one of the cars from the stand they have waiting. It's usually a sedan or an SUV and it's always a flat rate of $55 to the airport. There are always some waiting for passengers, so we never arrange it in advance. Just tell the bellman when we're ready for one. Has worked out well for us. I think they may be operated by Mears, but I can't confirm.

They have the same thing at the valet area at the MCO Hyatt. Flat rate of $55 to RPR. Our driver also made a beverage stop for us. From RPR to MCO we used Lyft with a first-timer bonus and paid nothing, but it would have been $18.

 

[luvdisdogs]

Can anyone give me Tony Hind's info please? Thank you

 

[skatalite]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've contacted Mr. Hinds and he'll be our transporter for our upcoming trip.