Transportation to Universal from Disney Resorts

[jspicci]

Sorry if this has been asked before....

I will be heading to Universal for one day with my daughter and niece as they are huge Harry Potter fans. I was wondering the cheapest way to get there. I looked at Mears but they want $47 each way to take us there ($94 round-trip). Base ticket price for a 1 day Universal park to park is $155. If I get the ticket that includes transfers through Dreams Unlimited, it brings it up to $180/pp (so for 3, it will be approx $75 round-trip). I thought about Uber, which estimates the rates at $13-18 each way ($26-36 round-trip), but i'm worried about the safety with Uber. I have never Ubered before. Anyone have any suggestions??? THANKS!

 

[cdnjason]

I would Uber. I use it all the time in and around WDW. It's awesome. Friendly drivers, with nice clean cars. And, very affordable. Way better than any taxi service.

 

[Missyrose]

I've used Uber to and from Universal many times. It's always been in the $16-$18 range each way from the Disney resorts.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Check out the Universal forums here. They have tons of great tips!

 

[taiko225]

If you book at WDW resort front desk. It should be USD21 roughly per person return.... and they are on MEARS too... I did that in both 2014 and 2015. But if you have 3 person... you are better off using UBER

 

[DarkPaw]

If you are unsure about the safety of using Uber (I don't think you should, but I understand) you should read a bit on Uber. It will either calm your worries, or make you decide not to use it. But I think the fact that you get the name of your driver before getting in the car, and the reputation system Uber uses makes it pretty safe. For me at least, I consider it as safe as a Cab.

But you could also use a cab wich will be more then Uber, but still less then Mears for 3 person.

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

Mears gave you a rate for a private car, but they also run shuttle buses that will cost about $20/person RT.

I would just take Uber.

 

[Dflory424]

We used Lyft to go back & forth to Universal in March. Drivers were great, came fast, clean cars, very friendly.
Used Uber last week to go to the airport and same thing-wouldn't hesitate to use either in the future.

 

[Travis B]

Agree with PPs. 100% Uber. I use it at least 3x a week. It's cheaper, and generally more pleasant than a taxi. In some ways I feel it's safer than a taxi because there is a record of who you are driving with, and your location is tracked via GPS. Taxis are anonymous.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Uber. $13 each way for the entire car. And it was a heck of a lot safer then some cabs I have been in. (Had working seatbelts and everything LOL!)

 

[Alexsandra]

Uber!

 

[jspicci]

Thank you all for your input! I also went over to the transportation thread and got some great info there too. I'm totally going to Uber it. Received a $30 credit with Uber too for linking my credit card with them...so Score!

 

[andyman8]

I actually just did this trek yesterday from AKL. I used Uber and highly recommend it. The trip took about 25 minutes each way and costed me about $15 each way. If you or someone you're traveling with haven't used it yet, you can also get a first ride free.

 

[Alice777]

We used uber 4 times this April and all 4 drivers were very friendly and had clean nice car. All 4 times cost was little different, depending on traffic, but always less than $18.

Loved the convenience and would use it again.

 

[nevergrowup826]

I actually just did this trek yesterday from AKL. I used Uber and highly recommend it. The trip took about 25 minutes each way and costed me about $15 each way. If you or someone you're traveling with haven't used it yet, you can also get a first ride free.

I'll be doing this in october from AKL, how long does it take for the Uber to pick you up. So I want to get to the park by 830, what time should I call for the uber (I know its the app not call, used it plenty times in NYC, i just couldn't think of a better word!) Are there a lot of cars around or will i be waiting for a while to have one pick us up?

 

[KBoopaloo]

Another recommendation for Uber. Took it to Universal and back in October and then used it a lot to get between resorts in May and we always had very friendly drivers often in VERY nice cars.

 

[andyman8]

I'll be doing this in october from AKL, how long does it take for the Uber to pick you up. So I want to get to the park by 830, what time should I call for the uber (I know its the app not call, used it plenty times in NYC, i just couldn't think of a better word!) Are there a lot of cars around or will i be waiting for a while to have one pick us up?

I've used Uber several times at WDW, and to be honest, the response times can vary, but they've never been longer than 15 mins in my experience. In December, I got lucky and got one basically immediately at the GF (he had just dropped someone off). The one from AKL took about 10 minutes, as she was coming from 192. Especially in that area, there are plenty around. That said, I'd still play it safe and aim to call one around 7:30ish (7:40 at the absolute latest). I'd recommend calling it whilst you're walking down to the lobby from your room to save a little time. I know this is a very conservative estimate, but with Orlando traffic, you can never be too safe.

 

[GaryDis]

There's a big thread on the subject in the Universal Forums at http://www.disboards.com/threads/transportation-options-from-disney-to-universal-ioa.2494908/

 

[bryanb]

I tried out Lyft at WDW and am really satisfied with that service.

As a first-time user, Lyft automatically gave me $10 off each of my first five rides. Not sure how long they will be running that promotion, but it was a very nice surprise.
Also, if you choose to tip the driver, Lyft allows you to do that from within the app so you don't have to carry cash.
All the drivers I got worked with both Lyft and Uber to maximize their fares. I think Lyft treats them a little better for essentially providing the same service.

I am personally not worried about safety with these services, but it's understandable for those who haven't used them. I've had worse experiences with rude taxi drivers who have driven unsafely. With Uber and Lyft, you get to rate every ride you take and anything less than 5-stars is a ding on their record. So I think they tend to care about giving you a comfortable, friendly ride.

After my great experience last time, I'm considering never renting a car again at WDW unless I have a family that needs car seats.

 

[hippiechicken]

I use Uber. I was nervous at first, but a lot of the drivers work for WDW or US. I've never been nervous in an Uber. You can send your location to a friend so they can track your ride. I took my Uber from US to Downtown Disney to save a few bucks, then I rode the bus back to my resort. The problem I have with Mears is you can't leave until a certain time. I did Rope Drop and just Harry Potter stuff, so I was done by noon...