Uber questions

[V2000]

Hi there!

I have never used the Uber before but it seems very reasonable in price.
I am going from POR to Universal Studios early AM. I want to be at the Universal park at 9am opening.
I heard it takes about 20mins just to walk to the entrance. So..how likely am I to get a Uber at the time I want? I heard you have to look at the app to see what time the closest vehicle can pick you up.
In your experience is it a good idea to rely on Uber to get me at Universal by 8am? If not, I can take a taxi.

What do you think?

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

Good question. I was wondering the same thing last night when I was researching how to get from Disney to Universal then from Universal to the airport (Uber can't go to the airport). I didn't consider Uber because I would guess that there aren't as many early morning drivers and it leaves it to chance, but maybe that is a bad assumption. I also have read that Uber has to charge prevailing taxi rates in Orlando, so there might not be a huge advantage.

20 minutes is probably about right, for the record. I'm leaning towards booking a SuperShuttle based on price and "security" of knowing that it will be available.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

There are early morning drivers, the rate may be higher if fewer drivers and it is a prime time for doctor appt's, workers, early AM ressies. Supply and demand. As far as Uber not getting into the airport, I'm thinking out loud, why not get to a nearby site, the a cab into the airport? Little hassle , but if it reduces cost may be worth it.

 

[seashoreCM]

I don't think there is enough cumulative historical experience out there to give you odds on getting an Uber ride that gets you there (20 minutes from the gate) at the sweet spot of 40 to 30 minutes before rope drop.

Allow a bigger arrival time window stretching earlier in the morning and it will be very easy to get a ride and maybe even at less than peak rate.

 

[seashoreCM]

deleted ......................

 

[madelyn]

We were thinking of using Uber for transport between Animal Kingdom Lodge and Universal. I was playing around with the app and guess I called a driver by mistake. I thought I would get a list of options and would see the fares and select who I wanted. But before I knew it the driver was on his way. I was trying to see what the actual cost of a pick up between Universal around the closing time would be to get back to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Ended up being charged $4 since I called summoned the driver by mistake. In the process I did realize that since we will have 5 or 6 passengers, Uber vehicles typically hold 4 or 5 including the driver. The guy I summoned had a Nissan Rogue. Guess it could work for a smaller party. Since we had planned to go to Universal tomorrow, now I am scrambling to figure out the best way to get there.

 

[Brian Noble]

For up to six passengers, you can ask for an Uber XL.

 

[madelyn]

Thanks - we found out about Uber XL. I ended up not going to Universal for the day so there ended up being 5 passengers (hubby, my sister and my 3 kids). For an early afternoon ride from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Universal Studios, they had to wait a bit for an available driver. The driver got confused and called saying he had to pay $17 to get in to pick us up. Maybe he thought we were at the park? He picked up in a Toyota Sienna van. They got to the park and are there now. They will probably hang out in the Royal Pacific hotel where my other sister and BIL are staying and avoid the park closing rush for Uber drivers. Not sure what they ended up paying. They did get the message that the cost would be 1.5 times because of the time of the day but hopefully after the first time rider $30 off coupon code, the price will be less than a taxi with tip.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

You know that Uber policy is not to tip. The driver should refuse. If you insist they can then accept, but have to let you know it isn't required.

 

[schoen]

You know that Uber policy is not to tip. The driver should refuse. If you insist they can then accept, but have to let you know it isn't required.

My understanding is that this is a sort of "fake" policy. Remember, Uber drivers rate their customers as well. I have never once had an uber driver refuse a tip, and I am rated very highly as a customer! I really really love this customer service model, I wish it could be extended to restaurants etc!

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm rated highly as a customer too, and I've never once tipped an Uber driver. Not having to deal with tips is part of the point of Uber.

 

[NJlauren]

I have used uber many times but not in Orlando. If they have a good number of drivers in the area you shouldn't have an issue. Just call for the driver earlier to give your self extra time better to be earlier!