Universal to/From Disney Boardwalk

[Smolenski7]

Hi, I know there is a thread all about my topic, but it started 12 years ago and the newest post is 3 years old. So, please bare with me. My family of 4 would like to take a day and go to Universal from Disney's Boardwalk Inn....and then back. I figure calling a Lyft or Uber should be fine for this, but I would like to know other people's opinions and/or experiences? I personally have never used a ride service like this, any words of wisdom would be great. Also, if you think I should just arrange a car, let me know. Thanks.

 

[Skippyboo]

Hi, I know there is a thread all about my topic, but it started 12 years ago and the newest post is 3 years old. So, please bare with me. My family of 4 would like to take a day and go to Universal from Disney's Boardwalk Inn....and then back. I figure calling a Lyft or Uber should be fine for this, but I would like to know other people's opinions and/or experiences? I personally have never used a ride service like this, any words of wisdom would be great. Also, if you think I should just arrange a car, let me know. Thanks.

Arrange a car- do you mean rent one ?

 

[Smolenski7]

Arrange a car- do you mean rent one ?

Sorry, I meant either to rent a car or hire a driver from Mears or Happy Limo.

 

[Skippyboo]

I just picked a random day in August for National. Cheapest rental was ~120 plus parking at Universal is ~25. So a car rental is around $150. Lyft and Uber would probably be cheaper.

 

[Smolenski7]

Is calling Lyft or Uber reliable going to/from Universal and the Boardwalk?

 

[MrKnight]

The easiest and most cost effective options would be either an Uber/Lyft or a Mears pickup which you can book at the resort with the concierge desk. In your case since you have never used Uber/Lyft before, I would recommend booking a Mears pickup through the concierge desk or you can also book one in advance by calling Mears directly, this would likely be easiest in your scenario.

 

[Wells Larsen]

My last trip to Disney/Universal was 2016 (going in 2023 though), and for what it's worth, I used uber for absolutely everything. There were so many cars that I never waited for more than 2-3 minutes tops. Now, I realize that the pandemic may have changed that, but I bet it's picking up again. I wouldn't be afraid of going the uber/lyft route and I do plan to do so next year (I also want to stay on Boardwalk).

Oh, and here is a decent Uber estimating tool. It obviously cannot predict surge pricing, but it will be cheaper than renting a car or hiring a car service.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Yes, you want to use Uber/Lyft. We just did it last week to move from Boardwalk to Universal. We do this every trip as we hold AP to both
You don't want to park at Universal. It's a hassle and you don't want to enter through that main security check point if you can avoid it.
Use Uber/Lyft. Drop off at Hard Rock.
Walk to the park.
Walk back to Hard Rock,
Call for Uber/Lyft
Go back to Boardwalk

ETA - You do not give the ages of your family. If you have children in car seats this may change the advice.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

My last trip to Disney/Universal was 2016 (going in 2023 though), and for what it's worth, I used uber for absolutely everything. There were so many cars that I never waited for more than 2-3 minutes tops. Now, I realize that the pandemic may have changed that, but I bet it's picking up again. I wouldn't be afraid of going the uber/lyft route and I do plan to do so next year (I also want to stay on Boardwalk).

Oh, and here is a decent Uber estimating tool. It obviously cannot predict surge pricing, but it will be cheaper than renting a car or hiring a car service.

No need to use an estimating tool
Simply open each app
Enter Boardwalk Inn as start point
Enter any Universal hotel as drop off point.
Get an estimate for each car class
Do this at the approx time of day you plan to do your trip
Way more accurate than an estimating tool.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Is calling Lyft or Uber reliable going to/from Universal and the Boardwalk?

Uber/Lyft is reliable from anywhere and to anywhere

 

[Smolenski7]

No need to use an estimating tool
Simply open each app
Enter Boardwalk Inn as start point
Enter any Universal hotel as drop off point.
Get an estimate for each car class
Do this at the approx time of day you plan to do your trip
Way more accurate than an estimating tool.

Thanks for the help. I will definitely try what you said. Mears is about $70 for a two way trip. That seems pretty reasonable. I'll check out Uber/Lyft too.

 

[nolatravelgirl]

Thanks for the help. I will definitely try what you said. Mears is about $70 for a two way trip. That seems pretty reasonable. I'll check out Uber/Lyft too.

Mears is a shared service so you may end up picking up people along the way that can really add to your trip time. I would just do Uber/Lyft if you are looking to rope drop. The other option that I would seriously consider is staying one night at one of the USO deluxe hotels since you get front of the line access with the deluxe properties.

 

[RoseGold]

Uber/Lyft is very easy from Boardwalk. They are circling around those six resorts.

Just download the Lyft app and set it all up at home. It's not that hard.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Uber/Lyft is very easy from Boardwalk. They are circling around those six resorts.

Just download the Lyft app and set it all up at home. It's not that hard.

The staging spot is the speedway across from the boardwalk resort

 

[Ross Kratter]

The staging spot is the speedway across from the boardwalk resort

It’s actually not; rideshare drivers are not allowed to wait there. The staging spot is a backstage parking lot over by Yacht Club.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

It’s actually not; rideshare drivers are not allowed to wait there. The staging spot is a backstage parking lot over by Yacht Club.

Well, they do.
I'm sure they aren't allowed to wait beside the road going to the airport too, but they do
If only every driver obeyed every rule.