Using Lynx bus system from Old Town area?

[BeesKate]

Does anyone have experience using the bus from the Old Town area to TTC?

2 weeks before our trip, we find out that our hotel (Quality Suites Maingate East) does not allow groups larger than 13 on their complementarly shuttle. Since we have 25 and it will be obvious we're a group with matching shirts & they have been extremely stubborn in their contention that our whole group will not be allowed on the bus at one time. I am needing inexpensive options to still get us to the parks at opening. I know the Lynx bus system picks up from Old Town & goes to ticket & transportation, but would like a little more info. I'm not at all familiar with Old Town or the area. Any helpful information?

 

[Lewisc]

It might be eaiser to just get a price from the hotel for an extra shuttle. Most offsite hotels have similar rules.

 

[BeesKate]

I did that & it was going to be $650 for the week. This is a Girl Scout group that's been saving 3 years to go on this trip. We're not coming up with $650 more 2 weeks before the trip. I spoke to the hotel in January and was assured we could indeed use the shuttle (which they're now back-peddling on) we just needed to notify the shuttle operator. Well, they changed shuttle operators 2/12/04 and the new one (Caribbean Island) is a stickler for the no-group rule.

 

[kilee]

Actually most of them don't allow groups. It's in the fine print. I would still think you might have a problem w/ that many people on the public bus system. I mean they have capacity numbers too. If they pull up to your group of 20++ and they can only accomodate 18 more-- what will you do???

The reason the hotels don't allow large groups to use the shuttle is because it could put the other guests at jeopardy for getting to the parks. I think it's a shame you were first told it would be ok, now you're being told no.

 

[Lewisc]

You might call Disney and see what kind of deal you can get on the All-Stars. You'd lose whatever free breakfast you have but would save on transporation costs. I suspect you could cancel your current reservation given the rules change. I think even the DTD hotels should work out.

Your other option is to start calling Orlando bus companies (even school buses) and see what you can do. Try Mears, try whatever service you're using to get from the airport. Previous poster is right, most shuttles exclude groups for the reasons given.

If you have anything in writing from the hotel you might get them to pay for the shuttle.

If you go the Lynx route CALL Lynx and ask them how long half of your group would have to wait for the next bus if the bus was filled. It really wouldn't work if half your group got on a bus and the other half had to wait half an hour for the next bus.

FOR ANYONE ELSE READING THIS THREAD, OFF SITE shuttles are always hit and miss with limited schedules EVEN FOR FAMILIES. I always suggest to either stay on property (even S/D or DTD) or make sure you have a car available.