What company do you suggest if DH and I don't want to use ME?

[PolyAddict]

Thanks!

 

[Traveliz]

We have used Towncar Services of Orlando exclusively for about five years now. Our use was to UCF and now our condo in Windermere (but beyond Disney) but I would use them for any of our towncar needs. I want to say we use them 2-4 times a year.

Liz

 

[siskaren]

Why don't you want to use ME?

 

[gwynne]

Thanks!

We've used Tiffany Towncar. Land, grab bags, hop in their very close parked car and we're off! We love how quickly we arrive at our resort.

 

[OKW Lover]

How about renting a car? That gives you the freedom to go off-property for some meals and shopping.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree. Look into car rentals.

 

[PolyAddict]

Why don't you want to use ME?

I am ver impatient waiting on transport. If i know i can control it by paying my own way and arriving to resort earlier. Ill consider it.

 

[PolyAddict]

We have used Towncar Services of Orlando exclusively for about five years now. Our use was to UCF and now our condo in Windermere (but beyond Disney) but I would use them for any of our towncar needs. I want to say we use them 2-4 times a year.

Liz

Thanks they look reasonable.

 

[PolyAddict]

I am thinking if i have to wait for luggage it may delay me just as long??

 

[bumbershoot]

I am thinking if i have to wait for luggage it may delay me just as long??

I never find that waiting for luggage takes all that long. But I never rush off a plane; I figure why rush and then stand around? Just take it slowly, stop at the restroom, saunter along, and that way I tend to meet the luggage as it starts.


We rent a car. Took ME the last time because we were landing after midnight and no one wanted to drive at that time. It was OK. I'm sure we'll continue renting cars in the future, though.

 

[goofy4tink]

Let me give you the time breakdowns (as I remember them) for various arrivals at MCO....all times are from the gate to the resort...NOT landing time....

1. DME....anywhere from 50-85 mins. Most in the 70 min average range.

2. Car service...carryon bag only....45 mins

3. Car service...checked bags....60 mins

Mears shuttle (to the S/D)...carryon only.....95 mins.

 

[tjmw2727]

I like Tiffany town car and use them when we stay at the Dolphin and although the personal service is nice I do use DME when we are at a Disney resort.

The timing is similar really (as noted above) and we have never had issues with waiting excessively for DME and I love not dealing with the luggage.

So "for me" although I do like the personal service of a towncar the $150 round trip price isn't worth it when staying onsite.

 

[PolyAddict]

Let me give you the time breakdowns (as I remember them) for various arrivals at MCO....all times are from the gate to the resort...NOT landing time....

1. DME....anywhere from 50-85 mins. Most in the 70 min average range.

2. Car service...carryon bag only....45 mins

3. Car service...checked bags....60 mins

Mears shuttle (to the S/D)...carryon only.....95 mins.

Thanks for this! We haven't flown to WDW in 24 years so i was nervous about the wait for ME.

 

[bleeps]

We use Tiffany Town Cars every trip, after having had a bad experience with DME our first time out. I have to disagree, respectfully, with the feedback given about the time it takes; in 9 trips, it has never taken us more than 45 minutes from arrival at baggage claim to arrival at our resort, and in some cases less than that (depending on how quickly baggage comes out). The DME time also depends on the number of other passengers, the degree to which some passengers may need special assistance, and the number of resorts stopped at before arrival at your resort. Also need to factor in that you don't know exactly when you'll get your bags.

The other HUGE advantage, IMHO, is that on the return trip you can cut it much closer -- that is, since you are getting personal, direct car service back to the airport, you use much less time than you do when you need to be out waiting for the DME (which allows time for all the other pick-ups/people that will be making the trip with you).

If your budget allows for it, town car service is a huge plus in the enjoyment level of your trip -- again, IMHO.

 

[PolyAddict]

We use Tiffany Town Cars every trip, after having had a bad experience with DME our first time out. I have to disagree, respectfully, with the feedback given about the time it takes; in 9 trips, it has never taken us more than 45 minutes from arrival at baggage claim to arrival at our resort, and in some cases less than that (depending on how quickly baggage comes out). The DME time also depends on the number of other passengers, the degree to which some passengers may need special assistance, and the number of resorts stopped at before arrival at your resort. Also need to factor in that you don't know exactly when you'll get your bags.

The other HUGE advantage, IMHO, is that on the return trip you can cut it much closer -- that is, since you are getting personal, direct car service back to the airport, you use much less time than you do when you need to be out waiting for the DME (which allows time for all the other pick-ups/people that will be making the trip with you).

If your budget allows for it, town car service is a huge plus in the enjoyment level of your trip -- again, IMHO.

This is what I was thinking too. We try to avoid Disney Transport at all costs. We drive to the parks but like I said this is our first time flying and it is a special trip for DH and I. We are staying at BWI so we will walk to Epcot and boat to DHS. We will take cab to AK and maybe use the monorail to go to MK through Epcot or do another cab.

 

[Tallent]

We've used ****** the past few years and have never had a problem. There fare has gone up a bit but when you book if you say you saw a code on Mousesavers there's a price dip of about 10 dollars I think. You don't have to give a code, just say you were referred by them. We only do towncar service now just because Disney time is precious and we want every minute we can get lol Good luck with your decision and have a great trip!

 

[goofy4tink]

We use Tiffany Town Cars every trip, after having had a bad experience with DME our first time out. I have to disagree, respectfully, with the feedback given about the time it takes; in 9 trips, it has never taken us more than 45 minutes from arrival at baggage claim to arrival at our resort, and in some cases less than that (depending on how quickly baggage comes out). The DME time also depends on the number of other passengers, the degree to which some passengers may need special assistance, and the number of resorts stopped at before arrival at your resort. Also need to factor in that you don't know exactly when you'll get your bags.

The other HUGE advantage, IMHO, is that on the return trip you can cut it much closer -- that is, since you are getting personal, direct car service back to the airport, you use much less time than you do when you need to be out waiting for the DME (which allows time for all the other pick-ups/people that will be making the trip with you).

If your budget allows for it, town car service is a huge plus in the enjoyment level of your trip -- again, IMHO.

If you will note....my times are from the gate to the resort. The time to get from the gate to baggage claim area is going to be about 15 mins (could be 10 if the tram is right there, waiting). So, technically? It is going to take you about an hour to get to your resort...just like I said.
And that return trip timing?? Be careful. I've used towncars a lot..and when I book my return with them, they always want to pick me up 90 mins prior to departure. I tell them no, I want pickup to be 2 hrs prior. I've hit some very long security lines in the past...as well as traffic. Not fun to be worrying about getting to the gate with time to spare. I would much rather cool my heels at the gate for 20 mins, than rush up just as they are boarding!!!

This is what I was thinking too. We try to avoid Disney Transport at all costs. We drive to the parks but like I said this is our first time flying and it is a special trip for DH and I. We are staying at BWI so we will walk to Epcot and boat to DHS. We will take cab to AK and maybe use the monorail to go to MK through Epcot or do another cab.

I always walk to both Epcot and DHS..unless it's really hot/humid, then I take the boat to DHS. And the bus to AK...have never had an issue with that. And MK??? I would never, ever take the monorail from BW. You have to go through bag check at the International Gateway, then walk all the way through the entire park, then out the front and up the monorail platform where you may face a wait of up to 15+ mins, then the ride to the TTC, transfer to the Express monorail, off and down to park entrance, where you go through bag check yet again. It will take you at least an hour to get to MK using this method. And that's assuming there are no issues with the monorail!!!
Really are better off just taking the bus, or a cab to the CR and then walk over to MK.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would not by any means cut my arrival time at MCO short. The security wait times are about 30-40 minutes lately. Last month I watch a family arrive late to the gate and they said they were late because security line was long. Well they got to spend and extra 2 days in Orlando because SWA did not have any available seating. The dad was furious. I watched as the conversation got heated but it got the dad no where.

 

[PolyAddict]

I really appreciate all of the insight from you! I asked DH what he thought and he said "I am fine either way" Geez he was a big help! but when I first mentioned our own private towncar he was like "now you are talking"

He left me hanging there but then to my surprise started in on "where are we eating?" LOL

He is so stressed from tax season right now that it is hard to get him to "think" about a decision right now.

 

[Lewisc]

This is what I was thinking too. We try to avoid Disney Transport at all costs. We drive to the parks but like I said this is our first time flying and it is a special trip for DH and I. We are staying at BWI so we will walk to Epcot and boat to DHS. We will take cab to AK and maybe use the monorail to go to MK through Epcot or do another cab.

Monorail to MK requires walking through EPCOT, long walk and you'll need an AP or a park hopper. You'll want to take a taxi or Disney bus.

I don't know. The idea of taking DME a shuttle bus but then taking taxis to the parks in order to make it a special trip kind of sounds opposite. You already know you don't like Disney buses to the parks. Under your circumstances renting a car would be my first choice and using a car service would be my second.

Making it a special trip by avoiding Disney buses to the parks but starting the trip in a bus from the airport. I agree with the posters, a car service will probably save you 15-30 minutes, depending on what you do with your luggage. Taking a bus instead taxi to a theme park will probably save you less then 30 minuets.

Neither of the two companies listed on mousesavers is on list of companies banned by DIS. Not sure why tallent's post had ***.
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