When should we reserve uber to take us from POFQ to Universal?

[fairytalelover]

Just wondering how much in advance we should reserve our transportation with uber.

 

[elaine amj]

You can't reserve a time with uber. About when you want to leave you go on the app and then make the request then. A car should come in in 5-15 mins.

I was surprised too when i first started using uber i just give myself a little extra lead time to be safe.

If this is your first time using uber, make sure you sign up with a referral code from another uber member so you get $20 off your first trip (they will also get a $20 credit).

I used Uber at Universal a couple of weeks ago and loved it. $20 to get from Universal to the airport and $4 to move from Hard Rock Hotel to Doubletree across the street. No stress about tips and always friendly, polite drivers.

 

[fairytalelover]

You can't reserve a time with uber. About when you want to leave you go on the app and then make the request then. A car should come in in 5-15 mins.

I was surprised too when i first started using uber i just give myself a little extra lead time to be safe.

If this is your first time using uber, make sure you sign up with a referral code from another uber member so you get $20 off your first trip (they will also get a $20 credit).

I used Uber at Universal a couple of weeks ago and loved it. $20 to get from Universal to the airport and $4 to move from Hard Rock Hotel to Doubletree across the street. No stress about tips and always friendly, polite drivers.

thank you. Do you happen to have a referral code for me to use ?

 

[elaine amj]

Glad I could help!

Here you go: https://www.uber.com/invite/iur7d

Just remember, uber sometimes does "surge pricing" where they will multiply your fare by 1.7x up to 5-10x. They do this during busy periods supposedly to encourage more drivers to agree to work. When i've had that happen, I typically wait 5-30 mins (depending on my schedule) and keep rechecking (you can also set an alert for them to notify you) before confirming a car. Of course, if the price is not acceptable to you, just get a regular Mears cab. (I like having options). The few times I have encountered surge pricing, I waited about 10-20 mins and then it went away.

 

[fairytalelover]

Glad I could help!

Here you go: https://www.uber.com/invite/iur7d

Just remember, uber sometimes does "surge pricing" where they will multiply your fare by 1.7x up to 5-10x. They do this during busy periods supposedly to encourage more drivers to agree to work. When i've had that happen, I typically wait 5-30 mins (depending on my schedule) and keep rechecking (you can also set an alert for them to notify you) before confirming a car. Of course, if the price is not acceptable to you, just get a regular Mears cab. (I like having options). The few times I have encountered surge pricing, I waited about 10-20 mins and then it went away.

thank you so much for the fantastic info and the invite

 

[elaine amj]

Any other questions, ask away. I liked the concept when I first heard of it. When I started using it, it was even better. Now I am a big fan. The best part is really the drivers. They have all been awesome so far. Very impressive since I have found cabs to be rather hit or miss.

I met one lady at Universal who was quoted a price for round trip from WDW to Universal. When the cab came, he insisted on being paid cash and charged her more. she wasn't happy but wanted to get to Uni and paid.

 

[nancyjo1998]

Are uber drivers ok with taking luggage as well. I am thinking of using an uber to go to Universal from Disney. Just want to make sure they are not going to give me grief about it.

 

[DPCummerbund]

I used Uber at Universal a couple of weeks ago and loved it. $20 to get from Universal to the airport and $4 to move from Hard Rock Hotel to Doubletree across the street. No stress about tips and always friendly, polite drivers.

I thought Uber drivers couldn't go to the airport or WDW? I heard that since they're not licensed taxis, they're not allowed to pick people up at the airport, and Disney doesn't recognize them either & won't let them in. I'm just learning about Uber & considering them for my trip, so any clarification about Uber would be appreciated.

 

[elaine amj]

Are uber drivers ok with taking luggage as well. I am thinking of using an uber to go to Universal from Disney. Just want to make sure they are not going to give me grief about it.

Oh yes, they are GREAT with luggage. And even happy to make stops at places if you need to (their "meter" on their app is ticking anyway). If you need more space, you can even get a UberXL (costs a bit more) which is a SUV/minivan typically.

I thought Uber drivers couldn't go to the airport or WDW? I heard that since they're not licensed taxis, they're not allowed to pick people up at the airport, and Disney doesn't recognize them either & won't let them in. I'm just learning about Uber & considering them for my trip, so any clarification about Uber would be appreciated.

They can not pick up from the airport. But they can drop off at the airport with no issues (they look like just a regular car anyway).

I understand they are not having issues picking up at Disney but if you are travelling to a resort, you might have to offer the guard at the gate your magic band to scan so they can take you in.

 

[fairytalelover]

Wait a minute....uber is not allowed to pick up or drop off from Disney resorts??? Well we are going to be staying at POFQ and want to be picked up from there and taken to Universal then taken back at the end of the day.......so....can we do this?

 

[elaine amj]

Wait a minute....uber is not allowed to pick up or drop off from Disney resorts??? Well we are going to be staying at POFQ and want to be picked up from there and taken to Universal then taken back at the end of the day.......so....can we do this?

Resorts shouldn't be a problem.

It's just the parks sometimes asks them to pay the parking fee (and each driver will handle it in their own way. Some have APs, or know alternate routes. etc)

 

[thr33boys]

Resorts shouldn't be a problem.

It's just the parks sometimes asks them to pay the parking fee (and each driver will handle it in their own way. Some have APs, or know alternate routes. etc)

But how will you know in advance if the driver you end up getting is able to take you to the Disney parks. (I know this is in the Universal forum but the thread has veered and so must I)

 

[thr33boys]

Ok, I just realized, if we are going to the parks, we should be ok as we'll have our magic band but having them pick you up from a park is the issue.

 

[elaine amj]

But how will you know in advance if the driver you end up getting is able to take you to the Disney parks. (I know this is in the Universal forum but the thread has veered and so must I)

You can call/text them in advance to ask (after you have requested your ride, you will have their phone number) or ask before you get in the car. If you are staying onsite, bring your onsite parking pass - you will have no issues.

If the driver has any issues, you can just default to plan B and get a regular cab or use the buses(which is what you would have to do anyway if you weren't thinking of using uber) OR if you are agreeable, just get dropped off at the closest resort.

As for picking up from the park, if they have issues, they will let you know by phone/text and again, you can always do any of the above.

For me, it doesn't hurt to give them a try since there's plenty of backups. It's worth taking a couple of minutes to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out, you're not out any money. Personally, I have had a much better experience with Uber drivers than Mears cab drivers so I'll try them first.

 

[macraven]

But how will you know in advance if the driver you end up getting is able to take you to the Disney parks. (I know this is in the Universal forum but the thread has veered and so must I)

never worry about having a new question when on a thread.

half the time many of the original question becomes a different question.

no one yells or jumps up and down when that happens.

the darkside is more laid back and no one bats an eye when threads change direction.

it evenually gets back on track sooner or later......lol

 

[mymankeith]

Do they run 24 hours a day? Thanks.

 

[elaine amj]

Pretty much (all depends if there are any drivers out. If none respond, call Mears.

 

[DPCummerbund]

You can check the app any time to see if there are drivers in the area. We haven't used Uber yet but have checked the app & found drivers available within 10 minutes, at least during the afternoon.

 

[mymankeith]

Thanks. I am wanting to take one after HHN to go back to Disney Beach Club.