Word to the wise on taking a cab...

[AdventurerKat]

This may have been covered before but since it has happened to me twice now (my stupidity for not saying NO! the second time) I wanted to share my recent experiences with "taking a cab" at Disney.

The first time was from Swan to the OKW in September. I asked for a cab and was given what would most likely be considered a town car. The fare from Swan to OKW??? $16.00! (Two things. The fare from the Orlando Airport to OKW is $37.00 in a cab and $37.50 in Tiffany Town Car so from the Swan to OKW you would not think would be that much. And the second...well, it gets worse...)

The second incident was October 30th. My son and I stayed at BWLBV the first night and were transferring over to POR for the rest of our stay. I again asked for a cab. This time we got a van that was waiting at the hotel. Hopped inside, not expecting it to be more than a few dollars as POR is just a hop away, and lo and behold...arrive at POR and it was ....$16.00!!!!!! I KNOW the distance from BWLBV to POR is less than Swan to OKW so I was especially shocked this time.

So my advice to all my fellow DIS-ers is this. Either DO NOT get in a "cab" without a meter or ASK AHEAD OF TIME of your driver how much it is going to be. I probably would have argued with the driver on the second trip if my three year old hadn't been with me because frankly, that is ridiculous.

So I have learned my lesson from all of this. I hope my experience can help someone else.

 

[ducklite]

I'm really confused. I've never been in a cab at WDW that didn't have a meter. Generally when I've taken a cab from a resort, I've had the valet desk call for one for me.

At any rate, I've paid $7 from MGM to DTD, and about $15-16 from the BW/BC to the GF. I think AKL to the GF was about $17.

I like a particular driver, his name is Dion and his driver number is 384 with the Yellow/Checker/City/Safety cab group, who are the official cab company at WDW. I first found him because he was the driver who showed twice in three days when I had the valet call a cab for me. He's very nice, I find his driving safe, and his car is clean.

Anne

 

[Robert P]

Yes, those amounts do seem way too high.

Our cab from BW to CR for CG PS was $11 before tip. (@ 6 miles).
The cabs from BW to PI were $7 before tip. (@ 3 miles).

 

[Claudia1]

This was explained to us by one of our Yellow Cab drivers. The Yellow cabs are the only "official" cabs. The white cabs are gypsy cabs (his phrase not mine) and have no set rates. If no yellow/checker cab is around, they are allowed to take passengers. If one is around, they are not supposed to take a ride.

The yellow cabs all have meters and established rates. If you get into one of the other cabs by mistake, get out unless you are desparate and are willing to pay anything.

Some other horror stories include $40 from DD to the MK.

Thanks for taking the time to share the info.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

One thing I will add... just because it's a Checker (official) cab, doesn't mean the driver won't take the long way to get a higher fare out of the passenger. And just because it's a "gypsy cab" doesn't mean they're any less honest than an official cab.

Always ask ahead of time approx how much the fare will be. If you think it's too much, don't take that cab. There are always PLENTY of other cabs.

 

[AdventurerKat]

Oh believe me, I am not getting into any more cabs without an estimate. An expensive lesson learned, but one learned well.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Do you tip the valet when they call a cab for you? If so how much?

Thanks,

Lori

 

[AdventurerKat]

I do tip the person who calls the cab over for me, yes. But I am not sure what that has to do with the situation unless you are just asking for reference. I would tip them AFTER they have the cab coming over so the type of "cab" they call for me would not be based on what I tip them for getting it. Unless I guess they assume that they were not going to get a tip, but I usually have money in hand. And I usually tip somewhere around $3 for getting a cab. I think thats pretty fair. Its not like its hard to point and wave someone over.

 

[Claudia1]

Good points, chip 'n Dale Express. At least the Checker/Yellow cabs have an office to contact to report problems.