Originally Posted By Elderp Ok, it is that point of the year again when I have to scheme for the annual Elderp vacation. This year thanks to a friend who works at Southwest we might actually get free flight tickets into Orlando. They are most likely going to be standby tickets so we know what day we will arrive but we wont know what time we will arrive. My question is I have heard Magical Express doesn't cover Southwest (not to mention we don't have a time we can reserve for them to pick us up) so what is a good alternative way to get to WDW? We are planning on staying on property but we don't want to rent a car if we don't have to. If worse comes to worse, we can rent a taxi I guess but I am sure someone out here knows. Thanks in advance for the help.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip We always use Tiffany Towncar and have been very happy with the service. The driver meets you at the Baggage Claim in the Orlando airport and helps you get your luggage out to the limo. The rate round trip to WDW (last time we booked) was $80 + tip.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 I've heard nothing but good things about Tiffany Towncar. You should try them. Congrats on the free flight tickets.
Originally Posted By Ursula How many people are in your party? If 5, then it depends on the amount of luggage you have and it's best to take a taxi. But if there are more than 5, you have to take two taxis, and the towncar service is actually more cost effective. At least I think the magical number was 5. Anyway, after saving the cash for the flight, treat the family to a towncar service regardless!
Originally Posted By DVC_dad We have had great luck with Mears Motor Coach in the past. Its at the airport and is very affordable AND in spite of the fact that it can hold lots of people (15 maybe?) they can secure an infant seat. I was under the impression the the Disney Express covers the airport in general, not necessarily certain airlines.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom <<I was under the impression the the Disney Express covers the airport in general, not necessarily certain airlines.>> You are absoultely correct! Disney's Magical Express covers the entire airport. They also run buses continuously. Being late is NOT a problem. During my last trip to WDW back in Janaury 2006, members of our party was flying in on several different airlines and arriving pretty much at the same time. My flight was delayed four hours from Atlanta, due to pilot illness, they had to bring in a new pilot and Delta didn't have any "standby" pilots at Hartsfield. OK, here is the tricky part. When booking Disney's Magical Express, their resevation desk doesn't have all the different airlines in their computer system. For example one member of our party was flying on SONG airlines which is part of Delta Airlines. Well, Disney's Magical Express doesn't have SONG Airlines in their data base. So the resevationist listed the flight under Delta Airlines. I am sure that Disney's Magical Express not has Southwest Airlines in their database as well as provides transportation for Southwest flights. My advise would be to pick up your own luggage at baggage claim and bring it to Disney's Magical Express for transport. Explain this to the resevationist when you call to let them know the day and time you plan on arriving. I personally think its a homeland security issue for any visitor to allow Disney to pick up their luggage at baggage claim for transport to WDW.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom OH, getting back to my delayed flight. I was in contact with Disney's Magical Express people while waiting at Hartsfield. Letting them know I could not contact the other members of my party since they were already enroute via plane to Orlando. I let DME know that I was going to be late. By the time my flight took off I was already in cell contact with the other members of my party and let them know that DME was aware my flight was delayed. DME assured me that everything was ok and they run continually, so no problem. I gave the other members of my party the choice of either hanging out at the Orlando Airport of heading on over to POR resort in WDW. They elected to hang out at the Orlando Airport ( free hi-fi )and ate till my 45 minute flight arrived. DME is extremely accomidating as long as YOU pick up your own luggage and bring it to them ( which again is the only way I would do it ).
Originally Posted By jazzfan4 I believe that Magic Express is run under contract by Mears and some of the busses are labeled Mears. The only thing you can't do from Southwest is check you luggage from the hotel. You can get the front desk to print a boarding pass (see other thread) but flying standby you may get a long visit to MCO, but as airports go it's more user friendly than most.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<How many people are in your party? If 5, then it depends on the amount of luggage you have and it's best to take a taxi. But if there are more than 5, you have to take two taxis, and the towncar service is actually more cost effective.>> I believe this is actually about the Mears shuttle... the breakeven there is about five people. A taxi, like a limo, charges for the trip, not on a per person basis. A taxi round trip to WDW including tip would run about $70 - $80, so it is not that much cheaper than a towncar. Without a doubt the cheapest way to get to WDW (other than the Magical Express) is the Mears Shuttle. When we take the limo we aren't looking for the cheapest. We are looking for the most convenient and comfortable. Last February we still booked Tiffany even though the Magical Express was available. We feel that it is a very minor expense in the total scheme of things and we really enjoy it. Plus, frankly, I think Disney is screwing the local transit providers (except for Mears which holds the contract) and I prefer giving them the business that is rightfully theirs.
Originally Posted By jodiefra I have to put in a plug for Quicksilver tours (www.quicksilver-tours.com). We used their car service in 2004 and were thrilled. Their driver met us at the baggage claim, gave us a half-hour grocery stop for no extra charge, included a booster seat in the car, and could not have been nicer. Their prices were very competitive. We also had to change our departure (due to Hurricane Charley!!) and it was no problem. They were awesome.
