So... during my WDW trip in December, I'm taking my family to *cough* Universal Studios (Islands of Adventure) for the Harry Potterland thing. But we're staying at the Polynesian for the duration of our trip.
What's the best way to get from the hotel to the park for just a day's visit? We'll be using Disney's Magical bus to get to and from the airport, so we won't have a car. Any suggestions?
When my daughter & I did this same thing, a couple of years ago, also from the Polynesian, we arranged for a Mears bus to pick us up right in front of the Poly. That's where it dropped us off when we came back. Depending on how many there are of your group, it could get expensive, though. Call them a couple of days before you want to go to make the arrangements. You will also have to call them a couple of hours before you want to be picked up for your return trip to the Poly.
You can also rent a car from the Car Care Center, and the Dolphin Hotel.
Many people like the option of just renting a car for a 24 hr period. Your costs are more controlled and you can use it for more than just the visit to the other park.
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
Anybody know the cost comparison for a rental car vs. three people using Mears? Though I suppose I have to pay for parking if I rented a car, right?Originally Posted by GusMan
Here is a link to their rate sheet.
It looks like it can be up to $19 per adult, if Im reading it correctly. Considering I bet you can rent a car for around $50ish for a full day, it may cost a few bucks more, depending on the number of the people in your party, but you will have much more control over your transpiration situation.
You would have to pay for parking at USF, but you would not have to pay for parking at the Disney resort hotel. (Or the parks if you decide to use the car for a bit longer...)
Remember... the best value may not be the absolute cheapest cost.
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
So it looks like using Mears will be better for our situation:
To rent the car, it would be at least $43, plus $15 for parking and probably some more for gas: $58. Also, I only need the car for Sunday, but would need to pick up the car Saturday and drop it off Monday - instead of enjoying the vacation with the fam.
For the three of us to take Mears round-trip, it would cost $19/ea for $57. We don't need to worry about picking up a car, parking, or returning the car during park hours.
Is there anything else I should be considering?
I think they do allow 'closed time' drop off of the car, if that's hugely into your consideration. Definitely check their hours, though.
One big down side of Mears (and you'd have to call and find out for sure they'd handle it at your time of year) is potentially if they 'consolidate' people from various resorts into one large bus -- and then being dependent on the planned departure times. Having to work around THEIR departure schedule would be worth quite a bit of $$ to my sister and I -- and we generally ride the buses full time at WDW (Haven't gotten a car since they started DME, I don't think)
Cathy
I checked the Alamo web-site and tested their reservation process. When I picked later pick-up and drop-off times for a rental car, the web-site posted an error, saying the site was closed during those times.
I thought about Mears and having to work around their schedule. I'm hoping that we picked a lighter day for Universal Studios (according to the crowd reviews) as well as we're planning to leave as early as possible for the park - to get into the Harry Potter thing.
We could take a taxi, but that seems pricey as well.
I think they have to be open for pick up, but they may not have to be for the drop offs. If you can find a number for the location at the Dolphin, I'd definitely call them and ask. I don't know if I'd want to drop off at the Car Care Center too late - and you would have to arrange your own transportation back then, too. (With the Dolphin, you can take the Disney bus to DTD or the MK and then get the bus/monorail back to the Poly - depending on what's still open)
I don't think I'd worry TOO much about the start time for Mears -- but I'd hate to be rushing or skipping things at the end to catch the bus back to your resort, or having to kill a couple hours time because you were done and the bus wasn't ready yet.
Cathy
Considering the close cost between the two, do consider some of the things that Drince is saying and do a little more research. I think when it comes to this scenario, I would rather be in control rather than Mears and have more of a point to point transportation option. I would not take the chance on crowds if the alternative was just as cost effective.
Additionally, you can pick up the car at one place and drop it off at another without paying additional fees. Thats a FL law. So, picking up at the CCC center or the Dolphin, you can still drop it off at the Dolphin as well and then continue with your plans.
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
Also be sure to check the onsite rates at both Alamo and National.
“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” - Roy Disney
We are three adults staying at Animal kingdom Aug/Sept two week trip . We want to go see Harry Potter land. We figure we would spend one day and see what there is cause the big draw for us to FL is Walt Disney World. How do we get there? Should we rent a car, Ride the bus , Is there a shuttle and where do we find these things . What ticket do we want to buy? The one who really wanted to go was suppose to find this info out but has not and we are running out of time. Thank you for all your help.
Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.
Walt Disney
Tinker Bell, I merged your thread with a similar one regarding transportation already in progress. You may find some good feedback above about the mode of transportation and how to get there.
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
I am having so much trouble with this. I have never rented a car before.
Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.
Walt Disney
Here is a link to a page on a website that is titled "How to rent a car after you arrive in Orlando". It's a good starting point.
http://www.mousesavers.com/how-to-re...ve-in-orlando/
ETA: Renting from either the Car Care Center or from the Dolphin car rental location is probably what you want to do.
“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” - Roy Disney
Thank you, we booked a car from the Dolphin. Heres hoping we do not get lost.
Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.
Walt Disney
If you dont have one, consider borrowing a GPS from a friend or neighbor. Trust me - its well worth doing so.
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
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