Aug 22, 2007
It's important to question the "free shuttle service" that most Orlando hotels offer to the major theme parks
Most of the inexpensive Orlando hotels -- and those are the ones that are not located on Disney or Universal Studios property -- offer "daily shuttle service" to some or all of the major theme parks. Knowing this, many cash-strapped families cheerfully book into those establishments without fully understanding the limitations of Orlando's shuttle system -- and taking the necessary action.
1) At almost all hotels, you will have to make reservations for your ride. This is easy enough, but it can happen that the departure you want is booked, leaving you to scrounge for a less desirable time. Considering most shuttles make return trips to a given park only two or three times a day, this can constrict your schedule. You also usually are not permitted to change your reservation, so if you're having such a good time on the roller coasters that you want to stay a few extra hours, you usually aren't guaranteed a later shuttle. Just one late-night taxi ride back to your hotel can wipe out all the money you saved using the shuttle system that day.
2) Many shuttles are run by outside companies, so they maximize profit by serving many hotels. That means they may take circuitous routes. If you're unlucky, it can take more than an hour to get home after your day at the parks, which is a huge waste of your valuable vacation time and money--it can also mean trouble for families with small children. Ask your hotel which company provides its shuttle service, and then ask that company where your chosen property fits in on the route map. You may decide to switch to a hotel closer to the park gates.
3) Some shuttles' timings don't match up with the theme parks' opening hours. It would be a shame to have to bundle your kids back to the motel an hour before the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom's castle begin, yet many people have to do just that when they rely on free shuttles. Always ask your hotel for the shuttle schedules during the days you plan to be in town (the timings change regularly), and compare them to the opening hours of the parks you plan to see.
Finally, keep in mind that many times of year, renting a car in Orlando can be reasonably priced. During lowest season (January, September and October), they go for as little as $17 a day through discount sites such as Priceline (www.priceline.com). And you probably won't use much gas during your stay if you only plan to use your wheels to go to and from the theme parks. Also remember that if you have a car from the very start of your trip, you will not have to pay extra for transportation to and from the airport, saving you about $25 round-trip for adults and $18 for kids on the standard shuttles.
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1) At almost all hotels, you will have to make reservations for your ride. This is easy enough, but it can happen that the departure you want is booked, leaving you to scrounge for a less desirable time. Considering most shuttles make return trips to a given park only two or three times a day, this can constrict your schedule. You also usually are not permitted to change your reservation, so if you're having such a good time on the roller coasters that you want to stay a few extra hours, you usually aren't guaranteed a later shuttle. Just one late-night taxi ride back to your hotel can wipe out all the money you saved using the shuttle system that day.
2) Many shuttles are run by outside companies, so they maximize profit by serving many hotels. That means they may take circuitous routes. If you're unlucky, it can take more than an hour to get home after your day at the parks, which is a huge waste of your valuable vacation time and money--it can also mean trouble for families with small children. Ask your hotel which company provides its shuttle service, and then ask that company where your chosen property fits in on the route map. You may decide to switch to a hotel closer to the park gates.
3) Some shuttles' timings don't match up with the theme parks' opening hours. It would be a shame to have to bundle your kids back to the motel an hour before the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom's castle begin, yet many people have to do just that when they rely on free shuttles. Always ask your hotel for the shuttle schedules during the days you plan to be in town (the timings change regularly), and compare them to the opening hours of the parks you plan to see.
Finally, keep in mind that many times of year, renting a car in Orlando can be reasonably priced. During lowest season (January, September and October), they go for as little as $17 a day through discount sites such as Priceline (www.priceline.com). And you probably won't use much gas during your stay if you only plan to use your wheels to go to and from the theme parks. Also remember that if you have a car from the very start of your trip, you will not have to pay extra for transportation to and from the airport, saving you about $25 round-trip for adults and $18 for kids on the standard shuttles.
Write and read comments about this post.
Labels: car rental, orlando
Fifty years ago, 
Arthur Frommer is generally acknowledged to be the nation's foremost travel authority. He is the founder of the
