Best way to get to Universal for a day while staying at WDW?

[AEfx]

I'm currently planning a Disney-centric vacation on-property (at one of the EPCOT/MGM Value resorts), but it will be the first time I've been on-property without my own vehicle. This is going to be a budget trip, and I don't mind getting up a little earlier to use WDW transportation to get to the Disney parks, but I have a feeling at least one day I'm going to want to hit Universal (if only to check out The Mummy ride).

What is the best way to get from WDW to Universal besides renting a car? I've thought about renting one for the day, but it doesn't seem worth the hassle. Are there any shuttles that can get me there without having to take a transfer to the airport? Would a cab be my best bet, or should I just break down and rent a car for part of the stay?

Thanks for any advice!

AEfx

 

[DiPSU224]

When we went to Universal we took a shuttle provided by Mears. We didn't stop at the airport or anything on the way to Universal, only to other resorts to pick up guests also going to Universal. I don't remember how much it cost, but I want to say it something like $13 a person. Don't quote me on that though since it was 2 years ago. I think we just called like 24 hours in advance and they told us what time they would pick us up. Here is their website if you want to check it out:

www.mearstransportation.com

 

[adamcav]

This May (2004) we took at cab from Pop Century to Universal. The cost was $25 one way. How many people you are traveling with will influence which option will be the cheapest. If it is only you, then Mears would be your best bet, but if you are traveling with 2 or 3 people a cab will keep the cost lower becuase you pay one fee for the car rather than a per person charge. Also, which hotel you leave from will influence the taxi price as well, it will be more than $25 if you leave from farther than Pop Century.

I liked the cab because it was private and took us directly there. And all we had to do was call down to hotel guest services as we were leaving the room and a cab was waiting for us when we walked to the front of the hotel.

 

[andre85]

Well, we always rent a car when we go to Disney World, despite the fact we only use it to get to and from the airport (and an occasional grocery store stop). Why, you may ask? Because we've found it cheaper and more convenient to rent a car for a week (for as low as 70 bucks) then pay for a cab or bus.

 

[AEfx]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Not sure about how many people will be going to Universal for the day, but it seems like the shuttle (thanks for the website!) or the cab might be the best bet, depending on who goes.

Normally I have my own vehicle (drive to WDW) - which is very nice - but since I'm flying in and don't plan on spending more than one day off-site I thought I'd liberate myself. Depending on the rates, I may get one for the weekend though.

Again, thanks for the responses guys!

AEfx

 

[lukacseven]

Definitely take a cab! Not only do you pay only one price, rather than a per/person rate, but it is a direct route. I've had a few bad experiences with Mears, where they were either late with the pick-up, or we sat in the shuttle for 30 minutes and waited for other people going who were going to other attractions to finish their breakfast. If you are going to IOA, you want to be there when the gates open to get right on some of the more popular attractions.