Everthing you wanted to know about Uber/Lyft at WDW

If I'm wanting to order a Uber for pickup at MCO very should I go to order it and where does it pick me up? We have used Uber to get from resort to MCO but not the other way around and I want to make sure I order it properly and know where I should be. I had an issue with pick up at one of the outlets last August and I don't want to repeat the problem.
TIA
https://www.uber.com/airports/mco/

I think Uber actually put the wrong thing first here. The most important thing is to be in the right place -- level 2 for X and XL, level 1 for Select. Then, be ready for pickup before you request the Uber and include your door number. Never order the ride early -- that's a sure prescription for a cancellation fee.

Also, as I explained above, check the driver's PHOTO on your app against the face behind the wheel. Florida doesn't have front license tags, so the Uber advice about checking tag numbers is pretty difficult to do -- especially in crowded venues like airports.

If you'll explain the problem you had at the outlet mall, I can probably give you some pointers on how to avoid problems in the future.
 
https://www.uber.com/airports/mco/



If you'll explain the problem you had at the outlet mall, I can probably give you some pointers on how to avoid problems in the future.

Part of the problem was I did not have any internet access on my phone and the mall itself does not have internet, odd this day and age. So I was in the food court and had to get close to one of the restaurants to get wifi reception. I ordered the Uber and walked out to the taxi stand which was right in front of the food court. I thought our drop off driver had said to go there. Anyways, we waited and the Uber driver sent a message asking where we were but again, I could not pick it up. We eventually found each other but it was a bit of a pain. All in all, it was my fault for assuming the outlet mall would have wifi.
 


Part of the problem was I did not have any internet access on my phone and the mall itself does not have internet, odd this day and age. So I was in the food court and had to get close to one of the restaurants to get wifi reception. I ordered the Uber and walked out to the taxi stand which was right in front of the food court. I thought our drop off driver had said to go there. Anyways, we waited and the Uber driver sent a message asking where we were but again, I could not pick it up. We eventually found each other but it was a bit of a pain. All in all, it was my fault for assuming the outlet mall would have wifi.
Are you from outside the US? We have that problem with folks from overseas commonly because they don't have American cell service and are dependent on wifi access.

The way you were forced to place your ride request caused a series of problems. First, the pin drop would show you at the food court and obviously the driver can't go there. Second, once you move out of wifi range the app cannot track you, so nobody knows where you are. And third, of course, you probably didn't know where you were within the mall and had no way to communicate with the driver. You were very lucky that the driver finally found you. That kind of scenario usually ends in a cancellation fee. The fix is obviously to have a cell phone that works without relying on wifi.

Malls can be difficult pickups, because often riders don't know where they are -- so they can't tell if their pin placement is correct (you can move the pin with Uber, but you have to know where to move it TO!). The best info to give a driver in that situation is a major, obvious landmark that can be seen from the parking lot. Two of our major malls have a Cheesecake Factory restaurant near one of their main entrances. If we can find out that the rider is near the Cheesecake Factory, the rest of the pickup becomes simple.
 
Are you from outside the US? We have that problem with folks from overseas commonly because they don't have American cell service and are dependent on wifi access.

The way you were forced to place your ride request caused a series of problems. First, the pin drop would show you at the food court and obviously the driver can't go there. Second, once you move out of wifi range the app cannot track you, so nobody knows where you are. And third, of course, you probably didn't know where you were within the mall and had no way to communicate with the driver. You were very lucky that the driver finally found you. That kind of scenario usually ends in a cancellation fee. The fix is obviously to have a cell phone that works without relying on wifi.

Malls can be difficult pickups, because often riders don't know where they are -- so they can't tell if their pin placement is correct (you can move the pin with Uber, but you have to know where to move it TO!). The best info to give a driver in that situation is a major, obvious landmark that can be seen from the parking lot. Two of our major malls have a Cheesecake Factory restaurant near one of their main entrances. If we can find out that the rider is near the Cheesecake Factory, the rest of the pickup becomes simple.
Yup, from outside the US. Always a problem for me.
Thanks for your input, its always nice to have a bit of insight into how to make things go smoother. I'll keep all this in mind going forward.
Again, thank you so much.
 
The best info to give a driver in that situation is a major, obvious landmark that can be seen from the parking lot. Two of our major malls have a Cheesecake Factory restaurant near one of their main entrances. If we can find out that the rider is near the Cheesecake Factory, the rest of the pickup becomes simple.
Good to know. Must go to Cheescake Factory to hail Lyft. ;)
 


Hello Everyone!

I had the pleasure of driving some wonderful DisBoards members on property recently and I wanted to take a moment to answer some questions and provide information on how Uber at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL works with some FAQ:

1)Are drivers allowed in the parks and resorts for pickup or dropoff?
YES YES YES! For resorts, we can pickup simply by stating we are there for pick up and we get right in. Please wait in front of the lobby entrance. If your resort is not listed below, we may also be able to pick up by your building. Please send a txt because we always assume lobby.

Exceptions:

Coronado: We can pick you up, however you must be waiting at the main lobby entrance upon our arrival. If youre not there, we will be sent to checkin parking and you have to walk over to us. This is the only place we are allowed, however if the gates are open during the day we might be able to get closer to your room.

Caribbean Beach: We can now get in easily. Please wait in front of your building by the loop. Do not wait in the bus stop and be sure your pickup location is accurate since this is a very large resort.At CB, we assume your location is what you pinned on the map ( Barbados, Trinidad, Old Port Royale,etc)

OKW/Saratoga: Assumption is pickup is at the location entered, which may be your building. Do not wait in the bus stop itself.


Dropping guests at resorts is also easy, but you still must be staying there or have a dining reservation.



For Parks, we do not have to pay for drop off or pickup. Again, we simply state we are droping off, or picking up, and we get let right through. Generally speaking, here are the pickup/drop locations for the parks and Disney Springs:

MK: Ticket/Transportation Center, in the parking spaces after the taxi queue. Also: you may choose to walk to the Contemporary and get picked up from there. Drop off at CR does not seem to be any faster but some people do choose to do so.

Epcot: I recommend that you walk to the Boardwalk Inn, and call for a ride from there. (This is a great option if ending your evening by the International Gateway between England and France) We usually sit at the gas station across the street and can have you picked up in a minute or less.

The pickup and drop off area is now located near where the Mears cab pickups are. The area appears to be well signed and barriers put up. Look for the green umbrella. Also, please note that there is now a castmember assigned to this area and your car cannot wait for more than a couple minutes before being asked to leave. Therefore, please wait until you are already in this area before requesting a ride.

Hollywood Studios: We are in the main parking lot, right next to the taxi queue. There will be a white sandwichboard sign for pickup/dropoff.

Animal Kingdom: Walk to the left as you exit, towards handicapped parking and the main parking lot. Where the sidewalk meets pavement is where we will be. Youll see the taxi queue on your right about 100 feet up. To your left about a 100 feet will be a white tent, and directly in front of you will be traffic barriers and the first row of handicapped parking.

DTD/Disney Springs:

Westside: Strawberry lot, next to the taxis.

Marketplace: The old bus loop.

Water parks: theres a drop/pickup spot near the entrance so no problems.

Port Canaveral: No problems. However, the rates coming back will be higher than going out. Generally, a family of four or more will find this a savings over the shuttle services. At the port, there are approximately 60 permitted uber drivers so getting a ride back to Orlando(or wherever) is super easy.

Additional Note: We do not pick up or drop off from bus loops, taxi stands, the side of the road/active travel lanes, or other potentially unsafe locations.


2)Are larger vehicles available for my family?
Yes. As of 8/31/15 when I wrote this, UberXL can carry up to 6 passengers. Expect a minivan or large SUV (I drive a white Buick Enclave..if you get me, say you saw this post!). We are also cheaper than taxis on property. Please do NOT try to put more people in the car than are allowed (4 for uber X, 6 for XL). Carrying more passengers than allowed will void the insurance, you could lose you rider account, and the driver could be deactivated.

3)Can uber take me to/from the airport?
Yes.

4)Who drives for uber at WDW? Will I get a CastMember?
Odds are pretty good that you will get a castmember, or former castmember. I also happen to know a guy personally who works at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek and drives UberX. Having said that, Disney is an obvious place for new drivers to go since it's big and there's always alot of traffic so you'll get some of these and it'll be obvious. If you get a driver you really like, go ahead and ask for our number for future rides. If we can accommodate you, we will.

5a)Can I go a long distance such as Cocoa, Tampa,etc?
Yes. Although we ask that you do it earlier in the day/evening, and contact your driver to make sure it's ok. I once had a run to Sarasota from the Yacht Club which picked up at 7pm. It was an hour and a half out, plus an hour and a half for me to get back. So if it had been too much later at night, I would've had to decline.

5b)Can I schedule a longer ride in advance?

Yes, you can. For long rides, Uber seems to be calling drivers to set that up in advance.

6) Are car seats available?
UberX and UberXL now have options including one car seat.

If you have any specific questions about using Uber at WDW, please feel free to reply to this thread and I'll try to keep it updated. I do want to keep this informational, however questions about how the app works, your account, pricing,etc is offtopic and this is not the venue for that.

Have a Magical Day!
Rob
 
If a party of 4 wants to uber to MCO and we have 3 suitcases would we request uber XL?
Unless they are very small suitcases, yes, I'd order XL. When we travel -- DW, DD15, and I -- I always use XL to and from airports. Much more room and comfort than being wedged into a Prius.
 
I asked this elsewhere, but no one's responded yet. I use a lightweight, foldable wheelchair (it folds down very small) and a medium size trained service dog. The chair would fit in the trunk, as long as the uber driver can put it there. It's about 55 lbs. Do you think I could get a regular Uber for this or do I need more accessible transportation? Thanks.
 
I asked this elsewhere, but no one's responded yet. I use a lightweight, foldable wheelchair (it folds down very small) and a medium size trained service dog. The chair would fit in the trunk, as long as the uber driver can put it there. It's about 55 lbs. Do you think I could get a regular Uber for this or do I need more accessible transportation? Thanks.
My only concern is the weight. 55 lbs. is a lot for one person to lift. Are you able to help team-lift? Or can the folded chair be leaned against the back of the car and slid in, without scratching the car?
 
I asked this elsewhere, but no one's responded yet. I use a lightweight, foldable wheelchair (it folds down very small) and a medium size trained service dog. The chair would fit in the trunk, as long as the uber driver can put it there. It's about 55 lbs. Do you think I could get a regular Uber for this or do I need more accessible transportation? Thanks.
The service dog would be no problem, of course.

But I agree with Joel that a 55-pound wheelchair would be difficult for one driver to lift safely by themselves. I'd have to see it for myself to decide, but I certainly would not fault any driver who declined.

I agree with kaytieeldr and Joel that Mears accessible would be a better choice.
 
Please forgive me if this has been posted before. I read the first post but noticed it was from 2015 and thought maybe things might have changed. We are staying at Coronado. Some places I read people just can't be dropped off or picked up at the Casitas section but can be picked up at all the other sections. Some places I read they can only be picked up at the main lobby. It is a big resort and we will be staying in the Ranchos or Cabanas part of the resort. Is it possible to get dropped off and picked up at the Ranchos or Cabanas section so we don't have to walk to the front of the Lobby?
 
Please forgive me if this has been posted before. I read the first post but noticed it was from 2015 and thought maybe things might have changed. We are staying at Coronado. Some places I read people just can't be dropped off or picked up at the Casitas section but can be picked up at all the other sections. Some places I read they can only be picked up at the main lobby. It is a big resort and we will be staying in the Ranchos or Cabanas part of the resort. Is it possible to get dropped off and picked up at the Ranchos or Cabanas section so we don't have to walk to the front of the Lobby?
The problem is that there are unattended gates on the roadways between the lobby area and the rest of the resort. If you're returning to the resort with your room key/Magic Band, you can hand it to the driver to open the gate, and they can then drop you off wherever you'd like. But a driver alone cannot get past the lobby area to pick you up.

Also, the times I've picked up there, the cm's at the entrance would not allow me to wait at the port cochere, so riders who were not at the curb when I pulled up had to find me in the check-in parking lot. I haven't been in there since they've started construction of the new tower, so I don't know how that's affected the configuration of the drop-off and check-in parking.
 

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