HGVC Orlando Qs

[presley]

I need more info on the HGVC Orlando properties. If we fly into MCO, can we get to a Hilton and then to the theme parks without a car?

I'll be booking either a 2 bedroom lockout or a 3 bedroom. It's for 2A and 3C, but the children will all be adults.

The main thing the kids want to see is the Harry Potter stuff at Universal. I'm guessing 2 days of that will be enough, but I'm open to them just going there every day if they want to.

My husband and I will do anything that we can find to do that is more laid back. I'm guessing we'll do Epcot and maybe Animal Kingdom. I'd also be interested in any tours that have nothing to do with any of the theme parks, but more about the area.

I'd prefer to not have a car. If there are transportation options, it just seems easier for us if we go to different stuff than our kids. Are there good choices to get to and from any/all of the theme parks from any of the HGVC resorts?

 

[buzglyd]

When are you going? I'll be at Parc Soloeil for two days next weekend.

 

[johnf0614]

I believe all 3 properties have either complimentary or paid shuttle service to the parks. They do not have shuttle service from the airports though. The Sea World Property has Comp Shuttle service to Universal and Sea World

 

[presley]

When are you going? I'll be at Parc Soloeil for two days next weekend.

Not for a while. I am out of the booking window. I'll look forward to hearing what Parc Soleil was like for you.

I believe all 3 properties have either complimentary or paid shuttle service to the parks. They do not have shuttle service from the airports though. The Sea World Property has Comp Shuttle service to Universal and Sea World

Sea world may be a good choice for the kids to go back and forth to Universal without me if it has its own shuttle.

We live in San Diego - grew up on Sea World. I don't think any of us would visit Sea World in Orlando, unless there is something absolutely amazing there that we wouldn't want to miss.

I just found a tour company that has a manatee swim. Looks super fun.

 

[buzglyd]

Mine was a last minute scramble for two nights pre cruise.

We won't be doing parks.

Maybe some pool time and downtown Disney

 

[Blues]

I believe all 3 properties have either complimentary or paid shuttle service to the parks. They do not have shuttle service from the airports though. The Sea World Property has Comp Shuttle service to Universal and Sea World

When I was there 5 years ago, International Drive had no shuttle, paid or otherwise. Have things changed?

-Bob

 

[johnf0614]

When I was there 5 years ago, International Drive had no shuttle, paid or otherwise. Have things changed?

-Bob

That's funny, I was there about 7 years ago, and I'm pretty sure there was a paid shuttle to the Parks. I had called recently as I was inquiring the same, and they do have a shuttle for a charge. Sea World is Comp to Universal, Sea World/Aquatica. And if you stay at Sea World, you are entitled to early hour admission days to Sea World, as well as fast passes for Sea World as well. The shuttles I believe are somewhat limited however, with one trip in the morning, and 1 trip in the evening.

 

[Blues]

Well, my memory may certainly be faulty. It could be that, seeing only one shuttle a day, I figured that was the same as no shuttle, and rented a car instead.

 

[johnf0614]

Well, my memory may certainly be faulty. It could be that, seeing only one shuttle a day, I figured that was the same as no shuttle, and rented a car instead.

You probably were better off renting a car anyway. If I remember correctly when I called a few months ago, the cost for the shuttle for a family is about the same for the cost of a cheaper rental each day. At Least with Sea World, there is no charge for the Shuttle, albeit, one trip per day...

 

[JenMuse]

I stayed at Parc Soliel in Jan 2013, and I've stayed at I-drive 3 other times.

For the most recent trip, since I hate driving in general and even more so on vacation, I priced out not renting a car and using cabs or shuttles. Renting a car and paying for parking at Disney ended up being cheaper even for just one person.

So I rented a car.

I'm a Disney freak and thanks to finding TUG, hope to exchange some HGVC points with a DVC owner so I can stay on-site and finally avoid renting the car for my next trip in 2014.

 

[johnf0614]

I stayed at Parc Soliel in Jan 2013, and I've stayed at I-drive 3 other times.

For the most recent trip, since I hate driving in general and even more so on vacation, I priced out not renting a car and using cabs or shuttles. Renting a car and paying for parking at Disney ended up being cheaper even for just one person.

So I rented a car.

I'm a Disney freak and thanks to finding TUG, hope to exchange some HGVC points with a DVC owner so I can stay on-site and finally avoid renting the car for my next trip in 2014.

Why don't you exchange into DVC from your HGVC/RCI Portal? Unless you have someone lined up for a personal exchange already.

 

[presley]

I just put in an RCI request for any 3bedroom for HGVC, DVC or Bonnet Creek. Considering that I am only requesting high demand holiday weeks, I won't hold my breath. When my window opens, I'll book Hilton and then cancel it if I get an exchange. It will be 3,000 - 5,000 less points to exchange vs. booking in the club. And, if I do end up with DVC or BC, at least I know they have a lot of transportation to theme parks.

 

[JenMuse]

Why don't you exchange into DVC from your HGVC/RCI Portal? Unless you have someone lined up for a personal exchange already.

Availability of DVC units through RCI has not been in my favor. On-going search never seems to yield results. Maybe I'm doing it wrong?

 

[johnf0614]

Availability of DVC units through RCI has not been in my favor. On-going search never seems to yield results. Maybe I'm doing it wrong?

Did you do the ongoing search online or over the phone? I've done HGVC/RCI exchanges into DVC before with absolutely no problems, and I know many have also. However I have read that many have not gotten their Ongoing Search for one reason or another. My suggestion is to just call and have them set up the search over the phone if you are unsure if you are doing it correctly online. Or just keep checking the availabilty. Keep in mind, Disney typically does a deposit around 6-7 months ahead of time, and sometimes several times each week... Based on when you are looking to go, you should have no problem based on your flexibilty for exchanging into Disney.

 

[JenMuse]

I tried to set one up online but it won't save. When I type in exact Resort ID codes, it tells me those don't exist (example: DV01). Super frustrated with RCI exchange...I'll try calling during my lunch break and see if that works any better.