[RobbyHarris]

Has anyone experienced an UBER trip to MCO in the early AM? Generally there aren't many in the area, and I am concerned if the are they reliable enough at that obscene hour of the morning? I have heard some stories of last minute driver cancellations, etc.

It's not for me so I don't want a "local resident" private driver.

EDIT: Just to add, originally they were going to take the Groome shuttle which has always been reliable from LSL but suddenly the trip is an hour longer due to the stop in Middletown or wherever on the south side which means a 2AM bus for a 6:30AM flight. Groome really killed it with that change.

[jimhoward]

I have booked an UBER to MCO at about that time successfully. But, to increase your confidence, you might consider trying the APP at 3:30AM tomorrow morning. Just enter MCO as the destination and you will see what rides are available, the wait, and the cost. Just don't book it, but assume the situation will likely be similar or your departure day.

[JoelJohnson]

We use Fast, Park and Fly. It not all the way to the airport so it keeps you out of the madness.

[biker1]

You can pre-book a ride with both Uber and Lyft. I haven't gone from The Villages to MCO at that hour but have gone from MCO to The Villages at 1:00AM. No issues.

Originally Posted by RobbyHarris

Has anyone experienced an UBER trip to MCO in the early AM? Generally there aren't many in the area, and I am concerned if the are they reliable enough at that obscene hour of the morning? I have heard some stories of last minute driver cancellations, etc.

It's not for me so I don't want a "local resident" private driver.

EDIT: Just to add, originally they were going to take the Groome shuttle which has always been reliable from LSL but suddenly the trip is an hour longer due to the stop in Middletown or wherever on the south side which means a 2AM bus for a 6:30AM flight. Groome really killed it with that change.

[CarlR33]

Originally Posted by JoelJohnson

We use Fast, Park and Fly. It not all the way to the airport so it keeps you out of the madness.

What Madness? I have not had an issue parking in the long term lot even early hours. OP, pre book the Uber or Lyft trying it on different mornings before is not a guaranteed indicator, IMO

[asianthree]

Our kids and grands use Uber and Lyft weekly all over the country. Either are Always available at any airport or major city. However from TV 4 out of 11 pre booked times were a no show or cancel. Usually the ride live somewhere near TV and can pick up a fare to the airport.

For us it’s convenient to use one of the private guys in the early morning hours. Never a surprise or no show. If you search TOTV, you will find names numbers, and references.

Your other option is book for Middleton and drive them for pickup

[badkarma318]

Avoid Uber.

Stick with the handful of properly insured/permitted local companies who have a long history of excellent service, and near 100% on-time records.

[CarlR33]

Originally Posted by badkarma318

Avoid Uber.

How about Lyft?

[BackintheVillage]

We had a recent bad experience with a pre booking Lyft to MCO at 4:30am. Driver bailed on the ride and no other drivers around to pickup the ride (obviously, who is waiting with the app open in TV to pickup an airport ride at 4am). Tried Uber no drivers either. Called groome, next shuttle wasn’t for an hour later. Had to nix the flight and reschedule for another day/time. Lesson learned, even with a pre book, there aren’t enough drivers around at 4:30am in TV. Book with groome or book a private company that will be there.

[scubawva]

I’ve pre-booked 3 times, don’t wait to use app the morning of. Last time had a no-show so never again.

I now prefer a private driver, there’s plenty in The Villages, cost about the same.

Since you say “they” is it not possible for you or friend to drive them?

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by BackintheVillage

We had a recent bad experience with a pre booking Lyft to MCO at 4:30am. Driver bailed on the ride and no other drivers around to pickup the ride (obviously, who is waiting with the app open in TV to pickup an airport ride at 4am). Tried Uber no drivers either. Called groome, next shuttle wasn’t for an hour later. Had to nix the flight and reschedule for another day/time. Lesson learned, even with a pre book, there aren’t enough drivers around at 4:30am in TV.

Originally Posted by scubawva

I’ve pre-booked 3 times, don’t wait to use app the morning of. Last time had a no-show so never again.

That sucks, we would never risk missing a flight because some kid with an app on their phone and a car decided to stiff us. Hopefully they lose their right to be a driver for pulling that crap?