I'm thinking I should be investing in Mears.

Shorting most likely. They will fall off at some point.

I don't believe Mears is a public company, therefore not an investment or shorting opportunity.

LOL I'm aware, it was more theoretical

Let's hope. They've lasted much longer than they should.

Privately-held companies can more easily make the big money contributions to politicans needed to maintain their monopolies, than if they are publically held.

Have other folks had success with this method? I once did something similar at PHL (before they changed the rules) and the Uber driver rolled with it.

I have an upcoming visit with the kids to Universal Orlando where I really don't need a car. We plan to stay at the Hyatt Place within walking distance, and probably won't go anywhere other than Universal. Cars aren't expensive or that much hassle at MCO, but I really don't need one. But if I had to pay for a monopoly taxi, I'd probably save money with a car rental.

For my way BACK to the airport, no problem, right? It's completely legal for UberX to do that ride?

I can't say that I've tried it. I usually fly in late the night before I'm getting there and get a local airport hotel for the night (one with a free shuttle). Then get an Uber ride the next morning from the hotel.

I would think you could probably hop a ride on most any of the local hotel free shuttles and then call Uber from the local hotel.

I've taken a taxi to the Wawa gas station just down the street from the airport, and have called an Uber from there.

Although, depending on where within Orlando you're going, and what rates you qualify for it might be cheaper to rent a car and drop it off at a rental car location closer to there. If I can get a car for $30, I'll pick it up, and drop it off the next day at the Disney Car Care Center.

I have done that as well when heading over to Universal. Orlando car rental rates can be very cheap. The Doubletree right across the street from Universal has an Avis City station. So I rent a car at the airport, spend the day driving around and doing whatever I might want to do off the Universal campus. Then head to the Doubletree and drop the car off, stay the night there and then Uber to one of the on-site hotels (usually the Royal Pacific which gets me the unlimited Express Pass. ^)

That's an interesting twist on the strategy. I'll have to look into it. Honestly, though, not dealing with a rental car would probably be the easiest when I really only need the car for a "there and back" between the airport and Universal.

Need to check the hours of the Avis at Doubletree though. On the weekend they close very early like 1pm. I went with Hertz at Hard Rock instead for the weekend. And I do stay at the Hard Rock for the Express Pass. It is more expansive than Avis but I figure I saved 1 night of parking fee.

Can't argue there. I normally will drive around to find a good place to eat and possibly buy a few breakfast/snack items as they will be much less pricey at a local grocery store than they will be on-site at Universal. Once I'm finished for the night, I just return the car (even if the office is closed you can still return the car and not have to pay the parking fee.) But I do have to pay a small Uber charge the next morning to get over to the Royal Pacific.

My main reasoning is that I probably wouldn't hit any of the parks late my arrival night, so why pay the extra charge for the onsite hotel. I can get up early the next morning and be over at the Royal Pacific, checked in and get my Express Passes before either park opens (which are usable your arrival and check-out days) . Yeah, I'll have to leave my luggage with the Concierge as the room won't be ready, but we can head on over to the park and get a full day there. The hotel will text you the room number when it is ready. After that we can head back to the hotel whenever we want, get our bags and head on up to the room (no need to check in again at the front desk.)

I did look at a one-way, one-day rental from the airport to any return location near Universal and, for my date, the price was prohibitive (like more than $80). I was actually surprised that it was that high.

It was $120 (Avis) to $135 (Hertz) one day one way rental from FLL to Universal Doubletree or Hard Rock when I booked mine. But if it is $80 from MCO to Universal.. I would just take a Taxi! I think the last time I did that it was around $70 and I don't have to drive or fill up the gas for return! :p