Decisions, decisions...help!

[opsmom]

We (2 adults, 2 kids) are visiting the world 12/14 - 18 and had originally booked a 1 bd. @ SSR. We had planned to rent a car to bypass using the buses @ SSR as well as pick up groceries on our way from the airport to the resort. It seemed an easy decision based on how convenient the parking is at SSR.

However, the good news is we've just found out our waitlist came thru for BWV 1 bd.! Now, we have to decide if the rental car idea is a good one. For those of you with experience: how convenient is the parking at BWV? We know the car won't help with getting to and from MK and AK, but how are the buses from BWV to those parks? How worth it is it to be able to do our own grocery shopping vs. ordering from Garden Grocer? Right now we have a price quote from Autoslash for $123 (intermediate car) for our entire stay. So, to rent a car or not is the question. Thanks!

 

[TheIncredibles!]

We have always rented a car and found that when we stay at BWV it sits more than anything else.

You will use the car VERY little at the BW. Even to MK - why would you drive when you still have to then wait for a boat or the monorail? May as well just take the bus - kwim?

When we have stayed at WL we drove to every park except MK. When we have stayed at BW we drove to AK. Took the bus to MK since driving there is not any more convenient than the bus and walked or took the boat to Epcot and MGM.

As for parking we have always just used the valet.

 

[opsmom]

Thanks for your input! You mentioned the valet...how much does it cost to valet each time? We are DVC members...is there a discount or is it free...or same amount for everyone?

 

[Sandisw]

We usually rent a car but this past summer, we didn't because we had 9 people and one car wouldn't work.

However, what we did was take a cab to go places. It cost about $18 (with the tip) to get from BWV to CR--we had reservations at Crystal Palace so we just walked from there.

We then took it from BWV to CR again when we changed to BLT and even took it from BLT to AK one morning so we would not have to deal with buses.

For the three trips (we took the buses back to the resorts since we weren't in a rush at that point and didn't care), it cost us about $60. A lot less than the $220 a car would have been for the 5 days.

Good luck!

 

[TheIncredibles!]

Thanks for your input! You mentioned the valet...how much does it cost to valet each time? We are DVC members...is there a discount or is it free...or same amount for everyone?

Valet is free at DVC resorts for DVC members. You just have to tip.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Valet is free at DVC resorts for DVC members. You just have to tip.

Not any more. That perks been gone for a year or two.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Self parking at the BW can be a nightmare. You might wind up parking across the street.

 

[TheIncredibles!]

Not any more. That perks been gone for a year or two.

Really?? Geez do we have any perks left?

 

[murcor]

Use the buses and a grocery delivery service. I think you will be happy with that decision

You wont have to waste your time grocery shopping and the hassle of renting, driving and parking.

 

[dvc at last !]

We do not rent a car anymore at Disney. When we have rented a car we never use it. We use ME to and from the airport. Disney transportation while at the resort. We have groceries delivered and/or take a few things
for snacks and pick up some groceries at the resort.

 

[jekjones1558]

We stay at BWV often and always rent a car, but our vacation style is probably different than a lot of people. We dine off site regularly and like to visit other resorts. We prefer to do our own grocery shopping. We use the car to go to church. We always drive to AK. We also seem to end up at Target and/or the outlet malls a couple of times each trip. We find the bus trip to Downtown Disney is a real pain, so we like having the car for that as well. Before DH started using a scooter we would take the bus to MK (about the only time we rode the bus). We don't drive to MK.

 

[sweetdana]

BW parking is terrible. You will rarely use your car. Boat, and walking transportation is very easy.

I would skip the rental car at BW.