Rental Car or ME with a 20 month old?

[imaaagination]

We are leaving on Friday for what's really our first trip with our 20 month old (we did a quick daytrip while renting a house back in May...but this is our first multi day Disney resort stay). We'll only be there Friday - Monday, so I was planning on keeping things simple, taking buses and Magical Express from the airport. We've never done ME so I was excited to experience it for the first time.

Now I found a great car rental rate ($70 at Dollar with all fees included!) and am debating whether or not to take it and lug the carseat with us.

WWYD? Will we save much time driving vs. taking buses, or is it pretty much a wash? We've been lots of times pre-DD but this is our first time with a toddler on our own. I'm so torn!

Also...I'm 6 months pregnant. Minor details. Baby brain.

 

[jennyjinx3]

I vote: take the ME! Less steps, and stress.

 

[SonomaCountyDad]

Tough call. Two years ago, we took a 24 month old boy and rented a car while bringing our carseat from home. I admit we used Disney buses 90% of the time, and our car mainly sat at the resort. However, that being said, there was at least one trip where having the carseat in the car allowed our son to take a nap and relax. So, for us, it was worth it. Having him well rested probably saved a 2-3 hour block of time that afternoon.

 

[SonomaCountyDad]

I also wanted to add that we rented from Dollar last week. We had no problems getting the rate we reserved, and it was easy to get the car. We rented a full size car, which said on the web, Ford Taurus or similar. What we got was a Nissan Altima. I own a Taurus, and the Altima is a lot smaller. We still had plenty of room for all of our stuff, but just keep in mind that the car may be a little smaller than you think. So, if the cost of upgrading your car a size or two would blow your budget, then maybe not do the car. It's hard to know how much baby gear you will be traveling with.

 

[SonomaCountyDad]

I read the original post again, and realized I missed the part about the OP being pregnant. Depending on how you are feeling, you may want to consider taking Disney transportation. In almost all cases, the Disney buses will place you closer to the entrance to the park as opposed to taking your car. If you take your car, it's possible that you end up at the end of a long row, so you need to walk quite a distance to the tram.

All that being said, if you are willing to go to Disney while pregnant, you already know how much time you'll be spending on your feet at the parks and feel you are up for it.

I say that if you can afford it and don't mind the "hassle" of getting and returning the car, then you should get one.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

I'd go for the rental. Yes, you may have a little more of a walk than with the buses, but there are the trams if you're too tired to walk to the car. We've rented a car the last couple of trips and have loved it. Usually we were parked within walking distance to the front gate. At least with a rental car, you have a place to sit at the end of the night, where that's not a guarantee on the buses. I also liked having that extra hour in MK before we go to the airport.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

When we go as family we use Disney transport. When I go solo I rent a car since I stay at one of the value resorts. They have parking very near the rooms for each building. I was able to get to the parks so easy and so fast. I am sure I saved lots of time by not waiting for bus to correct park for that day. Returns are so easy with a car. There are just times on a vaction that a rental car is a plus -- this is one of them.

Getting to the resorts from the airport is easy. I use the toll highway-- but I think that is only highway they have lol. Bring change it will save time driving to resorts and then back to airport.

You can also go to the super markets near resorts for food and baby suppies. There are some really nice restaurnts just off of Disney property.

Just my opinion. I vote car. You know that airlines will take car seats and strollers at no additional luggage fees.

 

[mm1971]

We are leaving on Friday for what's really our first trip with our 20 month old (we did a quick daytrip while renting a house back in May...but this is our first multi day Disney resort stay). We'll only be there Friday - Monday, so I was planning on keeping things simple, taking buses and Magical Express from the airport. We've never done ME so I was excited to experience it for the first time.

Now I found a great car rental rate ($70 at Dollar with all fees included!) and am debating whether or not to take it and lug the carseat with us.

WWYD? Will we save much time driving vs. taking buses, or is it pretty much a wash? We've been lots of times pre-DD but this is our first time with a toddler on our own. I'm so torn!

Also...I'm 6 months pregnant. Minor details. Baby brain.

We always rent a car. From our experience (this is an opinion, please no flaming) the busses can take way too long to get to certain places. We had others with us without a car so we rode the busses a few times. Every time, we could have gotten to the location a lot faster without waiting for a bus and making several stops along the way. An example is we were at CBR. DTD is a half mile down the road. 2-3 minutes. The bus took over a half hour to stop at Typhoon Lagoon and 2 other stops. It's just my opinion, but I would rent the car. We have friends that take the bus and have no problems at all. I guess I'm a type A and like to control my environment.

Have fun!

 

[ChitownFamily]

We always rent a car. From our experience (this is an opinion, please no flaming) the busses can take way too long to get to certain places. We had others with us without a car so we rode the busses a few times. Every time, we could have gotten to the location a lot faster without waiting for a bus and making several stops along the way. An example is we were at CBR. DTD is a half mile down the road. 2-3 minutes. The bus took over a half hour to stop at Typhoon Lagoon and 2 other stops. It's just my opinion, but I would rent the car. We have friends that take the bus and have no problems at all. I guess I'm a type A and like to control my environment.

Have fun!

Yep that's me too! I know Disney transportation is great & a perk- but not for me - crowds make me grouchy & I like to be on my own schedule. We are here now (purposefully for the low crowds) we rented a car- parking is free for the resort guests (at hotel & theme parks). BUT you must do what you think works best- I agree not having to walk as far is a huge point. Have a great trip!

 

[imaaagination]

Thanks everyone for your help, it helped a lot! Talked it over with DH and I think we're going to go with the car - since it's such a short trip, it will get us a valuable extra couple of hours on our last day since we won't have to go back to the resort or leave super early for the airport. And, it will be so much easier than trying to get all our gear on and off the bus when I'm not very quick on my feet (or coordinated)! I really appreciate everyone's help! Can't wait!! 3 more days!!!