Alamo Rental car or WDW busses?

[Loan]

I will be in WDW from 6/3-6/9. I have been reading all the horror stories about the WDW busses and have thought I should maybe rent a car to get around WDW. I got a total rate of 192.47 for our stay for a premium car. Is this a good rate? Is it worth the extra 100.00 or so it'll cost us as opposed to TTC? Any replies would be appreciated! Thanks !

 

[Lew]

You can't beat the convenience of having a rental car at WDW. You'll save a lot of time and eliminate some frustration by not having to depend on WDW buses.

We always rent a car when at WDW and use it to travel to all parks except MK...buses work best for us when going there. Also, we like to visit other resorts...very difficult to do using the bus system.

 

[Kermit]

You're going to get a lot of opinions on that. We always drive, and we don't use our car at all. We have a few times many years ago, and we decided that it's just not worth it. I've never had any big problems with Disney transportation, and I find it much easier to rely on buses than worry about driving and parking. The parking lots are huge, and you usually have to wait for a tram to get to and from the park. You also have to write down where you parked and remember what the rental looks like. When you ride the bus, you wait under a shaded shelter (I think they all have fans) and then get on an air conditioned bus that takes you right where you're going without getting lost.

 

[sgtdisney]

I could tell you a few horror stories about Alamo Rent A Car.... Did you check with any other companies? I see Dollar has a full size for 179.00 for the same period or, if you use National you can get a full size for 136.00 a week, less if you have the Disney Club. I would definately get the car. I personally would not use Alamo.

 

[Loan]

Well, I did not choose Alamo actually. I got the rate through Priceline. This is for a deluxe/luxury car that will seat 6 adults. I was unable to get a van, but we have 3 adults and 3 children under 10 so the car was a good price. Since my initial posting I have comparison shopped more and for the car we are getting I think it is ok. The smaller cars which are still considered "full" size only hold 5. May I ask why not Alamo? Thanks

 

[sgtdisney]

National had a premium car or a MiniVan for right around 200.00 w/ tax for the days you mentioned, but if you have already purchased the car through Priceline it is a moot point. I have had a couple very very bad experiences with Alamo, which I have heard were not all that uncommon from reading this forum as well as others. Not the least of which is waiting in line for over an hour to get your car and almost as long to drop it off. I can go into greater detail if you like, but suffice it to say each time I used Alamo it was a horrible experience.

The worst time experience I had was in Atlanta where, after I waited over one and 1/2 hours in line for a car they told me a midsize car was a 2 door cavalier and if I wanted a car with 4 doors I had to pay more. I had 5 adults with me.. It got ugly from there... It was a disaster, and is a very long story. Perhaps they have changed their customer service. You may have an completely different experience than I did. I, however, will never rent from Alamo again, not at any price.

 

[Loan]

sgtdisney...
Thanks for the reply, as you know, I am now stuck with my choice, so I'll have to make the best of it. I really did not want to wait for Disney transportation, which I won't, but I'll be prepared for a possible long wait at the car counter now, thanks to you. As anxious as we'll be to get there, our first day is just for unpacking and swimming and getting to bed early so we can be ready Monday morning! It's not like we will be on a schedule once the plane lands. Thanks!

 

[sgtdisney]

I am sure it will all work out ok. Like I said , it happened to me a while ago, and each experience is different. Either way, it will all work out, and I hope you have an excellent vacation.