another car vs. disney transportation question

[neunertrip]

I am so torn--I've gotten some feedback on this but just can't decide if we should rent a car of just rely on Disney transportation. We're going in Nov.-3 adults, 3 kids. Right now I have a limo booked for our trip from the airport and back, but thought of using the buses system while we're there. Now-looking at all the restauarnts we want to go to--I'm wondering if it will be a big pain.
Has anyone wished they rented a car after getting there?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Bob P]

Hi Neunertrip,

A couple of thoughts--

1) If you change your mind you can rent a car at the WDW car care center or at the Dolphin.

2) If you are worried about getting from resort to resort for meals, taking a taxi each time might turn out less expensive than renting a car.

Have fun!

Bob

 

[goofytime2000]

Other than going to and from the airport, do you plan on going out of world at all? If you are, then a car is a must. If you going to stay the entire trip on campus then a car really isn't required. Yes getting from Resort to Resort can be a bit of a pain, but I never thought it was anything that terrible.

 

[WillCAD]

2) If you are worried about getting from resort to resort for meals, taking a taxi each time might turn out less expensive than renting a car.

Only if you rent a REALLY expensive car! For my upcoming trip May 19-27, I got a mid-size car from Alamo for 9 days for only $121 (all taxes and fees included).How does that compare to a limo from Happy or Tiffany?

I rent a car on almost every trip; only twice in 14 trips have I not had a car and I was absolutely miserable the whole time.

Disney busses are actually very prompt, but they are also very crowded. And even when you only wait 15 minutes for the bus, that's 15 minutes longer than you'd wait if you had a car.

 

[weluvpluto]

Only if you rent a REALLY expensive car! For my upcoming trip May 19-27, I got a mid-size car from Alamo for 9 days for only $121 (all taxes and fees included).How does that compare to a limo from Happy or Tiffany?

I rent a car on almost every trip; only twice in 14 trips have I not had a car and I was absolutely miserable the whole time.

Disney busses are actually very prompt, but they are also very crowded. And even when you only wait 15 minutes for the bus, that's 15 minutes longer than you'd wait if you had a car.

I agree, add up how much you'll pay for the limo to and from the airport with any possible taxis, and you'll probably come out ahead with renting a car. I think it would be so much easier to drive yourself to the resort you're dining at, rather then take a bus to a park, then take another bus or monorail to the resort you want to go to, and do it all over to get back. And if for any reason should you have to leave Disney grounds, you'll be able to do so without paying for a taxi.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

The transportation provided by Disney is really very good. Since you cannot drive to the Magic Kingdom I really don't know why anyone would want to rent a car if staying on Disney property. I agree with other posters that if you plan on leaving WDW you will need a car. As far as eating at different resorts the best plan is to be at the closest theme park before or after your meal. For example, if you want to eat at any of the Magic Kingdom resorts plan on the MK. That way you can either walk (for the Contemporary), boat or monorail easily to any of the area resorts. If you want to eat anywhere in the boardwalk area it is really easy to get to from the International Gateway of Epcot or the Disney Studios. From either you can walk or take the Friendship boats.
When I am at WDW the last thing I want to do is drive. Disney will take you anyplace you want to go. It may take some time and it can be crowded at times. But everyone there is on vacation, so what is the big hurry to drive everywhere?

 

[Christine]

What I would do is to go ahead and start making car rental reservations. If you follow any of the "National Car Rental" threads, you will see that rates change almost daily. Keep trying at it until November and see how low you can go. I started looking for my June rental car back in late March. I am getting an intermediate for $94.00 for 7 days. That is a great rate. While that is too small for you, I was also quoted $120 for a mini-van for the same time period.

It costs you nothing to make a car rental reservation and you can cancel it at the last minute. If you find that the car rental is cheaper than the limo service, then you have your answer.

I know a lot of people don't like to drive, but I find it so much less stressful than having the bus to deal with (although in November I doubt your bus service will be bad).

So, start looking at all the rental car threads on this board and gather up the discounts. Then start renting the car. Leave all you options open and decide as you get closer to your trip.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I have always been on the "don't need a car" bandwagon. We have always used Disney transportation, and never been upset. Some crowded busses now and again, but nothing you can't live with. We always take Tiffany towncar to/from the resort.

However, with the help on this board, and Mary on Mousesavers.com, I was able to join the Emerald club, for free, and get codes, that allowed me an 8 day full size rental, for $115.00. Even if we had just driven it to the resort, and parked it, we would have almost broke even.

We loved having the car. The only place we did not drive to was MK, and rode the bus back that same day from Epcot, since we monarailed to there from MK. The only place I wish I hadn't drove was to Downtown Disney, but it was Fri. eve, grad night, and very crowded. Took forever to get around, and since it was our first time there, we did not where we were going. As for driving the rest of the week, we found it very easy to navigate. It seemed that all roads led to the same places. By day 3, we were getting to and from parks, in less than 10-15 minutes. We found it much easier going to/from resort meals.

I would suggest to reserve a car, and keep checking codes and rates. Mine went from $178 down to the $115, about a month before we left. You can always cancel the reservation, if you decide not to rent. If you can't find a rate you can live with, you will be fine on Disney busses.