Anti-car type considering renting car... should I?

[Jen D]

I really love and enjoy the transportation at Disney; not having to rent a car is one of the selling points of the vacation. We actually don't even own a car-- in the city it is more trouble than it is worth. We rent occasionally when traveling, although I am always flummoxed about what insurance to buy since we own no auto insurance and we have one kind of rinky-dinky credit card (used only for car rentals) that I don't think has any insurance.

But... this trip we have a six-month old and I keep hearing... get a car! It is a must with a baby! Now, public transportation with a baby doesn't phase me, I do it every day of my life and I am intimately familiar with the quick-fold-the-stroller-and-grab-the-baby-the-bus-is-coming dance. But... a car might be a nice luxury this time.

Should I? I don't want to spend too much, either-- I'm looking at prices of about $170 for a full-size (we have loads of junk for the trunk), versus $100 or so (including tips) for the Towncar. Then there is parking. Valet costs, right? Is self-parking free- and easy?

Car people help me out here.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I have always rented a car but last time it was a real hassle and we only used it to go to AK-we never made it to MGM. This next trip I'm doing the limo-cheaper than the mini-van rental needed for 6. I want to get to airport have someone waiting for us and magically transport us to Poly. Once at the Poly the monorail is the way to go to MK and Epcot with a baby. And we can handle the bus for AK and MGM. I figure I'll do the grocery stop and if I really need anything else I'll get a taxi. If you drive to the parks you often have to take a tram. It wasn't easy getting the AK tram with a single stroller, double stroller and 3 kids. I think the bus would have been easier.

Self parking is free at the resorts and since your staying at a Disney resort park parking is free too. I think valet is $7/day.

If you do decide to rent a car why not get a better credit card?

 

[Lewisc]

Credit card coverage doesn't usually give you any liability coverage. You have to check to see if you have enough coverage, umbrella policy prehaps, or if you have to buy some of the expensive extras.

Since you don't normally drive a car I wouldn't start on vacation. You can always fill in with a cab ride and still save some money.

 

[sue1013]

You are used to public transportation you should have no problems. The people that complain about disney transportation I don't think know how public trans works, disney's is great. We never rent a car either the one time we did it sat in the lot all week.

 

[inkkognito]

I am a major anti-car type too. We use Happy Limo when staying on property but now we are in the Orlando area off-site very frequently, so we've had to start renting. I've driven to the parks a few times, and to me, the crowded parking lots and rude behavior at the trams is just as much of a hassle as waiting for buses, plus when you take the bus, you don't have the added hassle of actually having to drive. One good thing about WDW is that the signs are great, but still, when I'm on vacation, I just don't to be bothered getting behind the wheel. JMO!
Barb

 

[Jen D]

Well, that was easy! Thanks guys. I'll skip the rental car.