The Warden
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2005
- Messages
- 48
I have been to WDW somewhere near 15-20 times and this is the first time that I have not rented a car ... so now you have received full disclosure....
This was a short trip - Wed, Oct 19, 2011 through Sunday, Oct 23 - so we decided not to rent a car. Overall, I would give Disney an "A" for their transportation service. In general, we did not wait more than 10-15 minutes for a bus. It was great getting dropped off right at Magic Kingdom instead of having to go through the ticket and transportation center.
By Saturday night though I was getting tired of standing in line. We watched Illuminations from a terrace in France and my daughter (6) fell asleep during the show - it was at 10 that night Knowing that we would have to walk all the way to the front of the park and that there would likely be a line, we walked through International Gateway to the Beach CLub, walked through the lobby and jumped in a cab (zero wait). I would guess the walk is similar to getting to the front of Epcot but the guaranteed seat and immediate ride were priceless - it cost me $6!
A few other considerations for those debating on renting a car -
1. Magical Express
We had significant delays due to weather and arrived at 1:30 AM. At that time, Magical Express does not operate the same way - as you might imagine. We were told to go sit down and after 45 minutes or so they called 4-5 hotels....luckily we were the first stop, but the rest of the bus was in for a long ride after a long trip.... when we got to the front desk there was also skeletal staff (2 people) and online check in was not open (I had checked in online). So we spent another 45 minutes in line and basically got to our room at 3:30. If I had a car - I could have left the kids sleeping while I waited in line, instead they were basically laying on the floor of the reception area.
On the way back you are required to board coach at least three hours before your flight. I could have used another hour by the pool
2. Food and Snacks
It kills me to pay $2.50 for a bottle of water when I can run to WalMart and grab a case for $4. We are also ok with cereal and bagels for breakfast, so our room is usually stocked. Whether it was the quick service or food court area at CS there was always a line and it was never quick. I felt like we lost sleep, park, or rest time that we treasure.
3. Hotel to Hotel
For dinner we definitely hit Chef Mickey's, BOMA and HDDR and getting from hotel to hotel is a hassle. Multiple buses - heard many people getting false information and very frustrated. On other trips we usually get Chic Fil A or something unhealthy like that at least once and it can definitely help pay for a day of car rental. For a family of 4 at the hotel breakfast was $40-60 and dinners were $120-$150.
I know other people really enjoy not having to drive - I am not dissing you. Just wanted to give my impressions for other who do not mind driving or are unsure!
This was a short trip - Wed, Oct 19, 2011 through Sunday, Oct 23 - so we decided not to rent a car. Overall, I would give Disney an "A" for their transportation service. In general, we did not wait more than 10-15 minutes for a bus. It was great getting dropped off right at Magic Kingdom instead of having to go through the ticket and transportation center.
By Saturday night though I was getting tired of standing in line. We watched Illuminations from a terrace in France and my daughter (6) fell asleep during the show - it was at 10 that night Knowing that we would have to walk all the way to the front of the park and that there would likely be a line, we walked through International Gateway to the Beach CLub, walked through the lobby and jumped in a cab (zero wait). I would guess the walk is similar to getting to the front of Epcot but the guaranteed seat and immediate ride were priceless - it cost me $6!
A few other considerations for those debating on renting a car -
1. Magical Express
We had significant delays due to weather and arrived at 1:30 AM. At that time, Magical Express does not operate the same way - as you might imagine. We were told to go sit down and after 45 minutes or so they called 4-5 hotels....luckily we were the first stop, but the rest of the bus was in for a long ride after a long trip.... when we got to the front desk there was also skeletal staff (2 people) and online check in was not open (I had checked in online). So we spent another 45 minutes in line and basically got to our room at 3:30. If I had a car - I could have left the kids sleeping while I waited in line, instead they were basically laying on the floor of the reception area.
On the way back you are required to board coach at least three hours before your flight. I could have used another hour by the pool
2. Food and Snacks
It kills me to pay $2.50 for a bottle of water when I can run to WalMart and grab a case for $4. We are also ok with cereal and bagels for breakfast, so our room is usually stocked. Whether it was the quick service or food court area at CS there was always a line and it was never quick. I felt like we lost sleep, park, or rest time that we treasure.
3. Hotel to Hotel
For dinner we definitely hit Chef Mickey's, BOMA and HDDR and getting from hotel to hotel is a hassle. Multiple buses - heard many people getting false information and very frustrated. On other trips we usually get Chic Fil A or something unhealthy like that at least once and it can definitely help pay for a day of car rental. For a family of 4 at the hotel breakfast was $40-60 and dinners were $120-$150.
I know other people really enjoy not having to drive - I am not dissing you. Just wanted to give my impressions for other who do not mind driving or are unsure!
) or shopping, beach day, etc... I have not booked my car for our March 2012 trip yet as there are no discounts out yet...still waiting.
