Breaking my own rule and renting a car

[rigs32]

Normally I'm a proponent of ME and Disney buses, but I think I'm going to break down and rent a car this trip. We're doing a lot of resort meals and in 2 cases would have to do the dreaded two stop trip to get there.

For less than $20/day plus gas, I will be less stressed because I won't have to wait for buses. I think it might be worth it.

I will still take the buses on our MK day so we don't have to deal with parking at the TTC. Dinner is at O'Hana, so a quick monorail or boat trip to and from the Poly for dinner. And also on our 2nd Epcot day as we'll be drinking and need to be safe.

I couldn't justify the extra $500+ to upgrade from a value to a moderate with a king bed, but I think this extra ~$150 will be worth it. I'm cheap, but I also hate to wait and I know waiting for the buses stresses me out. Next thing you know I'll be looking to upgrade something else. AUGGHH!

 

[JeanfromBNA]

I'm like you; normally I try not to rent a car anywhere I go, and almost never at Disney. The additional fees and taxes are a killer!

But I don't blame you. It sounds reasonable to me.

 

[mdinme]

Use priceline as close to your trip as possible. You'll get a compact for $15 a day WITH fees. Bid 10 or 11 bux a day.

 

[rigs32]

Actually, people are winning compact cars for $7/day plus taxes and fees. The total is essentially the same as booking directly through Alamo, so right now I have an Alamo reservation. With that one I know I can bypass the line and just do kiosk check in. If I go through priceline, then I have to wait in line which could take time if the crowds are heavy in the late afternoon when I arrive (~4pm on a Friday). I also like that I can cancel the Alamo reservation if I find a better deal or decide to go through priceline.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Welcome to the rental car "club". You won't be sorry!!!

 

[n2mm]

Just beware, once you rent and get a taste of freedom and realize it only takes 10-15 minutes to go from resort to resort, it's hard to go back to the buses. We are always renters and find getting around easy and we venture off to the outlets, other theme parks, stores, etc. We made a mistake once and convinced my daughter to rent a car and there's no going back to the bus for her now. Same thing happened with my BFF. It's supper easy to get around. We even rent a car and drive ourselves to the Port for cruises too, as that's a bigger $$ saver, esp. last month when there were 9 of us! Watch these boards for discounts codes, coupons and tips of when prices drop.

OP, Looks like we're there the same time.

 

[rigs32]

n2mm - I can't tell from your post if you guys are going with children, but I've got a thread going on the adults & solos boards for people who will be there in January if you'd like to stop by and say hello.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

WDW is the one place I ALWAYS rent a car. It makes our vacation a VACATION! I would rather spend $150 on a car than on souvenirs that will get tossed in a year or two.

 

[Pembo]

We found parking at the MK to be easy. With a park opening at 9, we got to the parking lot about 8:15, rode the tram or walked to the boat, rode the ferry over and still had time before the rope drop. We took an afternoon break and returned to get an even closer parking spot!!! I personally preferred driving to the MK over the buses. You might want to try it...

 

[pdes70]

We leave in 4 days and this is our first time renting a car. I am a little nervous about the aiport pickup. We are renting from Hertz. I figured I would have DH pick up the luggage and then myself and DS go get the rental car. Does anyone know for sure if Hertz is located in the airport on Level 1?
I am also curious to know about the extra fees involved with the car? I have our car already booked, but are there extra fees I should watch out for?
Thanks!!!

 

[sazzifrazz]

We were there last week and I wish wish wish we had rented a car. The bus situation really brought our vacation down. I think if we had a car it would have been a great trip. The busses have gone way down hill!!! It was awful. We waited over an hour one morning for a bus to AK from POR. Totally unnacceptable!

 

[rigs32]

I think the only extra fees might be: 1) their insurance - many people are covered by their credit card and I always decline or 2) multiple drivers - most car rental rates include only one driver, so have whomever is going to do the driving pick up the car.

 

[Pembo]

We leave in 4 days and this is our first time renting a car. I am a little nervous about the aiport pickup. We are renting from Hertz. I figured I would have DH pick up the luggage and then myself and DS go get the rental car. Does anyone know for sure if Hertz is located in the airport on Level 1?
I am also curious to know about the extra fees involved with the car? I have our car already booked, but are there extra fees I should watch out for?
Thanks!!!

I usually take go get the luggage (with the kids). Dh goes up to rent the car then comes back down to baggage claim by which time I'm usually about done. Then we walk together out to the car. Very quick and easy.

We always say no to all extra fees. Have fun.