Car around WDW

[dairyou]

Hi!

This is the first time in 4 years of going to WDW that we will rent a car. Before the buses were great, but we will be going off site once in a while this time.

My question is, how much faster is it driving to the parks and how does the parking work.

I read that driving to MK is a pain. For the other parks is it okay? Do you park far away and then they shuttle you to the gate or you have to walk all the way from your car?

Your expertise is appreciated!

Deb

 

[LucyStorm]

shuttles are available. About the only thing I use my car for on property is Downtown Disney. Other than that, it's bus, boat, or monorail. Last October, we were coming in from a few days at St. Pete and went straight to the park. There was a shuttle that came to the end of the row.

 

[40-Something Kid]

We never go to WDW without a car, even though we almost always stay on site. I think you will love the convenience. I find it is much faster than the bus. The only time we don't use our car is when our hotel is directly connected already by monorail or boat to the park we want to go to. That is, if we are staying at GF, we take the monorail to MK, but we drive to Studios and AKL.

We have never had trouble parking. MK does have the extra steps of going from your car to the tram and then going to the park by monorail or boat. However, bus travel is not too much, if any better, because they often (a) have more than one resort they stop at; and (b) get full, especially at park closing. Also, getting back to your car means your next stop can be wherever you want it to be--you are not limited to WDW transportaion options.

The only downside of having a car--and not a small one--is the extra cost. Arguably, the time saved is not worth the expense. But since your plans call for the car anyway, I think you will find driving to the parks to be easy.

 

[DebbieB]

We always rent a car. I just can't stand the busses, maybe it goes back to the days when I used city busses for my commute to work. Many times you have to stand, one time a kid threw up on our shoes. I'd rather just get in the car, turn up the AC and the radio and go. We also go to the outlets, grocery shopping, offsite restaurants. The road system is very easy to get around.

As for the cost, it's not that much more. I usually get a car in the $120 range for a week (National Emerald Club). My reservation for December is $142, I was hoping it would go down but it hasn't so far. If you look at the price of a town car, it's over $100 with tips roundtrip.

 

[plutospup]

I have become a "car convert". In the past I always used Disney Transportation, and appreciated the fact that I didn't have to drive. A few years ago, however, we decided to rent a car. WOW, it was so much easier driving to the parks(except MK) and not have to worry about carrying a stroller, and a tired DD4. We didn't have to wait , or stand on crowded busses.Also we used the car to go off property for a few meals, and to travel to the Disney outlets for some souvenirs. That alone saved us a bundle of money! For us...we appreciate our rental car.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Always use our car!! Even to the MK. On MK day, we walk from the TTC to the Poly, have breakfast at Kona, then take Monorail to MK.
The tram service has never been a problem--.

 

[dairyou]

Thanks for all your responses. It's my husband who is actually leary of driving. He likes the convenience of taking the bus, but I hate waiting. I guess I'm not a patient person even on vacation! We will definately try out driving.

Thanks Again,
Deb

 

[crazywig]

we always rent a car and drive to the parks EXCEPT MK for early entry. that's when you want to take the bus as it takes you right up to the turnstiles