car or take buses at OKW???

[Suzanne74]

We are going for one week to OKW and I was wondering whether or not rent a car or not. We are probably never going outside the parks but I was curious if it is easier to drive to some of the parks from OKW instead of waiting for buses - esp since you can park in front of the rooms.

It is my husband and my 3r old and I. We were going to get airport transportation but once I looked into the price, I was wondering if it is just easier to rent a compact car for $150-220 wk so even if I take the buses it might be cheaper - then we can stop at the grocery store on our way there too!

Just curious what everyone else has done.

 

[Kim&Chris]

We were just at OKW in March, building 55. Our section was pretty close to a bus stop, but to be really honest, I didn't really see too many buses around.

Besides, this resort is HUGE, so it probably takes a while for a bus to complete a route around this place.

My opinion....rent a car if you can. Not that there's anything wrong with the bus system, but I just prefer the convenience of coming & going as I please. I just want to get in the car, and drive to my destination without having to stop at 10 other places.

And, like you said, ultimately it's cheaper because you can do a grocery stop instead of buying food in the parks.

Just my $.02

 

[DisneyMim]

We've been staying at OKW since 1991 and have always rented a car, but we also rent one at every other Disney property we stay too. Can't imagine not having a car. You can get anywhere in WDW faster than a bus (provided you know where you are going!) and it is very convenient for that occasional errand that someone needs at a Walgreen's, etc.

 

[Clare]

I have to agree with the previous poster. Even though a car is not a necessity, we really like having one. We feel like we have more freedom to come and go as we please without having to wait for transportation.

Just our preference.

 

[mikesmom]

We do rent a car also, but not to get around the parks. Rental cars are pretty cheap in Orlando and we use it to get to WDW, pick up groceries, maybe a side trip to a mall, or to go to dinner at another resort. We love dinner at Boma at AKL and resort to resort bussing involves changing around at the transporation center.

OKW buses run frequently, they are exclusive to OKW so the trips back and forth are quick and efficient, and it's lovely to have a "driver" at the end of a park day instead of fighting the traffic in the WDW parking lots.

 

[DizneeCM]

We've stayed at OKW several times and always rent a car. It's nice to be able to come and go as you please w/out waiting for the bus. Also a quicker trip to DTD than boat transportation (although that is fun if you're not in a hurry). Also is great for grocery store stops or to get to FW (if you're going to Hoop de Doo Revue). Also nice on the day you check-out - you can load up your luggage and go to a park if you like w/out having to go back for luggage.

Check National's rates and the mousesavers website for more car rental info.

 

[madelyn]

We have always rented a car on our past trips and two of those trips were stays at OKW. Next week we are heading to OKW again and we are renting a car. We found it particularly more convenient to drive when planning to go to multiple parks. One day we drove and were able to go to 3 different parks in one day. On the days I took our big double stroller it was easier to transport it in the car trunk rather than worrying about transporting it on the bus. But we also have taken the OKW transportation and have no big complaints. Not quite as convenient as a monorail resort though.

 

[Sabor]

Get the Car.
The only two Destinations you might consider using Disney tranportation is MK and DTD.
MK yuo have to park at TTC and take monorail or Boat. The Bus drops you off right in front.
DTD parking can be tough at times. The Boat is a nice relaxing ride.
EPCOT , MGM, and AK are by far easier to drive yourself.
Also if you want to Dine at a Resort Restaurant it will be much easier.
Factoring the cost of Mears or a towncar into the equation the benefits far outweigh the additional cost of a rental car.

 

[Suzanne74]

Wow - I love this board.

thanks for the wonderful tips. We will be renting a car for sure and I may even try to fly in the night before and stay near Disney and then go to OKW in early AM before the park since that Sat maybe our only Spectromagic day!

Thanks again!!

 

[DebbieB]

I always rent a car too. The only time we take the bus from OKW is to MK at night. It's easier when leaving with the crowds after Wishes or Spectromagic to just hop the bus.

I've found it easier to find a space at DTD if you park over near the Lego store or Mc Donalds.