Car rental question....

[ChisJo]

Okay, I am not planning on going until Aug. 2006, but I would like to figure out some financial things before we start really planning.
Here is the situation:
In 1999, we went, stayed on property, rented a car, and then didn't use it until we left property and moved to our off property hotel.
In 2004, I went and rented a car for the entire trip and loved the freedom of being able to go anywhere, whenever possible. I stayed off property, though, and had to deal with always paying for parking and the additional cost of the car.

Ok, so in 2006, my sister and me are going again. She says that she doesn't even want to rent a car, because:
1) we are staying on property in WDW and USO, so we won't need a car when we are there.
2) she doesn't want the added expense of the car if we are not going to be using it.

My reason for getting the car is:
1) we are not always bound to the property, and are free to leave whenever we want.
2) if we want to go shopping, to Sea World, or anywhere else for that matter, we have that luxury of having a car.

My solution was to not have the car when we are in WDW or USO, and then rent one from there, but then we have to deal with getting from WDW to USO, and then to the car rental place. I was thinking about using Mears to get from the airport and returning there, but then we are left with the moving hotels expense.

What does everyone suggest? I know it is far away, but I like to have things organized, and a little advice would be great.

Thanks, Jo

 

[DebbieB]

Add up the cost to get to/from your hotel to the airport plus the taxi to get in between USO/WDW (estimate $20-$30?). Compare it to the cost of a rental car to get the true additional cost and decide if it's worth it. Unless you are going at a peak time, you could probably get a compact car for under $130 for a week.

 

[sgtdisney]

I always rent a car no matter what. I like the freedom to come and go and to leave the property if I need something or if I want to enjoy some of the off property dining establishments. I don't want to be stuck somewhere and I don't like taking cabs. But that is me.

As DebbieB suggested add up the expense of all the transfers you need and it may be cheaper to rent the car even if you don't use it. It really is a personal choice though. Good luck!

 

[iluvwesties]

Hi Jo,
I am pondering the same question regarding the rental car, as I am going in February 2005 and my daughter has offered to drive.

The drawback is that the rental car companies want extra $ because my daughter is under 25 (she is 24) approx. US$25.00 per day.

We have checked some internet sites and the cost seems to be around US$300.00 for the one week rental with additional under age cost. I am like you, in the fact that I like to have the feedom to come and go as I please, rather than be restricted because of lack of wheels. On the other hand, someone else I know did not rent a car, used a transportation company and loved it. He said it was great if he and his friends went out, had a few drinks and didn't have to worry about driving back to the resort.

I am going to keep investigating the prices and hopefully find something reasonable. Good Luck with your decision! Carol

 

[SmilenGirl]

We booked a car today. Where do you have to pay for parking? We are staying at CBR and I can't remember when we made the reservations so long ago if they asked, but at the time we were not planning on renting a car. Will we have to pay to park at each place? And I read some where on some thread (wish I could find it again) that you never want to drive to MK. I didn't budget for the extra parking fees. We do need to have that extra freedom, but I better get my budget in line. Is there a better area to stay at CBR if you have a car? Sorry about the bold questions, I am just so happy to find a site where there are actualy people who know these things !! THANKS I do appreciate any info anyone has to offer!

 

[sgtdisney]

If you are staying on the property you will not have to pay for parking. Parking at the resort is free and by showing your hotel room key you will get free parking at any of the Disney Theme Parks.

A lot of people don't drive to MK when they rent cars since the busses take you right up close to the gates. We have taken the car in the past, primarily out of habit, but also to ride the monorail to the park. We do drive to every other park, sometimes we go other places when we leave the park and it is nice to have the car and not have to go back to the resort to get the car.