car rental when staying off-site

[bmac]

My dh and I are staying at La Quinta Inn Lakeside for this upcoming vacation. It's our first time to wdw and at first i was thinking we would just take advantage of the free shuttle service provided by the hotel. It says on the website that the hotel is only 3 miles from wdw...My question is, are we completely nuts for not renting a car and relying solely on the shuttles provided. The other thing we were thinking is that a cab can't cost a whole lot of money since the hotel is relatively close. (are cabs easy to find?) We're kind of on the fence on if we're going to rent a car now or not....

Beth

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by bmac
My dh and I are staying at La Quinta Inn Lakeside for this upcoming vacation. It's our first time to wdw and at first i was thinking we would just take advantage of the free shuttle service provided by the hotel. It says on the website that the hotel is only 3 miles from wdw...My question is, are we completely nuts for not renting a car and relying solely on the shuttles provided. The other thing we were thinking is that a cab can't cost a whole lot of money since the hotel is relatively close. (are cabs easy to find?) We're kind of on the fence on if we're going to rent a car now or not....

Beth

Hi,
I would always rent a car, but, then again, I don't like being at the mercy of anyone's transportation system.
Cabs are easy to find at every gate of every park, except MK, but, there are plenty at the Ticket and Transportation center.
Cab fares add up, car rentals are, imho, the way to go.

Off topic: My dad was born in Halifax and apparently I have a LOT of relatives there. Some day I may get to visit your beautiful area.

 

[gallaj0]

I've stayed off site mostly. but on site a few times. I won't stay offsite without a car. They really aren't very expensive, compared to cabs twice a day, adn I've found that most of the off site transportation runs once or twice a day, so you're locked into their times, which may not be convenient for you.
Also, if you're going to more than one park during the day, it's usually much easier to hop in car than wait for a bus, or even the monorail.
Thirdly; whenever we stay offsite; we like to pick up a cheap styrofoam cooler to keep in the car; wehn the kids were smaller and needed a break, we could head out to the car, have some sandwiches and cold drinks, and run the A/C and rest a little without going back to the hotel.

 

[Lyndarella]

I have stayed off-site with and without a car. The shuttle worked fine for us, but it would be more difficult with children. Most of them do not return to the hotels frequently during the day, so remember that you are there for the whole day. The only other draw-back is the walk to and from the bus stop. Decide if you need a car to do other things in the area. Our plan was for nothing but long park days, so it worked for us.

 

[siobhan1997]

How long will you be there? If it is your first time you will need to rent a car for sure. There is so much to see off site as well as onsite. The easiest way to get around is by car. Have Fun

 

[CarolA]

That three miles statement is misleading.

Three miles from WHERE? Probably the property edge. It is still several miles to the parks.


I have stayed off site, but would not do it without a car. Lots of shuttles run only in the AM and at closing. Plus if they are full it can be a while before they come back. Also, since I have noticed that the same shuttle can service many hotels the chances of full at busy seasons are pretty high.

 

[mrsboz]

Take a look at mousesavers. She can give you some codes to rent a car pretty cheaply. We stay on site and still always rent a car. By the time you pay for your transfers it isn't a whole lot more to rent a car. Especially if you need only a small car it isn't as much as you probably think. Good lucky with your decision.