Car versus Disney Transportation

[Cinderella822]

We've never rented a car during our WDW vacations in the past and relied on their transportation. This time, we'll be driving from WDW to Clearwater Beach and will be renting a car for that purpose. I'm still wondering though, once at the resort, is it easier to use the Disney transportation to get around or to drive to the parks. I know it can be quite a wait for a bus if you just miss one or if they're crowded, but wonder if it's worth it as far as parking and traveling back and forth to the parking lot.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My parents and I always have a car while in WDW no matter what, because in the summer we drive down and before WDW we go 1st to Clearwater Beach. In December we fly down to Orlando 1st and then drive to Clearwater Beach. While we were in WDW we always use their transportation when going to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM and the Animal Kingdom. However when going to Downtown Disney we use our own transporatation, because I think the Downtown Disney buses are horrible. Besides that we also like to shop and eat offsite, so that is also a huge plus when having a car. As for the parking lots of you're Resort, I don't find them to be that bad and some nights you can get lucky and get a spot that is real close. Or you can also valet park at the Deluxe Resorts, if you don't mind paying for it.

 

[Uncleromulus]

A car is much the better option. We're never w/o one at WDW.

 

[maiyasgram]

We are never without a car, we always get a rental. How does one get to Walmart without one?

Cherie

 

[grimley1968]

Using a car versus using Disney transportation is almost always faster and more direct.

The one BIG exception to this is going to MK. It's better to let Disney handle the transportation to MK, since drivers have to park at the TTC, then catch the loud trams to get from the parking lot to the TTC, then catch either the ferry or monorail to MK from there. If you take Disney transportation, you get dropped off pretty much right in front of MK.

Fortunately, this is the only park with this setup, so driving to other parks is relatively pain free.

We still prefer to let Disney do the driving, for the most part, unless we're really in a time crunch for an ADR or something at a park not named Magic Kingdom.

 

[goofy4tink]

You know, someday I'm going to have to rent a car while at WDW, for use at WDW. I just have to find out how it is, rather than using the buses all the time. How could so many of you be wrong??

 

[MickeyCrazed]

We always rent for our trips to WDW...

However, for our upcoming trip in October, we are considering not renting.
(This was a last minute trip planned just last week under very tight budget constraints.)

I'm not looking forward to having to rely solely on WDW transportation, however, we might not have a choice since rental rates are sky high right now.

Yes, waiting for the tram to take you to the parking lot can be just as much of a pain as waiting for the bus (however, the wait is much shorter.)
But once you get into your car... You have total control.

Sooo much better than being squished on a bus with people who forget to use deodrant before a hot day in the parks.

 

[mrsmom]

We are renting a car because my kids get tired of standing up on the bus all the time. when we are done walking all day at the parks we just want to get off our feet , so that's why we decided to rent a car.
Kim

 

[Disneyhappy]

We also always rent a car. Mostly because DH just likes to know that it is there if needed, even if it is not used for a couple of days. We drive to AK, DTD, TL, BB and Epcot (for AM opening rush to Soarin only if staying at an Epcot reort). It is much faster than Disney transportation but we also enjoy the buses to the MK and boats to DS as it is relaxing. Keep in mind, our family is short on patience and I consider my time very precious while at WDW and try to economize on every minute. I value the car the most to DTD as those bus waits can be very long. If I stay at OKW or SSR, a car is also convenient if you need to go to the main building (i.e. Hospitality House) because some of the villas can be a long walk away to carry a bunch of bags. We have always gotten great deals on rental cars. We also usually combine our trips to USF and a visit to my sister in Tampa. Even without those extra visits, we would still rent a car.

 

[sue1013]

We don't rent a car at WDW. I spend too much time in my car everyday, I'm very happy to use a different mode of transportation while on vacation. We also don't go for less than a week at a time so don't feel the need to rush. Some need to feel in control so couldn't do without a car. Whatever works for you.

 

[yxe dad]

I have done both in the last year and from now on I will always rent a car! It is alot better to be in a car with A/C then a bus with tons of people. The only time I take the bus to one of the WDW parks is when we go to the MK or if I'm going to have a beer or four! It's alot more relaxing for me to be driving to my resort instead of watching 3 other groups of people start there vacation as they get off the ME bus before me. Twice in the last year I've used ME and both times I was the 4th stop. The shortest time from leaving the plane getting to the resort was 96 minutes. In March we got a great rate from alamo and made it to POFQ in 45min. I also like the flexibilty the car allows for, off site attractions and dining, as well as just picking up snacks, water and beer from Publix. The choice is yours but for me it's renting a car!
just my .02

 

[YayDisney!]

Same here. We always, always rent a car. We have a reservation for $135 (taxes included) for 11 days in December. That's nothing compared to the frustration of waiting in lines and standing on buses when all you want to do is get back to the hotel and crawl into bed. We have always zipped right out of the parks and we're at the hotel in no time.

 

[Wanna go to Disney?]

OK we opted for car service to pick up and drop off from the airport. We get in at 10 at night and just don't want to go to rent a car then. Now we are staying at the Swan. Isn't that pretty close to the parks? It's $130 round trip to and from the airport. They said that they would stop at the store on the way for us. We do intend to go to Universal two days, but that's pretty much it.

If we rented a car, it would be about $150 for the four of us, minus gas and whatever else. Also, the Swan charges $10 a night to park, not including the parking fees of each park you may go to, which I'm assuming is most likely $10 a day as well. So I'm looking at at least $300 for car fees before I'm done.

I don't mind waiting a bit but don't want to spend my vacation on public transportation...

Andy thoughts?

Not to mention the fact that we enjoy a cocktail on vacation and can go out at night via taxi and not worry about driving.

 

[bearzabout]

If your plan is just commando style park touring, then stick with the buses.

We always rent a car.

Besides having no wait at the end of a long day, it is much easier to get around to other hotels or water parks. If you do rent one, take advantage of it and make some dinner reservations at other resorts.

If you don't have the DDP, try of some great food offsite - like at Sweet Tomatoes and Texas De Brazil. The buffet at Golden Corral on 535 is good for the price (compared with a Disney breakfast buffet). You can recoup some of the cost by eating at cheaper places offsite.

If you do drive, take the time to memorize the road map. If you understand where all the roads go, it will be much less confusing when driving in the dark at the end of a long day. We take our portable GPS and let it guide the way home.

Regarding the Swan, your parking in the theme parks is free like it is for all guests staying on property.

Taxis around Disney World are very expensive in my opinion. Expect around $10 to get from one resort to another and about $20 each way to get near Universal.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Can't stomach the thought of visiting WDW without a car! Just too convenient for the way we vacation. No offense to the rest of you... but waiting in line next to sweaty folks at the parks is bad enough, I don't really want the same just trying to get there! The time one saves not waiting for buses or taking indirect routes is priceless. Plus, we pack less in the suitcases and visit wal-mart for sunscreen, bottle of water, etc. It's also handy to store a change of clothes or extra water in the trunk while you're away from your resort.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Here's our first day itinerary:
Drive to OKW from airport, check in. Lunch at the Sand Trap at Osprey Ridge. Minigolf at Winter/Summerland. Bit of shopping at the Disney store in DD. Back to OKW for a quick swim. Shower up and off to California Grill for dinner at 8:00. Then back to OKW.
Try that w/o a car!!!
Point, of course, is the convenience that a car affords. And if we change our minds at the last minute (say minigolf at Fantasia Gardens instead of Winter/Summer)--no problem. Easily done.

 

[MickeyCrazed]

If we rented a car, it would be about $150 for the four of us, minus gas and whatever else. Also, the Swan charges $10 a night to park, not including the parking fees of each park you may go to, which I'm assuming is most likely $10 a day as well. So I'm looking at at least $300 for car fees before I'm done.

Andy thoughts?

In you situation I would not rent a car. We stayed at the Dolphin for one night last year... and I vowed I would never do so again with a car.

Paying $10 a day for parking, and having to struggle to find a parking spot (and then walk, and walk, and walk to the hotel) was not my idea of fun.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Using a car versus using Disney transportation is almost always faster and more direct.

The one BIG exception to this is going to MK. It's better to let Disney handle the transportation to MK, since drivers have to park at the TTC, then catch the loud trams to get from the parking lot to the TTC, then catch either the ferry or monorail to MK from there. If you take Disney transportation, you get dropped off pretty much right in front of MK.

Fortunately, this is the only park with this setup, so driving to other parks is relatively pain free.

We still prefer to let Disney do the driving, for the most part, unless we're really in a time crunch for an ADR or something at a park not named Magic Kingdom.

I used to agree with my fellow Kentuckian about using WDW transportation to MK, but our experience last week has caused me to change my mind. Transportation out of MK after park close was a nightmare. 1 night we were standing in line for a bus to Pop almost 90 minutes after park close (a long story for a different board) and the queue area for Pop was still at overflow. If we'd driven and parked in the parking lot we could've gotten out of there much faster, even with the TTC/tram steps. I think it'll be a long time before we use the bus.

 

[apulk]

We have done both but recently we have opted to use the bus. But for our January, '08 trip -- I'm starting to rethink that. The parks should be less crowded but the hours are shorter. Seems to me that the car will be the best way to maximize our time in the parks (except for MK which is always better by bus IMO).

We're probably going to take the Magical Express to the hotel then try to rent a car from the onsite locations at the Dolphin or Car Care Center for the next day thru our next to last day. Any thoughts on a good discount for either of those places. There are 6 of us so we need a van.

andy

 

[grimley1968]

I used to agree with my fellow Kentuckian about using WDW transportation to MK, but our experience last week has caused me to change my mind. Transportation out of MK after park close was a nightmare. 1 night we were standing in line for a bus to Pop almost 90 minutes after park close (a long story for a different board) and the queue area for Pop was still at overflow. If we'd driven and parked in the parking lot we could've gotten out of there much faster, even with the TTC/tram steps. I think it'll be a long time before we use the bus.

But you still have to wait a long time for either the monorail or ferry to the TTC in this case. You'd essentially be trading one bottleneck for another. Believe me, both the resort and TTC monorail lines at MK get jam-packed at closing. Same is true for the ferry. Also, you're talking about last week. I assume you mean the week leading up to Labor Day. That's a packed time of year, and I bet the monorail and ferry lines were about like the bus lines at closing.

Since we spend more time at MK than anywhere else, and because of the way the TTC is inserted into almost all modes of transportation getting out of MK, we usually go for an MK-area resort, which takes the TTC out of the MK equation. Those MK area resort boats do get crowded, but we are usually able to board the first one we see, even at closing.