Cars and expenses

[Twilight Terror]

We are getting a rental car for this trip. Last year, shortly before we were due to go, my mum was diagnosed with a heart condition and has to use a wheelchair for anything more than pottering around the house. Since we weren't sure we'd even be able to go last year until about 10days before our flight, we had no time to organize a car. Besides, at the time, we were quite happy to use Disney transportation, as we know how well they cater for those in wheelchairs from previous visits.

Anyway, long story short, the experience wasn't exactly what we thought it was going to be when it came to transportation. The most memorable (and horrific journey) being when we left our hotel two and half hours before our diner reservation, and STILL ended up being late. So, this year, we are getting a car to save all the hassle and looks and stares.

However, I have no idea about anything, especially since the prices are considerably different from over here in the UK. So, if someone could see to answering a few questions for me, that would be brilliant!

We are currently looking at hiring a Ford Freestar minivan, which apparently does only about 18MPG!

1) Any ideas how much it might cost to fill up the tank on one of these babies?
2) We will be traveling around WDW mostly, but have a couple of trips out to Universal/SeaWorld and back. How often are we going to have to fill the tank?
3) Are there lots of garages on Disney property? I think I've only ever seen one!
4) Which are the cheapest garages?

 

[Disneyfanatic108]

When Driving around disney you will not get vary good gas mileage especially on I-Drive. to answer some of your questions
1: How much will it cost to fill up? right now gas is averaging about $2.50. we have a 25 gallon tank on our van and usually let it go to about 20 so...$50 for a fill up.

2: I would probably plan on filling up at least twice during the trip.

3: I have never seen a disney garage. Universal has a parking deck.

4: all of disney parking is $12 dollars a day, unsure of universal and seaworld.

 

[beccasmom]

I think the gas tanks in those vans are about 26 gallons. Gas prices in the Orlando area have been somewhere in the 2.50/gallon range.

If you are a Disney resort guest, parking is free at your resort and at each of the theme parks. Each resort has its own lot. To purchase gas, check out the link for stations on-site.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Transportation/gasstations.htm

http://allears.net/pl/parking.htm
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Parking.htm

Universal Orlando and Sea World are approximately 20 minutes away, depending on traffic.

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

We had a mid-size SUV off the Emerald Aisle (a Rendevouz, if that's a mid-size). For eight days we just drove around WDW, but we used it every day, stayed at POR and park hopped every day - so we did drive it - it didn't just sit in the parking lot. I filled it up the day we left for the first time and had used just over a half tank. This was a few years ago so cost wouldn't matter but I thought I would let you know how much gas it took for the trip from the airport and around WDW for eight days. Maybe it will help?

 

[Twilight Terror]

That's some brilliant info everyone, thanks! My mum is so used to filling the car up every 3-4 days, this will be a treat! HAHA And to avoid confusion, when I said garage, I meant gas station! I'm British, sorry!

But thanks for everything; that at least gives us a good idea of what we are aiming for and likely to spend over time

 

[clkelley]

As far as gas stations, there are 3 on Disney property, and they actually have the BEST gas prices.

They are Hess stations.

There is one near the exit of the Magic Kingdom parking lot at the Car Care Center

There is one across from the Boardwalk

There is one across from Downtown Disney.

Very large, very clean, very friendly folks.

 

[Christine]

You will never regret having a car. We always get one even though Disney transportation is great. We do a lot of dining out and find that Disney transportation can be tough going when you want to go from your hotel to another resort for dining. Just not worth the aggravation.

We usually either rent a mini-van or a 5-6 passenger vehicle of some sort (Toyota Highlander). We can usually get around the world for a week and go off-site once or twice. We always fill up before going to the airport.

Previous poster is correct that the Disney Hess station is the best.

 

[Twilight Terror]

Thanks! I think I vaguely remember passing Hess stations in the past when taking taxis and stuff. We are staying at SSR and OKW, so it's good to know we have one over by us in DTD, and will remember to remind my mum to fill up at one of those!

 

[seashoreCM]

The most memorable (and horrific journey) being when we left our hotel two and half hours before our diner reservation, and STILL ended up being late. ?

OT: Using your own (unilateral) analysis why were you late? If you feel that it was Disney Transport's fault, your ADR should have been honored anyway in order of actual arrivals of other ADR parties after quiet explanation to the maitre d', with a visit to Guest Relations if that failed.

If you are unable to or do not wish to fold up the wheelchair, you may not ride the parking lot trams. There is a section of parking for persons in wheelchairs but sometimes you have to do a long lateral roll* to where the tram lane approaches the park entrance concourse.

* comparable to the long lateral walk from a regular parking space to the tram stop.

 

[Twilight Terror]

OT: Using your own (unilateral) analysis why were you late? If you feel that it was Disney Transport's fault, your ADR should have been honored anyway in order of actual arrivals of other ADR parties after quiet explanation to the maitre d', with a visit to Guest Relations if that failed.

Our ADR was honored, we had no problems with that whatsoever. It was just the sheer frustration and the fact that we had left 2 and a half hours journey time to get to a destination that should have taken no more than 60mins (90mins tops) even allowing for a just missing a bus, to complete.

A number of things contributed to us being late. We arrived at the bus stop to find a bus for MK had left about 15mins before, so we shouldn't have had much time to wait. There were three chairs (including ours) waiting for the MK bus, so we knew we would have to wait til the next one. Fine, fair enough - we had left plenty of time for such an eventuality after all. 10mins later it came, took the two other chairs, and went away. Okay, so another 20mins wait...

Only it was about another 45mins in the end before the next bus appeared. We were literally about to head to reception to complain when it came around the corner. It had a few people on board (from POFQ), about 20 maybe, but not so many that they couldn't be moved around easily to accommodate the chair - there were plenty of other empty seats. The driver refused to take us with the wheelchair, and said we would have to wait - again.

So we had to wait for another bus, which took a further 30mins to arrive - it was requested for us though. At the time, we had no idea about the laws/regulations/what should be done for the disabled - the UK don't really give a damn, we have no such laws, so we just waited! It came, immediately followed by another, I assume, regular bus.

Finally got to MK, then for some reason there was a delay on the monorail and eventually we got to the Grand Floridian at 4:40pm. So, technically we were only 10mins late, and it wasn't held against us by anyone there, but it was just it took so long. Had we had a car, we would have already been at the GF before we had even boarded the bus!

If you are unable to or do not wish to fold up the wheelchair, you may not ride the parking lot trams. There is a section of parking for persons in wheelchairs but sometimes you have to do a long lateral roll* to where the tram lane approaches the park entrance concourse.

We're not too bothered about that. We'll be walking and pushing around the park all day, what's a few more meters. My sister and I (who are pushing), don't have a car back here in the UK - we walk everywhere, so we're very used to doing it, but thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind!