Disney Bus or Rent a Car? OKW/SSR or WLV?

[JBK]

I'm taking my wife to WDW for a quick trip...her 50th B-day. I've heard some horror stories about the bus from OKW (and SSR)...should I rent a car and drive to the parks instead? Does the resort parking pass save me the normal $14 parking fee at the park?

We are not DVC members and I'll be trying to rent points (1-4 May). My wife likes the size of OKW/SSR properties, but I'd like to stay at WLV. We're not interested in BLT, BCV or BWV...we're looking for some quiet down time away from the resort. Any ideas? I know I need to make ressies fast, so any help would be appreciated!!

I have airline and DDP ressies, just haven't decided on where we will stay!

Thank you!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Would definately rent the car, especially for a quick trip.

Will save you time over DME and overall resort-to-park travel. That said, take the bus to MK, drive everywhere else.

The resort parking pass does entitle you to free parking at the parks.

 

[Brian Noble]

That said, take the bus to MK, drive everywhere else.

I know this is conventional wisdom, but I drive everywhere now, even to MK, unless I can get there by boat or monorail. Our last OKW stay (Feb '09), we had not one but TWO different afternoon trips to MK that took more than one hour from the time we arrived at the bus stop to the time the bus arrived at the MK depot.

The first time it happened, we thought it was just a fluke. The second time, I swore that I would never, ever do that again. Now, the only time I will get on a Disney bus is if I'm planning to have a second drink with dinner, etc.

 

[JBK]

Thanks Brian and MinnieGirl...we'll definately get the car. Thank you!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Our last OKW stay (Feb '09), we had not one but TWO different afternoon trips to MK that took more than one hour from the time we arrived at the bus stop to the time the bus arrived at the MK depot.

I do get what you are saying & agree some people think it's a pain. DH hates the bus which is why we always get a car but we hate having to deal with parking at the TTC, having to hike (or potentially get the tram) to the monorail, wait in line again, etc.

When all is said & done I still think the bus to MK is quicker and its a direct route (JMHO).

Or better yet still... stay at BLT

 

[Brian Noble]

When all is said & done I still think the bus to MK is quicker

It might be faster on average, but the bus is totally unpredictable. Before my 2009 experience, I would have agreed with you. But, no longer. We nearly were late for an ADR in MK because we showed up at the bus stop "only" one and a half hours before our check in time.

 

[kristie03]

I have never gotten a car, and I've been happy...one exception. Sometimes when going from the resort to a restaurant at another resort I've opted for a taxi....but doing that is cheaper than a car for the length of stay.

 

[thelionqueen]

Our very first trip with my family to WDW we decided to use Disney transportation. While it wasn't completely awful, it was not great either.

I will always rent a car, no exceptions. Especially if you're considering staying @ OKW or SSR, you can park right in front of your villa, so it saves you tons of time.

If you are staying @ VWL, the parking lot can be VERY far away from your car, so you may want to consider that as well.

I personally don't want to spend my time at Disney waiting for buses. Like others have said, sometimes it is fine, other times it is not. In my opinion, and from what I've read and heard, you must plan at least an additional 90 minutes (each way) to get to your destination if going by Disney Transport. That's 3 hours that I'm not enjoying Disney. The rental car pays for itself IMO.