Disney Transportation vs. Renting a Car

[Angela&Kayla]

I am going to Disney for the first time (leaving in a little more than a week), and was wondering if I should rent a car. When I first checked it out, the rental for the 10 day period would have been pretty high ($250 or so), but last night, just for fun, I priced it and the rental would be less than $140.

I am staying at Pop Century, will NOT be park hopping, but do have plans to go back to my room in the afternoon each day. Also, about half of the days, my ADR's are at other hotels and I have an early ADR at MK one day as well.

Since I have never been to Disney, I guess I have no idea how long each tranfer takes (especially when compared to driving), whether or not I would have to pay for parking, and finally, if it is easy to get around (i get lost SOOO easily).

Please let me know your opinions...I couldn't have planned this trip without the help of everyone here!

Thanks!!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

If you're staying at a Disney resort and plan on doing only Disney parks then use their transportation. It's relatively easy, esp. if you don't have small kids (strollers, etc.) You won't have to worry about getting lost. You've already paid for it indirectly in the cost of your hotel. Before the days of Mag. Exp., by the time a family paid for RT airport transfers, you would spend almost the $140 for the car rental. The car is nice if you want to stop at a store for snacks/drinks to keep in your room though.
Now that they offer ME, there's no reason to rent a car unless you plan on seeing other things in Orlando besides Disney.
Personally, we like to have a car because as much as we love Disney, we enjoy other things in FL like Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Gatorland, Medieval Times, Pirates Dinner show, Kennedy Space Center, shopping, etc.
For your 1st trip, just hang out with Mickey! There's time for other stuff on your next trip. There's only so much you can do in 1 trip! Be sure to give yourself some time to relax too!! Have a great time!

 

[ttfn3]

If you can afford it, rent a car. I would use it to go to get from/to the airport, stop by the groceries for snacks (and beverages!), to drive to the hotels for your ADRs, and for trips to Downtown Disney and the water parks. I would rely on Disney transportation to get to/from the main parks. You will not have to pay for parking at the parks since you are staying onsite. IMHO the signage is good, but we have also been to Orlando many times and know our way around. You can always ask anyone in Orlando/Disney for directions, if you need them.

 

[Lizziejane]

For $140, I say do it too. It will give you so much more flexibility to come and go as you wish and parking is free at the parks for a resort guest.

As for getting lost, I know what you mean. We've been twice, and got lost returning to the airport both times! If you're really worried about it, use ME if you are eligible, and rent from the Dolphin or CCC. Don't worry about getting lost once you are in WDW - the signs are very clear (well, we didn't get lost in there once, so they must be clear!)

 

[Luv2Roam]

UNless you plan on going off site, I would stay with the Disney transportation. I partly say this because you don't know the area. If you knew your way around, it would be a little better for you. The roads are very loopy around here, and you will be guaranteed to be lost at some point. Easier, less stressful and cheaper to leave the driving to Disney!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Great for airport to WDW, also for resort to resort, as no direct transportation resort to resort. Also good for Downton Disney. I always get a car, though use Disney transportation...buses, boats, monorail whenever I can. It is quite easy to get twisted up, signage is sparse. Took me a number of trips to get the concept down pat, and still miss an exit now and then, LOL.

One thing you need to rememeber is the time to get from one place to another. I always tell people, till they get a hang of the place, to allow an hour to go from one location to another. You'll see, it is BIG.

Enjoy, make those memories.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Get the car and use it!!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Resort to resort is the big time waster without a car. Many times even to DTD and back. But if in a hurry -- there are always taxis. And in the long run it would probably still be less than renting a car, and less trouble too.
But, if you want to go off site at all -- even to the Disney outlets -- then a car is the way to go.

 

[PortieOwner]

I always rent a car. Rental cars are cheap and time at WDW is expensive.

 

[bab31]

The last time we flew in to Orlando and rented a car. We stood in a verryy long line at the rental counter. One of the reasons I am looking forward to ME

 

[Tumblwd501]

The last time we flew in to Orlando and rented a car. We stood in a verryy long line at the rental counter. One of the reasons I am looking forward to ME

The line for ME can be pretty long too. Both ME and renting a car have their merits. For $140, if you can afford, I would probably rent the car for the convenience. But I live in suburbia, so I generally like to drive my own car then rely on mass transit. That being said, I've never had any complaints about Disney Transportation. Car vs Disney Transportation/ME is really just a personal choice if money is not a factor.