Disneyworld Express bus or car rental?

[Elaine54]

Im not sure if My family of four (mom, dad, 7 yo, 20 months) should rent a car or just use the Magic express buses. If we rent a car, we would still bring a carseat and booster with us . But if we just use buses, Our 20 month old baby may not like the wait. What is your experience?

 

[msmama]

I've always used the disney bus system - Magic Express is just the bus from the airport to your resort, the rest are just...busses (no magic involved).

1. I'm on vacation and I don't want to worry about parking and driving in an unfamiliar place. Even when I have had a car at WDW, I park it at the resort and rely on Disney transportation. You will hear horror stories about the bus. In 10+ trips I've never had one. My opinion is that maybe your hatred or non-hatred of Disney busses might have something to do with how much you've used public transportation in your own life. Compared to city busses, Disney busses are a dream!! I've never been particularly bothered by waiting for a bus. I guess I just accept it as part of life and I don't think I've ever had a ridiculously long wait (or if I have, it wasn't bad enough that I've remembered).

2. Waiting stinks, there's no doubt about it, but it's WDW, there will be waiting no matter what you do. I've been taking my now 7 year old son since he was 10 months old. He was a horribly impatient baby (still is at 7 for that matter) but we've never had issues on lines or busses. I've always been able to find something to entertain him. There were some over tired bus rides in the beginning, for sure, but nothing terrible that made me not want to ever go back again so it couldn't have been too bad.

3. NO WAY to I want to lug along stuff that I don't need. I need a booster for my upcoming trip because we're doing more than Disney and I'm super grumpy about it (The rental car will stay parked during the Disney portion of the trip).

That's my long winded way of saying save the money for something else and don't bother renting a car (MANY will have the complete opposite view).

 

[sullyfam]

I'm definitely in the use disney transportation camp!

I have no desire to drive around, worry about gas, directions, parking, lugging car seats and dragging kids in and out of the car on vacation! I think it's one of the many "perks" of a disney vacation that you can just show up and let disney worry about all that while you enjoy! Yes sometimes you might have to wait in line for a bus or it might take a little longer than it would if you just drove yourself but for us it's never been so bad that we would consider using a car instead.

 

[Figmentmommy]

We are definitely the rent a car type of family - before kids - during kids - and I'm sure some day after kids! When our boys were small we loved the flexibility of having the rental car - we found it very convenient to move around the World without waiting for Disney transportation. For our youngest we had the car seat on the plane. For the preschooler we packed a backless booster in a large gift bag and took it as a carry on. I think there's no right or wrong way - just what's right for each family.

 

[powellrj]

We always rent a car. I don't like to wait, I like to get in the car and go!

 

[Vixster]

I went with my then 18 month old and didn't rent a car found it very good to be honest would recommend

 

[chris31997]

Would you be doing anything off property? If so, then rent a car

 

[Teacup53]

I am in the rent a car camp - for a few of reasons.

1. I take public transportation every day so if I am on vacation having a car is a luxury I am willing to pay for (although I thoroughly search discounts and deals to get get a good price).

2. My kids nap in the car so we will leave the park in the afternoon - drive for a while and get them to fall asleep and then go back to the park with refreshed and happy kids.

3. We like the freedom of being able to go to the grocery store and the Disney outlets.

4. I remember the first time I went to WDW with my husband (boy, he didn't know the Pandora's box he was opening when he gave me a trip for Christmas). The cast member told me to allow 1.5 hours for travel time to get from the Caribbean Beach Resort to the Contemporary for the Chef Mickey's breakfast if we were using Disney Transport. I was shocked, at which point I asked, well, what if we have a car. Oh, then it is only twenty minutes. SOLD!!!

Ever since we have been a must have a car family (with the exception of one trip with a friend who doesn't drive, and although it wasn't bad, I will admit I didn't enjoy waiting for the buses.)

 

[DisneyOma]

OP, when are you going? Nothing worse than having to use a hot car in Florida, IMO. Oh wait, using a hot car with a toddler in tow

If you don't mind navigating through Orlando to get to WDW, and navigating around property, waiting in line for the parking lot booths, the trams, and finding a parking spot back at your resort, go ahead and rent a car. We drive to WDW, and I still don't use my car to go to the parks.

 

[PIannello]

use the express if you dont mind waiting.

 

[Jon84]

Rent a car.

Sign up for an express collection system with one of the rental places

Go direct to garage to collect car.

Follow signs to I4 South, then signs to your resort area.

Even after a 9 hour transatlantic flight I'd rather drive than queue with people, I've just spend 9 hours with 400 people, no need for anymore!




(Except next time when I can get free drinks on the the flight and we're getting a private transfer car.)