DME or Rent Car? We go tomorrow!!

[davidl81]

We are a family of four trying to decide if we want to rent a car or just take buses for our trip starting tomorrow. We always use DME and on site transportation so renting a car would be a first for us at Disney. The reason for renting is really just in regards to CV-19. We are staying at Boardwalk so Epcot and DHS are all walking for us. Only three actual days of on site buses, one day to AK, and two days to MK. Car rental for the week all in is $250, so while its a decent amount of money, it is not a deal breaker either. My questions I was hoping for help with are:
1) How was DME compared to normal? Are the buses less crowded? Lines at the airport etc? I realize that we are just getting off of a plane so it's not like we were not next to people for two hours, but it is still a though.
2) How is park transportation going? Are buses taking longer than normal? How is social distancing going on buses. The return trips back to the resorts are really my biggest concern. People hot after a July day in the park, I can see mask compliance not being 100% on those bus rides.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I have not yet been back nor have I done MDE but I do follow several Disney vloggers and the buses don't seem terrible but several made mention of buses taking the longest of all transport options since boarding is done in groups based on number in your party. We always drive to Disney and never drive to the parks and rely entirely on WDW transport from our resort. My only complaint parking on property is paying for parking, so don't forget about that added expense. I would suggest do what you feel most comfortable doing. We're going in a few weeks too and while we will be at a walking distance resort, we will have to take a bus at some point so I'm hoping for the best and not too concerned. If crowds stay where they have been at since 7/11, it's not a big deal.

 

[kristenrice]

I'm in a similar situation...but not traveling until October. It's just my dad and I but we are also "bubble-dwellers". We use DME and never rent a car. We are staying at AKV for a week and since we are DVC members, we don't have to worry about paying for parking if we opt to rent a car. My concern is that fact that the trams are not (currently) running. That could make for some lengthy walks from the parking lot to the park entrance. We are in decent shape for our ages (45 and 72) but we don't really want to add any more walking to our vacation. We would plan to take the bus to the MK anyways, but we were thinking about driving to the other parks. I'm not sure how the price would compare if we opted to simply use Uber/Lyft instead of a car rental. How are people feeling about the safety and cleanliness practices of the rideshares in Orlando, particularly WDW right now? I don't use Uber/Lyft here at home so I don't have any idea about how they are handling the situation.

 

[gatour]

We are a family of four trying to decide if we want to rent a car or just take buses for our trip starting tomorrow. We always use DME and on site transportation so renting a car would be a first for us at Disney. The reason for renting is really just in regards to CV-19. We are staying at Boardwalk so Epcot and DHS are all walking for us. Only three actual days of on site buses, one day to AK, and two days to MK. Car rental for the week all in is $250, so while its a decent amount of money, it is not a deal breaker either. My questions I was hoping for help with are:
1) How was DME compared to normal? Are the buses less crowded? Lines at the airport etc? I realize that we are just getting off of a plane so it's not like we were not next to people for two hours, but it is still a though.
2) How is park transportation going? Are buses taking longer than normal? How is social distancing going on buses. The return trips back to the resorts are really my biggest concern. People hot after a July day in the park, I can see mask compliance not being 100% on those bus rides.

You also have to factor that you now have to pay for parking. If I were you I would stick with Disney Transport

 

[thanxfornoticin]

You also have to factor that you now have to pay for parking. If I were you I would stick with Disney Transport

If OP is staying at BW, it's likely they're staying DVC - so parking at the resort would be free. And since they're on site, parking at the theme parks is also included.

It's probably too late for the OP by now, but we'd recommend a rental. You'll have more control over the transportation, and whom you are close to while traveling.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You'll have more control over the transportation, and whom you are close to while traveling.

Given how modified the buses and monorail are to comply with social distancing, Disney transportation is of as little concern to me as Disney attractions, queues, restaurants, and parks in general.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I'm in a similar situation...but not traveling until October. It's just my dad and I but we are also "bubble-dwellers". We use DME and never rent a car. We are staying at AKV for a week and since we are DVC members, we don't have to worry about paying for parking if we opt to rent a car. My concern is that fact that the trams are not (currently) running. That could make for some lengthy walks from the parking lot to the park entrance. We are in decent shape for our ages (45 and 72) but we don't really want to add any more walking to our vacation. We would plan to take the bus to the MK anyways, but we were thinking about driving to the other parks. I'm not sure how the price would compare if we opted to simply use Uber/Lyft instead of a car rental. How are people feeling about the safety and cleanliness practices of the rideshares in Orlando, particularly WDW right now? I don't use Uber/Lyft here at home so I don't have any idea about how they are handling the situation.

I'm not counting on any trams on our visit in a few weeks but I sure hope by October they're up and running. We drive to Disney and never use our car unless we absolutely have to, we are bubble dwellers as well. Just makes it feels so much more inclusive. I have seen several of my friends comment that their Uber/Lyfts have been pretty safe compared to walking around Disney Springs. I think we may do some ride sharing while there if need be since we're big fans of the Minnie Van and that's not running right now.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Given how modified the buses and monorail are to comply with social distancing, Disney transportation is of as little concern to me as Disney attractions, queues, restaurants, and parks in general.

To clarify, this is not first-hand experience. But people are reporting the worst issues with transportation are at the bus stops and monorail stops, with people wanting to get on their way - social distancing is non-existent at times during the day. I think I'd drive for now.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Gotcha. Thanks! I hadn't seen those reports.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Disney buses are only allow 15 people on a bus so you might be waiting awhile to get on.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Priceline has cars starting at $5 a day right now..
They are desperate to make some money ..
Even with your parking fees you will will be happier having freedom.
The parks close early/ open late you might want to go somewhere... even if its only to DS

 

[kaytieeldr]

Disney buses are only allow 15 people on a bus so you might be waiting awhile to get on.

That doesn 't sound right? Are you sure its not 24 or so?

 

[JM23457]

To clarify, this is not first-hand experience. But people are reporting the worst issues with transportation are at the bus stops and monorail stops, with people wanting to get on their way - social distancing is non-existent at times during the day. I think I'd drive for now.

We were there during opening week and had no issues with a lack of social distancing in relation to the monorail, which we used several times. Everything was quite orderly.