Do I need a rental car under these circumstances?

[lexis53]

I am trying to finish up my budget for our trip and I am just not sure we need a rental car.

This is my dd's Christmas present. I am a single mom and it will just be the two of us. She will turn 5 in August and we plan on going the week before Christmas

Neither of us have EVER been to Disney. I have a feeling we will spend the entire week there. For a child who could go to the zoo (we have a great one ) everyday and did last summer, I think planning on a week on property is realistic. I am waiting to see what deals crop up after they Fairytale package expires at the end of the month. BUT we will stay on property.

I don't see a need for the hassle of a rental. I thought about paying for a shuttle or cab of some sort. Do we need a rental? I have no plans on leaving the property. What should I budget for a shuttle or cab? TIA! Alexis

 

[jaw62901]

All disney resorts have there own shuttles from all of the resorts to the four theme parks.

If you won't be using a car for off site things, then the free shuttle service at each resorts will probably work fine for you.

I will be going back to WDW for the first time since 1980 and am going to be staying at the Swan on my solo trip so I can walk to Epcot and MGM each day.

Since I haven't been for a while, I am not the best person for information on shuttle quality and such, but I just wanted to let you know that there is a shuttle services provided for all guests staying at Disney resorts.

I am sure someone will come along and let you know about there experience with the shuttle service.

I hope this helps,

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

From everything you said in your post- in my opinion- I don't think you need a rental vehicle. Your post sounds much like my plans were for my solo trip in January and I did okay without a vehicle to go offsite. At times it bothered me a little- but I think only because I'm not used to any public transportation at all where I live in Texas- therefore I'm just not used to not having a vehicle at all times. Yanno? It wasn't really necessary- just something that bothered me because of my past experience all my life here in Texas.
You will do fine on WDW transportation- especially with just you and your daughter (and I assume no stroller, obviously no baby and all the baby stuff you have to lug around when you have a baby/etc.) If you don't have plans on saving on your budget by buying food at a grocery store/etc- and no plans on going elsewhere other than WDW- really no need for a vehicle! In fact-even if you DO want to buy some groceries- there are towncar services you can do instead of Mears shuttle/bus from airport to hotel that will give you 20 or 30 min (can't remember for sure) to stop at a grocery store on the way to your resort.

Mears costs $28 for adults and $22 for children (I believe? I could be wrong but if I am- I'm very close to the right amount LOL) for round trip (from airport to resort- and back again at the end of your trip) but with no stops at the store/etc. It's around $100 or $90 or something like that for a limi/towncar service to/from resort but with a short stop at a grocery store on the way to the resort. Both still cheaper than a rental vehicle for the entire stay I think?

 

[prncess674]

since there are just two of you I would look into renting the smallest rental car available look at www.mousavers.com for rental car discounts. Mears Shuttle is cheap transportation to and from the airport but you are on their schedule and I didn't like waiting for the shuttle to arrive. Also I like having the option of going off Disney property for a meal or two. Even the counter service meals are pricey especially on a tight budget. I know some people here talk about wanting to be constantly immersed in the magic, well sometimes I need to get away from the magic and having a car is helpful in this matter! Just about every restaurant imaginable is on I-Drive outside Disney.

Also remember parking is free on the grounds of WDW for WDW resort guests.

 

[tink2dw]

The only problem I see, is getting to and from the airport to WDW property.

But that can be solved by pre-ordering a town car to pick you up at the luggage area of the airport. They will help you load your luggage and whisk you away to WDW. Some towncars,will even give you a 1/2 hour grocery stop. Then the towncar will return for you at your resort and whisk back to the airport.

I would visit the Transportation Board to find out which Towncar service is offering grocer stops. And ask for a review of their service.
http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=16

 

[prncess674]

well your options are

Mears Shuttle would cost roundtrip
http://www.mearstransportation.com

$28.00 round trip for one adult
$20.00 rountrip for one child
$6.00 total tips ($3 each way)
Grand Total $54.00


TownCar service with a free grocery stop would cost
http://www.tiffanytowncar.com/tc_rates.html
$85.00 rountrip
$14.00 total tips ($7.00 each way)
Grand Total $99.00

Taxi prices would cost you the same as a reserved town car so don't do the taxi!

You should be able to rent a small car for about $110 if you use the right codes and coupons which may be worth it if you factor in the convenience.