Do we need a car?

[TMM]

Hi,

I just spoke with someone at disney.co.uk and she mentioned the Magical Express to use going to and from the airport. We are running the marathon in January. We are only coming for a week a (maybe 8 days if we can stretch it).

We have no plans to go anywhere other than WDW. Could we get by on the WDW transport or do many of you drive from one park to another?

Thanks!

 

[DawnCt1]

Renting a car is always an individual choice. If you aren't comfortable driving around the area, you may do better without a car. The transportation will get you to an area you want to go, it just may take a bit longer.

 

[DW mouser]

We have been to the world 3 times, each time for a week, and never needed any form of transportation other then what disney provides. You can get to any park or resort and restaurantas with their transportation. Have fun!!!

 

[TLinden16]

Welcome to the DIS, Tonya!

I never get a car when I go to WDW. One of my favorite things about going to WDW is not having to get in a car for a week I find that the buses, boats, and my own two feet provide adequate transportation everywhere I want to go on Disney property. And if I'm out late at Jellyrolls, I just hop a cab back to my resort.

Karen

 

[goofy4tink]

We have been to WDW many times and never have we rented a car. We may in the future in order to see/do the other many things that Orlando has to offer. But, for those trips to just WDW, the WDW transportation works out just fine for us. We are on vacation and really don't stress over whether or not we are missing out on 15 minutes of park time if we take the bus rather than our car.
And with DME, we can now save about $130 on transportation from the airport to our resort. That's what a private towncar service (with tip) used to cost us.

So, if you won't be leaving the WDW property, then I see no need for a car. The buses should be just fine.

 

[beccasmom]

We rarely rent and we've been to WDW more times than I can count. I let Disney do the driving! If you are planning to visit Universal, Sea World, etc., then a car would be a nice alternative to arranging alternative transportation. It is much easier, anyway, though not always less expensive. However, if you are directionally-challenged, let someone else get you there!

If you are planning on visiting many resorts for meals, a car is also nice to have. It can be somewhat frustrating making multiple changes to get to one of the resorts. However, we've done it many times and we've survived! It is not that much of a hassle, it just takes a little advance planning.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

We have never rented a car at WDW except for our Jan visit. Due to the convenience it provided we will do so again in Nov. Since we will be a party of 5 it is actually cheaper to get a discount rental than it would be for a limo or taxi. I know now that ME is an option, but with the kids it just doesn't sound like fun to me (I know it may be fun to others, but I'm so impatient).

If you don't mind waiting for the busses, you certainly don't need a car. We did fine without it and I'm sure our Nov trip we will leave it parked at the resort from time to time. The only problem I ever had with the POFQ bus was the long lines for buses when we stayed at a park until closing. We would even wait about a 1/2 hour before getting on line. We found the best thing to do was run for it like everyone else!

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure you will be happy either way!