Do we need to rent a car?

[LglBlonde]

We are considering flying to MCO - renting a car for first two days and driving to TPA to see my grandparents. Then, we drive back to MCO - get transportation to our hotel. Not sure exactly where we will stay, but it will either be onsite or very close with shuttle service. Will we need a car for the other 4-5 days of our trip that we pretty much only plan on going to WDW?

JJ

 

[XStAnt]

The issue of whether you need a car when staying on site at Disney is a hot issue on these boards. IMO, if you're staying at a Disney resort and intending on only going to the parks and DTD, then you do not need a car. Disney transportation is great. Some people prefer to drive finding it easier to handle with children and lots of things they carry. Others find it takes less time than waiting for a bus, boat, monorail, etc. I think the time is about the same when you factor in walking to your car, getting through toll plazas, finding a parking spot, walking to the park, etc.

If you are staying off site I recommend renting a car. This is true even if it is a local hotel with busses to Disney. Many of these busses run on a set schedule. They'll have a few runs in the morning and a few runs around closing time. If you miss the bus or the times aren't convenient you're stuck with taking a cab. Disney transportation runs continuously every 15-20 minutes. It begins running at least one hour before the park opens and keeps running after the park closes. In the evening the busses run regularly to DTD until after the clubs close.

 

[safetymom]

I suggest doing a search on this topic. Try either very early or late in the day.

I always have a car when we go to WDW. We stay on site. We find it easier getting to the parks and allows us to see much more than using Disney transportation.

Once I attended a conference at CSR and I didn't have a car. I didn't enjoy the trip as much without the car.

Only you can decide what is best for you.

 

[Lewisc]

The cost to rent a car for 2 days plus your transportation TO MCO is probably about the same as the weekly rate to rent a car. If you don't rent it the entire week try to return it by Disney not at MCO.

I agree with XS, if you're staying offsite ALWAYS HAVE A CAR.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Originally posted by Lewisc
The cost to rent a car for 2 days plus your transportation TO MCO is probably about the same as the weekly rate to rent a car. If you don't rent it the entire week try to return it by Disney not at MCO.

I agree with XS, if you're staying offsite ALWAYS HAVE A CAR.

Lewisc is, once again, thoroughly correct: the weekly rate will probably be cheaper than your current plan, and considerably less hassle. Personally, I am a big fan of staying on site and staying away from personal vehicles altogether (rented or owned), and just relying on Disney transport (our pals in the Purple Pants). Offsite you will likely need the car, unfortunately. Even if you don't use the car every day, you will have it available this way. So just scout out the best weekly rate and use it; save yourself the hassle of rneting a second time.

 

[mitros]

If we are only going for a few days, we always use a {our} car, because we find the Disney transportation system to be a little {apologies to Tyler } slow. If we go for 5days or more, then we use Disney buses and monorails because we are in no hurry with that many days. And may I suggest you stay on site if at all possible?