Do You/Would You Drive Around Disney?

[Hoopfamily]

We've stayed off property for most of our trips and had a rental car. I go both ways on this. I love the idea and freeness of Disney Transportation, but I love the speed which I get around with our own vehicle. You know what else I love, riding the trams. It's like an immediate attraction as soon as we get in the parking lot. Usually you get a good CM who gives you a rundown of times and not to miss events for the day. Sometimes you get one who cracks you up. We had one a few years ago who rapped about using your cell phone or digital camera to "Take a picture take a picture take a picture take a picture so you dont for get where you parked. I know you all have one or the other dont be shy take a picture take a picture take a picture take a picture"

 

[mb168]

I don't think it's so much an absolute question of "should I drive or not" as much as it is in knowing when it's best to drive or if Disney transportation would be better.

 

[NewEnglander]

It's always better, not always quicker, to drive if you have a GPS or know your way around WDW. Ya, I know, the WDW experts, at least they think they are, will come back and respond that it's better to take the bus to MK because it drops you off right at the MK entrance instead of having to park at TTC, take the tram, MR/ferry, yada, yada, yada. I can't tell you how many times I've read that. While true, it's not the whole story.

The round trip bus approach has two waits. And if it's during opening or closing times, they can be longer than the 20 minutes and you might end up on a over crowded bus.

The car approach has four waits, two additional. What the experts don't factor in is that the comfort, flexibility, and convenience of coming and going on your terms count for a lot. Especially if you have kids. And if you don't want to park at TTC, the next time you're at WDW, ask the real experts. Find veteran CMs and ask them what they do when they go to the MK.

The DTS does what it is supposed to do and in my opinion it does it very well, but it can't compete with taxis or a car. It's not designed to. Drive if you have a car or want to spend the money on a rental. Accept the buses for what they are, very good mass transit.

 

[Tara]

The only year we drove the 1000 mile trip & had our car, we found it more convenient to just take the buses. Sure you have to wait for the bus & walk to your stop, but I don't see how that's any different from having to wait in traffic & then walk from your parking spot.

On the flip side, we always rent a car and I've NEVER, EVER sat in traffic waiting for any reason, even at park closing.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've done both. We have no problem finding our way around WDW and having a car makes it so much easier to get from one resort to another for dining as well as going off property for shopping.