First Big Family Trip

[disneygang]

I have been to the MK, EP and MGM over the years growing up, never to AK. This is my first really planned trip and the second time for Dw. We have 5 children - Ds's 4, 6, 7, 10 and Dd 11. Their first time ever to go.

We have the 5 plus 2 Dream Maker w/ Princess and Prince Plan at Allstar Sports. Six shows with priority seating that we have broken up into about two per day that we are in the parks where the shows are. One character B'fast. Arrival on Sat. July 31 at approx. 9:45 am and pickup a rental from Enterprise.

Question #1 - Is there a reason anyone can give me that would cause me to decide to use the shuttle services? It is costing us about $ 265.00 more to have our own transportation for 8 days. With the UPH we will go to TL, BB, DTD and maybe some Disney outlets to buy souvenirs. May see family in Orlando (not sure). Flexibility to go pick up anything we need ( prices of any items on the resort may be high). I can buy a small ice chest and save on the fridge rental ( $80.00). E-ride nights worry me about long waits for shuttles. We will have 3 E-ride nights during our week. Extra clothes and items we can bring and keep in the car.

Qestion #2 - The UPH will be activated on the first day. Any suggestions on an itenerary for the day. DQ, Hoop De Doo, Monorail ride. Would like to make it a great first impression.

Another perspective will be appreciated!
More questions to come.

 

[tci1212]

While Disney transportaion is good, it is nice to have your own vehichle for Dowtntown Disney and going offsite to shop for souviners. We usually drive to FLorida so we have use of our vehichle, but we still use Disney transportation for all of the parks. The only time we use our car is to go offsite for dinner or shopping. On our first day there we always do Chef mickeys dinner in the Contemporary, then we ride the monorail around to the different hotels and do a little shopping in each place. And Magic Kingdom is a first stop in the morning, since it is the Kids favorite. We can't wait to go!

 

[my3princes]

Once we get to wdw we use there transportation unless we are going offsite. We have gone 3 trips without a car, just using a towncar or shuttle service to get to and from. Another trip we rented a car for one day. You can arrange a car rental through a service at the car care center at wdw and use Disney transportation to get to and from the rental car. I like to save the money for meals etc.

 

[disneygang]

Great ideas! Keep them coming.

More info. about the Car Care Center would be appreciated.
Where do I find rates for rentals.