First timer - tranport torn

[goofy4tink]

I would say that it all depends on the type of vacation you plan to have. If you are staying at WDW, for part of your trip, but don't plan on going off site, then forego the rental car. Disney transportation will get you pretty much wherever you needa to go. Yes, it can take a bit of time, but if you have a somewhat lengthy stay, vs 3 days, it's not a big issue. You don't need to sweat 30 mins vs 15!
If you are planning on staying at WDW, but want to head off site to malls, restaurants, or heaven forbid a dentist or a doctor, sure rent a car. But we seldom go off site, and if a trip to a doctor/dentist is warranted, we would take a cab!

If you plan on heading over to US/IoA, or SW, rent a car towards the end of your WDW stay. Cabs will cost you about $50, to each venue.

I know that during my last WDW stay, earlier this month, I did start wishing I had a rental car! So, I guess there's something to be said for each way of doing things.

 

[vault19dweller]

Thank you all so much for all the helpful advise!



Was googling using the WDW transport vs rental car and could have sworn it seemed 50/50 split - but reading this for our situation seems very WDW transport sided which is great!

We're okay with the wrong side of the road (partners from USA & knows how to do that ) but would prefer not to have to deal with navigating around or the stress if we did get our self lost (I have no sense of direction myself and am meant to be the navigator )

Had originally planned to use the WDW transport when I was strictly on the Disney leg of the trip (where it will all be on site - we love our Disney bubble )

Was just unsure about the reservation side but everyone’s right - as long as you plan properly and allow the time it should be fine.

Think we'll hire a car for the other 2 weeks around Florida (eg: SeaWorld, Universal, etc) but for the 2 weeks in WDW will use their system I think!
Plus, like people have mentioned, even if you do allow extra time and get there early there will still be a lot to see and do there (it is Disney after all!)

PS: When they say the buses & boats run about every 20 mins, is that on the hour? (eg: 1 pm, 1.20 pm, 1.40 pm, 2 pm?) I know they can vary depending on traffic and pick-up/drop-off times, but just so I have an idea about that


@Shelly F - Ohio : Thanks for the tip about the allowing time to get through the bag check & turnstyles for reservations inside a park; I had totally overlooked that! Thank you!

@siskaren : *giggles* you are correct, English is my first language, however not from the UK but from Australia! Good pick up on the use of terminology there

@ Brian Noble : Thanks for the summary about convenience and transport depending what areas its between, using a taxi for the infrequent hard to get to places is a great idea!

@SmallWorld71 : those stories are so lovely! Its things like that which add to the magic isnt it?!

@bumbershoot : It sucks that happened! I guess I'll try to allow enough timing and hope there are taxis available if we do end up running late somewhere.
Totally agree that there are some awesome deals, but I can't enjoy my vacation as much worrying about the "what ifs” - and that’s how they sting you! It sucks because you know their cars are insured even if you don’t pay the extra $30 a day (total rip off)

@ms1031 : Brilliant idea for cabs as worst case scenario. I hate running late places, will try to make sure I allow enough timing but thats an awesome plan B!

@goofy4tink : Think I'll do that! First 2 weeks on-site will use the WDW transport, and then next two weeks travelling around can hire a car People have mentioned there's some rentals you can pick up from the park which is perfect for that!

 

[sam_gordon]

PS: When they say the buses & boats run about every 20 mins, is that on the hour? (eg: 1 pm, 1.20 pm, 1.40 pm, 2 pm?) I know they can vary depending on traffic and pick-up/drop-off times, but just so I have an idea about that

Unless they've changed (and I don't think they have), there's not a set schedule like your example. "Every 20 minutes" basically means 20 minutes after the last bus to a certain destination pulls away, another bus should arrive that will get you to that destination. However, I would assume 45 minutes between buses (for budgeting time).

I have seen busses 5 minutes apart and other times 30 plus. It's not an exact science.

 

[Dasha Hermosilla]

I'm going to chime in with all the transportation people. We love not having to drive and to enjoy a few drinks with dinner! ; )

Also, between Xmas at New Years last year we were WAY late for dinner at Chef Mickeys (coming from GF no less.... Monorail was down). They gave us no problem. In that case, everyone was having the same problem so they were super accommodating.

We had nearly 2 weeks between Xmas on a cruise and 5 days at WDW w/o driving and I did not miss it one bit!

 

[vault19dweller]

@sam_gordon Thanks!!! Thought that would be a bit of a stretch if it was like that (especially with the time variances to pick up and drop off people) but just wanted to double check is all
I haven't had my morning coffee yet so I apologies but am a little confused by the budgeting time of at least 45 minutes, is that for just a 1 way bus somewhere?

@Dasha Hermosilla I overlooked the ability to enjoy a beverage or two (responsibly of course) before heading home as another pro for WDW transport!

 

[sam_gordon]

I haven't had my morning coffee yet so I apologies but am a little confused by the budgeting time of at least 45 minutes, is that for just a 1 way bus somewhere?

I would budget waiting 45 minutes for a bus. Add in the drive time from where ever you are to where ever you are going equals how much time to allow. As mentioned early, plan on 60-90 minutes.

It probably won't take that long, but I'm another who would rather be early.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I would budget waiting 45 minutes for a bus. Add in the drive time from where ever you are to where ever you are going equals how much time to allow. As mentioned early, plan on 60-90 minutes.

It probably won't take that long, but I'm another who would rather be early.

Great advice. I always gave myself an hour for transportation even though 99% of the time it took less than 30 minutes total, I'd rather be 30 minutes early and leisurely look around than stress about being late.

 

[ajasmom]

If you have a smart phone the best wdw transportation info I have found is an app on my Iphone search "WDW transportation wizard" i believe it costs $1.99 but u choose your starting point and your end point it will give you the different options and approximate times but I always add a 1/2 hour to their times for unexpected delays. I have used it for the past 3 trips and it is great.

 

[eddh0713]

When you rent car GPS will make it LOTS easier. I live in Oregon and we take our GPS with us. To get it from rental company, per a quick goggle search, is about $12/day or $60/week. I could buy a new one for that. Just a thought. Have a great trip.