Golf Carts

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I am sure this has been asked a thousand times but I cannot find any of the old threads. I am just wondering if you think renting a golf cart is a necessity. We will be staying in a cabin for 6 nights. I have requested 2100 loop and I do hope that we will get it. We have 3 kids 4, 7, & 10. My DH and I have no trouble with walking but one of our kids does tire more easily that the other 2. We also have a couple of breakfast ressies that I am planning before the parks open so I am planning on taking a cab.
Thanks for reading this and thanks for any words of wisdom.

 

[AlyLynn]

Hi! We have 4 kids, 2-13, and the first time we went to the cabins, I felt the golf cart would be an unnecessary expense. Well, you probably could do without it, but it makes everything so much easier, and it is a highlight of our childrens' vacation. They are even into planning the decorating of the golf cart for our next trip. If you are unsure, I would at least reserve one, so you know it's available. We got stuck this next trip; we have to return it on Thanksgiving, and pick another one up on Friday because they were sold out. If anything, for me it's easier to transport the laundry of 6 people than carrying it! As for your breakfast ressies, most of the transportation begins before the parks open. (I think it's 45 min) Check it out so you won't need a cab!

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

If you have an early morning (8am) ressie the buses leaving the campground will not get you there early enough. Here is another option for those not wishing to use taxis..... We inquired at the desk outpost about how to get to an 8am ressie. We were told to arrange special transportation thru them. They were more than happy to send a white van to pick us up and deliver us to Epcot.

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Our first few trips we didn't get a golf cart. Then borrowed MIL's and have been hooked ever since. We're so easily spoiled now we just figure in the extra $300 or so into our trip. They are SO much fun!

 

[SammieG]

no you dont NEED one.. there are buses..
would you like one? ooh definitely yes! Soooo much fun.. we loved driving around the camp site... and my 7 year old thought it was the coolest thing on the whole trip.

Actually just thinking about it now is making me smile
We loved the golf carts!

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

We have a breakfast ressie at 'Ohana at 7:15 am. Epcot is the park with the morning EMH so they do not open until 8. I am guessing that we need to be at the Poly no later than 7am so I think a cab is the only way we can make it. That being said..Ido know that there are places to park when you are going to the Marina or bus stop (I am addicted to reading everything aboutFW) but is there a place to park your cart if you need to get to the front where, I am assuming, the taxi will be waiting?

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

You can park your golf cart at the outpost bus depot. I'm not sure where taxis pick up? Maybe near the outpost office?

 

[Goingtoseethemouse]

We ended up buying a cart and we ONLY use it at the campground. We wont even go if we cant tow it.
Yes, you can SKIMP by without one. But when your kids are exhaused and have to carry one everynight from the boat to the bus (it is a bit of a hike) you will be glad to have a cart. Plus you can use it to take a spin to the beach each night to watch the fireworks, or to the pool, or to a playground, or even to refill your coffee at the trading post (if you buy a mug you get free refills.) Wating for a but can sometimes take time. You might end up waiting 15-20 minutes for a bus just to take to you the other bus (which you might have to wait another 20 minutes for.) Or just getting a cup of coffee would take 1 hour rather than 10 minutes.

Also renting a cart isn't just about transportation. It is an experience. We like just cruising around the campground exploring. We love looking at all the decorations people bring to their campsites. This is called LOOPING. We like looping in our cart better than going to the theme parks!

If you dont reserve one, they might be all sold out when you get there. They usually have a waiting list for people who end up wanting one half way through their trips. Most people regret not getting one.
Maybe split it up: How about rent one for 4 days or 3 days, than than the whole 6?
Trust me!

 

[Goingtoseethemouse]

We have gotten a cab several times. They pick up at the front. They dont allow them back in the campground. (However-some do sneak by) The front desk will call one for you.

 

[ntsammy5]

One of the many things you cando with a golf cart is drive around the camp grounds (AKA looping) and look at all the different set ups. At Christmas everyone decorates and it's great to drive around then. It's like spending a day in the parks!

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thank you everyone that replied. We already have a cart reserved so that will not be a problem. I think that the first time we have to carry and possible drag (just kidding) all 3 kids after a day at the park a cart will be something that you cannot put a price tag on.

 

[dreambound]

I've waffled on this SO many times, mainly because of the cost, but I finally decided this is something we are going to do. (We also already have one reserved.) I got INSANELY spoiled by the bus service from VWL (next door to elevator, walk out the door, bus stop right there, empty MK bus ALWAYS waiting, etc.) and I think that we could save the $$$, but we run the risk of major transportation frustration. We're still saving thousands over our VWL trips (we cancelled a Thanksgiving VWL trip) but we'll at least be able to get up and get going a bit faster. I wish I could pay in advance because I know I'm going to have second thoughts repeatedly until we are actually there, but I'm pretty set on this. It will be our last vacation for a very long time (at least at WDW) and I think we're roughing it enough (over VWL that is) by sleeping in a tent for two weeks with little ones in cooler temps.

So I say, if you can afford it, go for it. If not, don't fret. But hold on to that reservation because I gather it will be gone fast if you cancel!

 

[Colson39]

I think the main consensus is that if you can afford it, go for it. You'll enjoy it, you'll have fun, and feel free to decorate it! If it's going to put a strain on your budget, you can do without it, it is far from a neccesity.

We absolutely love the carts, it's part of going to the Fort for us!!

 

[bxtx]

OK, I'm interested... but I've got questions!

We'll be a party of 5 - kids ages 6, 3 and 6 months so we'll be bringing our own stroller. Is there space for 5? Well, 4 plus holding baby? Is it even safe to be holding the baby?! Could I strap him into his car seat onboard?

Is there space to stash the stroller on the cart? Maybe strap it to the roof?!

HOw much do they cost for say 5 days / 1 week?

ANd how do I make a reservation?

Thanks

BX

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

I agree, if you can afford them then go for it! We love them so much we almost purchased our own this past summer but opted to continue renting from Disney for a while. I don't think the rental cost is that bad, we can rent a cart for 25 weeks (about 12 years of visits for us) cheaper than we can buy the cart (with a good trailer).

And yes, it is fun to decorate them:

 

[Colson39]

OK, I'm interested... but I've got questions!

We'll be a party of 5 - kids ages 6, 3 and 6 months so we'll be bringing our own stroller. Is there space for 5? Well, 4 plus holding baby? Is it even safe to be holding the baby?! Could I strap him into his car seat onboard?

Is there space to stash the stroller on the cart? Maybe strap it to the roof?!

HOw much do they cost for say 5 days / 1 week?

ANd how do I make a reservation?

Thanks

BX

I think 4 and one holding a baby would be fine. We have seen that plenty of times, just make sure you're driver is a safe one. Anymore than 4 plus a baby and you're really starting to push it, although if it's kids it's not that bad.

I'm not sure if you could strap him into a car seat, can't say I've ever seen it, but there might be some way to jerry rig it. I think as long as you're being safe, and you don't drive recklessly, you wouldn't have a problem.

You should be able to put the stroller across the cart somehow (depending on how big it is), unless you have a super duper stroller you should be able to fit it.

The current cost of the carts is $47 a day, and you can call the Bike Barn to reserve them (407-824-2742). Note that they have a tendency to run out rather quickly, although they have expanded the fleet, so be sure to reserve ahead of time. You can reserve up to one year in advance.

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

$47 plus tax = about $50 a day. If you rent for 7 days or more there is a 10% discount. 7 days tax include will be $315.35 exactly.

 

[bxtx]

Thanks - we're thinking of sucking it up and splurging for a golf cart from Sunday-Friday as those kids gain about 40% extra body weight once asleep. And we have giant kids anyway.

Also DH is doing the happy dance because then he doesn't have to pack the bikes either!

BX

 

[Conan the Librarian]

The only time I have ever had an electric card at WDW was when I blew my knee out while staying at Old Key West.

When we stay at the fort, we either walk, or take the bus. I figure that if the Boss can walk around Ft Wilderness (and for that matter WDW) while doing and then recovering from Chemo and Radiation treatments, I can walk anywhere she can.

Keep your carts! I'll use my legs while I can (at least until the Doc has to replace my knees!).

 

[Colson39]

Walking and riding your bikes is a great way to enjoy the Fort! The carts are just another way you can experience it, in the end, it's all fun, and that's all that matters