Help Me Decided. Should We Rent A Car?

[vacationsareamust]

I have been research WDW transportation system. It seems to be alright if you are going to just the parks. However, we have ps for dinner every night. Most are at another resort. I don't want to spend 60-90 mins traveling with three kids (8,4,1), a double stroller, dh and my brother. They will drive me crazy! It will take this long if we go back to our hotel room to shower and dress for dinner. I didn't think getting around Disney would be so time consuming. I could bring a change of clothing to the parks with us and change in the bathroom. This way I would only have to take one bus instead of two . I really didn't plan on renting a car(minvan or suv) plus I would need two child seats. We will be renting a car one week prior to WDW since we will be visiting my mil in Tampa. We are trying hard not to rent a car for two weeks and save some money. Any suggestions?

 

[MEK]

While some people care about what resort and exactly what room they stay in, I care more about negotiating my way around WDW with the least amount of hassle. Therefore, I always rent a car. It makes everything so much easier. A van or SUV is a lot more expensive, however. If you can do it, rent a full size car. There should be enough room for 2 car seats and 3 kids. It's not something you would want to do at home, but you'll only be doing it for short drives.

The nice thing about the car is that you will be able to get to all your PS with minimum hassel. You can also take quick side trips to the grocery store for water, juice, ect. You could also considering renting a car part of your trip from the Care Car Center or from the Alamo pickup from National/Alamo near the Swan/Dolphin.

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max is my favorite cat!

 

[Disneyjosh229]

While some people care about what resort and exactly what room they stay in, I care more about negotiating my way around WDW with the least amount of hassle. Therefore, I always rent a car. It makes everything so much easier. A van or SUV is a lot more expensive, however. If you can do it, rent a full size car. There should be enough room for 2 car seats and 3 kids. It's not something you would want to do at home, but you'll only be doing it for short drives.

The nice thing about the car is that you will be able to get to all your PS with minimum hassel. You can also take quick side trips to the grocery store for water, juice, ect. You could also considering renting a car part of your trip from the Care Car Center or from the Alamo pickup from National/Alamo near the Swan/Dolphin.

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max is my favorite cat!

I agree that it will make your experince much more enjoyable. Although a full size will be much cheaper, as far as buckeling the kids in thier car seats, it might be easier to have a van. Whatever you decide, have a good time!

 

[OceanAnnie]

I probably wouldn't get a car. We take a leisurely approach to the parks. We always take a break during the day. Take a swim and rest/nap before going back to the parks in the afternoon.

How are you planning on seeing the parks? Are you planning on taking a break mid day with the kids (esp. 1 year old)? If so, I'd probably plan the afternoon around where our reservations are.

I'd try to be somewhat close to where we'd need to be. I'd be dressed for the occasion. Nothing fussy. Maybe take in a park nearest the resort each time. See a show if one is relatively near. Or tour the grounds of the resort prior to the reservation time. Keep it casual, stay cool.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Yhea, it all depends on your "approach" if you will. If your going to be at the parks all day every day, I would suggest one. But if you are going to go back to the hotel and take a rest and lounge around, I would suggest the investment.

 

[canwegosoon]

I think you have other options:
1) you don't mention which resort you are at...but if you are at SSR you could walk to DTD and then take a bus directly to the resort with your PS.
2) If you are not near DTD, then take a bus to the closest park to you and then get the resort bus or take the first park bus that arrives, and again take a bus from the park to the resort.
3) if your Ps is at CM for example, taking a bus to MK or Epcot and then a monorail will be quicker than trying to get a bus to the Contemporary.
4) If it seems you are short on time, get a VAN taxi, bell services will order one for you, to get you to your PS, and take the bus home. I took a cab from SSR to the Dolphin (to rent a car for a day) and it was reasonable still cheaper than renting a car for a week(they can estimate the cost for you).
5) rent a car for a day making use of locations...eg. pick up car at about the time of you PS for the next day for a restaurant near the Swan. Use the car night #1 to get to your PS and pick up late night groceries or souvies at Belz the next day, use the car to park hop on day #2, get back to your hotel, change and leave enough time to drop off the car at Swan and get to you PS on day 2(hopefully near the Swan ). You should be able to get a decent rate on a 1 day full size car(or mini van) through National or alamo. Also be aware there is a 1/2 day rate for cars, but you might have to ask when you get there...call early and reserve.
6) as a long shot ...DO the DVC preview if you are eating at SSR or DTD...will not save you time, but they will pick you up, and you might get some nice freebies. Take any bus to the congress park buildings and walk 5 minutes to DTD or take the boat.
As you can tell...I love plans...A, B,C,D....

 

[LIFERBABE]

Meal Reservations can be like Golden Handcuffs at WDW.

We always get a car and having PS's all over WDW can still be very time consuming. Im all for a great sit down meal, but we never truly realized how big WDW is until we drove from one resort area to another trying to make it to Ps's.

If you are going to be in the parks, try to coincide your ressies with that park or resort area even with a car.

Meals are a huge part of the WDW experience, and you may find yourself cutting your days shorter than what you would like to make your PS's on time.

I personally would rent a car if I was planning on dining at a different resort each night.

 

[vacationsareamust]

There are 3 adults and three kids, two of which need car seats.

We are staying @ POR near DTD..

Here's my itinerary,

MK-Dinner CRT
MK-Dinner Calif Grill
Water Park-Dinner Artist Point
Epcot- PSB and Dinner LeCellier
AKL-Dinner Boma
Water Park-Dinner Yachtsman
MGM- Lunch Sci Fi and Dinnner DTD Wolfgang Puck Cafe


I'm also concern if we have to stand on the bus. It would be impossible to keep my 1yr old still but renting a van would be too much money.

 

[Bob P]

The only one I see that you would need a car for is Boma.

If cost is a concern then you could just take a taxi to and from AKL, which would be much cheaper than renting a car for the whole time you are there. A car would be convenient but it looks like you will not be doing a lot of direct resort-to-resort traveling.

Hope this helps,

Bob

 

[LIFERBABE]

I agree, Taxi may be the way to go.

Budgeting for a taxi will give you more flexibility and save over a rental, since it looks like you will be in the parks on the days of your PS's. If you are running behind, get a taxi.

Still allow an hour travel time when travelling from POR to any PS in the parks or at a resort. Even the boat from POR to DTD can take 30 to 40 min. especially if you have to wait on it.

Will taxi's have car seats?

 

[canwegosoon]

The other place I would consider a taxi for is AP...a bus to MK plus a water taxi from MK to WL is a long time (the alternative is a bus to a park , and WL bus to hotel) either choice is long. Happily it seems most of your PS are at the parks you plan on visiting( so you don't need to make an extra trip). I would do the Van Taxi's for 2 meals...it is still a lot cheaper than renting a car, and if you do have enough time you can take the bus. The only other variable is your transportation back to the airport...what are you doing for that?
As far as going back to change, I wouldn't...bring a clean shirt for the kids(or everyone) and perhaps nice sandals for you(all of that should fit in a small locker(or in the bottom of the double stroller in zip lock bags)..if you must change I would do it at the hotel where you are eating), but there are very few restaurants that you need to be dressed up for(only V&A as far as I know). You and DH and Brother can always wear nicer clothes to parks before meals...it's the kids that get really dirty. Bring wipes to freshen up, and a hair brush...but don't over do!!! Hoping you have a great trip.

 

[vacationsareamust]

Most of the restaurants have a dress code. Which means we have to go back to our rooms , shower and dress for dinner. Then take a taxi from our resort? How much does a taxi cost? Do I need a van taxi or will a regular one fit six people.?

We will be using ME going home.

Thanks
Vicki

 

[Bob P]

If you tell the taxi compcnay you have six they will send a van. Most rides will cost around $10-12 plus tip each way.

No need to dress for these restaurants unless you want to. AP and CG ask for "resort casual" whch means no swimwear and no tank tops for men.

Bob

 

[vacationsareamust]

I was told that CG and AP was Business casual. We are going in July . Which means we will be in shorts and tank tops. I thought the men have to wear pants(dockers) and a casual shirt.

 

[crisi]

Shorts and tank tops are out for CG and AP.

I'd do a van taxi. We do that a lot at WDW. Just ask Bell Services at the resort to call you one.

Whatever you do, with kids that young and that schedule you are going to be spending far more time traveling and resting and eating than you anticipate. Particularly those restaurants, where long leisurely meals are the norm. A taxi is faster than either driving or Disney transportation.

 

[Bob P]

They suggest you wear pants and a casual shirt, but they will not turn you away if you are wearing shorts. Again, they are just trying to avoid tank tops on men and swimwear on anyone.

 

[StrwLady]

We normally do not rent a car. But during out November trip we took one day out to go to Kennedy Space Center. The car sat idle most days except for the Kennedy Trip and the day my son did the Priate Cruise at the Grand Floridan. We stayed at the WL so it was very nice to be able to drive to the GF rather then bus to TTC and monorail to the GF. This trip we are not sure if we will go off site. Possibly will do Sea World or back to Kennedy. I did rent a car anyway. Got a rate of $138 for the week. That’s for a full size car and just a tad more then we pay with tip to Tiffany.

Take Care
Jamie

 

[crisi]

They suggest you wear pants and a casual shirt, but they will not turn you away if you are wearing shorts. Again, they are just trying to avoid tank tops on men and swimwear on anyone.

You are right...but NICE shorts - cut offs fall in the tank top category. I have plenty of shorts I'd stroll into CG wearing. And a few that I wouldn't.

Generally speaking, places like CG and AP are used to "dressy park attire." Have your husband wear a shirt with a collar and khaki shorts (or have him wear his tank top and through a "tropical" shirt in the day bag for him to pull out and put over the top.

It can be hard to pull this off in July though, when everyone really feels a need to take a shower before dinner.

 

[Bob P]

You are right...but NICE shorts - cut offs fall in the tank top category.

Agreed! That's what I meant, thanks for the clarification!

 

[vacationsareamust]

We have decided to use a van taxi. Its much easy and cheaper than renting a car. Also dh and brother will be wearing nice shorts and a collar shirts to dinner. Will be heading back to our room to shower and change too. Thanks again for helping me decided! Can't wait to get to Disney we only have 24 left! :