If you could squeeze a car rental into your budget....

[antkim]

Would you? I know the transportation will be O.K. BUT we are traveling with our 16 month old this trip as well as our 6 year old. I know the transportation to MK and Epcot will be fine but it's DTD,BB,MGM and AK that I think might give us some grief. We could use the car to get back and forth quicker. So although I know the transporation would "do" I'm thinking we might be better off with a car. I have never stayed at FW so I am looking for honest answers!! I would rather "splurge" and have the car than have a unhappy 16 month old...so what's your view?

Kim

 

[G00fyDad]

We are renting a car. Couldnt go without one. We just like having the freedom to go where we want and when we want. The only real downside (other than cost) seems to be the fight to get out of the parks parking lot at night.

 

[campingcorgi]

If I could splurge it would be for a golf cart. It will take you right to the direct buses or boats and it will also let you really enjoy all the campground has to offer. It is also a great way to get the little one to sleep at night. We did that many nights when our now 5 year old was a toddler. She'd conk out on that back seat in my lap! It would probably be your kids favorite ride, too! The buses and boats aren't too bad, really.

 

[LMC]

I would splurge on a golf cart too, like CampingCorgi.

While you will have to take the internal bus to the outpost to catch a bus to go to DTD, BB, MGM, etc. I don't think you will be doing alot of going back and forth to the parks. We just went with our 4,6,9 year olds and I thought for sure that I'd have to take breaks with our 4yo and special needs 9yo but they managed fine. My theory for the little ones is that if they are tired, they will sleep in the buggies.

The golf cart is terrific when you get off the bus/boat at the end of the night (they have parking corrals to use during the day) and you won't have to walk back to your car in huge theme park parking lots. IMHO, parking at the parks is a BIG hassle. It is just easier to take the buses. We just got back in January and we only drove to the park one time. We rode the buses the rest of the time.

 

[antkim]

Well we have a gold cart rented as well! LOL I thought the only area that you could "park" the golf cart was the marina area. Can you park it at the "bus" pick up as well?

Thanks!

Kim

 

[pammypooh]

We never rent a car, but always rent a golf cart. So here's another vote for that. Besides, its really fun tooling around FW on the golf cart. (And after driving from PA, even if it is in a Motorhome, nobody wants to drive for a while!) Have a great trip!

Pam

 

[the kabuki]

We just rented a car for the first time at WDW, and it was terrific. I loved not having to wait for the buses, standing in the aisles, carrying the little ones at the end of the night, trying to find room for the stroller and all those packages. Plus, we were able to venture off site for food and groceries which saved $.

Especially with a 16 month old, it would be much nicer to have a car. Getting around the area isn't all that difficult, there's signs everywhere. The parking lot isn't that much farther that the bus stop area either. Keep checking for deals , they change everyday. Mousesavers.com has some good codes for specials.

BTW, with your group I would recommend renting from one of the 5 car rental companies that are onsite at the airport , most of them have online preregistration, Dollar has something called FASTLANE; another one has Emerald Isle club; It makes it much faster to get your car when you've preregistered.

Regarding the parking lots at closing, we never had a problem getting out, but then we were there during a slower season. Try to time it so you're not in the "rush" to leave- stay in the park a little longer or leave a little earlier and you should be fine.

 

[G00fyDad]

Regarding the parking lots at closing, we never had a problem getting out, but then we were there during a slower season. Try to time it so you're not in the "rush" to leave- stay in the park a little longer or leave a little earlier and you should be fine.

Just use Clark Griswold's idea. Park in the back so you'll be the first out. LOL

 

[antkim]

O.K. I'm convinced....we are getting a car! LOL We have never NOT had a car at WDW. Although we do not always use it...it's ncie to have the option and with the 16 month old I think the "option" is important.

Thanks guys!

Kim

 

[risy]

Well we have a gold cart rented as well! LOL I thought the only area that you could "park" the golf cart was the marina area. Can you park it at the "bus" pick up as well?

The bus stops are EXTREMELY close to the cabins. We request to be close to the bus stop, and every time we are right there! You will not need a golf cart or car or stroller to get to the bus stop.

Disney Transportation takes you right to the gate at each park. If you drive to parks like MK, you do not go to the gate. You go to the huge parking lot. Then you ride the tram to the gates. Then you board a Monorail or a Ferry Boat.

Be sure you don't leave during the last 90 minutes that the patk is open, because all the systems get over crowded.

By contrast, resort boats and busses drop you off at the gates, and pick you up there, too.

Much depends on when you are travelling, too. Golf carts seem like a great advantage!! You can totally skip the busses...

 

[campingcorgi]

Yes, there are golf cart parking areas by the campfire, the trading posts, the marina, both main bus stops, and the playgrounds.

Have fun!

 

[the kabuki]

GoofyDad- that thought went through my mind too while we were there!!