If you've gone to WDW without a car...

[DisneyDotty]

Here's another vote for no car. We went for 10 days in June without a rental and really enjoyed the no-stress feeling. It was almost like we arrived at "Fantasy Island" without a care in the (Walt Disney) world! Not having a car helps contribute to our overall feeling of escapism...
Enjoy your trip...There's always Disney transportation nearby, or if need be, a cab...

 

[Luv2Roam]

When we vacationed here, we did not rent a car. One time we had one for a few days and was HAPPY to turn it in. It was cumbersome, as at that time we did not know our way around. The car created more stress than helped.
We use to use a town car service. Instead of a half hour grocery stop, I would use the half hour stop at a Disney outlet.

 

[pooch]

also been wondering about this. we rented a car each time we came to wdw (1984, 89 & 99) but i'm thinking not this time. Last time, we used it on our arrival day to cruise Orlando, not necessary IMHO, and to go to Universal for 1 day, other than that, it sat in the parking lot of the resort. With ME, we don't need it to get to & from the airport and I'm guessing I could get a taxi or something to Universal and back for much less than the cost of a rental car for 8 days. We're gonna try carless this time!

 

[pennst8r]

We never rent a car. We use FL Tours, who will even stop at a grocery store if you choose. And if you find you really want to go somewhere--you can rent a car from the front desk at (at least some if not all) Disney Resorts for the day. I think we were at POR (back when it was Dixie Landings) the last time we did that.

 

[qman]

In our first trip in 11/03 we were disappointed with the Mears service from the airport to WDW due to delays at the airport waiting for an available van and waiting for that that van to fill. The return trip, in which Mears used a bus, was much better. Before ME came along we were going to use a car service.

Disney transportation to and from the parks was great, maybe a rental car would have been a little faster, but given that Disney service is free they win hands down.

The downside is you are "trapped" on Disney property so off-site cheap eats and/or grocery store runs are not available.

Someone mentioned "wegoshop", what is that.

 

[Disneymaddness]

Wegoshop is a grocery delivery service. We used it in July and it worked out great. Also, we don't rent a car, just use Disney transportation. That is part of the adventure for us. We have met some very interesting people on the bus. It works out fine for us.

 

[pennst8r]

www.wegoshop.com is a website that will go shopping for you and deliver it--but for a fee.

Another reason we never got a rental car is that we would have needed 3 car seats, and a rental (minivan) big enough to put them in safely. I never wanted to bring our own car seats, that left us renting those, too.

We tried Mears, too. 3 hour wait with 2 small kids at the time.

 

[grinningghost]

Wow, thanks for all the great responses. I think I'm going to like not having a car. For one thing, it will keep me away from those stupid flea markets and outlet malls.

I'll just have to spend more money in Disney shops - awwwww...

 

[ktink]

We flew last year and decided to fly again w/ the $39 fare. And we loved relying on WDW transportation! In fact before the airfares came out and we were planning on driving we had decided to park the truck and still use WDW transportation. I think it'll work out fine for you.

 

[SnoweyWhite]

Of all of our trips to WDW, we've never used a car once we got on property. We have always relied on Disney transportation and never had any problems. I think you will find it convenient and reliable. Have a great trip!!!

 

[eclectics]

Only had the car once and never even used it except for the trip to Universal (shhhhhhh) I love WDW transportation. Driving is work and that's one thing I don't want to do on vacation. Maybe with a lot of kids and not much time, it's different and worth it, but for just us two and a non-commando schedule, give me the monorail, bus, and boat!

 

[BandGeek911]

We never bought a rental car and we've always taken the buses, monarails, and boats!! We really enjoy taking the buses!!!

 

[HaleyB]

We drive to WDW so we always have a car with us, but we never use. We need to write down where we park it because it is hard to remember after a week. Climbing into the car signals the end of our vacation.

My kids find riding the bus fun. We get to talk about our day and meet people. It is a unique experience for them, we don't really use "public" transportion at home since we live in the burbs.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

When I stayed at POFQ this year I thought I would never not have a car again! We waited for over 45 min for a bus back from Epcot. When you have a toddler it is not fun!!

On the other hand, when we stayed on the 3rd leg of our trip at WL we had a car, and we did not use it as much, but we enjoy the freedom of not having to wait for a bus. We only left the property two times in 10 nights

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

We have never been to WDW, but even as I type, I am sweating and shaking from the mere idea that people might spend a week ANYWHERE without access to a car! Before you scream at me, remember that I'm from southern CAlifornia, where we live in our cars!

We are using ME for the Airport portions of our trip, but I have a small SUV reserved at Budget in Downtown Disney the morning after we arrive. I just couldn't bring myself to go carless. I thought about it, but nausea set in quickly. One morning we'll need to drive to Typhoon Lagoon for surfing lessons at 6:30 am. Besides, we are going to (maybe) visit the space center one day and the kids want to sniff out a Sonic drive-in. Yes, we're simple people!

But I suppose the most compelling reason I want to rent a car in WDW is that I would really love to buy gas where it doesn't cost $2.89 a gallon!

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

Our first trip in 1994 we rented a car, it sat the entire time we were in WDW!! May 2000 and April 2002 we drove, the van sat the entire time we were in WDW!!! All other trips we flew into MCO, rented a towncar and got dropped off and picked up at our resort. NO NEED FOR A CAR!!! The WDW transportation system in GREAT in our opinion INCLUDING the busses!!!

 

[jenimay]

We are renting a minivan for our entire trip in October only because it was so cheap for the week at $190, and we would have needed one on day 5-7 as we're leaving WDW and going to the beach and NASA.

Jeni

 

[HaleyB]

...One morning we'll need to drive to Typhoon Lagoon for surfing lessons at 6:30 am. Besides, we are going to (maybe) visit the space center one day and the kids want to sniff out a Sonic drive-in.

Sonic is yummy.. but really you don't need a car. You can take a cab to TL for around $20 or less... and the Space Center is cool, but I wouldn't give up a day at WDW to see it (unless there was a launch).

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Sonic is yummy.. but really you don't need a car. You can take a cab to TL for around $20 or less... and the Space Center is cool, but I wouldn't give up a day at WDW to see it (unless there was a launch).

This is our one and only trip to WDW and Florida before the older DD goes off to college! We are going to mosey over to the Atlantic Ocean (because we can see the Pacific from our house, but we've never put our tootsies into the Atlantic!) and the space center, sonic, and maybe even go have a meal at Emeril's. These are the sorts of things my kids like! To make matters worse, we'll be ditching one of our ADRs!

Can't wait to get there!!

 

[Disneynutbsv]

I've never gone down and not rented a car except for this time. Of course, I've never stayed On property before. I'm so excited about not having to bother with a rental car!