Is a car a must-have at AKL?

[Jet]

After much debate, my family has decided to take advantage of the Fairytale package and will be at AKL for 7 nights in July. I'm interested in hearing others' thoughts about whether a car is a must-have, especially since I know AKL is a little more remote than other resorts.

For those who have stayed there, what are your thoughts?

Also, it seems I've read about people shipping a box to their hotel prior to their stay. Is it frowned upon or OK to do this? I'm thinking of putting together a box of nonperishable food items that we could have for snacks, breakfast, etc. One less thing to pack, but don't want to go through the effort and have it get lost.

Thanks!!

 

[Gillian]

The bus service at AKL is great! It's a waste of time to use your car during the day there. If you plan to do a lot of non-park stuff in the evenings, it could be handy, but you certainly don't need a car.

 

[poohlover]

While we thought that a car would have been nice. we managed nicely without one in Nov. There were times where we would JUST miss a bus...mostly at Epcot...and my little one (4 yrs) got cranky from waiting.

Also we have 6 kids...traveling with a big group is a little harder on busses...they are getting older now so it is easier than when they were little.

Cars are not necessary...but would have been welcomed a few times during our week there.

 

[icydog]

If you want to eat in any other restaurants than Boma, Mara or Jiko you should rent a car. We always rent and love the convience it affords us. If you have to take the Mears bus a compact car could cost the same. You can $$$ by eating off site and then alone should sway you in the direction of renting a car.

 

[HM]

Personally, I think that AKL has the best bus service of any resort at WDW. They don't share with any other resorts, so it is door-to-door service and the buses run quite frequently. Don't get a car. -HM

 

[icydog]

Disagree! Since AKL is very far away from anything except the parks it takes forever to get anywhere except the parks. I also think taking buses with kids gets old quickly. I do agree it is nice to get into an air conditioned bus that is cool already, and that the AKL bus doesn't make stops, but as far as I'm concerned if you want to use any of the other WDW resort activities you cannot get there on the busses.

 

[admiral nelson]

I'm pro-car personally. I use the buses to get to the parks, etc. BUT when it comes time to eat, get groceries, the car is a blessing to have. Also when you factor transportation for 4(in my situation) by mears back and forth to the resort, PLUS to Islands of Adventure one day...it pays to get the car.

 

[jonemick]

I concur with "admiral nelson" 100%. Take your car and tour the other resorts, have a nice dinner at one of them !

 

[Minnie's Mate]

The bus service is great from all of the resorts especially the AKL...and I used to be pro-car. You just have to remember you are on vacation and you are taking things a little slower on vacation than you would in the day-to-day grind.

BTW, if it is your first stay at AKL, you will love it. It is our favorite by far.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

We like to have a car to go places other than the parks. The bus service at AKL was good, but the busses don't take you to other resorts to eat or out to get grocerys. Your decision should be based on what you are going to do outside of going to the parks. If you are going to eat at the parks and at AKL, then you won't need a car.

We loved AKL as well! The only thing we didn't like was how WARM the pool was in August-it wasn't at all refreshing.