Is a Rental Car Worth it?

[DisneyBound225]

We will be going to Universal sTudios the first 3 days of our trip and then we will be in Disney for the remainder. I was wondering what yalls thoughts were on me keeping the rental car the whole time. I think we used the car twice after check in when we went to Disney but is it cost effective for me to get the car, bring it back and find transportation back to the resort and then find transportation to the airport when we leave? The rental for the car is costling me $220 for the week. What do you think, should I keep it or no?

 

[geffric]

If it was me, I would get the car for driving to universal then stop for groceries, drive to WDW, check into the resort and turn the car in... let ME and WDW transport handle it from there..

 

[Cheshire Figment]

What would it cost to only keep the car for a few days. Normally a week rental is equal to about 4.5-5 days. Taxi from WDW to the airport is around $50.

 

[Maulfly]

What would it cost to only keep the car for a few days. Normally a week rental is equal to about 4.5-5 days. Taxi from WDW to the airport is around $50.

No idea as the DH and I are planning on using our own car for the trip. That said, you could probably get an estimate by checking out the car rental companies' online sites.


Still, doesn't WDW offer free transportation to and from the airport if you're staying on-site? I realize the automatic transport of your bags from the plane to your room and back is only if you booked your package with specific airlines...but I want to say unless you're planning on going off-site for some reason, there shouldn't necessarily be a need for a car rental, IIRC. (Have to double-check the guidebook.)

 

[SaraLouwho]

We are camping at FW in FEb and bringing our vehicles. That said the first 2 days we plan on going to Universal. Our Dis tkts don't start till the 3rd day. We are going to hop a taxi. Costs less for 4 people than the shuttle or parking, or so we have been told.

Sara Lou

 

[serendipity]

keep the car. We just got back a few weeks ago and for the first time didn't rent a car. Getting to the parks was no problem, but getting to Universal was a fuss plus anytime we had reservations for dinner at another hotel we ended up taking a cab because it was such a hassle. Next time, we'll be renting again!

 

[ahoff]

I am in favor of a car, it makes getting to and from the airport much easier, IMO. Last trip we landed at 9:30 am and were checked in by 10:30. And on the day of departure my son and I drove to AK, went on EE several times, had lunch, and made our flight at 12:30 with no problem. With ME I imagine we would be waiting a good amount of time and never would have been able to go to a park.

I only used the car one other time for dinner at a resort, the rest of the time the buses were fine.

 

[nurseypoo5]

1,000 times yes especially for meals. I found that we got to eat at more resort restaurants without having to take a bus to the park then from the park to the hotel to eat. We could go back to our resort change freshen up etc and then 10 min later be at the restaurant! We went to the grocery store, the pharmacy, out for breakfast one morning. We took 2 hour breaks each day to swim and rest, made for a much better park experience and never once had to park far away. Absolutely worth it 100%

 

[npoon]

i kind of find $220 for the week a tad high. did you try payless car rentals? i am going to rent a car and it is only costing me about $130 for an economy. but it is only for a 3 days. i get a rider for car rental on my normal car policy and charge on the visa platinum which also includes a cdw.
this is my first time renting with payless and i normally rent from hertz, thrifty, or avis (basically the other majors). i just get the cheapest car i can find because i am basically just driving to/from the airport, outlet malls, and a bit of groceries. i really enjoy the freedom and i hate waiting for the bus ( because mine always leaves just before i get there and is alwayst the fullest one)

 

[Care]

I learned that I have a coupon for a free 2-day rental from Alamo/National from an earlier promotion this autumn, so I'm considering using the coupon to rent a vehicle for a couple of the days that I'll be at WDW. Can anyone tell me the easiest way to get to the Car Care Center from the resorts? Thanks in advance!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I learned that I have a coupon for a free 2-day rental from Alamo/National from an earlier promotion this autumn, so I'm considering using the coupon to rent a vehicle for a couple of the days that I'll be at WDW. Can anyone tell me the easiest way to get to the Car Care Center from the resorts? Thanks in advance!

Call them and they will send a van to pick you up. Also, when you return the car they will take you to any park or resort on property.

 

[Care]

That's great news. Thanks, Cheshire Figment! I know that Enterprise usually offers free pick-up and drop-off, but I didn't realize that Alamo/National would offer the same at WDW. Yippee. This will certainly make it easier to park hop, return to CSR for a quick break if I feel tired, and take in a bit of shopping post-park hours.