Is it worth having a car there??

[edk35]

Just curious if having a car there while doing the CP is worth it or not? Thanks

 

[Riku]

I won't be bringing a car, mostly because I don't have a license (and I love my bike). As far as I've seen though, you probably won't use your car much. The buses to and from work are cool and there are plenty of stores in close proximity to everything.

 

[LaurenInNeverland]

There are pros and cons to both. I didn't bring a car for the program I'm on right now because I'm from California. I actually don't mind the bus system. As long as you give yourself a 30-45 minute safety window between your bus' scheduled arrival time and what time you actually have to be at work, you'll be fine. They have buses that will take you to Wal-Mart, the Post Office, and a bunch of other places.

If you do bring a car, you have more flexibility with getting to work when you want. It will definitely shorten your commute time. It's also nice if you work late-night shifts at one of the parks when everyone gets off at the exact same time and all want to get on the same bus. However, you also have to pay for gas. I know a lot of people who brought cars but only use them once or twice a week to save money. So it's really up to you. I'm getting along just fine without one, but if I end up extending I'll probably consider investing in a car just to have a bit more flexibility.

 

[DisneyHotDog]

If you can bring a car I would! My daughter is doing the CP program and she really wishes she had a car. It gives you more freedom to go and do whatever you want on the days off that you have.

 

[Riku]

Oh, just a note to add to my previous post, Florida is basically flat land, so I'll be bringing my bike. Not as fast as a car, but it's exercise, faster than walking, and I can take it whenever/wherever.

 

[Wishes91]

I would definitely bring your car if you can. I didn't bring a car with me on my first program and regretted it. The bus system does take you anywhere, but if you want to finish something outside of the bus schedule you'll have to find a friend to take you there. Getting groceries is a pain because you have to wait for the bus to pick you up and you have to carry them from the bus stop all the way to your apartment. I remember buying milk and another dairy item and had to wait 40 minutes for the bus to come back. I had to throw out the milk because i had a hole in it, etc....It was bad!

I think you should bring your car and drive it if you need groceries. Take the bus to work more so you can save money on gas.

 

[dischic89]

I'm really glad that I had my car with me. I did spend a decent amount of money on gas, but to me it was worth having the extra time.

Oh, just a note to add to my previous post, Florida is basically flat land, so I'll be bringing my bike. Not as fast as a car, but it's exercise, faster than walking, and I can take it whenever/wherever.

I *think* I remember reading in the housing rules that you were not allowed to bring your bike.

 

[taigirl87]

Oh, just a note to add to my previous post, Florida is basically flat land, so I'll be bringing my bike. Not as fast as a car, but it's exercise, faster than walking, and I can take it whenever/wherever.

I *think* I remember reading in the housing rules that you were not allowed to bring your bike.

that is correct, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, etc., are not allowed in housing property.
I think I remember it was because of safety/insurance reasons

 

[Riku]

O.O Seriously? But... that's... it really is stupid, I'm not even gonna try to be gracious about that one -_-

However, I guess looking at how the roads are set up... it would be kind of dangerous. Tourists and angry locals and stuff. Even so, thats so annoying -_- I was relying on having my bike to get me to work if I miss the bus or something.

With the no-personal-bikes in mind, I'm wishing I had a license. At least then I might be able to borrow someone's car to get stuff like groceries.

 

[taigirl87]

O.O Seriously? But... that's... it really is stupid, I'm not even gonna try to be gracious about that one -_-

However, I guess looking at how the roads are set up... it would be kind of dangerous. Tourists and angry locals and stuff. Even so, thats so annoying -_- I was relying on having my bike to get me to work if I miss the bus or something.

With the no-personal-bikes in mind, I'm wishing I had a license. At least then I might be able to borrow someone's car to get stuff like groceries.

With how big the Disney property is(you can fit all of San Fran inside of it) biking to work wouldn't really work, especially since many of the roads into the resort are major and freeway like, and no where really for bikes to go. I think the reasoning is because there isn't insurance for the bicycle riders. I know for those that bring cars they have to bring proof of insurance.

 

[edk35]

I would definitely bring your car if you can. I didn't bring a car with me on my first program and regretted it. The bus system does take you anywhere, but if you want to finish something outside of the bus schedule you'll have to find a friend to take you there. Getting groceries is a pain because you have to wait for the bus to pick you up and you have to carry them from the bus stop all the way to your apartment. I remember buying milk and another dairy item and had to wait 40 minutes for the bus to come back. I had to throw out the milk because i had a hole in it, etc....It was bad!

I think you should bring your car and drive it if you need groceries. Take the bus to work more so you can save money on gas.

You know what I was thinking about the whole grocery thing and when I read this.. IT CONFIRMED IT FOR ME....she will have her car with her then. I don't want her to have to do that. UGH THANKS!!!

 

[lilmissdisney216]

Not to mention that with a bike, there really is no real space to store the bike (you can only keep so much on your apartment balcony and that is if and only if you have a balcony to your apartment) and plus like someone said (can't remember who, sorry about that) its mostly highways onto Disney property or extremely busy streets.

That being said, I have an answer to this. I thought it was totally worth it to have my car down there! I was able to not have to use the buses to get groceries (which I tried once and it proved to be the biggest thorn in my side) and to get to the mall. Plus it gave me the luxury to go to the Mall at Milenia or even to the Super Target or Krispy Kreme. Not to mention panda express and golden corral were some of my guilty pleasures as well. On the flipside, I didn't drive my car as much to work. I would take the bus to work and then on my days off or those days when I wanted to go and park hop straight after work, I would have a convenient place to store my costume and lunchbox without having to haul it around the parks [I only worked in a park occasionally cause I was basically in DTD so the likelihood of me forgetting my costume in my park locker was high]. I saved gas this way and saved mileage between oil changes as well. Lemme know if you have any other questions!!! I'll be happy to help!!!

Meredith

Spring Advantage 2011 Alumni Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

 

[vickalamode]

I brought a car, and LOVED having it...everyone was very jealous lol. I was the only one in my 6 person apt. w/ a car so every time I needed to go to the store I would ask whoever was home at the time if they wanted to come and they would almost always jump on the opportunity lol. Besides using it to drive to work every day, it was awesome because it allowed my friends and I to do things like go to Tampa, Cocoa Beach, spend a few days in Miami etc. It was well worth having it there! I literally only took the bus one time-and that was when my roommates and I went to House of Blues in DTD and were drinking, so obviously I didn't want to drive! But I HATED the bus the one time I took it, lol. Maybe because it was wicked crowded full of drunk people all going to House of Blues....

 

[Jayana]

O.O Seriously? But... that's... it really is stupid, I'm not even gonna try to be gracious about that one -_-

However, I guess looking at how the roads are set up... it would be kind of dangerous. Tourists and angry locals and stuff. Even so, thats so annoying -_- I was relying on having my bike to get me to work if I miss the bus or something.

With the no-personal-bikes in mind, I'm wishing I had a license. At least then I might be able to borrow someone's car to get stuff like groceries.

If somebody likes you enough to let you borrow a car, I'm sure they wouldn't mind taking a trip to the grocery store with you. I know I've been that person without a car or license in my dorms before, and it was horrible having to ask for rides, so now that I have a car I'll be making sure I offer!

 

[AllyCatAria]

If somebody likes you enough to let you borrow a car, I'm sure they wouldn't mind taking a trip to the grocery store with you. I know I've been that person without a car or license in my dorms before, and it was horrible having to ask for rides, so now that I have a car I'll be making sure I offer!

I know that if you bring your own car, you have to meet Florida's insurance coverage policies. I know that we're stricter than a lot of states. So you might have to ammend your policy to include personal injury protection and property damage liability.

And before anyone lends out their vehicle, they should check with their policy to make sure that they are covered if that person has an accident while in your car. I, personally, would never let someone else drive my car. Driving in Florida, and especially Orlando is bad enough as it is; not to mention the over-zealous cops we have here.

 

[edk35]

I know that if you bring your own car, you have to meet Florida's insurance coverage policies. I know that we're stricter than a lot of states. So you might have to ammend your policy to include personal injury protection and property damage liability.

And before anyone lends out their vehicle, they should check with their policy to make sure that they are covered if that person has an accident while in your car. I, personally, would never let someone else drive my car. Driving in Florida, and especially Orlando is bad enough as it is; not to mention the over-zealous cops we have here.

I will call USAA but I am thinking we are good to go. My daughter will not lend out her car but I am sure she will be more than happy to take people to the store.

 

[AllyCatAria]

I will call USAA but I am thinking we are good to go. My daughter will not lend out her car but I am sure she will be more than happy to take people to the store.

I think it's good that she's coming with a car. I'm bringing mine. I'll probably use the Disney buses sometimes to save on gas, but it's going to be so nice to have the freedom of getting groceries at 2 in the morning after a long shift. Or hitting a fast food joint on the way "home".

And this way she can also enjoy the rest of Florida on her days off. There's tons of beaches; Daytona's fairly close. St. Augustine is a little bit farther, but absolutely worth the trip. And there's a lot of neat (often free/cheap) stuff that happens in the Tampa Bay area.

If you have any questions about the Florida outside of Disney, don't hesitate to ask. I've lived all around the Central FL area. The only place I couldn't help you out is Miami, and more southern FL.

 

[Riku]

Anyone willing to be paid in baked goods and food stuff for rides? I'd love to go to those beaches and stuff, as well as do midnight grocery shopping ^_^

 

[thatcrazydisneygirl]

I took my car and drove it a little over a thousand miles in order to have it! I just could not justify paying the insurance bills for it while it sat in my garage at home. I also knew that I would be able to pack significantly more items driving vs. flying. For those of you that are bringing a car, make sure that your name appears on the title and the insurance information. Your parents name is not acceptable. If you need to contact your insurance company to add your name to the paperwork then do so. Too many people were unable to use their cars at first because they failed to bring the proper documents!

 

[jaeastman]

I had a car and it was amazing. I loved it because I could go and come as I wanted. Biking would be silly. There isn't a ton of things around just to bike to without being really exhausted.

Also, borrowing someone else's car is bad. The security guys remember who drives what car a lot of time and they'll notice if you're not the car's owner. That can get both you and your nice friend in trouble so be careful!