Is Rental Car Absolutely Necessary?

[dafrica]

I'm staying at the Hilton Bonnet Creek. I'm not sure about the shuttle service in July. Are any of the parks close enough to walk to or should I just rent a car and save ourselves a lot of wasted time. We only have 3 days.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[3pletprincesses]

We stayed there in May and we took the shuttle a few times however keep in mind that although you can make it to rope drop, the first return bus to the resort is not before noon. Also last month, a bus got full and we had to wait for the next ... 1 hour later. I would honestely rent a car if I was you. You can probably get a current schedule for the shuttles at the Bonnet Creek thread in the orlando hotels and attraction section.

 

[seashoreCM]

It is much better to have a car if you plan on staying in the park late.

Corey Sandler, in his Econoguide tour books (1990's vintage), mentions that if you missed the last shuttle, then you have to find your own transportation.

A recently published shuttle schedule (for Bonnet Creek) only says first come first served. What if people are already at the park bus platform and the last shuttle can't take them all?

Or at least you should take the stance that the only purpose of the last bus or train or whatever is for the people who missed the second to last bus or train or whatver.

Now when you are already at the park, just use Disney buses for park hopping.

On another forum someone mentioned $75. for a taxi from the Magic Kingdom loading area (TTC) to Bonnet Creek. That seems way out of line to me.

 

[rwdavis2]

I agree. If you're staying offs site rent a car. We rent one even when staying on site. It can be a much quicker trip to the parks and between parks. You can go when you want to. Trips to the grocery if necessary.

 

[vicki_c]

PS - there's no walking possible from Bonnet Creek to the parks.

 

[Alesia]

I would say that, when staying offsite, a rental is absolutely necessary. There is nothing that is in walking distance and shuttle service is fairly infrequent. Cabs are always an option, but one way to MK will be between $20 and $25, so that will add up pretty quickly.

 

[dafrica]

Thanks to all for the wonderful advice! It looks like we'll be renting a car!

 

[Brian Noble]

Wise choice. You'll be happy.