ME & Disney Transportation vs. Rental Car

[Native NYer]

I'm not sure what to do for our August trip. We're going during Free Dining and I'm not sure how that will effect crowds on Disney transportation. I'm traveling with 2 other adults and 2 children, ages 2 and 6. Would a rental be easier? Or should we just rely on Disney transportation this time?

 

[goofy4tink]

I have seldom had an issue with any Disney transportation. When using DME to get to the resort, it takes an average of 70 mins..from gate to resort. Your bags do take a bit longer....up to 4 hrs after resort checkin (not arrival at the airport!!).
Then, it looks like you'll be at BLT..so let's figure on that resort....you are at BLT and you want to go to, say, AK. Ok, you go down to the bus stop and wait for the AK bus to come. You could have a wait of 2 mins or you could have just missed the bus and face a 15-20 min wait. Versus, having a rental car. You walk out to the parking lot, get into your car and then drive to AK, where you now need to find a parking spot and either walk to the park entrance, or take the tram. Then, reverse that when it's time to leave.
Of course, when using Disney buses, you will be sharing a route with a few other resorts (or, multiple stops within your own resort). I can't remember what resorts CR/BLT now share with..but it's probably two other resorts.

So...if you are the type person who just wants to 'get going' and stop dillydallying, then a rental car may be the best bet. I don't mind the extra time spent using the buses, but others hate it.

 

[Native NYer]

Thanks!
We have had no issue with Disney transportation in the past. But this is the first time we're traveling with a 2 yr old and going during Free Dining. Last year, when my nephew was a year old, we had a rental car. I'm not sure what the crowds are like during free dining.

Depending on the rental rates, it may be best to save the money and take a taxi here and there.

 

[carol-lamb]

I just went to WDW during Easter and it was the first time I didn't rent a car. I was the only adult (I took my daughter & friend for senior trip) and didn't want to have to do all the driving myself. The one thing I was most worried about was how long we would have to wait for buses because of the Easter crowds. Well, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the buses. The longest we waited was 15 minutes and that was from our resort - CBR - to DHS one evening. I especially liked getting into an air conditioned bus and not a boiling hot car that has been sitting in a parking lot all day!

 

[Dorisk3]

I would rent the car. The one and only trip we ever did the bus, we regreted it the whole time. We had 2 strollers and took midday trips and it felt like we were on the bus constantly. I always scratch my head at those that love riding those buses, and to each his own, but from my experience a car makes for a much more enjoyable trip.

 

[a1tinkfans]

We have used ME and buses thru Free dine many times without issue. Just a personal choice I guess....

 

[PA Princess]

I would take the bus. We have made numerous trips during FD (including one last Christmas) and we have used the buses with very few problems.

Like you mentioned, if you hit a snag on transportation - just grab a cab. These are fairly plentiful around at the resorts and parks.

Also, do not underestimate the stress of navigating the roadways of Disney - the place is huge!

 

[ancestry]

I too think the buses work just fine and in most cases you don't need a rental car. With multiple adults I think the buses are better as you can split up a lot easier if necessary without having to worry about who has the rights to the rental car.