More people renting cars?

[Meglen]

My family usally gets a towncar service from the airport to the resort than just function in the bubble. Are people noticing more people renting cars and driving themselves? Is traffic worse due to this?

My husband doesn't mind driving but we have enjoyed the "bubble" before covid. What are everyone's pros and cons? Also this year we are staying at dvc jambo if that changes any info.

 

[irazabul]

I think more people are renting cars to avoid busses due to covid. We have rented cars in the past and it gives pretty good flexibility and options in terms of shopping and dining outside of wdw. Being at DVC Jambo, having a car is also helpful as it is faster getting to certain places.

 

[Engineman02]

Or renting cars to avoid the buses because they only carry like 10 people now, meaning may have to wait forever to actually get to where you want because they fill up fast and have to wait 20-30 min for another to show up and hope you get on that bus.

 

[dislaney]

We usually do the town car service as well. We decided to rent a car this time to avoid the buses and really liked the flexibility of having our own transportation.
Pros- more flexibility, choices for food, had a trip to the drugstore as well.
Cons - does take away from the bubble, paid extra for Preferred parking - had free regular but actually felt this was so worth it.

 

[EricLaurie]

We rented a car for the first time when we went in November. We were there over Thanksgiving and anticipated traffic. Shockingly, there was none. It was nice to be able to avoid the bus and we even picked up a few meals off site. Being able to pick up a few meals was a big advantage with the condensed menu at the resort. It was nice to have more choices.

 

[YayforMickey]

We rented a car. We were there the week of Christmas. Didn't notice traffic.

 

[Bullseye]

Last time we we're there was in October. No big difference in traffic despite more renters this year. We always rent. Once you rent, you might just never go back, especially if DH doesn't mind driving.

 

[amcnj]

Has anyone encountered any problems securing a rental? I know some months back I read articles about how many rental companies were greatly reducing their fleets. But maybe they maintained sufficient stock in typically high rental locations.

 

[EricLaurie]

No issues finding a rental. We kept checking - seemed like Budget and Avis had the best rates for our dates.

 

[Engineman02]

Inventory... not an issue. Returning the car. Depending on the time of day, can take a while as the entrance to returns crosses with other traffic in the garage and can cause pretty long backups. Also they are only using the A side for returns, which may be causing the issues too. Bottom line is give an extra 20 minutes on when you think you need to be back to account for long return lines.

 

[Akck]

We first rented in September, when reports about Disney transportation were mixed. We found that being able remove masks and sit in an air conditioned car on a hot day to be a great relief versus waiting for a bus for 5-20 minutes and a 20 minute ride while wearing a mask. It was convenient to leave the bubble to run to the store and increase dining options, especially with the limited menus in the bubble. As for driving, with many locals working from home, traffic was not bad compared to pre-pandemic traffic when we took Uber to get around.

 

[Surr]

Uber/Lyft are good options too. By the time you pay for the car rental and parking fees daily you can pay for several ride share rides.

 

[Bullseye]

Has anyone encountered any problems securing a rental? I know some months back I read articles about how many rental companies were greatly reducing their fleets. But maybe they maintained sufficient stock in typically high rental locations.

I will say last year was definitely more competitive for getting cars, especially when you got within 10 days...there wasn't much to be had. Like most renters I get something booked several months out and then regularly keeping searching and replacing reservations as trip grows closer. With no more ME and RAC rental companies will be booming next year at MCO.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Rental care prices change daily at times. As soon as I have dates secured at 11 months out I choose the model I want and make the reservation (usually alamo.com). I check randomly for coupon codes and keep rebooking at lower prices until right before our trip. Prices are definitely high this year, but right now I have a Fusion (we have one at home) for 14 nights for $674. I've got it down about $50 so far and am shooting for $600 or under.

Estimated Total:

$ 674.04​

You definitely need a car at AKV! The roads may be busier this year but it will be safer and more convenient. In future years if we continue to fly we may consider a town car. Good luck!