Need advise--DisneyTrans vs car rental?

[DisneyDame27]

Heading to Disney in April. Last two trips were a nightmare waiting for buses. Any advise about car rentals would be greatly appreciated! I've nevere driven while down there - is it crazy? Please advise. I really don't want to waste time waiting for buses any more!!!

 

[safetymom]

Driving on Disney property is pretty easy. If you just follow the signs you should be able to get where you need to.

Only place I would suggest a bus is MK. It drops you off at the front of the park instead of taking a monorail or boat.

 

[ChrisNif]

Just my two cents but in 8 trips (and 2 planned for '05 including my honeymoon in about 2 months...) i have never returned to the car after driving 1100 miles to disney and looking at 1100 return trip, i just let disney drive. I've never experienced any long wait for buses. The only thing i dislike is getting from hotel to hotel is longer then i'd like, but if you know where to transfer its ok.

YMMV
Chris

 

[ncbyrne]

I agree that waiting for a bus on vacation is NOT fun. We always rent a car. There are lots of great posts about how to get the best rates at MCO. Search the threads here on the Transportation board for lots of tips.
http://www.mousesavers.com/rentalcar.html has information on every car rental company available.
http://www.rentalcodes.com/ this sites lists codes that can save $ too.

 

[MrIncreadable]

I don't know all your plans but I have found that a if you are not planning on going anywhere outside the park (Universal, Seaworld Etc.) you basically don't need a rental car. Our last trip we had 9 people and we had a towncar service pick us up at the airport and we never missed having a car the entire week and a half. We did go to universal twice and again we used a towncar service (Most have larger vans if needed) the price for the towncar service compaired to a rental was about the same except we did not have to worry about directions, Parking or driving.

Good Luck, Hope this helped some

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

We have never rented a car either, but in April, right now thru National I got an 8 day rental for $127.00

Here's how:
Go thru mousesavers.com for a link to a free emerald club membership.
Once you log into the Emerald Club: Use priceless contract code 6600330, and coupon code 10009123, from the entertainment book

If you don't have the entertainment book, you can go to that website, and print one.

We have always used a towncar, but for that price decided to rent. I expect we will still use Disney transportation, quite often, but I think it will be nice to have the option.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Although th Disney Buses are very good we prefer to rent a car. It's very cheap and the convenience is well worth it. Just using it for the airport and to the hotel makes the trip start off easier.
Right now I have a 10 day rental booked for $197.00

 

[skeeterbug]

We have done both. Disney transportation went great, but we look at the car rental as a savings. By eating outside of Disney for just 2 meals, and stopping at a grocery store for breakfast items and snacks, you have more than made up the cost of a rental. We drive ourselves to the water parks and use the buses for the theme parks.

 

[beattyfamily]

We've relied on Disney transporation once and have rented ever since. It's just part of our budget now. We couldn't go back. We enjoy having the freedom and choice to either use the bus or our car. It's great for off site, DTD, visiting other resorts, etc...

Getting to Disney and around Disney is VERY easy. Last year I took a trip with just my DDs and no DH so I had to drive. I was a bit nervous but I did just fine! No problems at all.

Look for discount codes and go from there. I prefer National and am an Emerald Club member so I get to bypass the counter and pick my car and leave.

Good luck!