New to SSR - Car or no Car?

[Mike Bartenhagen]

My parents recently purchased points at SSR. We will be making our first trip in October of this year. Just curious how many people rent vehicles for their entire stay and how many just get transportaion to and from the airport.

Mike

 

[Coach Rick]

I like paying for convenience, so I will always rent a car. Last stay was at the Poly, and of all the locations you least need a car for that one, but we had one, put about 100 miles on it in the week we were there, but knowing we could just go out any time we wanted was a comfort to us.

 

[BEACHCLUBVILLAS]

We are also going in October for a week to stay at SSR. We are not renting a car and will use Disney transportation. If you don't go off site you probably don't need one. But, if you like to dine at different resorts, Disney transportation will add an hour and half to each end of your reservation because you have take a bus to a park and then catch anther bus to SSR. Or you could walk to Downtown Disney and catch a bus. It could be a lot of walking. I guess it all depends on how leisurely you want to take getting from one place to another.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We've done Mears shuttle and town car service to and from the airport before. This time we rented a car for our weeklong stay and it was the best decision we made in regards to our trip. It was great to not have to be at the mercy of the WDW bus system and to come and go as we please. It was worth every penny! We wouldn't do it any other way from now on.

 

[Pinnie]

We always rent a car. Nothing like the convenience! For instance, if we are at the MK, and feel like grabbing a burger at Beaches and Cream, we can be there in a heartbeat using the car instead of relying on Disney transportation.

We also like it for getting around to places like PUBLIX, the outlet malls, and even offsite for a dinner at Olive Garden before a marathon or race!

pinnie

 

[kweaver]

We generally use Disney transport for everything...and we always have our own van with us. Without a car, I guess the only problem that would come up would be if we wanted to go to the Boardwalk...and we'd probably call a cab.

If you're staying at SSR...I wouldn't bother. You can get a grocery stop through the limo services.

 

[DrTomorrow]

We always rent a car, but it is primarily for the convenience of going off-site. Picking things up at a grocery store, eating at one of the zillion non-Disney restaurants - these are what we primarily use our car for. For on-site travel, we prefer to use Disney Transport - we prefer the relaxed approach to getting around: relaxed meaning we don't have to drive and battle traffic and park.

 

[eporter66]

It all depends on what your needs are. We never had an issue w/ using Disney transportation - it always served us well.

We just got back from SSR and for whatever reason - we decided to rent a car. It was simple and a great all around experince. We used National - and had no complaints. We did not really go off-site, but it was so easy to get around WDW, and convienent.

Honestly - if your trip revolves around just doing the parks, you probably do not need one. If on the other hand - convience is the key - get a car! We did explore more - driving around the world. And if you want to eat at one of the hotels, we love Artists Point at Wilderness Lodge - the car makes it much easier.

 

[tjkraz]

For what it's worth, the Dolphin resort has a National / Alamo car rental desk. If you want to do a car rental on your arrival and departure days only (pick up some groceries, off-site shopping, etc) you can save a few bucks by picking up at the airport and returning to the desk at the Dolphin (and vice-versa).

Once you've left the car at the Dolphin, you can use Disney transportation to catch up to the rest of our group.

 

[jomik1]

We have a 5 day trip planned in August and a 6 day trip planned for next March/April. We are renting a car for both.

We will primarily use Disney Transportation to get to the parks but we like to have the car for going to and from the airport and for going off site (grocery shopping, etc).

For us, we like the added convenience of having the car at our disposal but I would definately say it isn't necessary.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We always drive down now, but when we used to fly, we always rented a car.
The convenience just can't be beat, especially if you are going to visit some of the hotels, play golf, etc etc.

 

[Simba's Girl]

We're going to SSR (BWV waitlist) in Dec. We are driving down so we will have a car. This will be the first time we will have a car down there. To tell the truth I am looking foward to it for the simple convineience of not having to fold my stroller/kids carrier and lug it on the bus - every time. We will be using the busses for some things probably too. But the convienience of having a car in the lot that you can chauffer your tired kids (sleeping) to is very appealing to me at the moment!

 

[Ksp]

Originally posted by tjkraz
For what it's worth, the Dolphin resort has a National / Alamo car rental desk. If you want to do a car rental on your arrival and departure days only (pick up some groceries, off-site shopping, etc) you can save a few bucks by picking up at the airport and returning to the desk at the Dolphin (and vice-versa).

Once you've left the car at the Dolphin, you can use Disney transportation to catch up to the rest of our group.

What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing....I was just wondering what we'd do for our November trip. We like having a car at Disney, too. I'll give your idea a try.