Newbie rental car questions. (Transportation in general)

[ewags]

Hello everyone, I'm new here.

My wife and I are taking our first trip to Disney July 19th-25th.

We got an incredible deal on airfare (Southwest Airlines - Philly to Orlando 79 dollars one way) We couldn't turn it down.

So, now we're decided whether to rent a car or use our hotels transportation. We're staying at the Ramade Eastgate in Kissimmee. The hotel offers transportation but I don't know if we should trust it. SO, we have some questions for you guys:

1.) How much would a taxi be from the airport to our hotel in Kissemmee?

2.) Does anyone out there have any experience using hotel transportation? How does it work and how late do the hotel shuttles run, etc.

3.) Does Disney bus transportation run to Kissemmee from the parks?

4.) Has anyone ever used Priceline.com to rent a car?

Basically, if you guys could give us some suggestions as to what the best options would be we would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[LoveThoseLabbies]

Hi ewags. Here is my $.02, but I am quite new as well. I would call the Ramada Eastgate directly and ask them the questions about how often and how late their shuttles run. They would be the best to answer. Disney transportation runs inside Disney. So if you are staying off site you must rely on the hotel's transportation or rent a car. A cab from MCO will run about $40 plus tip, I would guess each way. Maybe a few bucks more to Kiss. When you consider some of the creative uses of coupons and discounts on this transportation board, you could probably get a car for a week for less than $200. Try the carlson code with National Car rental(5760339. That is where I got the best deal. The car gives you flexibility, if you could afford the extra money. We are staying on site and I rented a car. I like the idea of going to the beach one day, eating outside of Disney, having my own trans to SeaWorld and Gatorland, and just doing "other things". So after I considered the taxi expense, the car rental didn't seem too bad to me. Hope this helps some and good luck. We will be there about 2 weeks before you.

 

[Lewisc]

You'll be much happier with a car rental. Orlando is very competetive, PL doesn't usually save enough money.

Go to mousesavers.com for some ideas on how to get good rates. Check, usually your own auto policy and credit card will give you all the insurance you need. Avoid the gas plans, rent with a full tank and return it with a full tank.

You should be able to rent a car from Thrifty for under $200 including taxes and fees.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by ewags
Hello everyone, I'm new here.

My wife and I are taking our first trip to Disney July 19th-25th.

We got an incredible deal on airfare (Southwest Airlines - Philly to Orlando 79 dollars one way) We couldn't turn it down.

So, now we're decided whether to rent a car or use our hotels transportation. We're staying at the Ramade Eastgate in Kissimmee. The hotel offers transportation but I don't know if we should trust it. SO, we have some questions for you guys:

1.) How much would a taxi be from the airport to our hotel in Kissemmee?

Not exactly sure, but I would imagine 30 to 40 each way

2.) Does anyone out there have any experience using hotel transportation? How does it work and how late do the hotel shuttles run, etc.

I have always rented a car, so have never used hotel transportation. I will tell you I have heard some interesting stories about people who are staying off property and the 'complementary' transporation to and from the hotel. You may want to call the hotel and see if they have a schedule. Sometimes hotels only have a few pickups and drop offs per day. Miss one of those and you have to cab it.

3.) Does Disney bus transportation run to Kissemmee from the parks?

No.

4.) Has anyone ever used Priceline.com to rent a car?

I never have. Orlando has a lot of specials you may be able to find a good deal on your own

Basically, if you guys could give us some suggestions as to what the best options would be we would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

If you are staying off property I would seriously consider renting a car. It will give you freedom to come and go and you won't have to rely on a shuttle bus schedule.