Outlet shopping...

[BeccaGrace]

My mom is coming with us in November and she has been talking about wanting to hit the outlets and do some shopping outside the parks. Our dilemms is we aren't going to have a car.

I saw one of the online ticket brokers does a full day bus shopping excursion but it really is a full day and I'm not sure I want to be gone that long, especially if we bring the girls. It's also only offered 2 days that don't really fit in our schedule.

We could rent a car for the one day but would that be very complicated with getting a booster and car seat? We're staying at the Poly, where would be the closest place to rent a car? Would the car rental be the easiest choice? I've never rented before and don't know how it works with multiple car seats--would we have to bring our own?

What about public transportation? Are there any busses that run to any of the Disney parks that at least head in the general vicinity of off-site shopping (outlets or even the chain stores that have good Disney deals)? We wouldn't mind taking a bus somewhere that would put us in even far walking distance as long as it doesn't involve crossing dangerous intersections/highways.

I normally wouldn't be trying so hard to get off site but this is the one thing my mom has asked to do (besides her Richard Petty drive along) and I'd like to help make it possible for her to do what she wants to and not just be stuck to our plans. Any ideas!?!?!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Well there are taxi's but not sure about the $$$ issue and if you would want to use a car seat in that situation. There is a large outlet mall right across I-4 fairly new, that is not that far from disney. Belz is alot farther. would of course increase the $$$. I have seen cabs waiting outside of all of the malls.

Another thought?

Not sure how old your kids are, and do they really want to go shopping with you and grandma? Not sure what resort your staying in, but the disney ones have some fantastic kid clubs? Would give you and mom some time alone? Might be quicker without the kids and a car would then work too.

You might just call a few car rental companies and ask about car seat prices? Maybe they are complimtary? I don't know? It is orlando! Lots of need for car seats.

Good luck, MKY

 

[BeccaGrace]

Does anyone know the closest car rental to the Poly?

 

[bavaria]

I would go with a car rental - you should be able to get something around $25. The car care centre has National and Alamo and is closest, but there are also rental desks at the Swan/Dolphin and the DTD hotels, which will pick you up via shuttle bus.

Years ago on my 2nd trip I did the bus thing to the Belz outlets - I took the first bus there and the first one back, which was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long for me - I just wandered around waiting and waiting, thinking about all the WDW I was missing!

 

[laurfisher]

I have a question on the same topic...getting to outlet mall without a car. Would it be possible to take Disney transportation to Downtown Dis, and then take a city bus? does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks

 

[NCRedding]

There is a LYNX stop at TTC, as we saw lots of city buses while waiting for a park bus last trip. Not sure if they have a direct one to Premier or not.

 

[BeccaGrace]

The LYNX sounds promising for us, even if it went in general proximity of some outlet shopping (we don't mind walking as long as it doesn't involve crossing highways!)...Anyone know how to find out Lynx schedules.

And in terms of the rental cars--when looking online for a car, what is the rental address for the car care center?

 

[TroyWDW]

The WDW Car Care Center is close to the Polynesian Resort. It is located just inside the Magic Kingdom Parking Toll Plaza (big gas station on the left). It has a National/Alamo car rental center.

I'm fairly sure that National/Alamo will provide a courtesy shuttle to pick you up at the Polynesian and take you to the Car Care Center. It is only about a mile away. I don't have any practical experience to know how prompt the shuttle service is, but I'm guessing it may be a little slow (few shuttles, many resorts). The telephone number for National/Alamo at the WDW Car Care Center is 407-824-3470. Call them to arrange the shuttle pickup. If the shuttle is too slow, you can always take a cab. The hotel staff should be able to help you with this, also.

I would definitely reserve a rental car well in advance (30 to 60 days). I've seen same day rental car prices be quite high.

You may want to consider an excursion to the Mall at Millenia in addition to the outlet stores. My wife loves Millenia. They have a Cheesecake Factory Restaurant (yum). It is only a few more miles down the road from Belz. It is located at Conroy Rd (Exit 78) and I-4. Approximately 20 miles and 25 minutes from the Polynesian. Mall at Millenia

Troy

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Anyone know how to find out Lynx schedules.?

Route maps and schedules at: http://www.golynx.com/

Andrew

 

[localdriver]

I have a question on the same topic...getting to outlet mall without a car. Would it be possible to take Disney transportation to Downtown Dis, and then take a city bus? does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks

Here is how....

Get to the TTC at MK take Lynx route 50 to Sea World. Then take the I Drive Trolley to Beall's Outlet Mall to the North or Premium Outlet to the south.

There you go!!

 

[jjpenguin]

A taxi to the Premium outlets from DTD was about $10 last November. maybe a bit more with the price of gas ; )

There is also a car rental desk at the Swan or Dolphin.

 

[mum of two pirates]

After you figure it out please let me know what you did and if it was easy or not. I have heard that you can take the I Drive Trolley to the Outlet and it is only a couple of bucks. There is a post about it on the budget board I think. But for $10 each way for a taxi, I would do that just so I didn't have to drive. I heard that you should take a taxi from DTD as it is closer so it costs less money from there. That is one thing I want to do, is go to the disney outlet stores. Have a great time. Anyone know how much the kids clubs are?