Parking vs Shuttling (XP from Orlando Hotels)

[Familymoon]

I posted in the offsite forum...but I'm wondering if more people over here would know, since it's a general "theme park" question regarding parking...


We are staying offsite and our resort offers four times a day shuttle services to the parks (four times to depart in the morning, and four times in the evening to return). We are already renting a minivan - but I'm wondering if the shuttles from the resort would be more convenient because we 1) wouldn't have to pay and 2) might get dropped off closer to the main entrance (hence, less walking/shuttling/strolling with the three wee ones and my big ol' pregnant self)

We have to drive the rental on our first day - because we are going to the VMCP and they don't offer a late enough shuttle that day to get us home...but the other days, should we just ride over? We don't plan to go back to the hotel (since by the time we walk to the car, drive to the hotel a mile away, park, get in the resort, calm down enough to nap HA!, then drive back - it'll be HOURS). So - what would you do?

Benefits vs Concerns about parking or shuttling?

 

[seashoreCM]

Find out whether you may or must make reservations for the resort shuttle.

You don't want to be stranded there because the last shuttle was overfull.

Non Disney resort shuttles let you off a little closer than general parking after the first several hundred cars, but you still have to take the monorail or ferry.n

Since ou alredy rented a vehicle, you might as well use it, it is more convenient schedule wise.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[CarolA]

I would recommend just paying the $7 and driving. You will probably be a LOT safter. I have heard that some offsite shuttles are not very safe. My only experience was a driver who badmouthed Disney and people who "waste" thier money going there all the way to the park. Not my idea of a good start. I mean if I was NOT going to the park, he would NOT have a job. (He then put his hand out for a tip as we got off, NO!)

 

[nativetxn]

I would pay the $7 and drive too. I've used the offsite shuttles and they really restrict you.