Questions about Transportation for 4

[Blythep]

We are new to the cruising scene but can't wait. I have the ressies taken care of. We are going to Disneyworld December 2-8th, 2005 staying at CBR (1st time there), then taking the 3-day cruise from the 8th - 11th. My question is how do we arrange transportation that won't break the bank. We were thinking that Disney/Mears transfers would be too expensive for 4 people (airport/resort, resort/port, port/airport). Thought about limo or towncar transfers, but haven't ever done that before. What are your recommendations? Thanks for your help.

 

[paulmc80]

My initial thought is that a town car/limo service for 4 may be less than DCL transfers for what you're looking at. Most of the town car/limo services have their rates posted for that exact type of transfer combination. You may want to take a look at that when you have the chance.

If driving yourself is ok then renting a car is also an option.

 

[hayesktrm]

We are a family of 4 and originally had Disney transportation booked. When we priced it out, it was better to rent a car. I think we paid about $250 for 8 days. Of course, you have to pay for parking at the port (and tolls). We also liked having a car at WDW--a little more freedom. I was very thankful when my daughter got a 102 temperature in the middle of the night and I was able to drive to the supermarket to get her medication and a thermometer. Also, if you do Disney, you don't get to the port as soon. I'm sure with a towncar you could arrange to get there when you wanted.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We also like to get a car rental because it's most convenient and really no more expensive than the buses. It also gives you the freedom to go to the grocery store, restaraunts and hotels not near the airport . We are getting a rental for eight nights/nine days and will leave the car in the cruise lot for the four day cruise ($10/day). The other nights we are staying at WDW. The total price was $188 through Alamo with a coupon I got in the mail from Disney Visa . We will pick up the car at MCO and return it there also when we leave.

Last year we did the cruise only but still rented a car because we wanted the freedom to take the kids to Chef Mickey's the night before the cruise for their bday . We picked up the car at Avis at MCO, went to Chef Mickey's for dinner and then drove over to Port Canaveral and stayed at the Raddison. The next morning we drove to the grocery store, then dropped the car off at Avis in Cape Canaveral. They shuttled us over to the ship. On return we went back to Avis, got the car again, spent the day at Downtown Disney and then returned the car and caught a late flight out. It may seem like a lot of work but it really isn't .

This year we will stay at the YC the night before the cruise . The Raddison was ok but it was no Disney ! We figured it would be good to get us in the mood for the cruise , and we can have a lot of fun at Stormalong Bay without having to use a whole day's passes when we won't arrive until 2:30pm . A lot of coupons can be found in the Entertainment Books. Also FYI, we have rented at MCO from Alamo, National, Dollar and Avis so far. National and Avis were the best experiences , Dollar was the worst (car dirty, long return lines).

 

[Dodie]

1-way car rentals, or a car rental where you parked at the port during the short cruise, would probably be cheaper.

Lots of good info:

http://www.dcltribute.com/carhire/