Rent a Car?

[Rileygirl]

Do you rent a car in Orlando? I am wondering about driving around the town. If you stay on site, do you need a car?

I've never posted a poll before, so in case the questions dont show up is it
Yes, always
No, never
Only for a portion of the trip
Sometimes

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

We've done three trips so far and for all three have used ME to get from the airport, stay on site, and never rented a car--rely totally on Disney transportation for our whole time. Love not having to worry about directions, traffic, etc.

This time we're making a one-day side trip to Legoland. Still debating between renting a car for that one day or taking a cab to the mall and picking up the Lego shuttle there. But either way, won't have a car for more than that one day!

 

[london75]

We always rent a car, we've almost always gone with little kids though so the ability to check a load of stuff in the boot and be covered for the day is great. Plus we tend to do 2 or 3 things a day and public transport would make that much harder.

That being said, we stayed onsite for the first time last year and loved the buses. I'd say we still used the car at least once a day though, even if it was just to get takeaway from Downtown Disney.

 

[wilma-bride]

On our first three trips (offsite) we didn't rent a car and relied on public transport/shuttles/cabs.

For every trip since then (all onsite) we have always rented a car for most, if not the entire duration, of our trip. Main reasons being: a) We don't want to spend precious time (and additional money) trying to get to the other places we want to go, like shopping malls, other theme parks, restaurants, etc. b) We prefer to eat offiste and, again, it is far more convenient to have a car than try to get where we want by bus or taxi c) After several visits, we like to see more than just the Orlando area so a car enables us to travel further afield and experience some of the interesting things that Florida has to offer.

I can honestly say that, after three trips staying offiste and using public transport, I woul dhave said that having a car was not necessary and I still agree. But it certainly does make life a lot easier for the way that we like to vacation.

 

[orangetiggs]

Been going for last 11 years and only once didnt rent as it was our first time and i was 21 while there ( we did rent once i was 21 out there through the virgin rep)

Would never go without a car now

 

[joolz1910]

We stayed onsite and used ME to get from the airport as I was way too nervous to step off a plane and drive. We picked up the car from Magic Kingdom the next day and returned it the day before we were due to fly home. The buses were great and so the car wasn't an absolute necessity but it was easy enough to drive onsite and I would drive again.

 

[wiigirl]

We always rent a car.

 

[DCLMan]

I have an aversion to public transport.

 

[peajay18]

We always stay on-site and always hire a car.
It makes getting to evening ADRs at the resorts much easier and we always spend a couple of days off-site at Universal, so we make use of it almost everyday.

 

[MrRomance]

We ALWAYS rent a car. It's not for everybody, but for us, it's a must. Using ME and Disney transport is fine, if you plan to stay in the Disney bubble for your entire stay but even then we wouldn't be without a car.

The reasons we consider the car a must have are..

1. We like to go shopping and even though it's possible without a car, it's either a 2 bus trip carrying all your bags, or a taxi which isn't cheap.

2. We like to go to other attractions, Seaworld, Discovery Cove etc. again, it's much easier with a car.

3. Disney transportation particularly at peak times (park closing etc.) can be packed to the gills and we have in the past had to wait for a while for the next bus. Our daughter is autistic and be crowds and strangers close to her freak her out so it's easier in the car.

4. Taxis are expensive.

5. Driving in the US isn't as bad as people think. I was 18 the first time I drove out there (I'm 40 now) and it's much easier to drive than people think.

 

[Elise79]

Another who always rents a car and stays onsite

I know there are people who are on here who say that is a waste of money and public transport is fine but for us it is all about freedom to explore and flexibility.

We like to be able to come and go as we please.

For example in July we are planning a day at KSC, Legoland, SeaWorld and 2 separate days at the beach all of which would be difficult or impossible without a car.

Thats not to mention going to eat - we like offsite dining and visit Celebration.

Heck even driving to the Disney parks can be more pleasant than buses most of the time

 

[Rileygirl]

Thanks for everyones replies! Its helpful

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We always rent whether on or off site, just like the convenience

 

[scoobydooby]

Didn't rent a car first two trips. Have done ever since and would not like to be without one now. We do use Disney transportation too.