Rent a car?

[ksipes]

We've got a Christmas Disney trip planned for 9 days, I've just decided to fly (not drive). I'm unsure if I should rent a car for the trip. We have 10 people going and we're staying at the OKW. Bus transportation is the only option here, and we plan on doing quite a bit at Disney (parks, water parks, boardwalk, etc...). In addition, we'll be making trips to the grocery store. Does anybody have any thoughts on the pros/cons of having a car at Disney?

 

[DizBelle]

For me, especially over Christmas (when the crowds will be monstrous and you'll have to wait who knows how long for a bus) I'd rent a car. I typically go at a slower time of year and I always rent a car.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

It may be more expensive to rent a car during the Christmas season, but as lfontaine said, I think the crowds for buses are going to be overwhelming. For me, I'd bit the $bullet$ and rent because I know I'll get frustrated waiting for the buses.

Have fun!

 

[kilee]

We only ever rent cars. Even when staying onsite during off season. We usually catch one or two meals offsite. As well as do some shopping. Even if you rent one car-- if a few people go in on it-- it shouldn't be too much.

 

[goofyernmost]

Originally posted by ksipes
We've got a Christmas Disney trip planned for 9 days, I've just decided to fly (not drive). I'm unsure if I should rent a car for the trip. We have 10 people going and we're staying at the OKW. Bus transportation is the only option here, and we plan on doing quite a bit at Disney (parks, water parks, boardwalk, etc...). In addition, we'll be making trips to the grocery store. Does anybody have any thoughts on the pros/cons of having a car at Disney?

I have never been without a car. Without one I feel like a prisoner (even if it is WDW). I like to explore and see other things, go to different restaurants or attractions. I like to come and go when I please and not be at the mercy of scheduled public transportation. It is just a "thing" of mine, but you asked so there is my opinion.

 

[Northwoods]

We have 10 going at Christmas also and we are doing a combination.

We have a regular size SUV rented for the whole time. SUV was cheaper than a van. So 4 will ride in the SUV.

Then we rented a limo for the rest of the group to get from the airport to WDW.

When we looked at our schedule we realized we would never need a car for more than 5 at a time. Some of us are going to US and IOA for 2 days. On another day 5 might go to the beach.

While we are at Disney we always use the buses. We have been during Easter week and did not have any problem getting a bus. From your countdown I don't think it will be very crowded anyway. And if it is crowded parking at the parks will be a pain.

We will be there at the same time. Let's hope for good weather.

 

[webmomom]

You also mention groceriers. You are going to need something to get you off property to do that. Just the convience and peace of mind knowing you can get to a grocery store without have to jump through hoops to get there is well worth the cost of a rental.

Soince you mention 10 for 9 days I am sure there will be more than one run needed to a grocery store.

 

[crow11ad]

Originally posted by ksipes
We've got a Christmas Disney trip planned for 9 days, I've just decided to fly (not drive). I'm unsure if I should rent a car for the trip. We have 10 people going and we're staying at the OKW. Bus transportation is the only option here, and we plan on doing quite a bit at Disney (parks, water parks, boardwalk, etc...). In addition, we'll be making trips to the grocery store. Does anybody have any thoughts on the pros/cons of having a car at Disney?

The time your going is not Xmas week but before. We are renting a car this time and staying on site. We will also use the Disney transportation to an extent depending on what we are doing on what day. I say rent. We got a rental for the entire week with unlimited milage for 70 +

 

[WDWprincessloyola]

If cost is not a problem, definatly rent a car. It makes everything so much more convinent and you can come and go as you please. Also it makes transporting of groceries so much easier!

 

[Jennyvelaz]

YES! Rent a car or you'll be kicking yourself! We had PS for Ohana's from SSR and it took us an hour by bus transportation! I will not go again even for a five day trip without a rental!

 

[DisneydaveCT]

Normally we don't rent a car, but this year we will be at WDW during the last week of December. In anticipation of huge crowds, we are renting a van since we will have 4 children under the age of 10, and a strong desire to enjoy the parks at night.

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to the DIS <b>Ksipes</b>. I'm glad you found us and I hope you can visit often.

I'm going to move this to our transportation board for you.

Katholyn