Rental car -- is it worth it -- YES!!!!

[clb22]

This was our 2nd trip to Disney World (Dec 2004, May 2005 - DD's 8th birthday).
And I had debated and debated with myself - am I wasting money getting a rental car??
Well, this last trip convinced me that it was WELL WORTH the extra money.

I got really ill (chest cold, larengytis, fever) while on our recent vacation and needed to pick up my prescriptions that my doctor had called in for me. I was able to get to the local Target pharmacy, get back to our hotel, take my medicine, and get a nap - before the pharmacy that delivers to the Disney resorts made its first delivery. Boy, was I glad I had spent the extra money.

Besides the rental car (from National) only cost me $127.82 for 9 days. I used all the info on Mousesavers website to get a great deal on the car. It was really nice having the car to be able to come and go easily.
I even enjoyed the fact that we did not have to build in extra time in our schedule to wait for other transportation to and from the airport.

So for me and DD - it was worth every penny!!!

 

[siouxi31]

We always rent a car too. We usually use it at least once a day. It's a great time saver and aggravation preventer.

 

[barbarabee]

I totally agree! Even if we end up not using ours for a few days, it's still worth it for the peace of mind, knowing that if we want we can hop in our car any time. It's great for shopping trips to Downtown Disney - no hauling packages on the busses! The Magical Express program seems like it will work eventually, but I don't like the idea of having to get on the bus four hours before my plane departs! That's at least an hour and a half more than necessary, which is enough time to hit at least two E-tickets at Epcot.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

but I don't like the idea of having to get on the bus four hours before my plane departs! That's at least an hour and a half more than necessary, which is enough time to hit at least two E-tickets at Epcot.

Ditto here. On our last day, we can hit a park and leave directly from the park instead of having to go back to the resort and wait. Probably can squeeze 2+ extra hours out of the trip.

 

[ncbyrne]

Another vote for a rental car. Once without a car was enough for me! There are a lot of DISers who disagree, but waiting for a bus, then having to stand most of the time, is not fun for me.

 

[elf]

Me too I always rent a car. On this trip Saturday, it's a budget trip and I was going to use ME and try the busses. But with National and the Mousesavers discounts got 9 days for $130ish can't beat that for the convienance.

One time leaving MK had to wait for 4 buses before we were able to get a bus back to hotel, it was late it was raining and the line was so long we couldn't get under the canope, never again, not with young kids

 

[officer tigger]

We also get a rental car on our trips. We like to eat at different resorts when we go to WDW. Having to take Disney transprtation means an easy hour on the bus. What fun is that?

 

[tessqt]

I have one reserved for our trip in Nov/Dec. I remember stating to my dh when we were staying at Port Orleans and Dixie Landings (many years ago) that we would have had extra time if we didn't spend so much time on the busses.

We are planning on a few off site trips too.

 

[gopack]

Which mousesavers discount codes did you use? I have been trying several different combinations and keep getting a very high rate.

 

[clb22]

I used Contract ID 6600330. And used the code from the "printable coupon".

The link for the printable coupon is a little further down the page from the codes (on the page for the National info on the Mousesavers website).
(And then I printed out the "printable coupon" for $20 off a weekly rental.)
You have to have the coupon when you get to the rental desk at the airport in Orlando.

I had tried lots of other combinations - but this one got the TOTAL (everything) down to just $127.82 for 9 days.

 

[3Aumillers]

clb22: Do you mind my asking a couple of questions??? What type of car did you have and how far in advance did you make the reservation?? So far I'm coming up with rates of $190+ for just 7 days in October.

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[jnrrt]

I'd like to know this too, and when your trip is? I think sometimes you have to wait to book the car - it's like airlines, sometimes you get a better deal if you're a little closer to the date.

 

[dudspizza]

I'd like to know this too, and when your trip is? I think sometimes you have to wait to book the car - it's like airlines, sometimes you get a better deal if you're a little closer to the date.

But, unlike airlines, you can cancel and rebook a car rental at no charge. I have cancelled and rebooked 10 times for my upcoming trip. You have to be diligent and you will find the best possible rate for your trip. Right now, people going soon are benefitting from ME. We are getting good rates because so many people are trying ME that the rental companies are offering great rates. 127.85 for 9 days, intermediate (EA) car at National is awesome. I used the priceless contract ID 6600330 and the Ent. Book $20 off coupon code 10009123.

Diligence is the key!

Duds

 

[gopack]

Ok, thanks for the info. When I try that contract ID and coupon the best deal I am getting is $189. for 5 nights in September. I will keep trying!!

 

[ncbyrne]

I have recently found that the day of the week that you pick up the car can have a major impact on the cost. e.i - Thursday pick up was cheaper than Wednesday.

 

[antmaril]

We ALWAYS rent a car while at WDW. I can't imagine doing that trip without a car. We have total flexibility. We come and go as we please and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I agree - totally worth it!

 

[grumpyandbashful]

My DH and DD are leaving May 31 and taking DME to AKL (they arrive midday). I had to change my ticket to leave the next day, and since I'm arriving early evening, I'm renting a car and meeting up with them. They are taking my bag with them the day before so I don't have to worry about when it will arrive!
I considered using DME too, but we ALWAYS rent a car, and love the freedom and flexibility. It is easier to get to other resorts, water parks, and Downtown Disney, and the grocery store. Plus, we got a dirt cheap rental with National with contract ID and Entertainment Book coupon.
I might use DME if I were going for a solo "mini-trip". Otherwise, I have a hard time giving up the car!

 

[Kitty 34]

We rented a car for the first time last summer and probably will always rent from now on. It was nice to be able to drive offsite a couple of times to less expensive restaurants for one example.

 

[jnrrt]

Ok, thanks for the info. When I try that contract ID and coupon the best deal I am getting is $189. for 5 nights in September. I will keep trying!!

I just tried that combo for 8 days in September, and got the same price - $189. Go figure. I booked it because that's pretty good, but I'd love to be paying what some of you are in May!

 

[cranbiz]

I am never without a car. I may not use it all of the time, but the convenience of having it there can't be beat. Normally, I stay at the house so it is a necessity, but when I stay onsite, I like to go to the outlet malls for cheap disney stuff. I also like not having to crowd onto a bus after a late night at the parks.

National has had some good rates lately, If I can get a car for 7 - 10 days for under $150 why not.