rental car or wdw trans?

[wide receiver]

We are new to this!
Sould we rent a car or use buses and monorail to get around? we are staying at AKL, we have a young DD (almost 3) who will need to go back to the hotel for naps, while DS may not want to. AND DH is a really foodie so we will be trying restaurants at other hotels on the property. I am concerned the buses will eat up alot of time. Is it faster to drive yourself around to the Parks and restaurants? We also will stop at the grocery store on the way in.

I read it can take 90 minutes round trip to get to the world of sports!

 

[OntFamily]

How many days are you staying at AKL?

When going to a different resort, a car can be easier.

However, if the resort is close to a park (ie Monorail resort, or in the Boardwalk area) you can take a bus to the park, and stroll to the resort that interests you. This works great if you return to AKL during the time theme park transportation is still operating.

Assuming you're staying for a week, rental of a full size car will cost approx $200 (plus gas). If you look at the cost for paying for transportation from MCO (approx $100 RTN in a limo) the extra cost for the car isn't that bad.

Don't get to worried about the time to get to Wide World of Sports on Disney transportation. Unless you have specifc reason to go there, you probably won't go near the place.

 

[mortimor]

We ALWAYS RENT A CAR. The car rental for three people should not cost more than around $100.00 for a week using discount codes/coupons as long as your travel is not around major holidays. Example Our trip with an Alamo Mid Size 06-08 thru 06-15 $102.00 which includes tax, extra driver. Yes it does take along time using the buses to go from resort to resort and a rental car will be alot faster. We normally use the buses to go from resort to MK and usually drive the rental to the rest of the parks so we can return to the room for a nap etc. With the rental car, you can go sight seeing, Universal for a day or two and save by eating off property and getting needed items like bottled water, breakfast items, snacks etc @ the local Walmart. I am sure the amount saved on these items alone will pay for the car rental for a normal week stay

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

We have always used a towncar co. for airport transportation. Most include a free grocery stop, to pick up snacks, and beverages. Then depended on onsite transportation, which has been good. No real complaints. A few full buses, and the knowledge that it takes more time.

We are however, getting a rental this trip, but only because we found one for $118. for 8 days. We have never found one that low before.

So if you can find a cheap rental, I say go for the car, but if for some reason (either too young or no CC for cheaper rentals), know that you wil be fine with Disney transportation.

 

[LucyStorm]

I do both. I like the freedom it allows me. I use the car for DD, other resorts, or occasionally the Waffle House just outside of WDW. I use WDW transportation for the parks.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I get this question all the time at work and I always reccommend a rental care for people with small children. You just have more flexibility. Another big plus of having a car is that you can explore the world outside of Disney.

 

[LuvindisCruiser]

We also will have a rental car, and will be staying at POFQ.
We have 5 yr. old twins, and will be returning to our room in the afternoons for a little rest.
Would the WDW busses be better for us, or drive to the parks?
I'm thinking maybe just MK, may be a park we don't want to park at?
So: your input on the following:
1. Maybe just park in the AM at the parks.
2. Take busses for evenings, even for MK EMH? (What is crazier in the evenings at MK? Waiting for busses or waiting to get out of parking lot?)
I obviously don't know anything about getting around WDW!

 

[DebbieB]

We always rent a car. I have a full size for 7 days in May for $109 total with National, priceless code, $20 entertainment coupon. We would rather drive to the parks and we also go offsite.