Rental Car vs Bus but also DME

[DexLabDeeDee]

Okay, I give up. I've searched the board for the answer to my questions but I can't find the answer so please forgive me, as I'm sure this question has been asked before.

I am really considering renting a car for my upcoming trip POP trip- one week away!

My DSis is coming with me but she is leaving two days earlier than me and it would be easier if she could take the DME back to the airport (I know, I could drive her, but I'm lazy ). If we got the car, we would get it at MCO and not take the DME down. Is this even possible to take the DME back to the airport when we have not "checked" in at DME in the beginning?

I am still debating renting the car at all. I have never rented a car and stayed on-site before. It is in my budget to do so but I'm not sure it's worth the added expense. Part of me would like to try it out just to see what happens.

I like being under my own steam, especially at the end of the night. I hate waiting for a bus and would rather walk to my car.

However, at MK you get dropped off right at the park entrance, which is nice, though taking the monorail from the TTC is fun. And I heard that sometimes the parking lot at AK doesn't open until 15min before park opening, is this true?

I was just wondering if anyone know about just taking the DME back and what their thoughts were for renting a car vs the bus system. We have one reservation at Boma, otherwise, we won't be going to the other resorts, though we will be going to DTD occasionally.

TIA!

 

[tjmw2727]

There is no problem using DME for a one way trip - as long as the person is a resort guest and using it during the resort stay. Just call and make a one way DME reservation for the day she leaves.

I don't rent a car as not driving makes it more of a vacation for me - but friends who do drive to every park except MK. For MK you have to park at the TTC and take the monorail or boat while the bus drops you of at the MK just outside the turnstiles.

Definitely easier to drive to other resorts and DTD - for this I budget a little cab $ and still come out ahead of a rental without having to drive

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

Ah - cabs! I forgot about those. I don't use them in my every day life so I forget they exist sometimes. That is actually a really good suggestion. I think that would work better for me.

Thanks, tjmw2727!!

 

[pieface]

ME express works well for transport. I rent a car each time I go to Disney I like the freedom of going where I want to go. Driving works well at every park except magic kingdom. I have been able to find a place to park close enough that I can walk into the park. I can wait to the last minute to return to the airport. I don't have to wait for a bus and you always have a seat in your car. I love my freedom.

 

[iluveeyore]

My son had to leave a few days before the rest of the family on one of our trips, and I had no problem booking the ME to take him to the airport because he was listed on the resort reservation. Your sister should have no problem as long as you go to your resorts guest services and reserve her a spot on ME for the day she is leaving (or call and book her before you leave home).

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

I've decided, for sure, not to rent a car. Even though I can get a pretty good rate, I can take a cab nine times (with tip) and still equal the car rental price. Since most of my issues with the buses center around leaving the parks, I think I will just take a cab from the parks in the evening. And I will still come out ahead $$.

Thanks for all your thoughts, everyone.