Rental vs. towncar

[Angel1]

We're heading down for our 4th trip. We've never rented a car, and usually stay within the world.

Since Alamo rates are so good, I'm thinking of renting an SUV for $199 for a week, compared to the $120-$140 a towncar would cost.

For those who stay in the World, do you get much use of it? Is it worth the extra money and the aggravation of driving ourselves?

The only real use I see of it, would be to be able to zip from resort to resort to visit.

Can you drive into resort parking lots without having to pay to park?

Any other benefits?

Thanks!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Yes, you can park at other resorts. The policies might vary depending on the resort. At AKL we've had to show that we have a PS a time or two, but this last trip we were waved in. They might be pickier at monorail resorts because of people parking there and going to the MK, but they will still give a 3 hour parking pass. The other resorts we've been waved into without question.

It is nice to have the rental car to get from resort to resort. One of the biggest advantages I think. It's also nice to be able to run to the grocery store, even though most town cars will make a grocery stop. I like driving to certain parks (all but MK) instead of waiting for the bus. We usually go at park opening and get close parking. Especially nice if toting a stroller.

This trip I'm renting a car (I've never rented a car myself before--usually my husband does it-- and have never driven in Orlando so that will be an experience). In January I'll probably go the town car route unless the rental car rental goes especially well.

T&B

 

[DaveH]

If you are staying at a WDW resort, you do not have to pay for parking at any resort or park. Depending on what you plan on doing, depends on a rental will be better. There are folks who would rather not use Disney transportation. Especially at park closing with small ones. The MK is the only park where driving is definitely harder than taking Disney transportation. Are you going to other non-Disney places, such as Universal or Kennedy Space Center?

Other things to consider, upon arrival at MCO you need to go to a car rental desk, either in airport or off. Inspect the car (this is a must, we were hassled recently on damage, I thought was marked on sheet and was not). Then find way on roads to your hotel/resort. Either pre pay for gas or get car gassed up for turn in. Find way around WDW. This can be a pain when you are tired. The signs on WDW are better than use to be, but still much to be desired. Towncar, driver is waiting for you at baggage claim and helps with luggage. You have to leave for airport earlier to turn in car.

For US the not having the stress and hassle of car pick-up and turn-in. It is worth it for us not to rent, unless we are going somewhere like Universal or something else. A side note, a larger vehicle in a place you usually don't drive at all makes it harder to do. I borrowed my DS's SUV earlier this year and found allot of places on Disney is not very forgiving to larger vehicles. Whichever you choose have a great trip.

 

[Sandi]

We go both ways. If I can get a rental car for a decent price, I rent a car. We do not use it for going to the Parks; we find the bus service to be just fine for us. We like to have the car, however, for trips to the water parks, Downtown Disney, miniature golfing, and for trips to other resorts.