Renting a Car/Staying at OKW

[KHM02]

We are staying for 5 nights at OKW, 5 adults, one child (4yrs old). I have been to WDW many times (without kids!) and only once didn't rent a car and relied on buses.
I find it easier to be on my own schedule, as opposed to waiting for a bus (especially with a 4yr old). We have early ADR at MK one morning. Does it make sense to rent a car (minivan...actually got a really good deal on one), or suck it up and take the buses? Any advice for this, especially staying at OKW?

 

[SteveMouse]

If you were only renting the minivan to go to the MK (breakfast @ CP or CRT?), I would say decidedly NO!

The parking for MK is across the lake from the park- you would need to park at the Ticket and Transportation Center (and potentially use the parking lot tram if you weren't parked in close) and then use Disney transport to get to the MK.

The busses, including those from OKW, drop you off much closer to the gates to the MK. You'd end up very likely having to get up earlier to take your own car.

Now as far as going to the other parks, water parks, and DTD, that's a whole different story- a personal vehicle can be quite useful.

 

[Brian Noble]

I almost always rent a car. We went without one for a bonus/budget trip at OKW, and it was okay, but it was also just the two of us without the kids. On the other hand, OKW was the site of my two longest trips---both afternoon returns to MK, both >1hour from arriving at the bus stop to arriving at the MK bus depot. (Yes, I was wearing a watch.)

For the most part, I only skip a car if I'm staying in the EP area, and even there I sometimes regret not having one. Ultimately, it is up to you though. What sounds like more of a vacation: never having to wonder when the bus will come and/or you will get a seat, or never having to figure out if *that* is Overpass Drive over *there*.

 

[skelooch]

Having a car is a definite plus, especially at OKW if your not staying in the HH area, getting to the main pool and other resort amenities such as dining and the store can be a long walk if you're in the South Point, Old Turtle Pond or Miller Road areas.
Plus the parking at OKW is the best of any resort, usually right outside your door.

 

[frkymcky]

We only rent a car, used the buses once and hated it. That was before kids. Now having the kids with us we feel it makes things so much easier. We don't have to wait with a cranky child or an anxious child. Just my opinion.

 

[bumbershoot]

Our experiences with MK....


Took the bus in for the Halloween Party. Bus was crowded, SO full, took AGES to arrive, and so many stops inside of OKW we thought we were going to lose it. Did drop us off right there, but I think people discount the walk from the bus stops to the bag check! IT's still a walk!

Other times we've been to MK, we drove. We were either getting there VERY early, or late enough (with it rainy enough) that people have already left. Each time we've gotten parking VERY close up to the first line of parking, which put us VERY close to the area to catch boat or monorail. We find the walk from the monorail and the walk from the bus stops to be about the same, so really the only extra walk in our opinion is from the car to the boat/monorail, and like I said, we've had great luck with that.

We love having the car! (and we've mainly stayed at OKW)

 

[KHM02]

Great info!! Thanks! Car it is!!! I have no problem with directions/navigating, so thats the way we will go

 

[beccasmom]

We rarely rent a car now. But with little ones it can be advantageous IMHO. No struggling with strollers on the buses. Set your own schedule, especially with regard to taking leave of the parks for mid-day naps (buses run somewhat less frequently in the mid-day hours).

OKW parking is very easy. Parking right outside/ near your unit should not be a problem.