Renting a car vs. Disney transport?

[melissafox18]

Our past trips we've always used Disney transport from start to finish of our trip but are thinking about renting a car this time around to allow us to explore other resorts as well as broaden our dining options without hopping more than one bus or taking a cab. Any positive or negative feedback of renting a car instead of Disney transport?

If we have the benefit of a car, I'm planning on driving to and from the parks. Does that add extra walking to our day or a lot of extra time after say, Wishes Fireworks?

 

[myhouseofmouse]

we have always rented a car. using a car is generally going to be quicker then disney trans for getting around to and from(especially from!!) most parks (MK being the possible exception) It is also nice if you are leaving at times like after fireworks when everyone else is leaving, not having to wait for buses is a huge benifit. Driving around property is very easy so don't worry about that.

Two tips i would give you if you are thinking about renting a car:

#1: if possible book thru AAA...with AAA you get what they call a Diamond parking permit, this basically let you park next to the handicap pakking at all parks. Get you right up front (again besides MK because you then have to take a boat or monarail to get to park) This pass is free for booking thru AAA.

#2 use a rental company that has car at the airport to make it easier and save time. ( we have had great success with "Dollar rental and E-Z rental" both are are great cars at great pricing and at the airport. Also remember when booking car rentals, book early, but remember you do not have to pay before you pick up the car, so keep checking back weekly before your trip to find better rates. i usually will get a weekly rental with one of those companies for about $100 (one year for $66.00)

Have a great trip

 

[figment_jii]

I like using a mixture of Disney transportation and a rental car. We use Disney transportation to get the MK so we don't have to deal with the ferry/monorail to the TTC. We drive to the other parks and DTD. Having a car is really the only easy way to tour the resorts and we like having dinner at different resorts. The car gives us the freedom to do this and not rely on taxis or using a theme park to get back to out resort.