Renting a Car??

[shaycamp21]

After hearing about the long commute with WDW transportation we are thinking about renting a car. We are staying at POFQ (second last week of Aug) so I know it will be busy. Is it worth it to rent? Approximate cost and best companies to rent from? Any thoughts?

 

[mbb]

the fastest way to WDW from MCO is by towncar service.

They meet you at the bottom of the elevators with your name on a sign, and whisk you and your luggage to your WDW resort.

No waiting in line for the rental cars...
No waiting for the Mears Bus to fill, and then wait 'til they drop everyone else off at their resorts.

Plus, with a towncar - you get a free 30minute grocery stop.

That all being said, if you think that you will WANT to *gasp* leave WDW property, you'll have to rent.

We just rented from Budget, and all went well.

HTH!!

 

[shaycamp21]

What did you pay to rent? I don't know what is considered reasonable (also do you get extra insurance?).
I guess we could use magical express to WDW property and rent at WDW (since we are going in Aug) or is that too expensive? We have included the dining plan and would like to eat at a few different resorts so I've heard it's a pain to use the transportation system. Overall would it be cheaper to rent or just even pay for a taxi the nights we are eating at the resorts (thinking of Ohana, 1900 Park Fare, Cape May Cafe, Narcoosee's & Boma).
I'm just confused. How slow is transportation? Though I'd also like to see the ocean.

Last year we went to PEI (loved it!!!!!!!) but it was a little too cold for swimming but the kids loved the beach. So maybe we should rent?

 

[mbb]

A town car is going to cost about $100USD, plus tip. Round trip.

We paid $420USD 3 weeks,taxes in, no extra ins, for a full size. We got upgraded to a minivan - we used our gold card to pay for it. Just check with your cc co before you book to make sure about what EXACTLY you are covered for. We were covered for loss of a rental vehicle with a price of $40,000.

If you're going for just a week, and could rent a small car, you could probably rent something for (with a creative use of discounts) that or a little more.

The closest beach to WDW is just over an hour's drive (Cocoa Beach) Gulf Coast is over two hours (tampa, St. Pete's)

The WDW transport can be a pain from resort to resort. But it's certainly doable. You can use the parks or Downtown Disney as a transfer hub. Cabs in anad around from resort to resort could be as little as $11, or as much as $30.

Check www.mousesavers.com for ideas on rental car discounts.

Keep asking questions We love to help!!

 

[sandraB]

We are staying on property, but like the freedom the rental car gives to go to resort to resort is great.

I rented with tips from mousesavers, and am paying for a week 143$. This is a midsize, and I think pays for itself. (we are going before majical express, so our transportation from aiport is not included)

Good luck

 

[ChisJo]

Here are some of my thoughts...
I rented a car last time, but I stayed off property (stayed on property in 1999 and found that the transportation at the time was very slow). But, I don't think I will go next time without renting a car (I will be staying onsite next time). I found that I really enjoyed that freedom more than anything else. Yes, paying for parking got expensive after awhile, and paying for gas wasn't always fun, but freedom cannot be better than the feeling of being able to get around anywhere at anytime. If, for instance you feel like going to the grocery store, you can. If you want to leave early from the parks and go shopping, you can. If you decide, or your kids want to, go to Universal for the day, you can. The thing for me was that I ended up getting a car for 11 days for $170 USD and it was cheaper than transfers and public transportation.
JMHO,
Jo