Rethinking Disney transportation - rental car instead?

[leebee]

We take the busses when we are on a budget trip, but really are never very happy with them. Too many hot, steamy nights, waiting 30-90 mins in the bus queue after MK (or any park) closes. The last thing I want to do after being in a theme park all day is stand in line and wait and wait and wait for the bus. Sure, a bus comes, but it has a capacity... so you wait another 20 mins for the next bus. And don't forget the pleasure of standing on the bus for your trip back to your hotel. We usually find it takes about 45 mins from our hotel door to the front gate of most theme parks when using the Disney bus system, regardless of location or destination. Double that if you are going from resort to resort, although an hour is possible. With a car, you can be anywhere on property in 15-20 mins, max. I don't mind driving and find the signage at WDW to be pretty good. OH, and regarding that parking tram/monorail from the parking lots? We just consider it another Disney experience!

If I can afford a car, we get one, because we just find the whole bus thing unpleasant. However, if we were trying to go back to our resort midday for a rest, or if we were doing much park hopping, or planning on leaving a park for dinner and then returning, I'd definitely rent my own car. Time is money in WDW and I don't want to spend either of them waiting for a bus!

 

[Planogirl]

We decided to do without a car during our last trip except for about three days at the beginning. We missed the car big time. We sometimes waited 20-30 minutes for a bus and then you had to factor in transport time and that was just to the parks. Going to the resorts was even more of a headache. We ate at Boma and it took forever to get back to POFQ. I wanted to take a bus to DD to catch the boats but the DD bus was slow in arriving (not unusual) and the boats weren't running (also not unusual). After another meal at a different resort, we took the first bus to a park and then grabbed a bus to our resort which worked out better but still took a while.

I want a car from now on no matter where we stay.

 

[sparklepnh]

We are staying on Disney property for our trip next year and I too had been struggling with whether to rent a car or not. I totally agree that time is money at Disney and I'd rather spend my time at the parks than waiting for a bus. I do however like the idea of the bus to Epcot so we can have a few drinks and not worry about driving. My guess is that we'll probably rent a car for the week but also try out the Disney transportation at times to see if it works for us.

 

[2binak]

We always used Disney buses but our first trip with DD changed our minds and now we always rent a car. We had two instances of 1+ hour waits at our resort for park buses. When traveling with an infant or young child, that 1+ hour can seem much longer, especially if you're trying to get to a meal.

Also, a few times at park closing the bus we could have boarded was standing room only and we didn't want to stand while holding a young child & a stroller so we opted to wait for the next bus. After that trip, we decided that we'd rather be in charge of our own transportation.

Driving around WDW is about as easy as it gets. The signage is great and you get plenty of warning when you need to change lanes. It's also nice to have a relaxing, quiet ride back to the resort at the end of the day.

 

[Thumper4me]

I guess my answer is - it depends on the length of our trip.
For our longer trips - 8 or 9 days, we do NOT rent a car. We use Disney Transportation. We are generally not in a hurry and can walk to two parks from our location at the Boardwalk. For the shorter long weekend trips, we rent a car. For the few times that we do a resort dining reservation, we just take a cab. It is much cheaper to take a cab a few times over the week than to rent a car for us anyway.

As you can see from all your responses, it is a very personal decision. Best of luck with your choice.

 

[scrapper2k]

I first rented a car for my tenth trip. We got a good deal and just wanted to try it. We couldn't believe how easy and uncomplicated it made everything. The hardest part was waiting for the tram. I love the Disney bus but no more.

 

[GillianP1301]

We rented a car for our trip last week staying at CBR. 9 days for under $200 on top of the cost of a Disney vacation is negligible, IMO. Like the OP, we have a young child so having a car seat was important to us as well.

It's super easy to drive around WDW. All I had was the resort map, which I only looked at once to get orientation of parks to CBR and the on site signage. We never got lost and we were to the parking lots of parks 5 - 15 minutes later. We got stuck on a bus one morning on the way to MK when the monorail was broken down and it was slow and annoying and reminded me what I was so happy to have a rental.

I did use the bus to MK on the last night when I went back to the park solo for EMH. I wanted to see what it would be like compared to driving and I have to say for that park, the bus is an okay option. I waited about 5 - 10 minutes for a bus. It was slow, but had me at the gate 30 minutes later. So, really around the same amount of time as driving if you factor in the tram and monorail. However, on the way back, I had to stand the whole way and with it being the same amount of time, would definitely give the edge to the car.

 

[LisaTC]

Last year was our first trip. Car/no car? What to do. We rented a car. Fortunately, I get a benefit rate from my job for leisure rentals and it was a sweet deal. I drove to Epcot/AK. Always took the bus to MK and actually, it worked great. We went in October, we didn't have crazy, crazy crowds, but it was awesome being dropped off the bus at MK. We never waited. We were always where we wanted to be within 25 minutes. We stayed at POR, which I think, logistically, is a nice place to stay. We had the boat to DTD and it seemed like it was literally 10 min drive to Epcot and maybe 15 to AK. If you can budget a car, get one for your peace of mind, I say. We made the best of both worlds work for us. OMIGOSH, I just realized I'm at 100 days!

 

[GenGen22]

I think it depends on when you go honestly. We went from 12/3-12/13 and even though it was during PopWarner we didn't experience too much waiting. I mean sometimes we did and sometimes we didn't. I would say 30-45 minutes at the most for us. We tried the bus boat and monorail and witnessed the same with each. Good luck and enjoy

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'd guess an AVERAGE time for transportation using the bus service is probably 30-45 minutes. That's from when you get to the bus stop.

You're good! Using the time chart from the Unofficial Guide, the average average (no, that's not a typo) bus time between MK and the resorts/two parks not using monorail transportation is just the tiniest shade under 30 minutes.
Between Epcot and resorts/parks that rely on buses, the average average is a little over 37 minutes.
Getting between DHS and the resorts/parks that use buses averages a very little over 32 minutes. Very little as in a few seconds.
Traveling between Animal Kingdom and the resorts or other parks by bus averages slightly under 35 minutes.

disclaimer: all calculations done in my head around 1 AM; accuracy not guaranteed

 

[mieuxmew]

We always rent. If you do your homework, a rental car can be less than $200 for a week (sometimes less than $100). You can decide to take the bus or take the car. If we are going to parks early we always take the car, as we can park very close to front. If we are going to a park until closing we also take the car. Standing on long bus lines with tired kids to board a packed standing room only bus is not fun. We always have a comfortable seat in the car!

I also like to keep just in case items in the car, like raincoats and sweatshirts in case the weather prediction turns out wrong. We can keep our swimsuits and towels in the car so we can head to the water park in the afternoon after spending the morning in the theme park. We also like to get our mugs filled before leaving the resort, drink in the car on the way to the park and then we leave the mugs in the car and don't have to lug them around all day.

Having a car also make offsite trips easier. We like to head to the outlets to shop (especially the Disney outlet). If you need water or snacks it can be as easy as stopping off at the Hess station on Disney property. We can eat offsite for more options and better prices (we love Sweet Tomatoes). If you plan on going to any other offsite places, like Legoland, Universal Studios and Seaworld a rental car really makes sense.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[mdsd8700]

Lots of people have already weighed in and as you can see if really depends on each family and what works best for them. We are in the rental car camp. We have always rented a car in WDW and for us it is the best option. We eat very often at other resorts. We visit all our favorite resorts as well. That alone is enough for us to rent a car. It will take about 15 minutes to get anywhere. When our kids were little that time was so valuable in terms of getting ready and out the door. We drive to all theme parks as well. We are RD people so always are at the front of the lot so there is no tram or too much walking involved. The MK can be a bit of a hassle and I know you said you didn't want to take a cab but when we go to MK we cab to the CR and then walk over to the MK. Since you have rented a car before you know what to expect, on site should be no differrent with a car.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[dburg30]

And full disclosure from me, this year I will have family that is driving down, so we will have a car AVAILABLE for the first time.. Not saying we will use it, but perhaps we'll do a run or two where they leave the room at the same time as I do and we'll see who hits the gate first.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We always rent a car. So on one occasion we did a test. We were at Epcot and when we left DH drove the rental car to SSR and I took the bus. Well as it turns out he waited for me at the resort for 40 minutes until I arrived! The bus was not crowded so I was able to get on the first bus that came but the fact that it took 40 minutes was more reason to have a rental car.

Plus if you need something from a store you have the freedom to drive off property.

From the airport to Disney we always stop at Super Target to get a case of water, pop, clorox wipes, snacks and breakfast items for the room. There is a Buffalo Wild Wings next to the Target so first we stop for lunch/dinner then pick up our Target items.

I would get a car if I were you. It will be so much easier especially since you have a 2yr old that will need to go back and take a nap.

The last 3 trips we have taken our mid size rental car for a week with Alamo was just under $100!!! We belong to the Alamo Insiders program - which is free to join- and Alamo offers their Insiders members better daily rates and higher coupon discounts than what is available to the general public.!!!

 

[NJRRK]

Everyone should rent a car!

That means there will be more room on the bus for me, yes!

Personal preference, everyone has given you good advice. But there is no right or wrong answer to this question.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Guess it's my turn.... We never rent or use a car... 47 trips so far and no regrets! I enjoy the feeling of walking with my hands in my pockets, no wallet and letting Disney take me away...

Take away from park time... Come on, we're in the parks hours on end, what an hour of travel do... Park my car and walk or tram to the park entrance ... Bus drops me close enough...

And for us, a rental is an unnecessary expense and a trip without a car is just as good if not better than one with one.... Personal preference!

 

[pooch]

makes the difference. DD (adult) and I visit yearly and have never rented a car for our trips. Don't have any real horror stories. Parks at close can be trying but we don't mind waiting/standing for the most part.

This year, we took DGS who was 2 1/2 & had access to DD's car as she lives in Kissimmee now. I think, with a small child, having the car was a good idea. We didn't have to wait for a bus at the end of the day, could throw the stroller in the trunk & all get a seat. The only problem was the busses are cool as soon as you get on & the car was hot from sitting closed up in the parking lot!!! We did use the bus a few times and DGS was very excited to be on one!!

 

[cel_disney]

You should be able to look on the Run Disney site to see which resorts will have buses for the 5k Race. Last year we stayed at OKW which was on the list and used the busses. A few things - you have to be on your bus almost 2 hours before the race starts, and at OKW, the bus for the race was not stopping at all stops, so you had to get to the HH.

I ended up using our car to drive our runners to the bus...Then I went back and got myself and DS ready and we drove our car to the race an hour later to be a spectator! Everyone piled in our van on the way home, but there was PLENTY of post race transportation to the resorts listed on their website as hosts.

We have done disney with and without a CAR. With one child - without a car, using the buses has been a breeze. There was one time when we opted for a cab with a carseat rental which was scary, but we were trying to get from POFQ to BC for a photoshoot with little time and minimal sweating, so it was the only choice...We have had very few bus waits that have been LONG...and this includes many trips home for naps in the middle of the day etc.

Having a car is also very convenient - and more so with the double stroller...but I dont enjoy lugging carseats (my 6 year old doesnt need one on the plane anymore, but we still have to take one for him to use the car) and having to buckle my kids into their carseats when they are whining about the hot car etc...

We also miss the ME movie on the way from the airport, and there has been at least 1 or 2 times every trip with a car where we have to take the kids on the bus because they want SOO badly to go on the bus! ha! So, we usually do that on MK days so it works out for everyone!

My sister and BIL rented at the car care center last year just for the weekend of the race. I think thats something you should consider - its easy to get to with complimentary transportation etc.

 

[mikehn]

I thought choosing between where to lodge was most difficult, I guess not

 

[Jenny3]

I think it really depends on when you go and where you stay. We stayed at the BWV last early December. We walked to EP and it was a quick bus to DHS. The longest bus rides were to MK and our breakfast at Chef Mickey's. Our son was 2.5 at the time and we never had any issues with him waiting or on the bus. He napped in his stroller, so we didn't have to bring him back to the resort during the day.

Then again, we are very much laid back kind of people and weren't on a tight schedule or on the go at all times. Except for our ADRs, we just went with the flow. If we got to the park a bit later than expected and missed a parade, so be it. Another one eventually rolls along, LOL.

My BIL and family also went with us and brought their car. They only times they used it was when they had to bring their daughter's electric wheelchair to the parks. Other times with her stroller, they just used the buses with us.