You won't get me on a Disney bus
In trips past, we have always rented a car, always! Now that I am completely spoiled by having one, I`m pretty sure I couldn't go without one!
Prior to 2011, I had only ridden a Disney bus maybe three times and it was during off peak hours so it wasn't so bad.
Then in 2011, I went to a Disney training conference with my friend Michelle and we didn't have a rental car so we had to depend on buses to take us everywhere. While our experience wasn't horrible, she told me tales about her experience on Disney buses and what most people go through on those buses
Firstly, I am heat intolerant. Being in the sun, or even just being hot triggers my Lupus and I start to feel very sick. All things considered, as long as I take a few precautions, I do pretty well in Disney World. If there is a shady spot, I am in it! If there is a breeze or a fan or A/C blowing somewhere, I will find it

Since we are in and out of buildings most of the day, I can stay somewhat cool. I cannot watch a parade out in the sun so we either find a shady spot or I have to skip it and I won't join a long line that is in the sun.
So, one the best things about having a rental car is the ability to blast the air conditioning right on me
And I do this often! This is why you will always see Rob in a pullover even when it is 90ºF outside! He can't stand being cold, or even cool, for that matter and he knows I need the coolness so he comes prepared
In 2011, I noticed that the buses were actually quite warm and that is without many people on them! I can only imagine what it would be like having tons of hot, sticky, sweaty, stinky people cramming into those suckers on a warm day!
Secondly, I don't like people touching me. I like my own personal space

And when I am hot, I am even more particular about people not touching me! Just ask Rob

We will be waiting in a long queue and reaches up and tries to hug me or something and I just shoot him my "don't do it buddy!" look.
He has been with me a loooong time now. He knows this look instantly
Unfortunately, strangers don't know this look and I am amazed at how many people don't get it!!!
And it amazes me even more that other people don't appreciate the personal space bubble
Yes, I understand you may be tired and sore or bored or distracted. You want to hurry up and get on the ride...I get it. Really, I do. We are all in the same Disney boat. But positioning yourself right up my butt WILL NOT GET YOU THERE ANY FASTER!!!
Unless it is an accident, which can happen, you should not be touching me! No part of YOU should be touching any part of ME.
Period.
Now on the few Disney buses that Michelle and I took in 2011, I was repeatedly touched, bumped into, fell on, kicked, shoved and fondled! Yes, fondled!!
I swore then that unless it was absolutely necessary, I would never, ever, take another Disney bus again!!!
A rental car allows me to have my personal space, personal air conditioning at full blast and gives us way more flexibility! We can be anywhere in 10 minutes or less and we don't even have to wait! When we are ready to go, we go!
Yes, the Magic Kingdom is a bit of a pain to get to but I have been going there and doing the whole Parking Lot/Tram/Monorail or Ferry thing since 1975! It's all part of the MK experience for me. I have fond memories of my dearly late parents asking me where (or who) I think we will be parking in that time. And yes, it makes me deeply sad that they have changed the names of the parking lots
Having a car also makes it really easy to get to resorts or offsite places to shop or eat.
Thankfully we are staying onsite so we don't have to pay for parking!

When Rob and I first went together back in 1999, I think it was $6 or $7 a day to park, now it's like $482 or something
To be fair, we actually aren't doing much off site this trip. We will do a quick trip to Publix and maybe the Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland but other than that, we are sticking to just Disney World.
I prefer to rent from Dollar but since we will be dropping off at Port Canaveral, we will be going with Budget. I got a nice rate with a code so that's always a bonus!
And when we get off the ship, we will be doing a one-day rental from Budget as well so we can spend some time at Downtown Disney before we head for the airport around 2pm.
Sooooo, that's our transportation plans
