Should I rent a Car over Christmas at BWV/VWL?

[canwegosoon]

I am going on my First Christmas vacation 12/23-12/29 to WDW-SO I am a little concerned about the crowds. I have the ability to rent a car, but I am also very experienced with all aspects of Disney transportation. Do you think there would be a huge benefit in renting a car...or do you think it will just be a hassle with the crowds. As it stands now I am taking ME, and planning on taking WDW transportation. BUT I have a very good rate for a car.
As far as the DVC aspects of the vacation go, we tend to stay in stuidos since I will not cook in the room. Having access to a grocery store, is nice but...for a 6 day trip, I can certainly get soda, and bread at a onsite store. We do have some resort dining booked, but a majority of it is in parks. We are planning to take breaks in the afternoon, but since we are staying at 2 different resorts, we will be visiting parks closest to resorts on most days.
Thanks...Terri

 

[browniemtb]

If you are planning on staying with in the Disney area why waste the money. BWV and VWL both are connected to the parks...either by boat or by feet. Other areas just take the bus. This way you don't have to worry about parking. You can use ME from the airport.....

We stopped renting a car last year. Its one less headache when you go back to the airport. We actually rent a limo.....they pick us up at the airport and bring us right to the resort or food shopping first if we want. In November our only problem is that we plan on going to Universal for a day.....the limo company said they would be happy to come get us and bring us there.

So basically if you aren't going to leave Disney grounds save the money and the airport return headache. Relax and have fun using Disney transportation. Many will complain about the bus system but we find it a pretty good way to get around. Plus the our kids love getting to the parks as much as the parks themselves.

Brownie

 

[DisneyHumbug]

We went 12/23-29/2002 and did not rent a car. There were 12 of us including my DF in a wheelchair and we had no problems whatsoever with the transportation. We were at WL. We took limos back and forth to the airport. What a great time of the year to go - have fun - the crowds will arrive on 12/26!!

 

[Scratch42]

If you haven't rented a car as of yet, expect to pay an arm and a leg!

I had a rental made for the beginning at $33.00 per day and now that I am arriving a day earlier, that rate goes up to $80.00 per day!

I am planning on using ME to get us to the resort! I do have a rental for the later part of our trip but that is still at $33.00 per day!

One year, did not get such a good rate and we took a limo there and back to the Airport. I rented a car at the Dolphin for one day, and that was to go shopping! Otherwise, save your money! Traffic is unbelievable! Not worth the hassle! Better off taking WDW Transportation or even paying for a Taxi!

Have Fun! Remember, Go with the Flow! It's gonna be crowded!

j

 

[Granny]

If you're not planning on going off site, I'd forego the car. Maybe use a taxi to go resort-to-resort, especially if you have an ADR.

We'll be there at the same time, and while we will have our car since we drive, we don't plan on using it on-site much.

 

[canwegosoon]

Giving this a bump for more opinions from Christmas travlers

 

[Tabetha]

I don't have experience with Christmas crowds, but we did just get back from VWL with a rental car. I've never had a car at the World before, but it made a big difference to me, knowing that we could go back to the room for a rest, right when we wanted to instead of waiting for busses. To me, it saved so much time and hassle, I am hooked!

So, bearing this in mind, I think I'd love knowing that I could escape the Christmas crowds by zipping to my villa for a couple of hours without doubling the "rest time" in transit!

 

[rie'smom]

We rent a car everytime we go to WDW.Here are a few reasons:
1 It makes the trip easy because we're not waiting for busses.
2 Our mornings are more relaxed -no rushing due to crowds @ the bus stop.
3 At the end of a very long day,it's nice to take the tram back to our car. We usually
get back to our room pretty quickly.

 

[castleri]

We have had a car during the Christmas week twice and hardly ever used it. I do like to have one to do the grocery shopping and go to the character outlet but will not have it this year as the rates are ridiculous. We will be using DME at least to get to WDW and haven't decided on that or a town car to get back but unless something comes up better than I have found since we started planning this trip there will be no car. I love using Disney transportation since I hate driving in traffic and it can be a hassle leaving parks at closing. I'd rather stand on the bus than drive in the traffic. Good luck with your decision- there really is no right or wrong one - just the one that fits your family and situation best.