Should we rent a car or not?

[kapeppy]

Here's the story:

We are a group of five (3 adults and 2 children) and will be arriving at the Orlando Sanford airport. We have to rent a car to get from there to FW and from FW back to the airport. We can rent the car, return it to the Car Care Center and then pick it up again from the Car Care Center and return it to the airport. This will cost us just over $100 to have a car for two 24 hour periods.

We are staying at FW in a cabin for 8 days total and can rent a car for the entire stay for just about $200. I know there are pros (not having to depend on WDW transportation, being able to eat off site, and shop off site) and cons (having to drive ourselves, worrying about directions and getting lost) but can anyone tell me why they chose to rent or not rent? Or maybe tell me why they were happy they rented or didn't rent? Did you drive all over or did the car sit parked for a week? I know $100 more is just a drop in the bucket when you figure how much the trip is actually costing so the money isn't an issue. I just want to make sure we are doing the right thing!

Thanks a bunch!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Since we camp at FW, we always have our tow vehicle, so I am no expert on rental, but I can tell you my feelings regarding having your own vehicle vs. relying on Disney transportation.

I am no fan of riding busses, so we find the truck invaluable when traveling to parks like MGM or AK or to DD, which are not accessible by monorail. If we are going to MK or Epcot, we will take the launch from the marina and hook up with the monorail. I personally like the convenience of having my ride available whenever I need it, and it sure beats waiting for a bus and maybe waiting for the next one on a crowded day.

 

[campingcorgi]

Well, you don't really have to rent a car to get to FW--one of the towncar services would take you for about the $100 round-trip. However, if you rent it I'd keep it for the full time. The buses to the parks and the boat to MK are fine, but going to a waterpark or Downtown Disney is easier in a car and going to another resort (off the monorail line) is FAR easier in a car. You may also need the car to grocery shop, go to one of the Disney outlets, eat a cheaper meal (Golden Corral was a super buffet!) or--knock wood--you may even get a sick little one and need a trip to a clinic.

We usually rent a car for a week in the middle of our trips and plan all our activities accordingly.