Should we rent a car?

[lersxst]

If I understand correctly, by staying at a Disney Resort, there is free trnsportation to and from the airport, correct? If this is the case, should I rent a car for the full week that I am planning to go? This is based on the followng concerns:

- Do Disney Resorts or the Parks charge for parking?
- Is there any advantage to driving to the parks instead of taking the Disney system transport?
- Are there more options to drive near-by in terms of food (McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc?)

I just don't want to rent the car and have it stay parked at the hotel the full week so any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[tmt martins]

Yes Parks charge for parking

Speed you get there faster by car ( not MK because you have to go through TTC)

Yes I192 & international pwky?? is close and has every eatery you could think of and some you never would.

 

[Willow25]

If you are staying at a Disney Resort then you do not have to pay for parking at the parks or the resort you are staying at.

We always rent a car because it is so much easier when you are taking breaks in the afternoons or going to different resorts for restaurants etc.

I find the Disney transportation frustrating. I feel like I wait in lines enough when I am in the parks etc.

 

[drteeth3]

Having a car at Disney is great. You have so much more freedom. You can go to the grocery store, any of the resorts, downtown Disney… We actually use the car quite a bit when in Disney. Its well worth it.

 

[mrstomrice]

we had our car on our last trip and we only used it once all week. I think you can't beat the transportation system...you also usually meet the nicest people on the way to the parks. we had no trouble getting buses at all...never more than a 10 minute wait. As for food, you wil spend so much more money for the car then you will save on food, rather then eating on property. good luck with your decision!

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

- Do Disney Resorts or the Parks charge for parking?
- Is there any advantage to driving to the parks instead of taking the Disney system transport?
- Are there more options to drive near-by in terms of food (McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc?)

Disney resorts and parks will not charge parking fees to an onsite guest.
The advantages are being able to come and go as you please. The Disney buses are very frequent, but they do get crowded at park opening and closing. You can also store stuff in the trunk of your car for free instead of renting a locker in the parks.
DH and I always venture off property. We've gone to church at the Mary Shrine, gone to the malls, gone to Perkins, grocery stores, Chik Fil A, McDonald's... We've also resort hopped the WDW resorts!

I've always had good luck with Alamo. IF you have an entertainment book you can use the coupons.

Good luck!

 

[LadyDulcinea1]

If you are planning on leaving the property more than once its probably a good idea to rent a car.

While it may be faster to drive to and from the parks, DM and I love the resort transportation and find it very manageable and easy to navigate. To us it adds to the whole Disney experience

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

If you're going to stay onsite you don't need a car.

The MK is far faster by Disney Transportation than it is to drive.
The other parks are about the same.
Resort to resort is quicker by car, especially when both resorts in question aren't on the monorail. But it's manageable unless the parks are closed. If you're at another resort and the parks are closed, I strongly suggest you take a cab rather than route through Downtown Disney on the bus. It's $15 or so.

As far as lines, you either wait in line for the bus or wait in line for the trams and in your car waiting to get out of the place. Take your pick.

There is a market that will deliver too. Someone can give you the details.

We use the car once all week because we know we'll be at one place after the parks close.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

We love the flexibility of the rental car. Everything is just minutes away. Never a fee to park anywhere in WDW (if you're a Disney Resort guest)... plenty of places to park... no waiting for a bus...

Make sure you rent from a company who rental desk is located AT the airport. Use the official MCO website to determine which are located there.

 

[wvjovifan]

The first time we went to WDW we rented a car and never moved it all week.
That was 7 trips ago. It is just so much easier to make your plans around the transportation system and leave the driving to THEM.

 

[Goofy4]

Make a reservation (or otherwise get on the mailing list) with National/Alamo and/or Budget. If they haven't rented most of their cars out 2-3 weeks ahead of time, their prices will start dropping and this could become a much easier decision for you.

 

[sconnell]

We drive, so we already have our car. We do use it occassionally, but because we already have it. I don't think I would rent one.
I think if mostly depends on your group dymanics.
With little kids, our car is much easier for resorts and the parks other than MK. MK parking is horrendous. Once we are at the car, we control the air! They are used to their seats. They aren't disturbing the other guests. They are comfortable and usually fall asleep in their carseats. The strollers go in the back of the van. Holding onto a sleeping 3 year old and a stroller and bag is not an easy task as you take turns, even if someone gives you their seat. (Which is more likely to happen if you are a woman. My poor DH just takes it in stride.)
However, when my DH and I went out alone, the transportation was great! All we had to to was walk out and hop on. There are SO many places to eat onsite, I can't imagine going off site to eat. Especially if you go for the DDP!

 

[lersxst]

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. Very helpful indeed.

Given your input, I think I will go with the car as it will work better with our plans.

Thanks again.