Should we rent a car?

[firsttrip]

We will be staying for 5 nights at the Wilderness Lodge. We will be flying into Orlando. Originally I was thinking of renting a car because the Frommer's guidebook recommended it if you are staying at WL. The guidebook says that WL is in an awkward location and it is difficult to get anywhere quickly. Most of the time will be spent at MK. Please help me decide. Not sure what the going rate is for car rental in Orlando per day. That may also help us decide which way to go. We are only in WDW for a short time (5 nights) so don't want to waste a lot of time with Disney transport if it will slow us down. I have nothing to refer to because this will be our first trip. I have 2 children travelling with us age 4 & 7.
Thanks for you help
Nancy

 

[rchristiansen]

If you are spending most of your time at MK then the WL provides some of the easiest transportation to MK. You can take a boat straight there...no busses!

If you want the rental car just to get from park to park, then I don't recommend it.

If you want it to visit Downtown Disney, go shop for Groceries, have a quick and easy way to and from the airport then yes.

We're getting one because I like to be spoiled on vacation and don't want to be at the mercy of ME. I want to get off the plane, pick up my car and drive to my resort. I like my freedom. Also, we are staying at a DVC resort and will want to get groceries, etc. We plan on using Disney transportation to and from the parks though.

The only other better use of a rental car vs Disney Transportation is traveling from Resort to Resort. There are not direct links from resort to resort and a car is much easier. If you want to go to another resort you need to transfer at Downtown Disney.

 

[the kabuki]

After numerous trips to WDW on our last trip we decided to rent a car and LOVED having it. No waiting in lines for buses especially at the end of the night, no carrying sleeping little ones, no stroller or packages to balance. Plus we stopped at Walmart's and picked up breakfast foods, snacks, water, etc. With a family of five, just having breakfast in the room every morning and not purchasing water in the parks ($2.50 a bottle!) we just about broke even on the rental cost. We also were able to go off site for dining for more savings and the kids liked shopping at off site souvenier shops where their allowance went much farther than in the parks.

Loved the freedom of having a car, playing the radio, not having to squish next to stinky people who've been walking around all day in the parks, and always having a seat!!

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

If you are going to spend most of your time at the MK you will not want to drive. You have to park at the TTC and then either walk or tram to the boat or monorail to get to the MK. It would likely take a lot longer than using Disney transportation.

 

[mac3013]

We rent a car whenever we go. We usually drive over to either the CR or the Poly and valet park then jump on the monorail to get to MK. It is so much easier than sitting around waiting for the buses and then standing on an overcrowded bus.

We will also be staying at the BCV so we will hit the grocery store and DTD so it is definitely easier to have our own car.

We leave tomorrow....

 

[Rowlf]

Rental cars are generally extremely cheap in Orlando - I've often gotten one for less than $20 a day. I'd recommend looking into getting into one of the clubs, like National's Emerald Aisle. I'm pretty sure it is still free - and it's a great setup. You give them your credit card info in advace and make an "Emerald Aisle" reservation. Then, when you get there, you just walk up, pick out the car you want, and drive to the booth, where they check your license and let you out.

Then again, maybe I shouldn't tell people how easy that is... there won't be as many cars for me!

 

[Carolinagirl1063]

We always drive to the world but never use our vehicle once we get there. We prefer Disney transportation. DH refuses to use the car which surpises me but suits me fine. His inner NASCAR driver comes out alot and I don't like riding with him!

 

[we3disneygo]

we always rent a car-I don't want to have to wait to get on a crowded bus-this has always worked great for us!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I often rented a car when I went with adults and we rented a minivan when we went for the first time as a family but on our last trip I got a limo to bring us to the resort instead. We really liked having a towncar service instead of renting a car. They provided car seats (you just don't know what you'll get from a car rental company so we brought them with us when we rented the minivan). They also allow for a grocery stop and we didn't have to navigate getting there (not difficult but you haven't driven with my DH ). They met us at baggage claim so that was super quick too.

I have rented using National's Emerald Ilse service but I can't do that anymore with my party of 6.

I wouldn't do ME. A towncar to WL is $109 from FL Tours (a board sponsor) but since your stay is short and there are only 4 of you you might be able to find a rental car for less money. Try mousesavers for codes.

 

[msnina0417]

Well, first of all, you are not going to need a car, I rented one my last trip and never used it. If you are going to disney and have booked a package, you trip to and from the airport is paid for. If you need food, call goodings grocery store from the from desk and have your groceries delievered. As for the parks they all have extra hours and take your time, beleive me you will not see everything in 5 days and if you get into a jam, take a taxi back to your room or to another desination $10.00 approx. From the WL the taxi and the boat are easy to board, my waits were only 15-20 minutes at the most.

 

[disneysteve]

We would NEVER go to Disney without our own car. While Disney does a great job moving people around the property, it just isn't for us. I don't want to stand in line just so I can crowd onto a packed bus. If I want to go from my hotel to another hotel, I want to hop in the car and go, not have to transfer to another bus each way. If I want to go offsite and pick up a pizza, go to the supermarket, hit the outlets, etc., I want my car. Its quicker, more comfortable and more efficient.

 

[crisi]

Its a personal preference thing.

We don't rent a car. Neither of us likes driving. Particularly strange roads and strange cars. I'm married to a car snob - no $20 a day economy cars for us! And we've had bad luck with rentals - sitting around for an hour while the car we had "reserved" becomes available. Having them not honor the reservation rate. Its been bad, and not worth the effort.

We do suppliment our use of Disney transportation with cabs - which are not free, but cheaper than renting the class of car my husband is willing to put up with!

We are also skipping the free Magical Express in favor of a towncar.