Shuttle or rent a car?

[DisneyJules]

I'm planning a trip to WDW for February while on break from University, it would be myself as well as 3 friends. I would like to get some advice on what to do. Is it a better idea to rent a car and stay off grounds or would it be better to stay at a hotel on property where we could get shuttled. I'm not quite sure which is a better route.

 

[CarolA]

Well there are lots of considerations.

However, since you are in a University I am guessing that you might be under 25. If all of you are under 25 I recommend staying on site and using Disney Transport. The rental car companies don't like to rent to people under 25 and will charge you MEGA bucks for the car.

The other thing nice thing about the shuttle is that you can come and go as you please. SO if two of you want to play commando and tour non-stop and other's want pool time you aren't stuck someplace.

 

[EthansMom]

You might also consider staying at a Downtown Disney hotel. They aren't owned by Disney, but are on WDW property. You might be able to save some money on them. They offer their own transportation to the parks, which is supposed to be decent (will be using it myself in Sept.).

If you have a problem catching the hotel bus, you can always take the WDW bus to Downtown Disney and walk a few blocks from the hotel. Plus, you'd be staying very close to the dance clubs and such at Downtown Disney -- walking distance back to the hotel, if you like the nightlife.

Also, the shuttle is currently $56/adult roundtrip between MCO airport and most Disney hotels. Could you rent a car for less than $224????

EthansMom

 

[DisneyJules]

I'm 20 and my friend is 23. I was told by the travel agents today that it wouldn't be a problem because she was 23. They didn't mention anything about an extra charge for being under 25. I'll have to look into it. I'm not really into nightclubs and neither are my friends so being near downtown Disney wouldn't be a huge advantage for us, but thanks for suggesting it anyways I'm sure we would probably still check it out. The price of the rental car was looking to bad, especially when you split it between 4 people.

 

[CarolA]

Also, walking over to DTD to catch the bus does not do much for you unless you want to go to a resort. Just to prevent this Disney no longer runs buses from DTD to the parks.

Make SURE the TA is telling the rental companies that your driver is 23. I know that I have had to approve high surcharges on my employees who were under 25 in the states! It might be different in Canada.

 

[DisneyJules]

Thanks Carol! I did tell them that the driver would be 23, she said that was fine but didn't go into more detail. I'll have to make it clear that she is indeed under 25.