Solo Traveler Staying Off-Site

[mich723]

I'm going to be staying off-site (just across from Downtown Disney), and I'll also be going by myself to Orlando.

The hotel I'm staying at does not have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. I called them, and they recommended I use Mears. They do have a shuttle that goes to the parks every 30 minutes.
Now, traveling solo, I have multiple options. Should I use Mears? Have their shuttle service take me to and from the hotel? I've read reviews, and they don't seem to be the best. I'm mainly worried about the day I leave, and have any concern on getting to the airport late.
Or should I take a taxi? I was considering taking a taxi for the day I leave, but not when I arrive.
Last but not least, should I rent a car? With the taxi price, it's cheaper to actually rent a car for my time down there then to take a taxi. Though the shuttle is the most in-expensive option.

So, what's a solo traveler to do? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I am a solo traveler and often stay offsite. I always rent a car. I perfer not to be dependent on taxis or the hotel shuttles.

 

[KodakFigment]

RT from MCO and then a trip into the city will put you close to $150 + tips. You can rent a car for those days for less than that AND have total control over your time. Try looking at Mousesavers for the latest and best rental car codes and coupons. You should be able to get a car for less than $150.

 

[abdgeek]

I'm a solo traveler, but always stay on-site. Mears is big in Orlando, but check to see if they have super shuttle at the airport. Usually there prices are pretty reasonable. As for the car, you will have to see what the price is to rent it at the airport as opposed to renting it once you get to your hotel. There is an Alamo/National rental car place at Magic Kingdom and they will pick you up at a WDW resort hotel to get your car. Not sure if they will do it if you are staying off property. If your hotel has a shuttle to WDW, you can take that. I always use WDW buses when I go and just bring my patience. You would probably need to do the same thing if you took your hotel shuttle.

 

[mich723]

So I think I'm just going to end up renting a car. Though, I have one more question.
When renting a car, do you guys buy the insurance/protection with it? It's an extra charge per day, and I really don't know if it's worth getting it or not.

 

[KodakFigment]

Just checked Alamo for your dates. If you have a VISA card you can use these discounts and the rate was $140 total after all the taxes. As long as you have your own auto insurance you won't need their extras.
ID #7015504
Coupon code #AD2338FDF

Good luck

 

[Belle599]

I am a solo traveler and often stay offsite. I always rent a car. I perfer not to be dependent on taxis or the hotel shuttles.

+1

As a female, often solo traveller I think that it's good not to have to be dependent on taxis/shuttles.

Plus you can take a jaunt over to the outlet malls much easier.

 

[bumbershoot]

Check with your own exact car insurance to see if you are covered in a rental.

I would get the car. I don't like being dependent on others in situations like that, and want to be able to come and go *exactly* as I please.

 

[NancyIL]

I usually stay at the Swan or Dolphin, and there's no Magical Express to those hotels. I don't mind taking Mears, but sometimes it takes quite awhile to get from the airport to the hotel - depending on how many people are dropped off before me. I've never had any trouble going from resort to airport with Mears. They'll give you a time when you'll be picked up, and they are rarely late.

Having said that - shuttle buses from offsite hotels don't necessarily run to or from the parks when you want to - so a rental car is a good idea. Just realize that you'll pay $14/day to park at WDW - unless you have an annual pass.

 

[NancyIL]

Check with your own exact car insurance to see if you are covered in a rental.

Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/rental-car-insurance-policies-1273.php