Staying at Blue Tree - need car?

[MouseyOne]

Hey everyone,
Need help. My mother and I are staying at the Blue Tree Westgate Resort for 10 days in January 2007. We've never stayed at this particular resort. We usually rent a car but we are not planning to this trip (too stressful to drive for us). My question is, is anyone familiar with the roads surrounding the Blue Tree? I'm wondering if we'll be able to walk to attractions. I know Downtown Disney is approximately 1 1/2 miles from the resort - which is definately a do-able walking distance, but I'm just concerned with sidewalks, etc. Obviously we could take the disney transportation from Downtown Disney to other Disney venues, and I think Downtown is the closest Disney attaction to the resort that is why I'm basing this on that location. Love to hear your input.

Also, if anyone has stayed with the Blue Tree before were shuttles an option?

 

[NCRedding]

I haven't stayed at Westgate, but do know that Apopka-Vineland, which I think you would travel, is not very good for walking. There are few sidewalks, lots of businesses and 5-6 lanes of traffic. I wouldn't try to stay there without a car.

Maybe someone who has stayed there will chime in with better information.

 

[Lewisc]

Disney doesn't run buses from DTD to the parks.

Your plan is to walk 1.5 miles, possibly in the heat or rain, in an area without great sidewalks. Then wait up to 30 minutes for a bus. Finally you'll have to wait for another bus or boat to get to a park. In some cases you could take another 20 minute walk to get to a park.

Too much walking and waiting. I'd go with a rental car.

 

[maxiesmom]

IMHO, way to far to walk. You are already walking so much at the parks, that I would not want to add to that unecessarily. Does Blue Tree have their own bus system? Otherwise if you don't want to rent a car I would plan on having money for taxis.

 

[MouseyOne]

Thanks for the input. It's very helpful to know the roads aren't any condition to try to walk. We're fitness nuts and have done Disney several times, our last visit was January 2006 - we don't mind the walking, but I don't think I want to try it hearing how many lanes there are and no sidewalks. I'm still trying to find out if the Blue Tree has a shuttle service...anyone? I've left a message at the Blue Tree but haven't heard back from them yet
Appreciate your comments.