Still debating between TTC and National rental...help me decide.

[senorak]

We leave in 2 weeks for 8 days at the Poly. Have ressies for both Tiffany Town Car (original plan) and National EA (fullsize car for 8 days @ $152). We had originally planned to use TTC...after all, this is a "vacation" and we didn't want to deal w/ the hassle of renting a car. And, since we are staying at the Poly(with the access to different transportation systems) we figured we wouldn't need a car. After reading many posts on this site, and the possible long wait times for Disney buses....I looked into renting a car and booked National. For those of you who frequent WDW (this is our first trip since '93).....what are the advantages/disadvantages of TTC and/or renting a car?

DEB

 

[Sandi]

I have used both TTC and National for different trips in the last 6 years. TTC is wonderful because of the help with bags and the "no hassle - no worries" feeling it gives you. However, for a trip 8 days in length, I think I'd like to have the freedom of a car. The WDW transportation system is really quite good, but it does get busy. Plus, it is not the best for resort to resort travel (although if you're at the Poly, the monorail will get you to GF and Contemporary, too) or for travel to Downtown Disney. You might not use the car that much, but you'll have it if you need it for shopping, a trip to the Space Center, or elsewhere.

That's my 2 cents. Have a great time.

 

[sgtdisney]

We always rent a car when we go to Orlando. We tend to go off the property to shop at the outlets and also to eat at some of our favorite Orlando area restaurants. I also like the freedom having my own car gives me.

 

[beattyfamily]

Rent! That's a great rate and you'll have freedom to go when and where you want at a moments notice.

The best is when you want to go from resort to resort. That's the hardest, I think, with WDW transportation. It's also nice for DD too.

I don't know what the savings is over TTC, but I'd go for renting and I've done both. Now that I've rented, I don't think I'd go back, unless I had to financially.

Good luck.

 

[hercamore]

If you have kids, it's great to have a car in case of emergency (somebody sick) or need to get medicine. My son forget his contact case, so we had to find a store the first night. You never know.

 

[idontknow]

have you checked national's rates since yesterday? My 5 day (weekly) rental went from $125 down to $107. (thanks to beattyfamily!!) That is for Thanksgiving weekend, though, using the DC contract code and the 1 day free coupon. Check out Mousesavers.com to see what the codes are.

There has got to be some point during your vacation that you will probably say "I wish we had a car to get there faster....." For the rates that National has right now, I'd go with the rental car.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Although I am in the minority so far on this post, I have not yet rented a car. When we go to Disney, we do just Disney. The thought of dealing with a rental car, and figuring out where to go, how to get there, just does not appeal to us.

I defiantely agree about DTD. Coming home can be a drag. The last trip we discovered the joy of taxis. It is between 7-10& to get back to the resort from DTD. When it is late, or we have done a lot of shopping, we grab a cab.

Next trip is to Y&BC for the DIS-Con. We will definately not get a car. Epcot is a stroll, as is the Boardwalk and MGM is a boat ride. When we head DTD, we will probably grab a cab home. (Hate the extra stops on the way home at PI and West Side )

What ever way you decide, have a great trip!

 

[Snoozan]

IMHO renting is the only way to go. It's so much easier to get around if you want to make a quick trip to DD or to visit another resort. The trip from/to the airport is soooo easy, the highway is new and hardly has any traffic on it. Disney has enough signs posted to keep you from getting lost. Also, with the length of time you're staying, you may want to go check out other things in the Orlando area-even if it's just a visit to Disney's town-Celebration, FL!

I'm even planning on doing the driving myself on my next trip and I'm no city driver as I live in the boonies of Western Mass. If I can do it(without getting stressed out), anyone can.

 

[TeenaS]

I wouldn't rent a car if it was $1.00 per week. Vacation for me is no driving! Of course, I never leave Disney property. Disney transportation is what makes a Disney vacation so wonderful. The thought of getting in a super hot car, burning the top of your legs on the seats, waiting for the car to cool off, parking, taking the tram to the main entrance, etc. is a pain! The busses take you right to the entrance and are nice and cool the minute you get on them.

The ride to and from the airport with Tiffany's Towncar makes it so effortless. No dealing with drop-offs, traffic. Just your own private driver taking you to and from. It is a wonderful way to start your magical vacation and since it has to end, why not end in style and comfort and no hassle!

 

[caverill]

We have done both also. I also don't like to have to drive during vacations.

Most trips we only do Disney. Disney transportation has been great for us. Never any really long waits. We always use TTC for those trips

However, on a couple of trips we wanted to do "non-Disney" things like SeaWorld or the Cape. Renting car gives you options.

If the cost is low and you want to leave the "World", rent. If not, use TTC and Disney.

Either way you will have a great time.

 

[senorak]

Lots of great arguments pro/con of renting. We do plan to stay just within the Disney complex and plan to use the monorail system for Epcot, MK, Contemporary.....and will probably take the bus from TTC to MGM. It's the longer bus rides---AK, water parks, etc. that had concerned me. Plus, the fact that we have dinner ressies at Boma's one inight (just DH and myself) and didn't want to have to leave so early (and pay more $$ to have kids in Neverland Club) to be sure we made the PS. I had never taken into consideration what to do if one of us needs medical attention or we need something from "off property"---so I think we will stick with renting the car.
Thanks again for all your opinions---they were all valuable in making our decision.

DEB

 

[sgtdisney]

Bear in mind as well, that there is limited, to no transportation directly between the resorts. So if you are going from the Polynesian to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a meal you will need to make a transfer and will need to plan your time accordingly.