The last sticking point...should we rent a car?

[mzspaz]

Okay, everything else is planned, got a good rate on airfare, using room discounts, worked out the days, AND figured out this new ticket thing.

The last thing that I have to figure out is the transporation. We usually just take a shuttle or town car and use Disney's transportation, since we have mostly stayed in the parks.

But on this trip, I would like to check out some of Orlando and maybe go to SeaWorld. I would like to hit the outlets too. We were planning to take one of the buses from the TTC into downtown Orlando, but I was wondering if that would be worth it.

So I have been wondering if renting a car would be worth it? Would it be much more expensive than the town car? We would need it for 8 nights, we arrive on a Saturday at MCO and leave the following Sunday morning. It would just be DH and myself. I'm a little nervous about filling it up with gas that Sunday morning as well as driving around Orlando and DW.

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

I would say definatly rent a car if you are planning to visit outside Disney. (Sea World is great by the way!) Since you will be going off-season, you can get a great rate on a car. Check out www.mousesavers.com - they have all the discount car rental codes listed. We will be leaving for Disney just a few days before you and I got an intermediate car from National for 11 days for just $186 (taxes and fees included).
Good luck!

Jen

 

[Bill From PA]

A TC will be $90 - $95 and the tips will bring it $115 give or take. We got an Alamo compact car for $186.75 for 9 days and to us it's worth it.

Bill From PA

 

[Jennyvelaz]

I was in the same predicament until yesterday! We are DVC members and at SSR last Sept we swore to have a car next visit. We just planned a getaway and couldn't decide. After four hours with coupons and codes I just got a intermediate car for $117 tax included. that would be the cost of a driver (our usual route). We are going to enjoy not missing another PS, resort to resort, because of the buses. Our last Ohana's PS took us an hour to get to waiting for buses! That plus the store stop will be worth it!

 

[mzspaz]

Thanks for the help!

It looks like price won't be that much of a factor.

But what about driving arount Orlando? Is it confusing or easy? I just remember on the bus trips that I would get a bit confused?

 

[leebee]

Driving is easy...take the north exit out of the airport and follow the signs to get to Disney. Once on property, follow the signs to get where you want. We usually stay off site and driving is never a hassle...OK, sometimes Disney's signage to get to CS wasn't the best...but except for the days you are going to the airport you probably won't need to use the major highways, and even Rt. 4 isn't that bad, except for rush hour (OK, I used to drive in Boston and San Francisco, so maybe I'm a little jaded, LOL) Seriously, the traffic isn't bad, and the whole area is set up for tourists.

 

[NCRedding]

I live in a small town--there are only 2 stoplights between my home and the office, and I have no problems driving in Orlando. I do avoid I-4, if at all possible.

Getting to and from MCO is easy--take the south exit (labeled very clearly) and go 417 (toll road--2 $1 tolls, and maybe a 50 cent toll depending upon your exit).

To get to Seaworld from WDW, got to Downtown Disney, and out Hotel Plaza Blvd. towards Crossroads Shopping Center; turn left onto 535 and then turn right at the next stop light--this is Palm Parkway, follow it for a few miles (very little traffic, but nice wide road), and you'll take a right at signs to Seaworld. We've gone to SW this way, I-4 and International Drive, and this is hands-down the best.

The outlets are also very convenient. Go to Crossroads, turn right onto 535, get into left lane, just under the I-4 overpass, turn left (I think there is a sign to the Holy Mary Shrine). This road will curve around to the Premium Outlets.

Its all very simple.

 

[Big V]

Hi Darci!
I just put in your dates at National rental car and using the Priceless code and the Entertainment coupon I came up with a TOTAL price of $120.71! Not Bad! PM me if you need more info.
Scott

 

[mzspaz]

Scott,

Just sent you a PM.

This actually looks like it might work!

 

[the kabuki]

Get a rental. We did for the first time on our last trip , and I will never, ever go back to the buses again. It was wonderful not having to wait in line, , trying to carry sleeping kids, packages, strollers, etc. while standing in the aisles.

I was worried about driving around there too, but take a look at some maps of the area ahead of time. Orlando magiccard sent me one when I signed up(www.orlandoinfo.com) for their card.

One suggestion I would make is to do a search here for directions to the hotel from the airport and have those ready before you leave. Everyone's always a little more stressed after a long flight to have to deal with figuring out which is the best way to take to the hotel. Other than that, getting around is really easy