To Rent a Car or not ... That is the Question

[Pink Flamingo]

On our last 3 trips to WDW we haven't rented a car ~ we've used Mears & Your Ride to get to/from the airport & have used WDW transportation for getting around "The World".

What are the advantages/disadvantages to renting a car?

There are 5 in our party (3 aduldt, 2 kids). We will be staying at the Polynesian & the Beach Club.

Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[helenk]

I rented a car on my last trip as my son wanted to go to IOA, other than that the car sat in the parking lot at the WL. The rental company was running such a good deal that it was cheaper to rent a car than to pay for a town car to and from the airport and transportation to and from IOA. All my other trips I have used mears or a town car service and will be doing the same for this next trip.
I do not minding waiting for the WDW transportation, having to just get on a bus, ferry or the monorail is part of my vacation.

 

[beattyfamily]

We've done both. Our first trip in 1998 we used only WDW transportation.

Then in 2000, 2001 and 2002 we split our stay between WDW and Universal and rented a car. Although our main reason for renting was to get to Universal (and to/from the airport), we also enjoyed having the car for other things too!

One year, my DH forgot to pack underwear!!! We used the car to run to Kmart to get more underwear. One year, I needed more diapers...we ran and got them.

We also use the car to eat out when at Universal...there's some good restaurants near by. We also drove to AK and DTD and other resorts when we resort hop. Resort hopping can take a LONG time with WDW transportation.

We enjoy the freedom a rental car gives! Rates can be so low sometimes that it's just cheaper than shuttles/towncars anyway. We're paying $111 TOTAL for a Full size with National for a week in Nov/Dec.

Good luck deciding!

 

[CRCrazy]

Another rental car fan here! It isn't a neccessity, but it does come in handy! With a family of five - we need a van from one of the transport companies - although for a rental car - we fit just fine in a full size. As an Emerald Club member and a Disney Club Member - I usually can get a great deal with National - equal to or less than transportation between the airport and hotel!

We usually stay at the CR - and obviously - use the monorail/boats for transportation around the lagoon, and to MK/Epcot. We have found that the bus transportation isn't as fun from this area - the resorts share buses and especially the trip to Downtown Disney is awful!!! Took us over an hour standing up!

We just got back from a combo convention/Disney trip with 6 junior high students. I rented a car, even though our state delegation (about 50 people) had already rented bus transportation to/from airport and the 2nd hotel, since it was my daughter's birthday that week. I had promised to take her to the Prime Time Cafe for her birthday dinner - even though we would still be at the conference at that time.

Just an example of the time savings - We stayed at the All Stars for the Disney portion of our trip. One day my daughter left her pass in the room and realized it just as the bus was pulling up - I told my husband and the others in our group of 12 that we would meet them there with the car. After our day at AK - I hopped on the parking tram, at the same time that they headed to the bus stop. I arrived back at our room - showered, made notes on the day in my Passporter, and walked up to the Food Court for a mug refill, then settled down to enjoy my book in the AC - 45 minutes later - the rest of the crew arrived back at the room!

Also, one of the high school students in our delegation lost his plane ticket. Since I had the car - I was able to drive him and his advisor to the airport to obtain a replacement. Otherwise - they would have had to take care of that during prime time as we were checking in for our flight home - no time for errors that way!

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Thanks for all the insights! They have been very helpful.

Now I have another question or 2 ~ How much does it cost to park at the resorts (specifically BC & Poly) & at the different parks (including BB & TL)?

For 5 people (3 adults, 2 kids) is there typically plenty of trunk room for luggage & a few groceries?

Thanks so much for all the help !

 

[Lewisc]

Disney doesn't (currently) charge for self-parking for hotel guests. Hotel guests also get free theme park parking.

A full size car should work for 5 DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH luggage you have.