To Rent....? Or not to rent....?

[winktink]

Hi Ya'll!
We will be staying at CBR for the first time the first week in October.
Do you think it would be worth it to rent a car?
Please share past experiences.

Thanks!

 

[michelle1]

We have done both and while the buses are fine we really like to have a car. It is more convenient (other than MK) to be able to just hop in the car and go and not have to wait for a bus. It is easier to get to the other resorts for meals and quicker if you are hopping from one park to another. Also, we do like to venture out and shop a little or eat offsite so it's definitely convenient for that. We usually have the frame of mind that if we get a good rate on a car we will rent but if not then we will go with Disney Transportation.

 

[HeatherC]

If you can swing it, I'd say rent a car. I don't think you'll regret having to not wait for a bus or fight for a seat. If kids melt down you can just leave when you want without any waiting.

And you can explore other things too....like the great Outlets and even Celebration.

Have a great trip!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I've never gone without renting a car, nor do I think I would. My partner took his sister and friend to Disney this past year and they rented a car, but since he hates to drive, didn't tend to drive the rental car around unless his sister was driving. He said the buses were okay, but he was also there during a fairly quiet time (the week before Easter week), and the parks were not packed at all, not sure how he would have faired in a larger crowd.

 

[MagiKitty]

We always rent a car also. It can be a pain and frustrating looking for a good rate, but for us, the convenience of being able to go where we want, when we want is priceless. Its advised to accomodate 90 minutes for some commutes between hotels (say, like is you were staying at Pop but going to Chef Mickeys at the contemporary) and that is just unacceptable for us, considering its just a few miles!

We've had to park and use the tram at parking lots, but we didn't find it to be inconvenient at all. We've never had to wait a long time.

We're also people who like to go offsite, whether its to run to get essentials for the room, to eat somewhere else, or to go shopping. Our flights are usually morning flights, so we like the ability to get to the airport on our terms --although we do enjoy checking in and using RAC at the resorts!

See you there! We're there 9/27-10/7.

 

[Darcy03231]

For me, it depends on the rate I can get for the car. If I can't get one fairly inexpensively then I use ME and the WDW bus system. If I have an ADR and time it running tight I'll take a taxi (I had to do this once the last time we were there. It was $20 including the tip, which was much less than the cost of the car for the week).

 

[robinb]

I used to rent a car all the time before Disney offered free Magical Express from the airport. Since ME started I have stayed at Disney resorts with and without a car. I like having a car better, but it's really a matter of economics for me. If car rental is too much, then I can make do fine without a car. Disney transportation is perfectly acceptable between CBR and the parks. The only time where you may run into trouble is transferring between resorts and in that case we took a cab.

The advantages of a car for me are:
* I can make a grocery stop for snacks/beer/breakfast foods on the way to my resort.
* I can choose to drive to the parks. Driving can sometimes be faster and I feel like I am on my own schedule.
* I can visit other resorts easily to explore or have a meal.
* I can drive off-site for a favorite meal (Ran Getzu of Tokyo).
* I don't have to be on the ME bus 3 hours before my flight time.

The advantages of NOT having a car are:
* Disney transportation is FREE!
* Bus stops are closer to the parks, no tram rides.
* The bus ride gives me time to "decompress" in relative comfort after leaving the park.

 

[kehlyrsmom]

We have always rented a car as well. We have gone the last four years during free dining. I have found some good rates on mousesavers.com. It gives us the convenience to come and go as we please plus we usually take one day and go offsite somewhere.

 

[rwdavis2]

Rent a car. we always do and, IMHO, it's quicker than relying on the buses. You can go off-property and to DTD way easier.
Bob

 

[amshowers]

We always rent a car,but it really depends on your touring style. We have park hoppers and do alot of hopping, so it's worth the car rental. If you just plan to go to 1 park a day and not travel to eat than you can probably do without the added expense.