To rent or not to rent...

[sramille]

I'm sure this has been discussed many times, but I could really use some opinions....

I will be in WDW during Super Soap Weekend. My friend and I had planned taking Mears from the airport. One morning we would have to take a cab to the park because we need to get there early. So, I figure that would all cost ~$75.

I could rent a car for $110-$125. The difference in $$ isn't really a big deal for me, but I just can't decide if I want to do that or rely on WDW busses. I've never rented before while I was there. I like the idea of letting someone else handle the driving after a long day in the park. However...the entire resort is booked! So, chances are that we will have to wait and stand for busses. Then again...there will probably be more traffic too.

I drive myself crazy when I have to make decisions like this! I would love to hear what all of you have to say.
Thanks!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Disney busses start service at 7am. We can get you there early, never fear.

As for crowds... as the crowds increase, so do our busses. We meet the demand.

For example... Fourth of July... one of our heaviest days of the year for the Magic Kingdom. We tripled our capacity for that day, and moved everyone quite efficiently. We only had ONE complaint for the entire operation. And that was because a driver took an alternate route, and "delayed" the guests an extra 5 minutes. *shrug*

 

[sgtdisney]

We have been going to Disney World for many years now and we have always rented a car. I just prefer the freedom to be able to pick up and go where and when I want. We also do a lot of resort hopping and also tend to go off the property on occasion to eat and shop and doing that is next to impossible without a car. I just like the freedom I guess.

 

[sramille]

Thanks! It's good to know that Disney will be increasing their transportation on such a busy weekend.
I will still need to get a taxi on Sunday because I will probably need to be to MGM by or before 7am for a special event. Last year, a friend drove, we had to wait a few minutes for MGM to let us in the parking lot, but I don't remember what time it was.

Any other opinions out there??

 

[Kim&Chris]

We always, always rent a car.

Like a previous poster said, I just like my freedom to come & go when I please.

Not that there's anything wrong with Disney's bus service (we used it two or three times), but we don't want to spend any valuable "fun time" waiting for buses.

 

[Kim&Chris]

We always, always rent a car.

Like a previous poster said, I just like my freedom to come & go when I please.

Not that there's anything wrong with Disney's bus service (we used it two or three times). The drivers were always pleasant and knowledgeable, but we don't want to spend any valuable "fun time" waiting for buses.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by Kim&Chris
Not that there's anything wrong with Disney's bus service (we used it two or three times), but we don't want to spend any valuable "fun time" waiting for buses.

It should be noted that instead of spending that valuable fun time waiting for busses, you're instead waiting at the Toll Plaza to go through, parking your car, and then waiting for parking trams (or walking in). It all amounts to the same amount of time.

 

[n2mm]

We like zipping back to the resort and don't like waiting for buses either. We use the bus service to MK only. We always rent a car and wouldn't have it any other way. We've done the comparison and driving ourselves saves us tons of time. Some folks love the bus serivce, just not us.

 

[Kermit]

If you've used Disney transportation in the past and know you like it, I'd stick with that. We drive to WDW and so we obviously have our car, but we never use it once we get there. It's just so easy to wait for buses in the shade instead of getting into hot cars (I hate hot seat belts!) and having to pay attention to get where we're going. On the bus, we can go over the park map and plan our attack in the morning. In the evening, we can rest. I wouldn't worry about crowds affecting transportation. You should be fine.