To rent to not to rent?

[pam66]

that is the question...
we are planning on staying at the All Star Movie Resort this July. Will I be happier with a rental car for more flexibility traveling to other resorts or downtown disney, or are the busses good enough to avoid the extra expense of a car? There will be 3 of us traveling, myself, my DH and our 4 yr old DD. thanks in advance for any advice. Pam

 

[Kermit]

I wouldn't rent a car, but you'll get about as many opinions as there are people here. We drive to WDW, and once we park our car in the resort's parking lot, that's it. We don't get back in our car until we check out. Driving is just a bigger hassle. You may have to wait for the buses sometimes, but at least you wait in a shaded awning rather than trying to keep a 4 year old safe while crossing a very busy parking lot.

 

[mrsboz]

we always rent a car. With three people you can get a small car and it isn't much more than it is to get transfered there. We use the bus system to get to every park but for dinners and downtown disney it is awesome. It's also nice if you want to go offsite to stock up on goodies for your room or shop at one of the discount outlets.

 

[jjskribs]

Hi Pam66.......... I see you are a neighbor here on Cape Cod. We too have always rented a car. The Disney transportation system is wonderful but we enjoy the flexibility of the car. Parking in any of the lots will be free since you are a resort guest . We never found the parking lots to be a problem since you never really walk that far to a tram. My boys loved the tram rides when they were younger....... (I still love them!)

 

[sgtdisney]

We always rent when we go to WDW, I won't be without my own transportation. I like the freedom of being able to come and go as I please. From the AS resorts you will need to make a transfer at another location before you would be able to go to another resort if you are using the bus. We also go off property to the Disney outlets and stuff as well. If you get a good deal on a car it probably will not cost you anymore than transfers from the airport to the resort and you will have the option coming and going as you please.

 

[rdrjj5]

Another person here who will not go to WDW without a car. The time you will save not waiting for buses is quite alot. The only park we sometimes do not drive to is MK. From that parking lot you must go by monorail or boat to the MK. The buses take you right there. We have 3 children 4 and under and the car is so much more comfortable for them especially when they are tired. Going from resort to resort, 1st you have to get on a bus to one of the parks or downtown disney, then you have to get off and wait for another bus to the resort you want to get to. This sometimes can take an hour or so. With a car, generally in 15 minutes you are anywhere you want to be.

 

[DemoBri1]

I would definitely rent a car as well. The last two times I have been down to WDW I have rented a car, and haven't regretted it whatsoever. With the car, I am on my schedule instead of the transportation's schedule. I also go directly to my desitination (with exception of MK) w/o having to make stops at other resorts on the way to and from the parks.

Parking lots haven't really been a problem for us, although we haven't been down yet in the busy times of the year. As other posters have stated, your parking will be free. Plus, having the car also frees you up to take a "day" trip off property if you'd like.

Brian

 

[pam66]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone. I think we will go with a car rental. Having it for Downtown Disney and being able to go to other resorts for dinners will be a big plus for me. And I didn't even think of being able to stop and get goodies for the room...yum!
Thanks again!

Pam

 

[Disneyhappy]

We always rent a car! We use the Disney transportation for all of the parks since our experience has always been good. Not long waits and getting into the cool bus, monorail or boat is a plus on those hot, hot days. However, we drive our car to the water parks, other resorts, and DD. It is so much more convenient! If it won't stretch your budget too much, I recommend it!