Toddler: Bus vs Renting Car

[emmababy]

We have been twice with dd at 9 months and at 12 months and are going again soon. We were a little scared about the bus system from this site, but things were fine. We never had to wait for a second bus because of not fitting on.

The first time we went we stayed at the Poly. I will say the monorail resorts are great! The second time we were at OKW, so buses for everything. The waits weren't too bad and lugging everything seemed fine.

This time we are at BWI, so I am looking forward to only needing the buses for MK and AK. From what I saw, the BW buses serve 4 other resorts so the lines were huge!

I wouldn't spend the money on the car. If we ever drive, then maybe we would use it, but the transportation seems fine for us.

She didn't really want to sit on the bus last time, but we could handle it for 15 minutes or so each way.

 

[tjlovespooh]

Would it be better to rent a car or just go with the bus service at WDW when you have a 2 yr old?

Staying at AKL and I thought I read that AKL has their own bus service.
If so, should I be concerned about the wait for the bus or how crowded they might be?

It seems like a car would be more convienent but then we'd have to rent a car seat as well.

Thoughts?

I'm in the air right now I guess. On one hand I don't want to kick myself because we didn't go with a car and we're struggling lugging our stroller and diaper bag.

On the flip side we rent a car and think... we should've gone with the buses after all.

We took our 18mo old this past May and stayed at AKL - beautiful resort and DS loved the animals. We flew and used ME, no car for us.
The longest wait we had for a bus was to DTD and it was a little over 20min. Buses to and from MK were excellent - hardly any wait at all for us. Same for EPCOT and AK. We didn't do any water parks or MGM though.
We brought our own umbrella stroller (a zooper twist at the time but now we have a Maclaren and wish we'd had it back in May too) so one of us would hold the stoller and the other held DS on the bus. DS actually enjoyed the bus rides (for the most part). There were a few instances on some of the longer rides (DTD, MK) when I had to take out a book or toy to amuse him towards the end of the ride.
There was only one time we rode a FULL bus (passengers standing and all) - it was when we left AK after they closed. All other times we left before Park closing (to get our tot in bed around his normal bedtime) and always had a seat (twice we were the only passengers on the bus!). Compared to the value and mods we've stayed at in the past, before DS was born, we were VERY impressed with the bus service at AKL. That being said, if cost hadn't been an issue - I would have preferred to stay at a monorail resort in a heartbeat! It was great to not have to be able to just push the stroller onto the monorail - go with one of those if you can swing it.

A thought someone mentioned to me about taking the car - by the time you factor in walking to the car, buckling in, getting the AC cranked and all, then driving to the park, finding a parking space, waiting for the tram to get to the park and all (and the reverse for leaving) - it may not be worth it to use the car. I would guess that the it may take about the same time - sometimes the car may be quicker/easier, sometimes the bus may be. Its all a matter of personal preference.

Also, we went back to the hotel each afternoon for DS to nap and due to the distance of AKL from most of the parks - we definitely would have preferred to stay at a resort closer to MK (where we spent most of our time) just to cut back on transit time in the afternoon. Whether you rent or use the buses, you'll have to figure in a good chunk of time each day dedicated solely to traveling if you take a hotel nap (we had to nap at the hotel, DS doesn't nap in the stroller or carseat - only in bed).

Good luck with your decision! AKL is a beautiful resort and we truly want to go back someday - just not until DS is older and no longer naps

 

[SarahKate]

Considering what the busses have to do, they are VERY efficient. We went in February 06 and used only busses and were pretty satisfied. If you only plan on going to parks, then it's no big deal. But if you plan on doing any sort of exploring, then you might consider renting.

In February 07 we decided to rent. I was able to rent an SUV (well, it ended up being a minivan because they were out of SUVs) for 7 days for about $220! To us, it was well worth it. We were able to just come and go, and we were able to resort hop much, much easier. And we booked thru AAA so we had the parking pass - it's not super close at certain parks (but at Epcot, it was AWESOME, very close to the entrance).

If you decide to rent, just keep your eyes open for codes because they are always out there.

Now that we have had one trip w/ busses and one trip w/ a rental, we will ALWAYS rent when we go down there.

 

[TJA]

We stay at either monorail resorts or Epcot resorts so that we can avoid the bus/car issue and mainly take the monorail, boat, or walk to parks. A huge benefit of these resorts is that if your children fall asleep at night in the stroller, you can just roll the stroller right on the monorail or boat without waking up the child. Of course, the ultimate best option is being able to walk back and forth between your resort and a park or parks. You can do this at CR with the MK. And you can do this at an Epcot resort with both Epcot and MGM. Very, very convenient with little ones and a stroller.

Can you compare the car rental cost with the cost to upgrade from AKL to a monorail or Epcot resort? I have no idea on car rental costs or what kind of vehicle you are looking to rent. I do know the monorail and Epcot resorts can be expensive, but they are worth it to us. Another option for you may be the WL as you can roll your stroller right on the boat to MK.

Good luck!

 

[gvanlare]

If you decide to rent, if you go through Hertz and AAA they have a promo with a free tank of gas, also as a AAA member you get a free car seat rental, as well as a free second driver.

 

[Minniemouse07]

If you decide to rent, if you go through Hertz and AAA they have a promo with a free tank of gas, also as a AAA member you get a free car seat rental, as well as a free second driver.

I've yet to rent a car where they charge for a spouse as a second driver...that would only be an issue for non married people traveling together.

 

[kkgordon02]

At the very last minute (like 3 days before) we decided to rent a car. It's just my husband, myself and dd (3), but we decided a car would be quicker to get back to the resort for naps. My husband and I are not huge fans of the busses and decided to price out a rental. I used my entertainment card coupons and rented a midsized car from Alamo for $68 four our 5 day trip. It seems like money well spent!

 

[HeatherSue]

I just wanted to agree with the people who recommended bringing your own car seat. You don't have to lug the car seat through the airport. You can just wheel your stroller, with the car seat in it, right up to the airplane. They will store your stroller for you during the flight. So, you can hook the car seat in (which is safer, even during turbulence), then just put it back in the stroller when you get off the plane.

My MIL rented a car seat for us when we visited, not knowing that we would be bringing our own. They gave us an ancient car seat that had been recalled years ago and said that was the only style they carried! So, don't rent a car seat!!!

 

[labst60]

With a 2 y/o - we preferred renting a car and driving to/from airport/parks/dining/etc...

HOWEVER... We have been to WDW 7 times in the past 5 years. On our first trip (Honeymoon), we had a car pick us up/ take us to the airport and just took the buses and ferries throughout WDW and that was a great decision.

I think "first timers" are better taking the buses/etc because you are so overwhelmed it is just one less thing to worry about (buses are clearly marked, reliable, no chance of getting lost, etc.). But once you get the "lay of the land", it is easier to have a car and "control" everything (or that's just the Type-A in me coming out!!) When I'm ready to go, I'm ready to go, KWIM?? I don't really want to wait 10-15 minutes for the bus - and then hold on to a tired toddler and all our STUFF while we stop at 2 other resorts!! The buses arent horrible by any means, and the system is actually pretty good, but I generally it is just easier to be able to have a **little** control over a situation when a volitale 2 y/o is involved!!!!

When it was just me and DH - the bus was fine - we chatted and people watched - and basically enjoyed ourselves! With DD, I just get anxious in those situations because I never know how long her **good** behavior is going to last (even though it has never gotten bad) and with staying at the Swan Dolphin or Boardwalk, we walk to Epcot/MGM and drive everywhere else.

 

[labst60]

DD has HUGE Britax seat at home which would be a royal pain to travel with.

We bought the Cosco Scenera at WalMart for less than $50 and is our "travel seat" - vacations, Auntie's car, etc.

I think it's a great seat for $50 and we typically have curb-checked it with Southwest (they will provide a clear plastic bag free of charge to keep the seat from getting dirty in transit).

We have certainly got our money's worth out of the seat- we've used it for 3 trips PLUS many day trips to park/mall/etc with Aunts and Uncles (when they want to take her out we don't need to unhook our everyday seat). It would have cost more for us to rent for one trip!

 

[BeckityBobbidyBoo!]

We stayed on site when we went with our 2yr old and 3mo old and again when they were 4 and 2. It is a huge pain to wait for the busses when you are holding small children and then manuevering strollers and backpacks, etc. And then the busses are filled and you have to stand, and your child is cranky and ......... It was much better for us to have our own vehicle. I think when the littlest is maybe 6 or 7, we'd try busses again. That is if we stay on property again...the house rentals have spoiled me.

 

[lclark0621]

Wouldn't it take longer to get from the MK to a resort using your own car?

In the MK you would have to go from the MK, using the monorail or boat to the parking lot. And then, depending on how far you park from the gate, you need to take those trams or walk the long trek to the car.

I would think just taking the bus, or boat or monorail to the resort would be much easier.

 

[toesmom]

This is exactly what I want to avoid, for both us and the other guests like you mentioned.

How do buses work though in terms of seat belts for infants/toddlers?
There aren't baby seats so they sit in an adult seat and just get fastened in?

you can get a deal through priceline.com so cost can be kept down, but for an active 2 year old, there's no way to restrain him in seat on bus from/to airport.

I had enough trouble with my almost 4 year old in October, he just wouldn't sit still and that bus driver for ME was driving pretty quickly on the highway.

I'm really anal about having him strapped in 5 point harness car seat so we tried it once and next trip will be renting.


Everyone has different opinions, but with a 2 year old who is active (boy do I understand this), having his familiar car seat for the plane even makes the plane trip easier.

Just my experience, hope it helps you decide

 

[CindyCharming]

Wouldn't it take longer to get from the MK to a resort using your own car?

In the MK you would have to go from the MK, using the monorail or boat to the parking lot. And then, depending on how far you park from the gate, you need to take those trams or walk the long trek to the car.

I would think just taking the bus, or boat or monorail to the resort would be much easier.

Well, the OP is staying at AKL so the monorail or boat isn't an option.

Speaking for myself, I don't think it's so much the *time* as it's the stress with a toddler. If you drive and are leaving the MK, you take a short walk to the monorail. You can see when a monrail is coming, you know it doesn't matter what monorail pulls in, it's the one you need. They fit a whole lot more than the bus so the line feels quicker. The monorail ride is a short one. You unload, plop toddler in the stroller or hop on a tram for another short ride. In the vehicle everyone gets their own seats and baby/toddler can scream, cry, fall asleep, whatever and you don't have to worry about annoying anyone. You can ease him/her out of his/her seat if he/she is sleeping and not have to worry about the blaring bus lights coming on or the people jostling as you get out.

I think with a toddler/baby a long trip broken into a few different steps is easier to manage than keeping them calm in a long line waiting for a long bus ride.

 

[lclark0621]

Well, the OP is staying at AKL so the monorail or boat isn't an option.

Speaking for myself, I don't think it's so much the *time* as it's the stress with a toddler. If you drive and are leaving the MK, you take a short walk to the monorail. You can see when a monrail is coming, you know it doesn't matter what monorail pulls in, it's the one you need. They fit a whole lot more than the bus so the line feels quicker. The monorail ride is a short one. You unload, plop toddler in the stroller or hop on a tram for another short ride. In the vehicle everyone gets their own seats and baby/toddler can scream, cry, fall asleep, whatever and you don't have to worry about annoying anyone. You can ease him/her out of his/her seat if he/she is sleeping and not have to worry about the blaring bus lights coming on or the people jostling as you get out.

I think with a toddler/baby a long trip broken into a few different steps is easier to manage than keeping them calm in a long line waiting for a long bus ride.

I see your point.

But we have always found it easier to use Disney transportation. And I have seen some MAJOR lines for the monorail at the end of the night.

Until this year, we always brought our own light weight stroller. This year, DS has outgrown all the cheap lightweight ones, and I refuse to spend more then $100 on a stroller to only use one week out of the year.

But ANYWAY...

We would just plop him in the stroller & keep him there until the bus was pulling in. Then I would scoop up DS & DH would fold the stroller. We would be done by the time the bus opened the door & on the bus in no time.

And if it was standing room only, we would wait for the next one & let people go in front of us (leaving DS in the stroller).

 

[bedillamouse]

I've been in the same boat of trying to decide. I have two DD's - 3 an 1 and I'm leaning towards renting a car. I will be bringing the 1 year old's car seat anyway for the plane ride. We are staying at POFQ and other than MK I think it will be easier to drive. Still debating on the MK issue since I know the bus drops off much closer than parking your own car but....my 1 year old can scream so loud and high pitched that I fear we would be booted off of the bus if she decided to melt down on the bus....hmmmm. I've tried to talk DH into upgrading to a monorail resort but he isn't buying it.

 

[CindyCharming]

I see your point.

But we have always found it easier to use Disney transportation. And I have seen some MAJOR lines for the monorail at the end of the night.

Until this year, we always brought our own light weight stroller. This year, DS has outgrown all the cheap lightweight ones, and I refuse to spend more then $100 on a stroller to only use one week out of the year.

But ANYWAY...

We would just plop him in the stroller & keep him there until the bus was pulling in. Then I would scoop up DS & DH would fold the stroller. We would be done by the time the bus opened the door & on the bus in no time.

And if it was standing room only, we would wait for the next one & let people go in front of us (leaving DS in the stroller).

I guess, like everything else around here, it just depends on your family and they kind of kids you have. I can see how everyone has different feelings. If I had a calm toddler, I'd probaby use the bus. If I had two older kids, I'd use the bus. If I had a toddler and he/she was my only, I'd probably be more apt to use the bus. If I wasn't an easily stressed out person, I'd use the bus. Over everything, if I had the money I'd stay just stay at a monorail hotel every trip.