Towncar/Rent a car? I hate this part!

[Pembo]

Of all the planning I hate this part the most.

Should we get a rental car or just get a towncar from the airport?

I'd love the rental but how can I keep the price down without spending HOURS on the internet???

Also, what towncar besides FL are people using? We used Tiffany the last time but that was 4 years ago.

By the way our dates are 11/28 - 12/04.

Thanks........

 

[JazMom]

I have used Cartier in my last 2 trips to Disney...On our way to Disney we had Kalim as a Driver...he was very kind and knowledgeable...he got us there in time and confirmed our return trip, and gave us a couple of business cards so we could confirm 24 hours ahead for our pick up. We called the night before, and the lady Sarah was very heplful, and she confirmed that we were on the schedule for the next day at 10:15 am. The next morning Julio arrived at 10:00 am, he also was extremely professional and very sweet to our kids...he gave them candy and commented on what a beautiful family we have!!!... I think that they are excellent, and highly recommend them...not to leave out that they have the best prices I have seen around... good luck to you

 

[crisi]

We had bad luck with our towncar (also Cartier), but it was still better for us than a rental. It isn't the price difference for us, it the driving in a strange city. I KNOW FOR A FACT that there are four Tower of Terror signs that are excatly the same between the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom, because I've passed them all on the way! We suppliment our towncar rental with liberal use of taxis (and I still think came out ahead, since I won't spend hours looking for a cheap rental).

Then add the hassle of a rental - getting your luggage and your kids to the rental. The price is never what you thought it was going to be - taxes and fees are always more.

 

[Dancind]

On the other hand, we always rent a car. It's pretty easy to find WDW, but you will need a map of the WDW area to find your resort! My DH insists on a car. It does come in handy, though, since we stay at DVC, and usually make grocery trips after we get our room, and usually later in the week too. Very handy if you want to eat at another resort. We also usually use it to go to AK, seems like their buses are slow. DH takes it to go scuba diving while we visit parks. It does depend on the resort you are staying at, however. Some have very inconvenient parking lots. Diana

 

[prncess674]

Just came back from WDW and we rented a car, I wouldn't do it any other way. Everything is WDW is well marked with signs telling you exactly where to go. We didn't get lost once. It was also very nice just to hop in our car and get where we wanted quickly. the only park I probably wouldn't drive to if you were staying all day and had a WDW hotel is the Magic Kingdom, but if you plan on changing parks from the MK during the day I would take the car. Some people don't enjoy driving in strange cities but as long as you can follow signs and directions you should have no problems.

I also don't enjoy being crammed on a bus full of people I don't know.

 

[puffkin]

If you are only planning on doing Disney, I would go with a town car service. We have used Tiffany for our last 2 trips with no problems. They have been around for a long time and appear to be pretty reputable, so I wouldn't hesitate to book with them. I have also heard good things about Florida Tours and Happy Limo. Just be aware that some of the town car companies have trolls that read these posts and frequently give high praise for their companies. You can tell who they are generally by the style of their writing, the incredible detail they go into, and they usually only have a small number of posts. Also, they tend to reply to similar threads. Not accusing anyone, but one towncar company in particular uses this practice, and I find it to be pretty shady. PM me if you don't know which one. Good luck with your decision!

 

[wdwnutze]

I am going almost the same dates as you(12/27-12/05). We will be using a towncar since we don't arrive til 11:30pm. We will pick up the rental on the 28th and return it to the airport on the 5th. We will be saving about $150 on the rental car by getting it the day after we arrive. We are renting from Budget(midsize) for $220incl. everything. I will be using a AAA discount. Good luck deciding. I agree that it is the worst part of the trip planning.

 

[4greatboys]

I think we are sticking with towncar service. IT gets expensive for a family our size--and needing 2 carseats to get a rental. Our last trip we paid less than $150 for rountrip trip to and from airport and a one way trip from HRH to OKW. We also got a grocery stop. Our family used Fl Tours--we have had great service with them--and we got the van with the entertainment system so the kids got to watch Lilo & Stitch on the way. I also like that you dont have to worry about if your going the right way or not, you just get to sit back and relax

 

[Kevenswife2]

I too have about the same dates, Nov. 27- Dec.7. I've tried every rental car discount code and discounter and still came up with an outrageous price. Don't they realize I only want to rent the thing...not BUY it! $56 a day for a Geo Metro (BEFORE TAXES)...geez! BUT, in all my searching, I did find a great price (through MouseSavers) at . Price includes insurance, tax, everything. Car is from Alamo, right in the terminal. Price quote is good for 14 days so you can continue to look and decide what you want to do.

Oh, and I got my economy car for 10 days at $294 total.

 

[Kevenswife2]

11/28-12/4 econo $176.46 TOTAL
comp $190.56 TOTAL
Int $218.82 TOTAL

Those prices are for a two door. Four door are slightly more. I reserved a two door and hope to upgrade when I pick it up. If I can't, that's okay as I only have one child going in the back. Hope this helps.

DH thought we could do without a rental...NO WAY! I like my freedom...even though I will use the hotel shuttles, I like to be able to run to Super WalMart when the shopping urge hits