Traffic, rental car or Bus ?

[Steve Rapenchuk]

We are going to be in Disney in June (15th-26th).
What I would like to know is how is the traffic, getting into and out of the parks? in the past we have always used the Bus service,this time we are considering a rental. We plan on spending the whole trip in disney,would it be wise to rent a car or just use the transportation provided? We are trying to avoid long bus rides to and from Port Orleans French Quarter.

 

[PlutoPal]

The crowds in June are not bad at all. Although the buses sometimes take long to get to places like Downtown, they are pretty reliable to the parks. We plan on using the busing system when ContempoSMT and I go at the end of June.

 

[feenie]

If you are staying on property then I would not bother renting a car. The POFQ is the first stop on the bus route, so you never have to worry about getting a seat, and if you plan to go to Downtown Disney, take the water shuttle.
We only rent a car when we are going to be doing something off property.

 

[alyssa810]

I would check rental rates on cars before deciding not to get one. We stayed at WL and were disappointed with the bus transortation, and we leave on Thursday to stay at AKL and we got a car for $98 for the 6 days we'll be there. THe time we'll save not having to wait for the buses is worth the cost of the car to us, especially at that price. Plus you never know when you might need to run out to Walmart for extra film!!!

 

[kevind65]

the transportation system on disney world resort is excellent. you can probably get by without a car is so desired. we always drive down and drive own car around some and use the disney transportation some. If you do get a car, don't drive to the MK! It's a complete zoo getting back to T&TC afterward. use the disney buses or monorail for MK. The other parks are all a piece of cake to drive to.

 

[sha_lyn]

I think you waste time driving considerign that the busses do not have to wait in the lines to get into or out of the parking lots and most of the driver know the short cuts. I remember taking a bus to DD as MK was closing. A few people kept complaining that the driver was going " the long way"(taking a service road near FtW) I finally said "do you realize has many thousands of cars just left the TTC parking lot?, do you really want to head in the same direction as them?". When everyone realized what was going on the apreciated that he was taking the "long way".

Also on our first trip we hoped on a bus when DH really thoguht we should drive. When he saw the lines of cars waiting to get into the park, he thanked me for my good idea.

 

[HookedOnDiz]

We always rent a car when going to Disney, but its definitely not a neccessity if you are staying on the property. We enjoy the freedom the rental car gives us and have never had a problem with traffic around WDW. My advice would be to get the car if it fits into your budget and you can get a good rate, otherwise go with the bus.

 

[Spanky]

When you factor in the cost of transportation to & from the airport to WDW it almost pays to rent a car. It is nice to be able to get off property for some of your meals. Also the disney discount stores are nice to visit. If you like a different soft drink than coke products and you want to drink lots of bottled water then a car is almost a necessity.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We have only flown once in 12 trips. All others we drove. We have stayed at OKW most of the time. We always take the bus to the MK because you just can't park close to the MK. We might take the car or bus to the other parks, but it just depends on how we feel about it. We like to take a car to the water parks because we can haul our stuff in the car instead of dragging it on the bus.

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says..............................We have done it both ways, and prefer a car. That can get pricey for 11 days. Disney transportation is great. Alamo is on site so you could rent at the airport for one day to get to the world and stock up on supplies. You will probably have some down time on along trip, and can go to Alamo on site to rent a car for a day or two.

 

[cdpa4d]

I always rent a car for the reasons listed above. One other note. Traffic in and especially around the Disney resort is much like any other metropolitan city, M-F 7AM - 9AM and 4PM - 6PM are considered rush hour. Traffic is heavy. Try and avoid travelling around those times. It will save you some headache and time.
ADP

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by sha_lyn
I remember taking a bus to DD as MK was closing. A few people kept complaining that the driver was going " the long way"(taking a service road near FtW) I finally said "do you realize has many thousands of cars just left the TTC parking lot?, do you really want to head in the same direction as them?". When everyone realized what was going on the apreciated that he was taking the "long way".

Actually, Vista Blvd is the shortest way to get to DTD from the MK area... it connects directly to DTD, whereas if you go World Drive, you then hit BVD, and all the traffic within.

Originally posted by sha_lyn
Also on our first trip we hoped on a bus when DH really thoguht we should drive. When he saw the lines of cars waiting to get into the park, he thanked me for my good idea.

During peak times, the toll plazas really can get backed up with traffic. ESPECIALLY the Magic Kingdom, which can back up for 1-2 miles. Disney busses have the advantage of being able to take alternate routes, as well as having our own private lane.