Traveling with an 18 month old, staying at POR, rent a car or not?

[labdogs42]

We're heading back to WDW in Septemeber for the irresistable free dining package. We were just at WDW in May and we stayed at the Beach Club and rented a car. We didn't use the car a lot, but I was nervous about our first trip with our DS, so we rented the car. We used it a few times, but if I was staying at the Beach Club again I think I'd skip it.

This time, we're staying at POR and I'm debating the car issue. I'm worried about having to take the bus everywhere from POR, especially with the stroller in tow. I know crowds are historically low in September, but maybe that won't hold true during free dining? I just don't want to end up waiting and waiting for busses and having to cram the stroller on to crowded busses all week.

Any thoughts/suggestions/opinions? Thanks!

 

[powellrj]

I voted yes because we always rent a car. I really, really, really, don't like to have to depend on anyone except me or DH to get me places. We are both in outside sales, so our cars are our lives. We had planned on using magical express this trip, but the more I thought about it, the more I knew I couldn't be happy unless I had my own car available.

There are a couple of bus threads floating around about bus manners, so you may want to check those out before you decide.

 

[labdogs42]

Thanks -- are those threads on the family or transportation boards? I'll have to check them out!

 

[michygoomy]

We just got back from a 10-day trip with a 17 month-old and used the bus transportation exclusively. I didn't have a problem with it.

I don't like the idea of folding up the stroller to take a tram to the car, then having every get in a steaming hot car. I likey my air-conditioned buses!

And in 10 days and NUMEROUS bus rides, I only once ever had to stand--and that trip, a man was trying to catch my eye to give me his seat when the lights went off and the bus started moving. People jumped when I walked on holding a toddler (DH walked on holding a stroller and no one jumped for him--LOL).

 

[DisneyPhD]

I think that having a car at PORS is more important then BC. I mean beach club you can walk or take the bus to 2 out of 4 resorts. Often you are at Epcot at night and can walk right now from there. Park closing seems to be the worst for the buses.

Anyway the busses at PORS are normally very full and at night are impossible to get a seat on. Even in the day time the busses can fill out. Normally when with a baby or pregnant I have had good luck on the busses getting a seat, but it is pretty uncomfortable and cramped, even when you do get a seat.

So do you NEED a car??? no, but it really might make it easier. (I still recomend taking the bus to MK because of the whole TCC thing.) Also a car you can buy what you might need for baby at the store, and can visit other resorts easier (and or water parks.) Oh and don't forget the Disney World outlet, great prices.

BTW we are DVC and have been staying at Deluxes since 2001. We wondered if we could go back to Mods and still be happy. We stayed at PORS in 2005 with a really great deal (77 a night) and we were really happy. It is a great resort. Have a good time.

Look for a deal, if youc an get it, rent the car. If not go a head and just use the busses.

 

[labdogs42]

BTW we are DVC and have been staying at Deluxes since 2001. We wondered if we could go back to Mods and still be happy. We stayed at PORS in 2005 with a really great deal (77 a night) and we were really happy. It is a great resort. Have a good time.

Look for a deal, if youc an get it, rent the car. If not go a head and just use the busses.

I'm glad to hear that POR was acceptab;e to you after many deluxe stays. My DH stayed at Beach Club once and never wants to stay anywhere else!! I'm hoping POR lives up to its reputation!!

I'm hunting for rental car deals now., If I get one at a good price, I'll do it. If I have to pay over $300 for the car, I'm skipping it. I think that will be my criteria! Thanks for the scoop!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I'm glad to hear that POR was acceptab;e to you after many deluxe stays. My DH stayed at Beach Club once and never wants to stay anywhere else!! I'm hoping POR lives up to its reputation!!

I'm hunting for rental car deals now., If I get one at a good price, I'll do it. If I have to pay over $300 for the car, I'm skipping it. I think that will be my criteria! Thanks for the scoop!

last trip DH had about 6 different car rental reservations. We finally ended up with a mini van from Alamo for under 120 for the whole week. Really. May is a good time for deals. (we also had an SUV for under $100, but went with the mini van,with a DVD player no less, since we were traveling to Vero Beach resort too. Great with kids by the by.)

Depending on the time of year you can get some good deals. We liked National the best, just because the lines are always less then Alamo. The biggest set back of our whole trip last time was the hour wait in line at Alamo. (still if that is as bad as it gets, it is a good trip.)

Keep looking even after you reserved a car. You are not tied to that reservation and often a month or so before the prices go down, in order to move cars. We like the cost co site for renting, good coupons, I don't even think you need to be a member. :thumbs