Use Disney busses or our rental car for going to parks?

[sherry7]

DH, 12 year old DS, and I will be making our first trip to WDW in the 3rd week of September. We have already decided to rent a car, since we will be spending some time off Disney property. Should we take advantage of the Disney busses (staying on site at ASSp) or use our rental car for getting to the parks? Is it more of a hassle to park the car, or more of a hassle to ride and wait for the bus? How's the parking at Downtown Disney? Thanks for any opinions.

 

[beattyfamily]

We've done both and definitely prefer having our car especially for Downtown Disney. Plenty of parking. Also great for resort hopping.

We did take the bus to AK and it just wasn't worth the hassle.

It might be worth it though to try the bus for MK cause I hear so many stories about the TTC or whatever it's called where you have to park. We were on the monorail so we took that for MK or walked.

Good luck!

 

[Linda/MA]

We've had a car both times that we've stayed onsite. The first time we stayed at DxL and used the car almost all the time. This last time we went we stayed at BWI and only used the car to go to BB. We could walk to Epcot and take the boat to MGM. I found that relying on the busses was too much of a hassle. The only park I would recommend taking the bus to is the MK since it drops you off right at the gate.

 

[robinb]

I also use my car everywhere except the MK. The bus drops you right off near the gate. If you drive you need to park in the Ticket and Transportation Center and then take the monorail or the boat over to the MK. Of course, if it's your first trip you may enjoy the suspense of the ride from the TTC. After a time or two, it loses it's charm .

 

[drusba]

Fastest way to any where is to drive except to MK, where bus is usually quicker as it goes to the MK gate and parking lot is at TTC (a boat or monorail ride away from MK). At the other parks, the parking lot is outside the front gate and it is a short tram ride from any parking space to the front gate. To places other than theme parks, driving is far superior as trip by Disney transport to anywhere other than theme parks requires switching busses or other stop (driving anywhere can take 15 minutes, bus can take up to 1 1/2 hours particularly if you have to switch busses). There is usually a lot of parking avaialble at DD though in evening you are not likely to get as close as you would like.

 

[Patio]

I've always had a car, but take the buses. My kids think its fun to ride the bus and I've never had any problems.

 

[pnelson]

We've never rented a car. It's so nice to have a break from driving and parking. The bus rides are actually very relaxing. Since you are going to rent a car anyway, I would try taking a bus on some days. It's nice at the end of a tiring day to not have to drive yourself. The only time we had long waits for the bus was when we left the theme parks in the middle of the day.

 

[sgtdisney]

We always rent a car when we go to WDW. Love the ease of being able to come and go as we please. We drive to each of the parks and love the ability to hop into the car and crank up the AC on those hot Fla days. A couple of times many years ago I remember going with my family and taking the busses to Epcot. After Illuminations we waited close to an hour in line to get on a bus so we could stand. It is a personal decision though. For me, it is a car. I guess I just like being in control....

 

[ColoradoDis]

We always rent a car. I don't like having my life (and schedule) under someone else's control.

 

[MinnieMe2]

We usually have a car when we go to Disney, but we only use it to go off-site for a meal or to one of the outlets. We've always enjoyed using the buses, and have never found them to be problematic. But I think personal expectations of the bus system come into play here. You may have up to 15 min. to wait for your bus, but keep in mind it's not your personal transportation system .