Use shuttle or rental car or something else???

[DonaldDuckFan]

DH just decided he wants to take one more trip this June before DS5 starts kindergarten in the fall and we can't do our off season (less crowded) trips anymore. We decided on the first week in June before crowds get really bad. We are trying to go as cheap as possible... DH has enough Marriott points to get us a free hotel at the Fairfield in the Marriott Village for a week and with SW flights $49 each way, we just would need tickets, spending money and a way to get to the parks each day. We've stayed in the world the last 3 times so we've always used Disney transportation so I'm new to all this.. I looked into my options and so far there is a shuttle from Marriott Village for $5 per person per day round trip, which would be $20/day for 7 days, but the times aren't the best... 8,9 and 10 am. and then about every 1/2 hour after 4:30, also with this option we would have to pay to get from MCO to the hotel which I figure would be close to $100. Then I thought we could rent a car, and I got a rate of about $190/for the week (we might be able to get something cheaper with DH's corporate rate, haven't looked into this yet), but then we would have to pay $10 to park everyday. I also read that we aren't too far from Downtown Disney, could we walk and use the bus transportation? Is there anything I'm missing that might work better?? Taxi?? Please help!!

Amy

 

[OKW Lover]

You wouldn't want to walk from the Marriott village to DTD. Its a good mile plus and part of it would be pretty dangerous because of traffic on the main road.

I'd go with the rental car. Although it sounds expensive, keep in mind you are saving the cost of an airport shuttle (probably $100 RT) and the daily hotel fee. Be sure to check all the agencies and look for the codes on www.mousesavers.com. The rental car also leaves you free to go to the Character Premier and opens up other off-site dining options.

 

[Chrisypoo]

I would look closely into a rental car. Shuttles are great, but then you're on THEIR schedule, not yours. And I've heard of people getting left at parks because the buses were full and there were no more scheduled trips.

From the numbers you listed for shuttle fees and for transporation from/to the airport, that would pay for your car right there. Plus you'd have the freedom to go wherever and whenever you wanted...including to the grocery store for food for in-room eating, which would save you even more money.

 

[DonaldDuckFan]

Thanks for both of your replies... I think you definately talked me into getting a rental car. You are right and grocery stop would definately make it worth it, not to mention being able to eat at other restaurants outside the world would definately save money! Thanks!