Use taxis or rent a minivan?

[virge]

Our group of 7 (5 adults, 2 six year olds) will be staying at AoA in October. I'm worried about relying on the buses for several of our ADRs (Chef Mickey's dinner on arrival day, dinner at Kona & watching the fireworks at the Poly afterwards, breakfast at Crystal Palace pre-rope drop, breakfast at Ohana, & dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe). I know the buses will get us there but the need to leave 1 - 1 1/2 hours early sounds unappealing.

With our large group, do you think we should take cabs or rent a minivan? How hard is it to get a cab for 7 & how much does it cost? I found a minivan rental for our week through Dollar for $300 (including taxes/fees) so the rental cost isn't as outrageous as I expected but if cabs will be easier/cheaper I'd rather do that.

 

[DonnaL]

Where would you be picking up the Dollar rental? I'm guessing at one of the Hotel Boulevard hotels? If so, and if you have smaller children in your group, the rental might not be a bad idea. We have not rented a car in several years when at Disney, but, most trips it's just DH and I these days and we don't mind not having a car. However, when our grandson was younger (toddler age) having a vehicle came in really handy on hot days when we just wanted to make a quick exit, or after fireworks when the transportation lines were really long or also when we had ADR's and didn't want to plan 1 1/2 hours to get somewhere that, by car, would take 10 minutes. As I said, these days we don't mind the delays.......but, sometimes Disney transportation does leave a lot to be desired........sorry I went back to reread your post and now see you have two six year olds.......I still say a rental is not a bad idea.....even if you use the rental for just your ADR's......that's 5 times........for 7 people......I'm guessing a taxi wouldn't be any less than $180 plus tips.

 

[maxiesmom]

We use taxis a lot for getting to early ADRs. I usually plan on $20 a trip. So for 5 trips plan on around $100 plus tips. You would need to request a taxi van, but they don't charge more for a taxi van than a regular taxi car.

Unless you would rather drive yourself to the parks and would get a lot of use out of a rental, I would stick with using taxis to get to your meals.

 

[figment_jii]

Given your group size, I think I would go with the rental car. I've done both (rented a car and used taxis) and both have their advantages.

As the PP said, the cost of a taxi van is the same, but I've not seen taxi vans at all locations at all times, which means one might have to be called for you. Regular taxis were always available, but if you want a taxi van, you might have to call ahead and have one sent.

The rental car gives you freedom to come and go whenever you want and if you want to make extra trips you don't have to worry (as much) about the rising cost. The only major drawback to a rental car is parking - if you drive to a resort for a meal in the AM, you'll have to move your car to the theme park lot before heading to the park.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

While it's nice to travel together, you may be able to get two full size cars for less than the price of a minivan. Just a way to save some $$$....

 

[goodferry]

I would rent a van, and keep checking rates as you get closer to your trip, rates will probably come down!