Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa - Rent a car or not?

[LuvMyEAR]

Hi!

Looking for some advice from those who have been here, or at a similar resort. This resort offers free shuttle service to the theme parks but there are few real details available on their website. Does anyone know exactly how this services works?

Just wondering if it is possible to forego a car rental and depend on the shuttle for a first visit to WDW. There are 7 people travelling together, ages 7 - 60 yrs. Well, I am sure is IS possible, but is it advisable?

It seemed like such a great idea to leave all the driving to someone else, but perhaps there is a downside that hasn't been considered!

 

[Molyneuxd]

Personally would rent a car then have option to do whatever you want. Its a bit away from anything to do outside of parks so food etc will be taxi fares.

Wal-Mart 2mins away by car but places to eat 5-10min depending what you want.

We couldn't do without a car.

 

[rlovew]

We stay here every other year as my parents own here. I believe they have a shuttle with a drop off time of between 9 and 10 am and a pickup time of around 5pm. Unless this is the schedule you want to keep rent a car. Also if you go straight across 192 out entry point road with a car you will be able to get to Animal Kingdom and AKL in about 5 minutes. We have found that is our quickest way into Disney property but it is not they way anyone will tell you to drive as it is driving down the back streets.

 

[Molyneuxd]

Schedule here - http://crmweba.wgresorts.com/wiki/index.php?title=Westgate_Lakes_Resort_&_Spa_Shuttle_Service

 

[LuvMyEAR]

Hmmm, it sounds like the shuttle service is pretty rigid, and that the drop-off and pick-up is restricted to one spot only in WDW, correct?

It doesn't sound like this is a great option when attending MNSSHP, either. This would mean either leaving the Party well before the end in order to make the return shuttle or arranging private transportation that night. Is there any additional shuttle service offered on special event nights?

 

[Molyneuxd]

It appears so, drop off at Epcot and use Disney transport to get around or drop off at Universal.

Returns may vary if special events are happening such as MNSSHP

Using any other means of transport could work out quite expensive paying for taxis back to Westgate Lakes, 10-12 miles (15-30mins depending on traffic)

Got to work out will it be cheaper hiring a car and paying parking our making most of shuttle services and returning with taxi service when you wish, also don't forget about travelling to all the other places. Shopping mall, eating and so on.

For us we like the freedom of a car, but likes of Sea World its so close not worth paying parking. Try looking up taxi fares for Disney see what rough cost would be.

 

[TamaraQT]

I am a Westgate Lakes timeshare owner. I have to admit, I could not imagine traveling back and forth to Disney without a car. We have never stayed off-site without a car. We stayed onsite last year for the first time and still rented a car, and was GLAD we did. Westgate Lakes is right off of I-4 in Orlando. It's quite a few exits away from Disney. As a Westgate owner, when we include Disney in our annual vacation, we stay at Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee. They also have shuttles but are closer to Disney park exits. The travel time from Town Center should be far less compared to the Lakes. To be even closer to Disney, Westgate Blue Tree resorts may be a better option. Blue Tree is about 2 blocks away from one of the Disney Entrances. Taxi fees should be far less expensive. If you are planning on attending MNSSHP, have you checked for free dining plans for your time of travel. Maybe staying on-site may work out better. Do you have the option to change your resort or are you locked in to Westgate Lakes? I would advise just as others have said to get an estimate of transportation costs. Also consider staying at a resort closer to Disney if you decide not to rent a car. Good luck.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I have to admit, I could not imagine traveling back and forth to Disney without a car. We have never stayed off-site without a car.

I agree. I have stayed at Westgate Lakes, and a car is pretty much a must in my opinion. For offsite stays in general.

 

[LuvMyEAR]

Hello and thank you to all for your wonderful input! I am actually asking this question for a friend, who already has made their Westgate Lakes Resort booking and had planned on depending on the resort shuttle. My immediate instinct was to advise her that a car was a really, really good idea, but I couldn't provide any real insight into the shuttle situation. As always, DISers come through when you need them!

It's pretty exciting, as we have recently found out that we are both going to be in WDW with our families during the same time. Our family is staying at Windsor Palms, so we won't exactly be neighbours, but we may find ourselves trick-or-treating at MNSSHP on the same night, or catching some waves in Typhoon Lagoon.

It is going to be fun over the coming months to compare plans and be counting down at the same time. It is always extra exciting watching someone plan for their very first visit!