Rental cars

[PrincessASquared]

My family and I:trio: wll be staying at SSR in Nov/Dec (5 Days) and Feb/Mar (8 Days). We are planning on using Magical Express and all Disney transportation while we're there.We also plan to go to all the parks at some point within both visits. After hearing some concerns over wait times for buses at SSR, would we be better off renting a car?:car: Is it worth the cost/aggrevation? How many of you rent a car as opposed to using Disney transportation?:confused: Thanks.

[Tinkerbellfan]

Hi-

We always rent a car. Not as much for transportation to the parks but to get to our meals. We like to eat at the various resorts and found it either took to long to get to the resorts or we spent a lot on taxis.

Now, we drive our car to Epcot, MGM and Animal Kingdom but take the boat to MK.

Having a car also helps with timing and breakfasts at other resorts.

But, if you plan on eating at your hotel or at the parks, there is no need for a car. We booked an standard SUV for a week in December for $180.

[faline]

You'll find lots of folks will suggest you rent a car and an equal number will suggest it won't be necessary.

It's really a personal preference. Most of the time, we don't have a car on site. Even when we do, we tend to use Disney transportation rather than driving ourselves.

For us, Disney transportation is just part of our Disney experience!

[angedeaile]

We did both on our last trip, since the last half of our trip we stayed off site. I have to say it is a tough call, because there are positives and negatives with both options.

It is nice to use Disney Transportation, because you didn't have to drive. No worries about getting lost, which we managed to do ALOT when we drove there...great stories came from it though.

You also get dropped off right near the gate. This is versus finding a parking spot, walking until you find a tram and then hopping on the tram to be dropped off near the gate. Busses are alot less hassle in that aspect.

Although, like mentioned before you do have to deal with wait times and not being able to visit anywhere off the premises, but then again...it is free!

It just depends on your preference and what meets your needs more. That and your navigating abilities. ;)

[vamaggie]

Do you have little kids? If so IMHO it is worth it to get a rental. It is much easier to get back to the resort with little ones when you don't have to wait for a bus. Especially after a long day in the parks. We have gone when DD was 18 mos and DS was 4 and found that having a rental made it a lot easier to get back and forth to AK, MGM & Epcot. We often sent one adult ahead to get to the car (or pull it up if possible) while the other had the stroller/kids. Price out what rates are for your stays and that may also help you decide (we got one for a week in Nov for $177). ANother option is that there is a rental agency somewhere on site that you could reserve from if you still want to use DME from the airport.

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

We have always had a car at WDW. Since we began flying, we rent.

It is just so convenient for driving to some parks, restaurants (on and off site) and we feel like we save money by going to the grocery store and buying our snacks, sandwich stuff, beer, milk, coke, etc.

We also love to go to the Premium Outlets and the WDW outlet store. We have bought some good souvenirs there at low prices.

We always drive to AK. The bus stops are pretty far from the front gate and it is easier to drive and ride the tram. We drive to MGM usually and if we visit the water parks too.

If we are staying on the monorail we ride that to MK and Epcot. If we are not I would ride th bus to the MK because you get dropped off at the entrance.

We just don't enjoy the bus. The ride and the waiting for the bus is not fun and I am all for decreasing the amount of waiting.