[kengland]

I'll be staying at the Swan in April and have read a lot lately (on various travel sites) about how long the lines are for the hotel provided transportation. I've also read several comments on how long it takes, the crowds, etc....

With that said, would renting a car be considered an added luxury? Would it be easier to do as far as getting to and from the parks more conveniently? I realize I'll be paying $8 a day to park at the hotel, but that will be offset by not having to get transfers to and from the airport. I also figure I can get better prices on meals if I wonder off the resort.

What do you all think?

[disneycouple30]

True you might get better prices on meals if you leave the park, but, the time to get to the place and back will be high. Staying at the swan you only need to use the bus system for DTD, AK and MK. If you are late risers and you aren't out of the hotel early then I doubt you will have a problem with the bus system. Take the boat to Epcot or Disney Studio and if you are not in a hurry to get to MK walk thru Epcot and grab the monorail to the MK. We use to rent a car but now we use the transportation system it just as easy and it not really bad. If you are at MK at night take your time if it late and then you won't have any problem with the system and the bus will not be as crowded. We take our time at night and look thru the stores on the way out and let the rush get way ahead of us.

[MerlinMatt]

I guess it depends on you.

At the Swan, you are literally walking distance to both Epcot and MGM and you're right on top of the Boardwalk. So, you'll only need to use the buses for MK and AK.

However, you'll be travelling in peak season because of school vacations here in the US during April, so it will be crowded.

The buses can sometimes be a real PIA, but for the most part, it's managable and at the Swan, you've already cut out half of the problem.

I never rent a car when I'm there. I depend 100% on WDW transportation. But then I don't travel during peak periods.

Hope that helps.

[mickey]

In the past, we always rented a car, no matter what. Our trip 2 years ago, we were at the Beach Club Villas, and didn't use the car once. Our last couple trips, we have not gotten a car, and it has been great. Much cheaper, and I didn't have to worry about it.

If I were going during a very busy time (Easter, Spring Break, Christmas), I would probably get a car for back up.

[kengland]

That does help. The key take away from your reply is I will be there during PEAK season. I know that in Vegas the busses get mighty crowded. I'll be traveling with a 6 year old and a 1.5 year old.

True that I will only need it for MK for the most part. Was planning on going to a couple of water parks too though. If money wasn't an issue would you prefer to rent a car?

[CaptShua]

Also keep in mind that if you are planning on any dinners or events that take place at another resort, there is no transportation directly there. YOu will have to go to one of the parks or DTD and transfer to another bus. Depending on how you hit the cycles, it can take up to 1 1/2 hours.

[kengland]

Originally Posted by mickey

In the past, we always rented a car, no matter what. Our trip 2 years ago, we were at the Beach Club Villas, and didn't use the car once. Our last couple trips, we have not gotten a car, and it has been great. Much cheaper, and I didn't have to worry about it.

If I were going during a very busy time (Easter, Spring Break, Christmas), I would probably get a car for back up.

As a hedge I think I might go with the car. For an extra $300 (once you net out the transfers) I can insure that I won't get jammed up in the crowds. My little girl tends to get "impatient" if you know what I mean. When it's nap time, lines and crowds become nuisance! After all, I am taking the original princess back to the castle!!!

Thanks for all you help

[kengland]

Originally Posted by CaptShua

Also keep in mind that if you are planning on any dinners or events that take place at another resort, there is no transportation directly there. YOu will have to go to one of the parks or DTD and transfer to another bus. Depending on how you hit the cycles, it can take up to 1 1/2 hours.

That's what I figured. Thanks

[rlcarmichael]

If you are planning on staying just in the WDW parks, get transfers and use the WDW transportation. Between the bus, boats, monorail, etc you really won't need a car, and you will find that parking at each of the parks is a pain too.

You can be a LONG way from the park entrance which means a long walk or waiting for a tram to take you somewhere closer to your car. By the time you do this you could be on your bus heading back to your hotel or another park.

Staying on site it's not worth the extra expense unless you want the flexability to leave WDW. You can always use the transfer then get a car from Enterprise for a day or two if you like, and they will pick you up your motel.

[Boss Mouse]

Originally Posted by kengland

That's what I figured. Thanks

Follwoing up on the Capt's comment, if you go somewhere with a dress code (V&A's) you don;t really want to take Disney transportation. BUt a cab is an viable option. We took a car once - and like Mickey said - it sat in the lot the whole time.

[Boss Mouse]

Originally Posted by kengland

That's what I figured. Thanks

Following up on the Capt's comment, if you go somewhere with a dress code (V&A's) you don;t really want to take Disney transportation. But a cab is an viable option. We took a car once - and like Mickey said - it sat in the lot the whole time.

[ddoll]

We usually stay at the Swan and we ALWAYS rent a car. True we use the boat to go to Epcot and MGM, but we use the car to go to MK and AK and to go offsite for supplies, dinner, etc. And I disagree that it takes longer to drive off property to get something to eat. After having stayed off site many times, I can assure you we have traveled back and forth off site MUCH faster than going back to a Disney resort using Disney transportation. I'm talking under 10 mins door-to-door. And that's in the summer with peak crowds.

We prefer to have the option of driving ourselves where and when we want. I have this fear of some accident or illness coming up that I need to get to a hospital and/or walk-in or drugstore and don't want to have to rely on someone else getting us there.

It depends on your comfort zone. Some people are fine with giving up control on vacation and handing the reigns over to someone else. But that's not us.

[mayrag]

We always rent a car. On this last month trip, we tried to use the buses, but they do take sometime to get to your hotel, and to the parks. We stayed in ALl Star Movies, so our bus had to stop in Sports and Music, before getting to out hotel. The buses get crowded, and after all the day walking, you deserve a seat... I'll always rent a car, when you want to leave, just hop in your car and go wherever you wanna go.

[KarenT]

Traveling with a 1.5 y/o, I would rent a car. We have done it both ways with and w/o a car. I like the flexibilty of being able to go eat/shop off site. Also if you plan on going to the waterparks, it is nice to get back in the car to drive back to your hotel vs. getting on bus with a wet swimsuit!

When my DD was younger having a car was worth the extra $$$. We like to eat meals at the resorts and check them out. Without a car, this would be a long bus ride with a little one. Also sometimes they just need to get back to the hotel in a hurry!

[missy H]

We always rent a car, it is nice to have the option of car or bus! How can you get to the malls without a car?