[NokeyNose]

When we went to Disney last Sept we rented a car. We stayed at Old Key West and we said we would never go back to Disney without renting a car again. However, here we are taking a trip back to the "world" 8 months later and we are contemplating this issue again. The reason is, we are now staying at Boardwalk Villas. The access to Epcot and MGM is so easy, we only plan on going to Animal Kingdom one day, but we plan on spending 3-4 days at the magic Kingdom. Would you rent a car or rely on the Disney transportation? We can either take the bus or walk through Epcot and take the monorail. We have two children 2 & 4!

[DisneyTeacher]

We have rented a car, brought our own, and used ME and we always end up using Disney transportation almost all the time. We don't mind the buses and part of relaxing for us is letting someone else drive.

[alicefan]

Originally Posted by DisneyTeacher

We have rented a car, brought our own, and used ME and we always end up using Disney transportation almost all the time. We don't mind the buses and part of relaxing for us is letting someone else drive.

That is exactly what I was going to say so I won't repeat it....we just had our own car there last week and we never used it.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by alicefan

That is exactly what I was going to say so I won't repeat it....we just had our own car there last week and we never used it.

You know what they say about great minds......

We have left a rental car sitting at our resort for a week but that was per-DME so it wasn't a total waste.

[NokeyNose]

We found our car to be a lifesaver when we stayed at OKW, we came and went as often as we (or the kids) needed to, but OKW was farther from all of the parks than BWV

[LAURENGOLD]

We're just back from the Boardwalk. We did rent a car, and did use it. However, this is one location that is great with its transportation. There was a couple of days the car sat. Don't forget though, the buses are shared with the Swan/Dolphin.

Have you stayed there before? We loved it!!! It was so great! Have fun!

[NokeyNose]

Originally Posted by LAURENGOLD

We're just back from the Boardwalk. We did rent a car, and did use it. However, this is one location that is great with its transportation. There was a couple of days the car sat. Don't forget though, the buses are shared with the Swan/Dolphin.

Have you stayed there before? We loved it!!! It was so great! Have fun!

We have not stayed here before so I am kind of relying on everyone elses input. When we stayed at OKW and tried to take the to go to diner at the Yachtsman (MGM bus and a short walk), we waited for over and hour, then we just hoped in our car and drove anyways. We don't want to run into this issue at all.

What was it like to travel to Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom from the Boardwalk? Epcot and MGM are not even a concern for us.

[Dana]

nokey -
Since Epcot and MGM are so close and you are only using the buses for MK and AK, I say don't bother with the rental and save the money. If you were only going for a few days, I would say get the rental to maximize your time at the parks, but you are going to be there for a bit, so there isn't a need to speed touring.

[ArielBelle]

So glad you posted this. Last trip ( 2003) we rented a car and stayed in the WL. We only used the car to and from MCO, but did use it to get to Epcot and MGM.
With the Magical Express and since we are staying at POR, I am trying to decided if we should rent again or not. I did find a mini van at Dollar for slightly under $200. I just don't know what to do!! Please give me opinions and experiances with renting. Is it worth it?

[Prezcatz]

I wouldn't advise the expense of a rental car if you are staying on-property. If you're only worried about travel to & from the airport, a service like Quicksilver can do the job very well and cost less than a rental car. From the Boardwalk area especially, Epcot & MGM are so convenient, I really don't think the car would be worth it.
If you do have short side trips, you can rent cars at the Dolphin for a day or two at a time and it would be cheaper.

Prezcatz Paul

[Dana]

Originally Posted by ArielBelle

So glad you posted this. Last trip ( 2003) we rented a car and stayed in the WL. We only used the car to and from MCO, but did use it to get to Epcot and MGM.
With the Magical Express and since we are staying at POR, I am trying to decided if we should rent again or not. I did find a mini van at Dollar for slightly under $200. I just don't know what to do!! Please give me opinions and experiances with renting. Is it worth it?

I have never rented and was going to if I went in August. That's because my DD and I were going to head to sea world and the outlets. We have changed our plans and don't intend to leave WDW property, so I will just be getting towncar service. I don't think I will drive much around property...the bus service at AKL is excellent, so it won't be necessary. I can't justify the cost of the rental for the week..over $200. I can get a towncar service for $130 including tip and just grab a cab to my resort ADr's....still less than the rental this way.

[ArielBelle]

Originally Posted by Dana

I have never rented and was going to if I went in August. That's because my DD and I were going to head to sea world and the outlets. We have changed our plans and don't intend to leave WDW property, so I will just be getting towncar service. I don't think I will drive much around property...the bus service at AKL is excellent, so it won't be necessary. I can't justify the cost of the rental for the week..over $200. I can get a towncar service for $130 including tip and just grab a cab to my resort ADr's....still less than the rental this way.

You think the bus service will be okay, then? And the Magical Express is quick and easy, for the most part? I tried to make ADR's in or around the parks will be visiting on that day. Like, the day we go to the AK, I made an ADR at Boma. And MK days O'Hana and Chef Mickey's etc. My only concern is a 9am for Princess Storybook.
I am really stressing about the whole car rental thingy.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by ArielBelle

My only concern is a 9am for Princess Storybook.
I am really stressing about the whole car rental thingy.

The buses start more than an hour before the park opens so you should be be able to get there easily. We are always at the bus stop an hour before the park opens and then wait at the gate for at least 30 minutes.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by ArielBelle

You think the bus service will be okay, then? And the Magical Express is quick and easy, for the most part? I tried to make ADR's in or around the parks will be visiting on that day. Like, the day we go to the AK, I made an ADR at Boma. And MK days O'Hana and Chef Mickey's etc. My only concern is a 9am for Princess Storybook.
I am really stressing about the whole car rental thingy.

You can easily get to princess storybook by nine. You will need to leave your resort by 8am. Give yourself an hour to get to epcot and then walk to norway...no biggie. You wll be perfectly fine with both ME and WDW transportation.

[ArielBelle]

Originally Posted by Dana

You can easily get to princess storybook by nine. You will need to leave your resort by 8am. Give yourself an hour to get to epcot and then walk to norway...no biggie. You wll be perfectly fine with both ME and WDW transportation.

That makes me feel much better! Thanks so much! Now I have $200 that I would have used for car rental. How can I ever spend that???