Car or carless at WDW?
 

After 14 years my daughter has finally gotten her wish for a return trip to Disneyworld (she's now in college). We'll be there the week before Christmas, which I understand to be a relatively quiet time, departing for home on the 25th. We're staying at Dixie Landings and so far have decided not to rent a car. Now I'm having second thoughts. We do not intend to visit Universal or SeaWorld, so no need to leave Disney property for that reason, but now I'm reading that the Disney transportation system can be very slow, especially if you want to get around in the evenings. <BR> <BR>What have others found in terms of car/no car at WDW? I'd appreciate input in case I want to change my plans. I think transport to/from the airport is about $75 for the three of us, so I'd have to find out how much more a car would be, then decide if it's worth the extra expense. Thanks for your input, and no flack about visiting WDW...I don't think one trip every 14 years is excessive.

If you aren't planning on leaving the grounds, for heavens sake don't rent a car. Disney has wonderful inter resort transportation. you can catch buses from all the hotels to all the theme parks and back and from one theme park to the next. When we were there last year I was glad I didn't have to worry about how to get there, it was very confusing in the park itself, and we never had to worry about parking. <BR> <BR>The downside if any is sometimes you have to wait as long as 15 minutes for a bus. LOL

If you are not planning to leave the WDW property, then there really is no need to rent a car at all. I have always found Dinsey transportation to be efficient. Yes, you have to wait at times, but the most we have ever waited was 10-15 minutes. And, so what if you occasionally have to wait? You're on vacation. How are you getting to and from the airport? Last year, my husband and I used Tiffany Town Car instead of our usual Mears. They were great. It costs about $70 for up to a family of 5. The website is www.tiffanytowncar.com (no, I don't get anything from them). I'm planning trip 19 for January, so email me if you have any questions.

Stayed a week at WDW this August. My vote is no car as well. Never had to wait more than 10 minutes for the efficient bus system they have.

I agree, no car needed. Every time we have stayed on property, wait for busses no more than 15-20 minutes max, usually less. For more tips & to prepare for trip check out Deb Wills unofficial WDW site at www.wdwig.com

I'll be the Devil's Advocate. After a day in Disney's parks, I was thrilled to get away to something different for dinner. We rented a car at the airport, used it to go to the parks, and used it to go to grocery stores and evening out. For us, it was worth it.

Thank you all for your input. We've decided to remain car-free, though it now seems I'll have family in the vacinity during our visit, and will be going off property for at least one dinner at a private home! That should break up the week. I'll even plan to hit a grocery store while we're out (this is begining to sound like a prison...). <BR> <BR>I'll be happy to send in a report when we return. Thanks again.

Because I live in Florida I always drive to Disney World so, of course, have my car there. For some 15 or more visits there now, I have never used my car once I get there. I would much rather leave my car in the parking lot and take the Disney transportation than deal with moving the car to another parking area and then dealing with getting to the entrance of the particular park. As a side note, one time many years ago while staying at the Contemporary Resort, and parking in their lot, my brand new car was totally keyed down both sides. Disney was unable to do anything about this vandalism and actually told me that vandalism to cars was a very common problem.