Can someone tell me about NOT using a shuttle in Orlando?

[moopdog Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close moopdog]

We were spoiled by Disney resort travel last couple of trips. This year we may stay offsite (Horizons by Marriott) and I REEAAAALLLY have to convince my husband that it's okay to rent a car and have to drive/park. Problem is that I don't really have a clue. IS it okay? Is it better/worse/the same as using on-site transportation?

Are car rentals reasonable in Orlando? How would I get booster seats for the kids? Last question: Are there ANY timeshare (through II) resorts that have transportation or is it typical that they don't?

Thanks~!

[janapur Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close janapur]

We have always stayed offsite of Disney and have always rented a car. It is truly the best idea, especially with kids and all of their stuff. You'll appreciate having a car not just for visiting the parks, but for groceries, dining, etc. No problems parking at Disney. Check priceline and hotwire for the best deals.

Regarding booster seats, we have a couple of car seats that we check with our luggage. We don't use our more expensive ones, just some used ones that we are willing to lose should that happen. Same with our double stroller. We've purchased a couple at garage sales and have found them invaluable.

Have fun! We'll be returning New Year's week this year.

Jana

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

I agree with janapur.

Having a car prevents you having to wait from 1 minute to 1 hour for the shuttle to show up. It prevents you from having to tip the shuttle driver.

Also, once you pay for parking at a Disney park, it is good at all of its parks for that day.

The car will allow you to come and go when you want. Otherwise, you will be at the mercy of the shuttle bus schedule. Not fun when you are tired and hungry.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I always rent a car in Orlando if I am staying off site. Very easy drive from the airport to International Drive (I-Drive) and the Marriott's via the airports south exit. Make sure to only rent from a car company that is onsite at the airport - you basically walk out the same door where you pick up the Magical Express and enter the parking garage to get your car. The off-site rentals might be a few dollars less but are not worth the savings if you are traveling with kids.
Go to MouseSavers.com - Disney Discount Source - Disney World Discounts, Disneyland Discounts, Disney Cruise Discounts and sign up for their monthly emails - they always have discount codes to use for Orlando car rentals.

From Horizons, Cypress Harbor, Grande Vista - you don't need to get on the I-4 to get to the parks - just drive south on I-Drive to the end, make a right, go thru the first light then - drive past the Marriott Orlando World Center (and the Royal, Sabal and Imperial Palm Marriott TSs) - go under the I-4 and you will be on Disney Property.

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

Is it better/worse/the same as using on-site transportation?

I usually rent a car even when onsite. A car is faster to every park except MK onsite. And, even for MK, Disney is only 5-10 minutes faster, on average.

I would never stay offiste without a car. Shuttles run 2-3 times each day, each way. You're on vacation, why be on someone else's schedule? Plus, you're saving so much money vs. a cash Disney rental that even with the car and parknig charges, you are coming out way way ahead.

[Icc5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Icc5]

Car companies have booster seats I believe

We were spoiled by Disney resort travel last couple of trips. This year we may stay offsite (Horizons by Marriott) and I REEAAAALLLY have to convince my husband that it's okay to rent a car and have to drive/park. Problem is that I don't really have a clue. IS it okay? Is it better/worse/the same as using on-site transportation?

Are car rentals reasonable in Orlando? How would I get booster seats for the kids? Last question: Are there ANY timeshare (through II) resorts that have transportation or is it typical that they don't?

Thanks~!

We have done it both ways and actually like are own rental car the best. We then are not ties to a specific time for things. I think most car rental companies have booster seats to rent (check with them first). On are past trips we have been to many places we would have not seen without having a rental car.
We did the Disney shuttle one year but really felt time restricted.
Bart

[klynn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close klynn]

We were spoiled by Disney resort travel last couple of trips. This year we may stay offsite (Horizons by Marriott) and I REEAAAALLLY have to convince my husband that it's okay to rent a car and have to drive/park. Problem is that I don't really have a clue. IS it okay? Is it better/worse/the same as using on-site transportation?

Are car rentals reasonable in Orlando? How would I get booster seats for the kids? Last question: Are there ANY timeshare (through II) resorts that have transportation or is it typical that they don't?

Thanks~!

You need a car. You should be able to find a decent rate. Until a few years ago, we always stayed off-property and a car is a must. A couple of years ago we tried on-property and have never gone back to off-property. We would take a DVC studio over a 2BR off-property any day! Also, we always rent a car even on property. In fact, we are at the Beach Club Villas right now! We got a rental car through Alamo (picked up at the Dolphin) for $89.xx TOTAL for a week. Next week we will still be at the Beach Club Villas and got another rental car for $89.xx for that week as well. It was cheaper for me to book 2 separate weeks than 2 weeks. Plus, since we are so close it is no big deal. You can rent booster seats. It may be cheaper to just bring your own. You can gate check them at the airport rather than checking them in as luggage. That is what we used to do when we needed them.

[idahodude Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idahodude]

We were spoiled by Disney resort travel last couple of trips. This year we may stay offsite (Horizons by Marriott) and I REEAAAALLLY have to convince my husband that it's okay to rent a car and have to drive/park. Problem is that I don't really have a clue. IS it okay? Is it better/worse/the same as using on-site transportation?

Are car rentals reasonable in Orlando? How would I get booster seats for the kids? Last question: Are there ANY timeshare (through II) resorts that have transportation or is it typical that they don't?

Thanks~!

I agree with most of what's above. Car rentals are fine in Orlando as long as there's not tons of people there. Then, it can be a bit annoying. We got two cars for less than $100/each last time we were there, but I suspect prices could be a bit more during busier seasons (were there in December). You can rent booster seats, but this is usally $5-10/day each, so it would likely be cheaper to check them as luggage (or planeside if smaller child). Could even use them on the plane if kids have their own seat.

There are a few timeshares that have transportation as well as some public buses (and you can use the Mears shuttle to the resort from the airport), but for the most part, the freedom of having your own car is much more worthwhile. I'm not aware of any off-property transportation other than car rental that can compare to the on-property transportation convenience.