Disney Transportation vs. Car Rental

Becky CriswellMarch 16, 2017My last trip to Walt Disney World was amazing, as always. I experienced the rides, shows and foods I love but just one thing was different about this vacation. I traveled with someone who decided to rent a car. Up until now, I have always relied on Disney transportation, but I am commonly asked by my clients if I think it would be worth it to rent a car. Well now I have the experience from both sides and I’m here to lay it all out for you.First, let’s talk about Disney transportation and what is included in your stay as a resort guest. Disney’s Magical Express is available to pick you up for the airport and transport you to your resort. This service is complimentary to all guests staying on Disney property. They also pick up your luggage  for you and baggage claim and transfer it to your room for you. Disney’s extensive transportation system also includes buses to get you from your resort to each park or to Disney Springs. Also, select resorts have water taxis and/or access to the monorail to transport you to certain parks. In summary, you can get anywhere you need to go using Disney transportation, although you may have to take more than one mode of transportation to get there.Now that we have covered Disney transportation, let’s compare it with renting a car.

• When you rent a car, you will need to pick up your own luggage at baggage claim. With Disney’s Magical Express, this is done for you, but you may have to wait a few hours to receive it once you arrive at your resort.
• It is best to find a rental car company that has service in the terminal. Otherwise, you will need to take a shuttle to the rental car office, which adds more time to your arrival process.
• Of course, you need to pay for a rental car, while the Magical Express service is complimentary. Make sure the person doing the driving is the one to reserve the car or else you will have to pay for an additional driver.
• When you rent a car, you will need to find your way around! With modern technology this is not difficult, but it is one more thing to think about. With Disney transportation, the drivers will get you where you need to go!
• Once you are at your resort it is very convenient to walk outside, get in your car and drive wherever you need to go. With Disney transportation, you may have to wait for the bus to come. This could take as long as 20 minutes, but usually no more than 10.
• Sometimes you will have to park very far from the park entrance and either walk or take a tram. The buses typically drop you off very close to the front gate.
• When you stay until the park closes, it can be a mad rush of people trying to get on the buses at the same time. When you have a car, you don’t have the stress of waiting for a bus or being stuck on a crowded bus with very sleepy children!

After experiencing both, I loved the convenience of having a car and not needing to wait for a bus but I also love being able to sit back, relax, and let someone else navigate the way for me. I have laid out the pros and cons of each and I hope it has been helpful. It is ultimately up to you and your personal preference. You could always rent a car and still utilize the Disney transportation when you want to! To plan a trip or to discuss more practical issues like this one, email me at beckyc@wishesfamilytravel.com**Extra tip: If you drive, take pictures of the signs where you park. You may think you will remember what row/section you are in but after a long day in the park, you probably won’t!