Whether to have a car at Disney has got to be one of the most frequently asked questions on Disney chat boards. I have arrived at some of my own conclusions. But before I share, let’s look at the factors that influence my decision: The reality of the bus routes, and the vacation goals of the individual guest.
First, are the buses quick and dependable? Well, Disney transportation is great to the theme parks. Yes, you need to wait for them, and you are not the master of your own timing, but once you relax and accept that, it is very nice to be driven around.
However, Disney transportation is NOT great if you want to go to anything but the four theme parks. The buses to Downtown Disney are unpredictable, and because you are often sharing, the rides can be long. An hour is not the norm, but it is not the least bit unusual. And there is a reason Disney tells you to allow 90 minutes to get to your dinner reservation in a resort. There are no resort to resort buses, so you need to transfer. Yep -- you'll need to wait for a bus - twice. Actually, 4 times. As you need to get there, and you need to get back.
Second, let’s think about guest planning. What is the one thing that folks can, and need to plan ahead? That’s right. Meals. Much of pre- vacation time goes into thinking about where you want to eat. I mean, there just isn’t that much else you can plan 5 months in advance. So, we focus on meals because it’s all we can focus on. Ooo --- the Princess meal at the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort looks good! And there’s Goofy's Beach Club Breakfast at Cape May Cafe! And Boma - that resort looks fabulous! So, folks book these amazing meals.
And there’s the rub. Without a car, getting to these locations is a pain. And I am certain most people don’t think of this when they book. But when they get to Orlando, oh my does it affect the quality of the day! Getting to Cape May Cafe without a car is almost impossible unless you have hopper tickets. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge? Forget it.
Think about it. Do you really want to give three hours of your day to getting to and from a meal?
So, here’s my conclusion about whether you need a car at DIsney: It depends and it has a major impact. Which of these best fits your vacation?
Are you there for the rides? Do you not really care about specific restaurants, character meals or Downtown Disney? Can you ignore the Boardwalk? Are you on the monorail? Will your vacation happily consist of theme parks, your resort and your resort pool? Yes? Then, you really don’t need a car. Relax. Let Disney drive you. It will be great.
Is Disney more to you than theme parks? Do you want multiple or specific dining experiences? Are you staying at a value resort, yet want to go out to dinner? Does visiting the other resorts, Downtown Disney, Boardwalk, or Mini golf sound fun? Do you want have the entire Disney Resort area at your disposal? Yes? Then you need a car. Otherwise, logistics will take over your days.
Before you quickly decide that you are fine with just the theme parks, let me offer you a scenario.
Your 6 year old wants to be transformed into a princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and you want her to do it before your meal with The Royals. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Well, if you planned far enough in advance and are willing to pay for the Castle meal, then you can do both Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and lunch in the Castle. But, darn -- in your case, there are no longer any spots available at the Castle. So, you have to go to Downtown Disney and the Princess Storybook Dining in Epcot. Now, we are talking About maybe 2.5 - 3 hours in transit to make this happen. Remember-- there are no buses from Downtown Disney to theme parks. You’ll have to transfer. Thank about it. Envision it. Magical, right?
So, be sure that you really mean it when you say you will be fine simply going from resort to theme park.
Of course, there is always the third option. Don’t rent a car, but budget for taxi service. The most it will cost you, one way, will be $25. Of course, if you want to get back, that’s $50. Do that a couple of times, and a rental car sounds cheaper to me! When I don't have a car, I usually use a taxi at least once. It's a very convenient option.
Almost 100% of the people we work with never even think about how transportation will effect their vacation. And, as they have hired Help Around the Mouse, they really don’t need to. We will. But don’t kid yourself. Transportation choice does not play a minor role in your vacation. At best, its a supporting player we never even notice because it is blends seamlessly. At worse, it's a bull in a china shop. Go in understanding that, and you will be fine. Frustration and disappointment happen when you are unexpectedly surprised by a logistical nightmare. Don’t let that happen.
Me? I enjoy Disney vacations with a car, and without one. But I make sure my vacation plans and my transportation choices are in alignment. And you should, too.
