Greetings, Cindy!
Welcome to planDisney! This is such a great question. I am happy to report that both using a ride-share service and renting a car are great options for getting around Walt Disney World Resort. It will really come down to personal preference regarding convenience, and of course, cost. Here are my top pros for each option, and a few notes about which may be best for your travel party.
Using a ride-share service such as Lyft or Uber is super easy at Walt Disney World Resort. I have personally used ride-share options for transportation to my resort hotel from the airport and to get from the parks to my home away from home during my stay. The pros of this option are you will not need to pay for parking at the theme parks or drive back to your hotel after a long day. You can kick back and relax while someone else navigates the Orlando area and gets you to your destination. I found when using Lyft, options were readily available and most days I had a ride in minutes. Ride-share services have designated drop-off points at all four parks, and you can find this information on the signage at the park exit. You will find in some cases your pick-up and drop-off spot will be the same, so take note when you arrive. Lyft also offers a helpful drop-off/pickup guide for Walt Disney World Resort on its website. It is important to note that the designated location at Magic Kingdom Park is outside of the Ticket and Transportation Center, so allow extra time to get to your ride. You will need to
take a monorail or ferry from the park to access the pickup site.
Renting a car comes with the convenience of being on your own time. No need to schedule your ride or rush out of the park if your car is heading to the pickup spot faster than expected. You can park at each of the four theme parks for the day, and come and go if you like for one price. You can even note the location of your parking space in the
My Disney Experience app.
Car Locator is the perfect way to remember where you started the day, and helps you avoid long laps around the parking lot at night!
As for cost, there are a few things to consider. When renting a car you will have the cost of the rental, plus parking fees at Walt Disney World Resort. Currently,
parking costs range from $25 to $50 per day, and fees are subject to change. When using a ride-share service the fees can vary based on the time of day and distance. Pro tip: You can check the average pricing in most ride-share apps to gather an estimate before you arrive. This can help you determine the cost each way for your park visits and airport transfer if needed.
Once you have considered the pros and added the estimated cost you may find the choice for your travel party is an easy one. And if you are still debating, Hakuna Matata! Both options will get you to The Most Magical Place on Earth, and there is no wrong choice here!
I hope that your upcoming adventure is memorable and magical!
We'll see ya real soon!
Tammy