Hi Andrew,
My husband and I have the familiar conversation about whether to rent a car for our Walt Disney World Resort vacations often. We really enjoy the many forms of
Disney transportation on property. However, sometimes it is worth it to us to have a rental car at our disposal. The following are circumstances when we feel is its worthwhile to rent a car:
1. We have a family member traveling with us who lacks the stamina to wait 20 minutes for a bus.
2. An infant or toddler prefers to ride in his own car seat.
3. We have several dining reservations at Disney hotels other than the one at which we are staying. (This is where having a rental car really saves time.)
4. We are traveling with a small, but heavy child who will likely fall asleep on our way back to the hotel and we aren't traveling with our own stroller.
If any of these circumstances apply to you, it very well may be worthwhile to rent a car for your upcoming trip. I would only do so, however, if you get a great deal on your rental car. Disney transportation is very pleasant and convenient. I think you would enjoy riding the nearly empty mid-day buses back to
Disney's Art of Animation Resort when your family decides to take a break.
One more tip...even if you do rent a car during your upcoming trip, be sure to ride Disney transportation to Magic Kingdom Park because guest parking is a considerable distance from the entrance to this iconic park. Disney buses, by contrast, drop you off fairly close to the entrance.
Wishing you many magical memories on your upcoming trip,
Jill