Car: To Rent or Not Rent

[MDer2FL]

Let me apologize - I'm brand new to Universal (heck, we've only been to Disneyworld twice) so I know I keep posting all sorts of stupid questions that many of you are probably sick of. BUT... I'm debating about the rental car.

We (DH, me, 3 DDs) land in Orlando at 8:30am on 6/29. Had planned on picking up a mid-size and driving to Portofino Bay where we're staying until 7/2, when we switch to an offsite condo and plan to do a couple of days at DW. Since then I've learned more and realize how close everything is at Universal, and that they have a Hertz onsite at PB as well as lots of fairly close RAC places outside. So.... I'm thinking, do we need to go to the expense of the car for those days (as well as parking)? DH thinks we'll want to go offsite for some meals, but I'm like.... we're only going to be there 3 days, and most of that will be spent in the parks where we'll eat/snack. If we even want a sit-down dinner, we have many options at PB or the other hotels, or even back in the parks. (Arrg... lightbulb just went off... do we need advanced reservations a year in advance like at DW?!? )

DH is a serious plan-ahead'er. Everything in its place, you know? I mean, we only decided on taking this trip last week and believe me, leaving "only" 7 weeks out is NOT how we usually do things! I think the idea of not having a car is some kind of control thing...? Anyhooooo, your comments or advice are appreciated.

[Metro West]

I'm going to move this to the main board for more responses.

[damo]

You most likely won't leave property at all. You're probably fine to cab it or hire a car service to get from the airport to the hotel. You could rent a car when you leave to use offsite.

[Planogirl]

I agree that three days onsite is nothing. There are plenty of good places to eat at Citywalk too.

[bumbershoot]

We always have a rental, but when at Universal I cannot remember going offsite for food other than our typical "we need fruit" stop at Whole Foods that turns into the most expensive meal of the trip while going through the hot bar there, LOL. Never go to Whole Foods while hungry!

When at WDW we go offsite a lot; Sweet Tomatoes is a fave. But when at Universal we like the 3 Broomsticks and Richter's veggie burgers enough that I just cannot recall going anywhere but the Whole Foods hot bar for offsite food.

Where does your husband think you'll go? Maybe take an hour or so to work that out, so that you guys are prepared? It might talk him out of the need for the car, or maybe it'll talk you into the need for one. Best to have the conversation, though.