My first trip to Orlando alone

[Lawwgrrl]

Hey guys ,

I'm from the UK and will be travelling to Orlando alone in 2014. I've been to Orlando at least two dozen times as a kid, when I went with my parents on a family holiday. The last time I was over was 2011, I went with my brother and some friends.

I had planned this holiday with someone but the plans fell through and after having a difficult time over the past 18 months, I decided to go ahead and book to travel myself. This is the first time I have ever travelled alone, so I am a little nervous.

I've booked up to go in September 2014 for 14 nights and will be staying in the Universal Resort. I am primarily going for Diagon Alley and will be staying in Cabana Bay. I'm not sure whether to hire a car or not, it's expensive to when it's just me travelling, especially with Universal's $18 per night parking charge! Although it would come in useful for getting to WDW, Busch Gardens and to Titusville if I decide to jump again.

What are your thoughts on car hire when travelling alone?

It would be cool to meet up with other travellers whilst there too!

[balletgirl2]

I think it depends on how comfortable you are driving in the USA. I have been to the UK and would rather walk 10k than try to drive on the other side of the car and road. This difference doesn't bother everyone, but that alone would deter me from renting a car. Shuttles between universal and other Orlando attractions are easy enough to find and hire.

[Grimm Grinning Ghost]

Good to see someone having to guts to go on there own.
I've just come out of a 10 year relationship and im dying to go back to the world.Im really tempted to book for next year but at the same time finding it quite daunting at the prospect of being on my own.

[dani77]

I just returned from another 15-day-solo-trip to Orlando. Even staying on-site in Disney, I had a rental car and would never go without.
Check Hertz.uk in Fall, they often have eraly bird US-offers for the following year. With this offer, you can get a compact car for two weeks for about 280 €.

Even though I didn not drive much during this trip I loved the freedom a rental car gives you. Early breakfast theme park ressies, quick trips to the Disney outlet stores and outlet centers, grocery shopping at walmart...all those things I don't want to miss when in Florida. Sure, you could always take a taxi, but those costs can add up real quick.

[JeffryK]

Rent a car. As said above me the only way you wont need a car i can imagine is if you stay at WDW for a few days and use Disney busses.
But even then a car has its advantages and parking at the parks is free if you stay at a disney hotel.

Also reserve a car now if the rates are good, you can always cancel it when the price change, and i assure you they will. If you really will keep an eye on it prices will drop and always google for coupon codes.

I also notice the rates are a lot lower when i book through an .com car rental site when you fill in that you arent from the USA.

[Metro West]

Originally Posted by Lawwgrrl

I've booked up to go in September 2014 for 14 nights and will be staying in the Universal Resort. I am primarily going for Diagon Alley and will be staying in Cabana Bay. I'm not sure whether to hire a car or not, it's expensive to when it's just me travelling, especially with Universal's $18 per night parking charge! Although it would come in useful for getting to WDW, Busch Gardens and to Titusville if I decide to jump again.

What are your thoughts on car hire when travelling alone?

I would play it by ear on the car especially if you're going to be staying at Universal for an extended period of time. I wouldn't pay the parking charge if you don't have to and there are taxis and buses you can take to get to those other destinations. Check out some of the rates just to get an idea of what you can expect and then add the parking charge on top of that. I'm sure crowds will be massive for HP2 as they were for WWoHP so staying onsite is definitely a good thing. One thing to remember though...Cabana Bay will not offer unlimited Express like the other onsites. You might want to consider staying at one of the other three resorts for one night to get two days of Express. You will need it during that time when HP2 opens...just something to think about.