TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN ORLANDO
How to save money on car rentals in Orlando. Driving directions to Walt Disney World from the Orlando International. How to handle tolls in Florida with a rental car.
Orlando International Airport is home to the largest rental car market in the world. Renting a car at the airport is often cheaper than renting from an off-airport location.
Rates are highly competitive compared to other cities, so you definitely want to shop around.
A good price for a standard car is about $30 per day but you might be able to do even better. Fun Fact: it usually costs less to rent a car than a stroller at Walt Disney World!
Car rental counters are all on one level at Orlando International Airport
Renting a car saves time getting around Walt Disney World.
Disney transportation is a reliable way to get around Disney, but think of it as public transportation: it will get you there, just not as fast as your own car.
Renting a car also allows you to go between hotels, something Disney transport does not offer.
Often guests need to travel between hotels for dining reservations.
Tip! Book your rental car several weeks in advance but check back often, especially 5 weeks prior to your arrival.
Fare wars are common among rental companies at Orlando International but they can actually increase too, like when a convention comes to town or if it's a holiday weekend.
Avoid pre-pay discounts, if rates go down, you won't be able to rebook!
Many of the car rental companies in Orlando offer an automatic billing option for tolls in Florida. It may not be necessary to stop at a booth.
RENTAL CARS AND FLORIDA TOLLS
Most major rental car companies now offer their customers the option of automatically billing tolls to the credit card they used to rent the vehicle.
You can use the SunPass lanes on 417 (my recommended route) and other toll roads in Florida.
Some rental companies offer SunPass rentals, usually free of charge, other charge an additional fee.
GETTING TO DISNEY FROM ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
There are two main routes you can take: Route 417 or I-4. Avoid I-4, the stretch between the airport and the theme parks is always heavily congested. 417 has a few inexpensive tolls.
To take 417, follow signs for the South Exit of the airport. Then, simply stay on 417 to either exit 6 or 3, depending on where your hotel is located.
Signs on 417 will tell you which exit to take based on theme park and/or resort hotel.
Walt Disney World is about 20 minutes from Orlando International.
When going back to the airport, follow signs in Walt Disney World for Osceola Parkway.
Once on the parkway, follow signs to Route 417 towards the airport. If you follow the airport signs in Walt Disney World, most of them will take you on I-4 which you want to avoid.
Costco Wholesale has consistently offered some of the best rental car rates in Orlando.
They contract exclusively with Alamo, Avis, Enterprise and Budget. Costco's rates usually beat special offers found on the rental agency's official website and the travel websites like Expedia.
A Costco membership starts at $55 but you don't need to be a member to view rates.
If you're not a member, check to see how much you'd save, the savings might actually pay for your membership.
BJ's Wholesale Club is also a good place to check for rental car discounts, though we have found that Costco rates are usually better. A BJ's membership is $50 per year.
BOOKing DIRECT FROM THE RENTAL CAR COMPANIES
This option will almost always cost more than if you book through a third-party unless you have credit card points or other perks to use, this could be a good option.
Alamo Rent A Car is the official rental car agency for Disney with two offices located right on Disney World property.
Offices are located at the Walt Disney World Car Care Center near Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.
Alamo Rent A Car has an Office on Disney World Property
Another office is located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, near Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Epcot.
Alamo operates free shuttles that service the Walt Disney World hotels. If you need to be picked up, or if you’re dropping your car off, you can get a ride!
Check Alamo rates through Costco, they are usually very good.
Alamo has recently reduced the number of online offer codes, opting to post discounts on its Alamo Insiders Club website. Membership to Alamo Insiders Club is free.
Alamo shuttle at Walt Disney World
A great feature that Alamo offers is pre-arrival check in. You can complete all the rental car paperwork online, in advance.
All you need to do at the airport is walk over to the garage, choose a vehicle, then stop drive through window to check out.
Super fast and convenient - plus it's nice to be able to choose your own car. Avis offers a similar program.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is located inside the Orlando International Airport and have a reputation for renting new, high-quality vehicles.
The checkout process is painfully slow compared to the other rental agencies but they offer some of the best customer service in the rental car market.
Someone is going to help you locate your vehicle and go over all its features with you.
Sure it's great service, but not ideal if you just want to get your car and hit the road.
Budget Rent A Car is located at Orlando International Airport with an additional office at the DoubleTree Hotel - Walt Disney World, 2305 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Orlando, FL (just outside of Disney Springs).
Cars tend to be slightly older with higher miles and have a reputation for having poor customer service.
E-Z Car Rental is a smaller company but offers competitive rates.
They are located on airport property - no shuttle bus is required. They are pretty good about offering upgrades at a discounted rate.
Just ask at time of check in. The issue with E-Z is that it's a slow process to rent a car once you arrive at the airport.
First you need to check in at the desk inside the airport. They will spend a lot of time typing on the computer while you stand there and wait.
Then, you walk outside to the garage and stop and another desk for your keys. If they are busy, this can take a long time.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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