Advice for 1st time car renters!

[Circus181920]

We are going to Disney in late July and will be needing a rental car (probably just a compact car). We are flying to the Orlando airport and planned on renting a car there and then returning it at a rental car location on Disney property, as we won't be needing the car for the entire trip.

This is our first time renting a car. Could anyone please offer any advice to us? What have your experiences been like? Which rental car company did you choose? Costs? Where can you return the cars to on Disney property?

Thanks for your help!

 

[skiingfast]

I think at the car care center they only have Alamo there. I think in the swan and dolphin they may also have a rental desk and then shuttle the driver to the car.

It may cost more to pick up and drop off at MCO, generally it does when not picking up and dropping at the same location. But if is common for people to pick up at the car care center and drop at MCO then it would be cheaper.

Generally the smaller the car is the cheaper it will be. A compact will not fit four people and luggage. Three people yes with luggage also in the back seat. Just keep this in mind.

When you pick your car up the desk attendant will try to do two things. Sell you insurance. And try to upsell you to a bigger car.

Check with the credit card company that you use to pay for the car the card may have this insurance built in already.


When you return the car they will charge you for gas. Sometimes a lot of money like $5 a gallon. So fill it up before returning it.

 

[SnackyStacky]

The most readily available rental agencies on property are National/Alamo (locations at the Dolphin and the Car Care Center). There's also a Budget at the Doubletree, and an Avis at the Hilton. When the Holiday Inn was a Courtyard by Marriott, there was a Dollar rental desk there. Not sure if it is/will be there when the Holiday Inn opens back up. Anyway - Hotel Plaza Boulevard is on Disney property just across from the Marketplace. It's very easy to get back to Downtown Disney if you drop a car off at one of these locations.

Before you decide to keep the car for a only a few days, just see what the rates are to keep it for your entire trip and just return it at the airport. Sometimes, there's specials that may get your total to be the same, lower, or only slightly higher than a 1 way rental.

As others have mentioned, your current auto insurance and/or credit card will most likely cover rental cars. Double check with your credit card, and/or your auto insurance carrier to find out about coverage.

Many times, if you sign up for a rental car agency's frequent renter program, it's free and you can completely bypass the line. I like National's Emerald Aisle. You can enroll here for free.

Costs can vary greatly depending on agency, specials, length of stay, car class, etc.... Fr good advice on getting a good rate, check here.

I've used Budget, L&M and National. I tend to stick with National because I love the Emerald Aisle. You reserve a midsize and can go to the midsize aisle and pick whichever car is on that aisle. Twice, I've been able to get a minivan for the cost of a midsize. I certainly don't depend on getting a crazy awesome upgrade like that, but when it happens, it's nice!