Airport transfer: How much faster is renting a car?

[melissafox18]

Not trying to start any debate, just for my own personal knowledge. How much faster is the process of picking up a rental car and driving to your resort?

My assumption based on my previous experience with DME, I would say yes unless the stars aligned and you were able to get right on a full bus and you had the first stop.

I know each scenario is different, but just looking for a ballpark.

We want to resort hop/visit to research for future trips and we have resort ADRs, so a car for us is important. Plus if the monorail project gets pushed back, I want to be able to drive my happy behind over to the other monorail resorts!

 

[Disworldluv]

Your second sentence answers your question. Rental car pickup is faster, especially, if you have already secured one online and are picking up the car at MCO not off the airport. Hotwire.com and constantly getting individual car rental companies will get you the best prices. Try to pickup and return your rental car only at MCO!!

 

[sam_gordon]

Not trying to start any debate, just for my own personal knowledge. How much faster is the process of picking up a rental car and driving to your resort?

My assumption based on my previous experience with DME, I would say yes unless the stars aligned and you were able to get right on a full bus and you had the first stop.

I know each scenario is different, but just looking for a ballpark.

We want to resort hop/visit to research for future trips and we have resort ADRs, so a car for us is important. Plus if the monorail project gets pushed back, I want to be able to drive my happy behind over to the other monorail resorts!

Will you have checked luggage? Don't forget to factor in the time waiting for it. I think the rental car is slightly (maybe 15-30 minutes) faster. Of course, that also depends on whether the rental car company you're using allows you to go straight to your car or if you need to go to the counter first.

Your last paragraph is key. If you have other needs/wants for a car, then get one. I would NOT get one based solely on the amount of time it saves getting to/from the airport.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I personally need to have a car. What if you need something from the drug store? then I am free to go where ever I want. We also eat off property and the money we save by doing this more than pays for the car rental.

 

[bumbershoot]

Our luggage has always already been on the carousel by the time we get all the way to the carousel. That's with United and Alaska. Waiting for luggage isn't something that has delayed us in any way when picking up a rental car.

 

[jrsharp21]

I have always booked rental cars at MCO through National's Emerald Club. It lets you go straight to the lot, pick out any car, and you are on your way. I am usually on the road 20 minutes of landing.

 

[sam_gordon]

Our luggage has always already been on the carousel by the time we get all the way to the carousel. That's with United and Alaska. Waiting for luggage isn't something that has delayed us in any way when picking up a rental car.

I don't think I've ever been on a flight where someone wasn't waiting on the luggage. One time at MCO we had a 45 minute wait once we got to the carousel. There was storm at the time and they shut down ramp operations.

 

[siskaren]

Our luggage has always already been on the carousel by the time we get all the way to the carousel. That's with United and Alaska. Waiting for luggage isn't something that has delayed us in any way when picking up a rental car.

Wow, I always have to wait for my luggage. In fact, I always see other pieces go around multiple times before I finally see mine.

 

[goofy4tink]

Some times I've had.....

DME......55-85 mins (gate to resort)....most times around 75 mins.
Town car.....carryon only......45 mins
Town car......checked bags.....60 mins
Rented car....checked bags....60 mins

Of course there can be various experiences. I've always had to wait for my bags to come out,,,,,usually about 15 mins or so. Of course I only stop at the restroom and the go directly to baggage claim. That takes me about 15 of so minutes.

 

[bumbershoot]

Should mention that we don't rush rush rush to the carousel, and we are often coming in on Alaska which has a 20 minute "guarantee" for bags.

Of course if there were a storm I would expect delays.