Avis E-Toll Pass neded for Orlando only trip?

[Mainebound]

An Avis representative told me that I have the option of stopping at the Avis counter at MCO to purchase the e-Toll system. This is a disappointment because I am a (new) Avis Preferred member and was hoping to go straight to the car without stopping to do any business in the airport.

I told the rep that we are only going to Disney and Universal (not leaving Orlando area) and asked whether it would be more expensive to use the Avis e-Toll or pay cash. He could not answer me.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Here is what the Avis website says:

"In the state of Florida the renter has the option of using Sun-Pass Only, ePass Only, and Leeway high-speed lanes. When a renter utilizes these high-speed toll lanes, the toll system identifies the car and charges the standard non-discounted fee for toll roads as published by the toll authority plus the convenience fee of $2.95 per day and $14.75 maximum based on the length of the car rental. The fee will be posted to the credit card you used on your rental. Effective February 19, 2011, Florida's Turnpike no longer accepts cash payments for tolls on the southernmost 47 miles of Florida's Turnpike (Homestead Extension) in Miami-Dade County (Milepost 0 to Milepost 47). By driving on this road you opt-in to use of Avis e-Toll."

 

[OKW Lover]

We rent from Avis at MCO frequently and are Avis preferred. There is no need to go to the counter there. When you get in your car, if you want to use their toll service, locate the transponder box on the windshield (behind the mirror) and flip the lever to on. Then just drive through the open-road toll lanes.

If you don't want to pay the toll service fee (which is charged per day of you rental regardless of you actually using it on that day) then leave the lever in the off position and go to the cash toll lanes. I suggest getting a receipt just in case.

 

[joelkfla]

I told the rep that we are only going to Disney and Universal (not leaving Orlando area) and asked whether it would be more expensive to use the Avis e-Toll or pay cash. He could not answer me.

Definitely cheaper to pay cash; even their own statement says so:

the standard non-discounted fee for toll roads ... plus the convenience fee

There are attendants to make change at all mainline toll plazas in the Orlando area. Just have a couple of dollars of quarters handy in case you use an entrance or exit ramp that requires exact change.

 

[Mainebound]

Thanks so much to both of you. Super helpful!