Best place to rent off airport

[bezfam4]

As many of you, we are traveling on a tight budget. This is out first WDW trip. We are looking to rent a car in Orlando and drive down to Fort Lauderdale. Do you know the closest locations? They are usually cheaper which is why I am looking into the off airport locations and taking a cab to pick up the car. Or, do you have any suggestions for renting in Orlando and returning in Fort Lauderdale. Rates seem to be higher than they should be or I just don't know where to look.

Thanks.
Beez
WDW virgin.

 

[grimley1968]

There's a National/Alamo rental desk inside the Dolphin resort (just off the lobby). It's pricing seems to be about the same as National/Alamo at MCO, and if you're staying onsite at WDW, it's hard to beat the convenience of this location.

I believe there are also rental desks at the Car Care Center, but have never used that location.

 

[jimbostacks]

The last 2 trips I have found very good deals at the Dollar desk at the Regal Sun Resort/Lake Buena Vista...right across from DTD. You can walk there from DTD or Saratoga Springs. Minivan over Spring break was 50% cheaper than aiport. good luck

 

[OKW Lover]

I copied this list from another post here on the DIS. Hope it helps:

Alamo; At Car Care Center; M-F 6am-8pm, Wknd 6am-6pm; 407-824-3470
Alamo; In Buena Vista Palace; 8am-4pm; 407-827-6363
Alamo; In Dolphin Resort; 8am-4pm; 407-934-4930
Avis; In Hilton at WDW; 8am-6pm; 407-827-2847
Budget; In Doubletree; 8am-5pm (closed holidays); 407-827-6089
Dollar; In Regal Sun Resort; 9am-4pm; 407-583-8000
Enterprise; In Marriott World Center; M-F 9am-5pm, Wknd 9am-1pm; 407-397-0800
Hertz; In Shades of Green; 8am-5pm; 407-938-0600
Hertz; In Caribe Royale; 8am-6pm; 407-239-2502
National; At Car Care Center; M-F 6am-8pm, Wknd 6am-6pm; 407-824-3470
National; In Buena Vista Palace; 8am-4pm; 407-827-6363
National; In Dolphin Resort; 8am-4pm; 407-934-4930
Thrifty; In Radisson Celebration; 24hr; 407-390-1596

 

[mmmgood]

I would not discount the airport. They have many more vehicles than off airport locations and often have much lower prices. It is not always the case though so it pays to look at both. The off airport savings are not likely to beat the cab fare unless you are doing a really long rental. There are several specials out of MCO and with most of them you can drop at FLL with no additional costs.

Here are a couple of good sites to try:
http://www.carrentalsavers.com
http://www.mousesavers.com

 

[MrMarv]

If you're a member of the Auto Club, I'd definitely rent from a Hertz Local Edition office and easily save $75.00-$125.00 or more, as opposed to renting at the airport and having your bill go up by that same amout in assorted 'junk fees' imposed by the city, county & state.

Orlando's airport is notorious for gouging vacationers in that regard, and so do lots of airports nationwide.