Can my husband take Magical Express back to the airport to pick up a rental car?

[erineab]

We will be staying at Port Orleans French Quarter for 4 nights and then moving to Bonnet Creek for 7 nights. We won't need a car while at POFQ, but will be renting one during our Bonnet Creek week. We don't want to pick up the car at at Disney and then return to MCO because that's more expensive. Can my husband take the Magical Express back to the airport on his own to pick up a rental car if he doesn't have a return flight booked for that day?

 

[tjmw2727]

Yes, he can call DME directly and make the arrangements with or without a flight. If the CM has issues booking without a flight then just pick one that leaves about 3 hours after you want to be picked up from POFQ.

I would also recommend to keep checking on the car rental. Most times I have found comparable prices picking up at the Car Care Center or DTD and returning at MCO vs MCO/MCO.

 

[Caseheidi]

We have found that picking up a rental at The car care center or one of the board wrong hotels is less expensive as you are not paying the Airpprt taxes/fees. You might choose which company you want to rent from and see if they have a counter in one of the close hotels. I think last time we did this we took the bus to DTD and walked to one of the hotels that are right down that street.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Yes. A guest registered at a Disney resort at WDW can take DME to Orlando Int'l Airport on or before check-out day. It is not necessary to board a flight at the airport. DME is a function of one's resort stay, not of one's flight itinerary.

However, it is much more convenient to pick up a car somewhere on or near WDW property than to go all the way to the airport. Renting locally saves time and it saves the gasoline and tolls to drive back to WDW. It's just necessary to make a "one way" car rental reservation, specifying Orlando Int'l as the return location.

In addition to National/Alamo at the Disney Car Care Center, there are many other options. See the sticky thread “Car rental locations for WDW…” at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2927109

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I agree with other posters. there really is no need to go back to the airport for a car. Right by DTD are Dollar, Avis and I believe Budget. Not to mention the Alamo/National right on site.

You will find your best rental rates a week before you leave.

I always book my car the Tue before my trip starts. That's because that is when last minute deal are published.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

If they are staying a week at Bonnet Creek than a rental will be best from the airport as it will be more cost efficient. They need a way back after the additional week.

I have to admit when comparing rates for the airport and onsite the cost was much higher onsite. It went even higher if I wanted to return the car at the airport.

If you are checking out the fourth day have your dh check in with ME with a flight itinerary 3 hrs after he wants to be picked up as was stated.
Try playing with reservations or call the rental you desire. Most will match online codes or use with AAA.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

If they are staying a week at Bonnet Creek than a rental will be best from the airport as it will be more cost efficient. They need a way back after the additional week.

Not necessarily. I've been able to rent at WDW at a lower cost than at the airport, and that was with a one-way rental, returning the car at the airport.

I have to admit when comparing rates for the airport and onsite the cost was much higher onsite. It went even higher if I wanted to return the car at the airport.

I believe you, but that was your experience. The OP may have the same experience or may find the renting at (or near) WDW is the same price or less.

If you are checking out the fourth day have your dh check in with ME with a flight itinerary 3 hrs after he wants to be picked up as was stated.

It is not necessary to pick a fake flight. If, after considering other options more convenient to WDW, he still wants to rent at MCO and drive back to WDW, he only needs to tell DME the approximate time he wants to leave POFQ when making his DME reservation. There are normally two pick-up times at each resort each hour (if there is demand), and he'll be assigned to the closest pick-up to his request.

Try playing with reservations or call the rental you desire. Most will match online codes or use with AAA.

Yes, the trick to is try different car rental companies (at various different locations on or near WDW property), different rate codes, and different coupon codes. If he works for a corporation that has contracted rates with one of more rental car companies and if employees are allowed to use the codes for personal travel, that can be the best option.

I have not heard of people being successful asking rental car companies to "match" rate codes from other rental car companies, but perhaps I'm just not familiar with this practice.