Can we still ride DME?

[lemonsours]

If we change our plans to arrive a few days early and rent a car to visit family several hours away? We would then return the rental to MCO at the end of the side trip. Originally the family was going to meet us at Disney, but something else came up and now this is the only way we'll get to see them. But I *don't* want the rental car for the whole trip.
Thanks,
Marce

 

[Jestocost]

If we change our plans to arrive a few days early and rent a car to visit family several hours away? We would then return the rental to MCO at the end of the side trip. Originally the family was going to meet us at Disney, but something else came up and now this is the only way we'll get to see them. But I *don't* want the rental car for the whole trip.
Thanks,
Marce

Yes. You can use DME to get from the airport to your resort on your check-in day regardless of how you get to the airport. It may be easier to find a flight that arrives around when you want to drop off the car and give DME that information (thy won't check), but that's not necessary. You do need to be certain that you have a reservation for DME, however.

Also, in this scenario you will need to bring your luggage to the bus with you to get it to your resort.

 

[lemonsours]

Thanks! I had thought about the luggage, I'll probably drop DH off with the kids and the luggage at DME and then return the car. Is there a car rental drop off anywhere at Disney? If there is, maybe we could just drive straight there and return the car after we've delivered the bags to the room.
Marce

 

[bookwormde]

Most rental companies have off site return places near WDW and offer shuttles back to the resorts which is much easier unless you are looking for the ME experiance. It takes much less time.

bookwormde

 

[goofy4tink]

If you are going to anywhere close to WDW, just before you head back to MCO, I would suggest dropping your bags and others in your party off at the resort, then drive back to MCO and take DME back on your own. Otherwise, just return the car to the rental place and walk over to DME. To the best of my knowledge, you won't be able to drop anyone off in the area that DME is in..it's pretty much commercial vehicles.

 

[sam_gordon]

Thanks! I had thought about the luggage, I'll probably drop DH off with the kids and the luggage at DME and then return the car. Is there a car rental drop off anywhere at Disney? If there is, maybe we could just drive straight there and return the car after we've delivered the bags to the room.
Marce

This is what we do. My parents live in Poinciena (about an hour south of Disney). We fly in, rent a car, go stay with them a couple days, then check in at Disney. We rent from National or Alamo because you can drop off at the Car Care Center on Disney property (on drive leaving MK parking lot). My dad 'shuttles' me back to the resort, but I think they offer one.

The rental costs a little more because we're not returning to the airport, but it saves us time (driving back to airport, then getting ME to WDW). And luggage?