Car Rental and shuttle to/from the port

[mcgurran71]

We are renting a car for about 10 days during our stay in Orlando and during our cruise. Has anyone rented a car from the airport then returned it to a rental place near the port..then taken a shuttle from the rental place to the port terminal...then once the cruise was over taken a shuttle from port back to car rental place? I'm curious to how smooth this was, if you would do it again, and what car rental company you used. I'm seeing if that would be a better option then parking it for $128 during our 7 day cruise. Also any reviews on Avis or Budget (we usually use enterprise). Thank you.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

We did this on a 7-night cruise recently. We went with Budget, because we got a good deal on the cars we wanted. We were 9 people, so we rented 2 cars (one sedan and one mini-van, since that car had 5 people and their luggage in it). Picking up at the airport was super easy since they are right there at the airport. The check-in process is pretty easy now. (once you turn down all the options they offer) Plus we were able to reserve our cars in both directions online, without a deposit.

When we went to the Port, we dropped off the 7 others and all of the luggage. Those 7 dealt with the luggage and went through port security and then waited for us inside the port building. The two of use filled the cars with gas and drove a couple miles to the Car drop off. The line wasn't too bad, and since we were two people and no luggage, getting on the shuttle was no issue either. The shuttle has it's own entrance to the port, so we didn't have to wait in the line of cars trying to get to the port. Once the two drivers arrived, we all did the check-in together and got on the ship.

A note about driving a rental car from Orlando to the Port. I knew there were two, $1 tolls each way. What I didn't know is that it is coins or e-pass only. We had to scramble to fine quarters (we figured we'd be able to use dollar bills, but no luck.) You can pay for the use of the rental car's e-pass, but it is like $5 PLUS the cost of the toll, so some might object on principle.

On the way back from the port, all 9 of us (and our luggage) took the shuttle to the Rental agency, but at the last minute we got smart and moved the two drivers to the front of our group. Sure enough, when the shuttle arrived 2 minutes later, not all of our group could fit on it, but the two drivers and their luggage did get on, so by the time the rest of our group arrived, we had the cars and were ready to go.

We were satisfied with Budget, and would use them again for the right price.

 

[Kuzcotopia1]

A note about driving a rental car from Orlando to the Port. I knew there were two, $1 tolls each way. What I didn't know is that it is coins or e-pass only. We had to scramble to fine quarters (we figured we'd be able to use dollar bills, but no luck.) You can pay for the use of the rental car's e-pass, but it is like $5 PLUS the cost of the toll, so some might object on principle.

There are three types of lanes: SunPass (like EZPass), exact change, normal toll w/ person inside. I did not have exact change when I drove back to MCO two weeks ago and was able to pay and get receipts for my tolls from an actual person.

That being said, I have rented from both companies and had no issues. You can also pay a one-way fair back to MCO using the Disney shuttle at the end of the cruise. I think it is $35. I might do that next time to save the hassle of getting off the ship, getting in line for a shuttle, getting my car and finally being on my way.

 

[puffkin]

We were just in Florida last week for an 8 day trip with our DCL cruise being the middle 4 days. We ended up just renting a car from MCO for the entire time (I got a really good weekly rate on a mini van and we travel with 3 adults, 2 kids and plenty of luggage) and paying to park it at the port for the cruise. OMG, it was incredibly easy and fast on both ends of the cruise. Worth every single penny. When I priced out the cost of two one way rentals it was only a few dollars cheaper and not worth the hassle at all, especially with 2 small kids.

 

[MickeyManiacMom]

I have been pricing it several ways. For us it was cheaper to rent the car through Costco with Alamo for the entire duration of our trip and use the park and stay rate at the Country Inn and Suites at the port. They shuttle you to/from the ship and your car just stays onsite at the hotel. That said we are arriving a day early, so we needed a hotel room anyway.

 

[mcgurran71]

thank for all your help peeps. I think that I'm going to book one for the whole trip. Thanks for the insight/info

 

[cyndiella]

When we went to the Port, ... The two of use filled the cars with gas and drove a couple miles to the Car drop off. The line wasn't too bad, and since we were two people and no luggage, getting on the shuttle was no issue either. The shuttle has it's own entrance to the port, so we didn't have to wait in the line of cars trying to get to the port. Once the two drivers arrived, we all did the check-in together and got on the ship.

A note about driving a rental car from Orlando to the Port. I knew there were two, $1 tolls each way. What I didn't know is that it is coins or e-pass only. We had to scramble to fine quarters (we figured we'd be able to use dollar bills, but no luck.) You can pay for the use of the rental car's e-pass, but it is like $5 PLUS the cost of the toll, so some might object on principle.

Thanks for this info.. We are arriving a couple days before our cruise and renting a car at MCO. My question is when we drop off the car at the Port, how do we get to the ship? Do all rental car companies have access to a shuttle that takes you to the ship after car drop off?? Is there a fee? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. I had thought of calling for Uber... It looks to be less than a mile from our car rental drop off to ship. There is just 2 of us.. 1 piece of luggage and 2 carry ons. So not a lot there.
Also, thanks for the heads up about the tolls only accepting coins.. I will be sure to pack quarters for that!!

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

All of the rental companies (ask your specific one to be sure) offer free shuttles from their place to the port and on the return trip, from the port back to their place. The only question is how long will you have to wait in line for it. Part of that is determined by how many shuttles they have running at once. For instance, Budget had 4 shuttles of different sizes running concurrently, so when one left, the next one was coming soon. In our case, we had to wait maybe 15 minutes til we could board a shuttle.

Loved renting the car, especially since we came the day before the cruise. This way, we could go out to a restaurant that night. We could hit a grocery store and a liquor store on Saturday morning, and in the case of my brother-in-law go to Target and buy a new suitcase when one of his broke during the airline flight. It gives you flexibility. It also made us feel less rushed Saturday morning because we weren't rushing to meet our shuttle pick-up time.

The cost will vary a lot based on your specific circumstances. Car size is one. Length of rental is another. When I priced it, two one-day rentals were definitely cheaper than renting it for a week, but if you are staying overnight and you exceed 24 hours (even by an hour or two) well then they call that two days, and charge you double. However, weekly rentals are usually 7 days exactly two and if you need another day or two beyond 7 the costs are not proportional. I was worried that renting it in one place and dropping it off somewhere else would cost a lot more, but it didn't seem to for us. I'm sure in this case, they get a lot of people renting one way in both directions so it tends to even out.

 

[andrews_dad]

A few questions....

What time do you put in to reserve the car post--cruise? I am staying one night after the cruise, driving to Orlando after disembarking and taking the kids to Downtown Diz, the Ale House, and mini-golf. Unsure what time to reserve for pick-up after the cruise? What time is the best guess that I should put in? Noon?

Any direction on how and where to catch the shuttles post-cruise? Is there like one large rental car building that everyone goes to like in Vegas, or does each rental agency have their own building and (hence) their own shuttles?

When to car rental savers.com, one of my go-to places to price cars. That website does not seem to find port Canaveral or cape Canaveral. It keeps directing me to the Melborne airport pick up? Any insights?

Any insights to what agency has the best shuttles and quicker service? Does these locations offer quicker access like Fast Break and such, like they have at MCO where you get your own line or straight to the garage?

 

[andrews_dad]

Ouch. Dollar Rent a Car tacks on a $50 surcharge for a one way rental from Cape Caranveral to MCO.

 

[cyndiella]

Ouch. Dollar Rent a Car tacks on a $50 surcharge for a one way rental from Cape Caranveral to MCO.

Yikes.. I'm renting from Dollar.. got a car one way from MCO to Port Canaveral (thru Expedia) for $77.00 for about 44 hours... not quite 2 days. I have the print off so there won't be any surprises.. no surcharges for a one way going the other way as your rental quote..

 

[cyndiella]

For my Dollar car rental... Read the "fuel Policy" in the fine print. When you refuel before taking it back... be sure to save the receipt as proof you did refuel within the 10 mile radius to avoid charges.
Just a heads up.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Ouch. Dollar Rent a Car tacks on a $50 surcharge for a one way rental from Cape Caranveral to MCO.

Not all add on a one way charge. And, even those who do, don't always.

 

[party-of-five]

We were just in Florida last week for an 8 day trip with our DCL cruise being the middle 4 days. We ended up just renting a car from MCO for the entire time (I got a really good weekly rate on a mini van and we travel with 3 adults, 2 kids and plenty of luggage) and paying to park it at the port for the cruise. OMG, it was incredibly easy and fast on both ends of the cruise. Worth every single penny. When I priced out the cost of two one way rentals it was only a few dollars cheaper and not worth the hassle at all, especially with 2 small kids.

We've done this twice now, and likewise found it to be worth every penny. It was so nice to be able to leave luggage/stroller/booster in the van, knowing we didn't need it all on the cruise.

Granted we rented a minivan for 2 weeks total, needed the stroller for WDW prior to the cruise, needed the booster seat, and had 4 kids in tow. It may not be as economical/easy an option if you're able to rent a sedan and don't need a stroller/car seat.

 

[cyndiella]

Not all add on a one way charge. And, even those who do, don't always.

Actually, I need to correct myself... I did some deep digging on my reservation details.. I do have a $19.36 charge for one way rental.. It was hidden in with all the taxes and surcharge fees.

 

[cyndiella]

Just a thought.. be sure to check the reviews of places where you drop off or pick up a car before or after your cruise. I checked and was horrified at the consistent negative reviews dating back 8 months about my location. We decided to cancel and go somewhere else to rent a car. The last thing I need before a cruise is to not be able to return a car because the store is not open during business hours.. yikes
Yes, I'm a review reader... so thank you all you people who leave reviews about hotels, restaurants, and now car rental drop off locations!

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

A few questions....

What time do you put in to reserve the car post--cruise? I am staying one night after the cruise, driving to Orlando after disembarking and taking the kids to Downtown Diz, the Ale House, and mini-golf. Unsure what time to reserve for pick-up after the cruise? What time is the best guess that I should put in? Noon?

Any direction on how and where to catch the shuttles post-cruise? Is there like one large rental car building that everyone goes to like in Vegas, or does each rental agency have their own building and (hence) their own shuttles?

I always put in a time that is a bit before I actually want it, so that I can be (somewhat) sure that they will actually have my car when I arrive. I spoke to the person at Budget and they said that they will guarantee to hold my car for 15 hours after the time I put, not that I would enter SUCH an early time, but it was good to know that I didn't have to hit my reserve time exactly. So I think I put down 7:30 AM and we got there about 9AM.

Each Rental car company has it's own shuttles. But they are all next to each other as you walk out of the Port building. The Disney people will guide you to the Rental car shuttles.

On other thing. Are you flying out that day or the next day? If it is that day, no issue. If it is the next day, you might find yourself with two (sub-optimal) choices. It centers around this basic Rental car fact: for many companies, 24-hours = 1 day rental. 25 hours = two days rental. Thus, if you exceed 24 hours you may well have to pay double the amount. Depending on the 1-day cost, this might not be a big deal, but for some it can be. To avoid it, you either have to hand around the port a while (No way you would need to wait until Noon, normally), or plan to get the airport way early the next day, or some of each.

In our case, we decided that we didn't want to hang around the port, we wanted to enjoy the day, and likewise, we didn't want to rush to the airport the next morning, so we just knew we'd be paying for two days, for what amounted to about 29 hours of rental.

 

[andrews_dad]

Thrify and Dollar are $50 drop off fee for one way, for me. $49 for the vehicle plus the $50 fee. Budget has no such fee, but costs $137.

I only need the car from disembark til 5 AM the next AM, dropping off at MCO. Dec 10th pick up at Cape Canaveral, drop off 5 AM at MCO. My flight leaves at like 7:30 AM.

 

[steves100]

Avis/Budget don't have the surcharge....

 

[LSUfan4444]

Has anyone rented a car from the airport then returned it to a rental place near the port..then taken a shuttle from the rental place to the port terminal...then once the cruise was over taken a shuttle from port back to car rental place? I'm curious to how smooth this was, if you would do it again,

Very smotth and not only would I do it again, I won't do it any other way.