car rental from Disneyworld

[serenitygr]

Hi everyone! I need help! We are taking our first family vacation EVER this coming February! We are going to Disneyworld on the 1st, and staying 11 nights at Fort Wilderness- it is me, my husband, and our 4 kids ages 6,6,9, and 9. I have never rented a car in my life, and have no idea how to do it. I am thinking of renting from disney on 2 seperate days- one for the day we go to Seaworld, and again 5 days later when we are going to Clearwater beach to see Winter the dolphin!! What is the process of renting a car there? I'm thinking we could fit in a midsize, especially for Seaworld since it's so close to Disney. Is it a difficult process? Are they expensive? Does anyone know any coupon codes for Disney rentals specifically? Or does anyone have information on how to rent for the whole week if that is cheaper? Just because we have the car doesn't mean we have to use it right? I know there are coupon codes all over the internet, but I don't belong to any clubs or have any memberships, and I could really use a simple step by step plan on how to do this from some of you who know alot more than I do! Thank you so much for ANY help!!

 

[TheWog]

Renting a car is easy. First, go to www.mousesavers.com and they have tons of rental codes that are free to use and don't need a membership. You will have to plug them into the different rental company websites and see what comes up with the best rate. Be sure you plan ahead. Many of the rental companies (all?) have a pick up service. You can rent a car from the Disney Car Care Center. They will pick you up at the resort and bring you over and then drop you back off when you are done with the car. Hertz is at SOG and will pick you up and drop you off. There are also some at the Dolphin/Swan. Peruse these threads and you can determine which companies are where, but all the majors are represented on Disney property. Get the times the offices open. That will impact your day. You want to make sure you get the car in time to leave for your destinations. Sometimes it might be a good idea to pick it up the night before and that way you have it. If you find a great weekly rental deal, that would eliminate that need, but just be aware. If you want to leave first thing in the morning you need to know if the office opens at 8:00 they need to come get you, bring you back, fill out paperwork, inspect car, drive back to resort and load up family, etc. That all takes time and you could not be heading out for a while if that is the case, just set your expectations accordingly. Make sure you refill the car with gas before you bring it back. They will hit you with huge fees if you don't. Also, decide on insurance ahead of time as well. Do you need it? - Get it. If yours will cover or your cc will cover - decline it. Things like that. Make sure you also know the size you need. Sometimes what you might think they are renting you is actually just a tad smaller. Just make sure you know what you are renting. If you are not married to a particular brand you can rent from the one that offers you the best price and it will be relatively painless. You are correct, if you have it, you don't need to use it. You do get free parking at the parks as a resort guest and you can get to other resorts much easier for dinners/etc. Good luck.

And don't forget to start with MouseSavers. They will have good codes all in one spot.