Car Rental- MCO or WDW Better?

[mic_KY_mouses]

We have a trip planned October 1-8 and need to rent a car October 2-7 for a side trip to Disney's Vero Resort. Our beginning and ending days are at WDW to use ME.

Would we be better off cost-wise to rent a car at MCO for the whole week or use the WDW car care center for a shorter period? We very rarely rent cars so I don't know the tips and pointers to getting a great rate. I've heard renting for a whole week gets a better price. I do so love getting a great deal on travel and would appreciate any ideas. Who is an expert out there that can help? I can use Sams discount, DVC discount, Disney Visa Discount...and that's about it.

We are a family of three and aren't picky about the vehicle, although I prefer a four door. Don't need lots of luggage space.

 

[skiingfast]

Prices are almost better at MCO because there is competition. Also you can priceline a rental at MCO.


You could use ME to go to WDW and back to MCO to pick up a car since you check in and out on the 1st and 2nd and then again on the 7 and 8th.

 

[Donut23]

Look around close to WDW.

Airport car rentals have extra fees and taxes which can add up. These taxes and fees (like the extra taxes on your hotel room), are a way cities and states generate income - tax the tourist vs. residents. Airport car rentals have the highest taxes.

Many car rental companies will pick you up so checkout local Enterprise, Hertz, Budget..etc. near WDW. You may be surprised what you find!

Also keep in mind that a car rental for 5 days is priced at the weekly rental rate.....may be more convenient to just have it for the full week if you are paying for it anyway.

Double check the cost of your car class. Often if you peek, you will find you can reserve a larger car for exactly the same $$.

Finally, book early and keep peeking. I always book the moment I know my arrival dates and times. If the price goes down, just re-book. However, this will insulate you from any price increases.

Can you tell I spend lots of time in rental cars??

Sometimes it pays to be creative.

 

[yenanh00]

renting at Car care Center at WDW are more expensive than renting at MCO airport.

 

[80spanda]

Hmm, we are traveling 10/10 - 10/15. An MCO-MCO rental was going to run us $270! (no Saturday night stay) I managed an Alamo rental from the Dolphin 10/10 - 10/13 for $112. Those are the only days we really "need" the car. We plan to ME to the resort, catch a cab to Dolphin for the rental, then, upon rental return, we'll be at BCV so an easy walk back to the resort. ME back to MCO. This gives us a car for the days we want (Haunted Carriage Ride, MNSSHP, golf, etc.), but saves us over $100 for when it would just be sitting in the parking lot.

 

[Tara]

Prices are almost better at MCO because there is competition. Also you can priceline a rental at MCO.


You could use ME to go to WDW and back to MCO to pick up a car since you check in and out on the 1st and 2nd and then again on the 7 and 8th.

I agree- I've never found a price at the WDW locations that came close to rates at MCO.

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

Well, I have been able to find good rates at the car care center before, but for me it's more of a convenience issue.

Although I have done it in the past and would probably do it in the future, picking up and returing a car at the car care center takes time out of my vacation, whereas doing it at the airport is just part of the arrival/departure process.

The other advantage of renting the car at the airport is you don't have to catch a magical express bus 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave!

I would recommend checking mousesavers.com for rental car discount codes.

Good luck.

 

[mic_KY_mouses]

Lots of good ideas for me to think about. I am also going to book something and then wait until closer and try to beat it. I have been to MouseSavers and got a lot of good info there. Thanks to all!

 

[yenanh00]

another suggestion is to rent it at MCO and return the car at the WDW Car Center. That what I'm planning to do.