I've been keeping my eyes on a minivan for 8 days in Disney. We're flying into MCO, so it be nice to pick up the rental at MCO but prices are still way too high (~$650). Taxes/fees are a huge part of the cost.
I wonder if it's significantly cheaper to pick up the rental outside of MCO? What would be the closet locations to MCO for pick up?
The rental price of the vehicle could be less or more expensive at off airport locations, but the taxes and fees are definitely less in the neighborhood locations. Lots of extra fees tacked onto airport rentals.
That being said, there is a lot more competition at the airport so prices generally will be (or will get) cheaper on the actual rental price of the vehicle at the airport. Total price may (or may not) be cheaper with the extra airport fees.
My advise would be to book the best deal that you can get right now (cancellable reservation) then check back frequently and cancel/re-book as the prices drop. Try using a search engine such as carrentals.com to get an idea which company has the best prices and then book directly on the rental car companys website (ie:
Alamo/National,
Avis/
Budget, Hertz/Firefly, Thrifty/Dollar) DO NOT book a pre-paid rental unless your travel plans are firm and the price is extremely attractive (since prices may continue to drop right up until your departure date) and prepaid rentals can be either non-cancellable or have cancellation fees.
Don't forget to factor in your time and convenience when picking up directly at the airport when you arrive and being on your own timetable for drop off at the airport (instead of at the mercy of ME or other public transportation systems) on departure day.
Arriving at my resort kids, wife and luggage in tow within an hour of arrival in Florida is worth a lot more to me than saving $10-20 on a rental car and having to wait for ME to fill up and then stop at the other resorts on route and finally drop me off a couple of hours later with hot cranky kids and finding out we need something in our luggage (which doesn't get delivered to our room for a few more hours).
Been there, done that, got the psychological scars to prove it.
