Car Rental questions

[Aunt Stepody]

I just went to the Sunpass website. I am confused about all the different toll charges for different companies. I am thinking that Alamo and National have the better deal in regards to charges when using the toll to and from the airport. $2.95 a day plus toll fee when going through express lane.
Is that correct?

Also, I found a deal for an economy car for $258.75 for 9 days and one for a compact for $270.72. Is that pretty good or should I try for something later down the road? My dates are 11/11 - 11/19.

Thanks for your help.

 

[mmouse50]

Are you just going to Disney, Universal or Seaworld from the airport or are you travelling all over Florida from the airport?

If you are just going to the major theme parks in Orlando I wouldn't bother getting the Sunpass from the rental car agency - you can just use the toll plaza and pay the small fee which would a lot cheaper than paying the daily rate for the Sunpass, especially if you are only getting on the toll road twice - once from the airport and once going back to the airport.

 

[Aunt Stepody]

Are you just going to Disney, Universal or Seaworld from the airport or are you travelling all over Florida from the airport?

If you are just going to the major theme parks in Orlando I wouldn't bother getting the Sunpass from the rental car agency - you can just use the toll plaza and pay the small fee which would a lot cheaper than paying the daily rate for the Sunpass, especially if you are only getting on the toll road twice - once from the airport and once going back to the airport.

Yes, we are just going to and from airport. I thought the toll booths would be real busy so it would save us time. But booths may not be as crowded as it was in June last year.

Thanks for your help.

 

[CourtneyL]

I wouldn't bother with the sunpass, there won't be long lines for the cash lanes so it won't save you anything. Just bring some cash.

As far as the rental car, that price seems a little high for November. It will probably drop as your trip gets closer. What I usually do is make a reservation when I see a price I am comfortable with and just check back for a better price as the trip gets closer. If the price changes just modify your reservation or cancel the original one and make a new one. This works as long as you don't choose the prepay/pay now option.

November 2012 I got a midsize from alamo at $207 for 10 days
April 2013 I got a compact from alamo at $249 for 12 days

 

[myhouseofmouse]

yeah i agree if you are just to and from the parks i would not pay the the daily. you can get a sunpass too keep for future trips for $25.00 and that will give the $25.00 to use to pay the tolls and you can just keep it for future trips. As far as the car rental. Just make sure to book with a company that you do not have to pay ahead of time. book with the price you have now and keep checking around. I think you will find a better rate as you get closer. Also try e-z rent a car and dollar rent a car...both are at airport and I usually find the rates to be cheaper.
good luck and have a great trip.

 

[Aunt Stepody]

I wouldn't bother with the sunpass, there won't be long lines for the cash lanes so it won't save you anything. Just bring some cash.

As far as the rental car, that price seems a little high for November. It will probably drop as your trip gets closer. What I usually do is make a reservation when I see a price I am comfortable with and just check back for a better price as the trip gets closer. If the price changes just modify your reservation or cancel the original one and make a new one. This works as long as you don't choose the prepay/pay now option.

November 2012 I got a midsize from alamo at $207 for 10 days
April 2013 I got a compact from alamo at $249 for 12 days

Yes, I just went ahead and made the reservation for now. I will keep looking and hope for cheaper rates. Thanks for your help.

 

[Aunt Stepody]

yeah i agree if you are just to and from the parks i would not pay the the daily. you can get a sunpass too keep for future trips for $25.00 and that will give the $25.00 to use to pay the tolls and you can just keep it for future trips. As far as the car rental. Just make sure to book with a company that you do not have to pay ahead of time. book with the price you have now and keep checking around. I think you will find a better rate as you get closer. Also try e-z rent a car and dollar rent a car...both are at airport and I usually find the rates to be cheaper.
good luck and have a great trip.

Oh yes, I forgot all about Dollar. We have had good luck with them in the past. I will check them out. Thanks.

 

[mmouse50]

on the buying the sunpass for current trip and future trips - how would you go about doing that?

 

[DebbieB]

I've always used the cash lanes, never a problem.