Car Rental to Kennedy Space Center

[poosiegirl]

During our upcoming Disney trip in January we're taking a day to go to Kennedy Space Center. We have a 7 year space nut who may be more excited about that than Disney!

We don't want to rent a car for the entire trip and since our space day is right in the middle it makes things a bit trickier. I think we have two real options, rent from Alamo and either pick up at the Dolphin or the Car Care Center. The rental is slightly cheaper from the Dolphin but the hours aren't great.

If the Dolphin doesn't open until 8 how long would it be before we're actually in the car and driving? I want to be on the road asap to maximize our time at Kennedy. I know we won't be back by the 4pm close time. I know the valet can take the car after that but will we be charged for another day? Is getting up earlier and getting the shuttle to the car care center the better option? We're staying at the Boardwalk so the Dolphin would be easier to get to/from.

Also I know there are tolls on the way. Does anyone know or know where I can check if we can pay cash for these? I assume my EZPass won't work in Florida.

Any help or tips are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Capt_BJ]

* your one day rental is for 24 hours so don't worry about that .... every rental I've used in recent times had a night drop box so don't worry about that

* have you considered picking the car up the night b4????? Pick up from CC at 8pm gives you 'til 8pm next day?

* all the tolls from WDW to KSC accept cash. BE CAREFUL .... at the newer toll plazas the cash lanes look like an exit ramp ..... because the 'electronic lanes go straight thru with no slow down while the PAY lanes are off to the right. A roll of quarters will you cover you for the round trip and allow you to use the exact change lanes



I MUCH prefer the 417 route altho it costs a little more in tolls .... you stay off of I-4 and that's where the bad traffic is . . . .{there are no more tolls east of the DALLAS on 528}

EZ-PASS does not yet work in FL .... BUT interoperability IS a work on progress . . .

ALAMO's electronic toll option is among the more reasonable .... but as I said a roll of quarters will get you through ....

 

[bumbershoot]

You'll go from I4 up to 528 and across, right? The tolls on 528 are totally payable in cash. Easy. Just get some quarters and ones and you'll be good to go.

I would rent from CCC and would very likely pick it up the night before, then return it when you return from Kennedy if that won't go beyond 24 hours. If it would, I would consider getting it early in the morning or just resign myself to having the car for 48 hours, and then arrange the day after KSC with the knowledge that I have a car.

Be sure you arrange the pickup (to get to CCC) at least an hour before you want to be picked up.

 

[bumbershoot]

I MUCH prefer the 417 route altho it costs a little more in tolls .... you stay off of I-4 and that's where the bad traffic is .

You make a good point, though we have never encountered truly bad traffic on 4. And even if it is, it's just a couple miles. Though I hear there is construction on 4 that we haven't been there for yet.

 

[Capt_BJ]

I-4 at rush hour is a total mess 99% of the time on a week day at the time OP would be leaving WDW (weekday rush hour) and 75% of the time on a week end

I avoid it like the plague

>>>>> to save a dollar? when already paying the Mouse? >>>>>>>>>

 

[poosiegirl]

Thank you so much! I love the idea of picking it up the night before. I think if we pick it up just before closing the night before than we should be okay aith a 24 hour rental.

The toll map is most helpful! I'll add a roll of quarters to my packing list.

 

[philharmagic fan]

If you can, buy your Kennedy tickets ahead of time on line. The ticket purchase line was incredibly slow when we went in October, even right at opening.

 

[Sandi]

We did a day trip to the KSC when we were there in August. I rented a car from the Dolphin for our stay (we were at BWI). They were really helpful and I'm sure the 24 hour rental will work out fine -- get the car the night before your trip. Definitely bring the coins to pay the toll. Also, there is more than one ticketing building at KSC. There was a long line at the first building; my DD looked beyond that building and noticed there was NO ONE in line at the second building. We were in quick. Do the bus tour first because it might take longer than you think (for good reasons). It was just me and DD (20 years old). We had a great time.

 

[thewelts]

I just rented from Alamo at Shades of Green. You can easily walk there from the Polynesian or Grand Floridian. It is literally across the road from the Poly - one a paved path with a designated crosswalk. It was an easy .7 mile walk from the Grand Floridian Villas.
There was no wait. I had my car within minutes.
Super convenient
I highly recommend.

Also, be sure to re-check rates within the 2 week window. My rates dropped from $66/per day to $33/day (one way rental - drop off at FLL Airport)