Car Rental

[michboro]

I was wondering if anyone could help me with car rental experience. The search function on the Dis boards is not working, and any info would be appreciated. I was thinking of renting a car on my next trip to Orlando, but I've never done this before. Is it easy to access car rental from airport?
Are there any good discount codes for car rental agencies (I'll be going in Nov.)? How is it driving to the theme parks and how much is it for parking, and is the parking area far away? I am trying to decide if it would be worth it for me to rent a car, because I'll be staying offsite at Nick hotel, and they have limited transportation to the parks, and thought it might be more convenient to come and go on my own schedule. Also, I don't think that there is transportation to downtown disney, and I may want to go there 1 time and would have to get a cab or towncar for that. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[vellamint]

We have rented from Dollar and National...both very close to where you pick up your luggage.

I "think" parking is up to $9 a day now (correct me if I am wrong someone please) and that is good all day even if you change parks and go to another lot.

Holiday Inn is literally right outside of Disneys gate and very close to Downtown Disney. Very easy to get to.

Parking at the parks can either be right outside the entrance or very far away which requires you taking a tram to the entrance...this depends on what time of the day that you arrive. Except the Magic Kingdom...you need to take a bus or ferry from the parking lot.

Discounts can be found if very many places...do a google search. I do use one particular website but am not sure we are allowed to post that information.

 

[LISAMWDW]

I like to rent from National. They are on site of the airport and it's very convient. Check out www.mousesavers.com for detailed information on rental cars. This website also have discount codes, etc. Very helpful!

 

[Disneyjosh229]

FYI, the car rental companies that are AT the airport are...

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
L&M (Bad option )
National

The "Off-Site Locations" (those requiring you to take a shuttle from Baggage Claim to a location within a few miles of the airport to pick your vehicle up) are..

Enterprise
E-Z Car
Hertz
Payless
Thrifty.

Im not a big fan of the offsite car rentals, because in my experiences, shuttles are slow and waste time that can be used in getting to Disney faster! Finally, Alamo and National both have a service (Emerald Club for National and "Online Check In" for Alamo) that allows you to totally skip the "signing" of papers or waiting in line at a desk. The service allows you to pre-register all information online, and allows you to proceed directly to the car reserved on the lot, which is a great timesaver!

Hope this helps!

 

[michboro]

Thanks for all the advice. In general, do you think renting a car is worth it, or is it a hassle driving and parking?

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Truthfully, I really think it depends on your situtation. If you are staying for a short period, have little ones or hate having to leave an hour early for dinner reservations, I strongly suggest having a car. It can also come in handy for unexpected stops and gives you the freedom to "do it how you like!". With discount codes, coupons and a little luck, I think you will find it the most sensible option (with the least financial investment). Rates on average, run most people around $140-$190 per week for an Intermediate/Full Size vehilce, but can be higher for Minivans or other specialty vehicles (running normally between $180-$250 per week)...