Car rental?

[dillydaleri]

Hi! We are taking ME from the airport to our resort (ASMu), but thought about renting a car for one day so that we could take an afternoon to take the kids to see the ocean for their first time. Has anyone done this? I wondered if anyone had a good experience with a company and that if anyone knew of a company that would drop the car off/pick it up at the resort?

Thanks!!!

 

[delaneyc52]

We use National when we need a car. Although National and Hertz are usually competitive, we found last time that National was less expensive. We take ME to our resort (usually BWV or BCV) and then walk over to the National office at the Dolphin Hotel. Doing this was cheaper than picking the car up at the airport (believe it or not!). In your case, you can take ME to your resort and use Disney transportation to get over to Dolphin.

I've done Alamo and Budget in the past and it just was not worth it -- dirty cars, long waiting lines and a pain to return.

I suggest researching cost on line and sign up for the Emerald car (or if Hertz the Gold card) which just gives you perks of picking up the car faster and returning it faster....no cost for the cards.

We usually hang out at WDW for a week and then drive over to Vero Beach. It does take a couple hours driving time. If you are just doing a day trip, there are a lot of public access routes to the beach. Your children will love it!!

 

[dillydaleri]

Thanks SO much for the info.! Very helpful! We are only in Florida for 6 days and not entirely sure we want to take time out of our limited time at the parks to go to the ocean, but being from nothern MN we thought it would be a good opportunity for the kids to see the ocean since we will be kind of close anyways!

Now just to figure out where to go if we do decide we want a morning/afternoon to goof off at the beach!

 

[dillydaleri]

Oh, and now I see that there is a Disney Car Care center where you can pick-up vehicles as well as the Dolphin hotel. Any idea where the Car Care Center is located in Disney? Just trying to figure out the most convenient location.

THANKS!!!

 

[delaneyc52]

I get most of my info from allears.net!! This was a question posed to Anita Answer (who has since left allears =( )which I think will help you also? I hope so!!!

"We are taking Disney's Magical Express from the airport to Walt Disney World and then back. Since we are going to be staying at Disney for several days we are thinking about taking a day to go to [the ocean, other theme parks, shopping, etc.]. Is there any place on Disney property to rent a car just for a day? Thanks."

"Hi Everyone!

There are several places to pick up and drop off a rental car on property. The easiest and most convenient is the Alamo/National office at the Disney Car Care Center near the Magic Kingdom. They will pick you up at your resort, and take you back when you return the car. Call 407-824-3470 or visit their websites to reserve. Alamo also has an office at the Dolphin (407-934-4930) as does National (407-825-1876).

In addition, many of the Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels have rental offices. Keep in mind that these satellite offices have been known to change locations and sometimes close entirely, but here is what was current as of this writing:

Alamo has a third location at the Buena Vista Palace (407-827-2847).
Budget has an office at the DoubleTree (407-827-6089) and has free pick up service.
Dollar is located at the Regal Sun Resort (407-583-8000).
National's third location is at the Buena Vista Palace (407-827-6048).
TIPS: Generally, you can get a better deal by booking via the rental agency websites. Discount codes can often be found on Mousesavers.com. It can also pay off to join the agencies' loyalty programs, which are usually free to join. Members often get the best prices and some programs allow you to skip long lines to boot.

Happy travels, everyone!

A.A."

 

[delaneyc52]

Oh and a big p.s......we have friends in Rochester MN and (despite the snow) I just love it there!

 

[dillydaleri]

That is awesome information! Thank you SO much!

I don't know how I could plan this trip without stumbling across the DISboards!!!

GNice to hear that you Minnesota! We love it too...but by Feb. we are a bit tired of winter. I am sooooo ready for our trip in March. I need warmth!!

 

[james786]

It will be good for you if you hire a car from your hotel or nearest point of your hotel. It will be cheaper and good for you. By the way you can try above suggestion form members.

 

[dillydaleri]

I am so pumped! I took the advice and went on the Mousesavers website and found a link to join the Emerald Club for free AND found a code that saved us about $100 on a rental for the day!!! It's official! We are going to the beach. I didn't think I wanted to cram it in, but talking to DH last night changed my mind. He said it was the ONE thing he really wants to do while in Florida. So...that's that!