DIY Airport transfer - help me with details

[BlueFairy]

We prefer ME but that's not an option. Staying S/D. I don't like being at the mercy of town car or taxi, so we decided to do one way rentals from MCO to Dolphin. We also can't get grocery delivery at S/D, so we need to make a stop.

Booked with National at Emerald Aisle rate. Midsize. 2 adults, 2 DD (7 and 10). Not using child seats (unless I'm missing a new law). Flight arrives at 8am. I scheduled pickup for 8:30am and drop-off for 3:30pm in case we decide to go somewhere like DS. We'll likely be dropping off at more like 10am.

Want to take easiest/fastest route from MCO to Dolphin, by way of a nice Publix that has touristy supplies.

1) What is the best route and what are the tolls? Maps says 527A to Greenway 417 to Publix Water Towers at exit 2. Then back by the Gaylord Palms to enter WDW via W Osceola Pkway to Epcot resorts. About 26 miles. Top off gas at the BW Hess.

2) Is the Publix Water Towers a good choice?

3) Would you do the route differently?

On return, we'll reverse the process. Reserved compact since we'll have just 3 of us and less luggage. Pickup at 12noon at Dolphin. Leave as we're ready, probably by 1:30pm. Flight is at 4:55pm.

4) Again, best route at this time of the day? Tolls the same?

5) Tips for 1 adult and 2 kids dropping a car at National? I assume you just park and walk away. Any need to visit the counter?

6) Where do you top off gas on return to MCO?

Budget: With taxes and fees I'm at $152. Add in $5 gas and $3 tolls each way. That gets me right at $170, which is the same as FLTours if you add in tip.

7) Overall thoughts?

Thanks so much!!

 

[goofy4tink]

You're aware that the S/D charge for parking, right? I think it's $20-25 a day. Not sure if that applies in your case.

 

[BlueFairy]

You're aware that the S/D charge for parking, right? I think it's $20-25 a day. Not sure if that applies in your case.

We are not parking the car. Returning it to the National Car rental desk. I understand you don't pay parking unless you keep the car. We have 2 separate 1 way reservations.

 

[Donald - my hero]

We are not parking the car. Returning it to the National Car rental desk. I understand you don't pay parking unless you keep the car. We have 2 separate 1 way reservations.

To get to the hotel just let the clerk at the desk know where you're headed and they'll make sure you know where to head, super easy. There's no need to fill up the tank, it won't register as much gone. We just got back and did this one-way rental both ways and didn't fill up either direction, already have the confirmation of what they charged the AMEX bill and no extra for gas shows up.

That's right, just drive up to the Dolphin and give the keys to the valet. Tell them you're returning the car and they will read the odometer and hand you a slip. Don't need to return it when the desk is open, you have it for 24 hrs from when you pick it up. On the way back, go to the counter in the hotel and do the paper work. They'll give you the key and whenever you're ready to go just head out to the valet and give the key to someone and they'll go get the car for you.
When you get to the airport follow the signs and pull into the lane for National, someone will tell you when to stop. Get out, pop the trunk and get your stuff out and someone will come do the paper work and you're good to go! Hardest part of the return was getting into the airport, seemed like we were walking forever!!

And the budget?? I've seen people on the Swan/Dolphin board mention rates as low as 25 !!! Can't speak to that since i did it thru Airmiles and only had to pay tax. I would try using some of the codes you can find on Mousesavers??? Have a great trip

 

[bumbershoot]

Not using child seats (unless I'm missing a new law).

If you want your 7 year old (or 10 year old if s/he is very very small) to fit into the seatbelt, and you're not sure if s/he will fit in the random car you get, get a Bubble Bum booster seat. It's inflatable, awesome, and weighs one pound. We got it for DS, who has always been tall but didn't fit into all seatbelts until he was over 8 (and I bet a lot of kids are like him), for our first WDW trip when he was 6.5. Especially when traveling in a strange place with lots of other tourists who don't know what they are doing, and the risk of accident is high, I wanted him to fit properly into the seatbelt so it would actually protect him in case of an accident.

 

[BlueFairy]

To get to the hotel just let the clerk at the desk know where you're headed and they'll make sure you know where to head, super easy. There's no need to fill up the tank, it won't register as much gone. We just got back and did this one-way rental both ways and didn't fill up either direction, already have the confirmation of what they charged the AMEX bill and no extra for gas shows up.

That's right, just drive up to the Dolphin and give the keys to the valet. Tell them you're returning the car and they will read the odometer and hand you a slip. Don't need to return it when the desk is open, you have it for 24 hrs from when you pick it up. On the way back, go to the counter in the hotel and do the paper work. They'll give you the key and whenever you're ready to go just head out to the valet and give the key to someone and they'll go get the car for you.
When you get to the airport follow the signs and pull into the lane for National, someone will tell you when to stop. Get out, pop the trunk and get your stuff out and someone will come do the paper work and you're good to go! Hardest part of the return was getting into the airport, seemed like we were walking forever!!

And the budget?? I've seen people on the Swan/Dolphin board mention rates as low as 25 !!! Can't speak to that since i did it thru Airmiles and only had to pay tax. I would try using some of the codes you can find on Mousesavers??? Have a great trip

Great info. Thanks. I wondered about the gas tank. Good to know.

I can't figure out where people are finding those low rates. Since it's spring break I just wanted to get something on the books before they sell out. But I'll certainly be discount shopping.

If you want your 7 year old (or 10 year old if s/he is very very small) to fit into the seatbelt, and you're not sure if s/he will fit in the random car you get, get a Bubble Bum booster seat. It's inflatable, awesome, and weighs one pound. We got it for DS, who has always been tall but didn't fit into all seatbelts until he was over 8 (and I bet a lot of kids are like him), for our first WDW trip when he was 6.5. Especially when traveling in a strange place with lots of other tourists who don't know what they are doing, and the risk of accident is high, I wanted him to fit properly into the seatbelt so it would actually protect him in case of an accident.

Good idea. My kids are small. Thanks.