Does this plan make sense (rental car)?

[bethy195]

My family of 4 is staying at the Boardwalk for a few days and then traveling to the beach for a short stay. We are planning to take the Magical Express to the Boardwalk and use Disney transportation during our stay on property (my husband prefers not to drive). On our departure day from the Boardwalk, I thought we could pick up our rental car at the Dolphin's car rental location. We would then drive to the beach and return the car at MCO when we fly home. Does this make sense? Is there a better way?

Thanks in advance!

 

[shocker]

Sounds perfect, exactly what we've done only in reverse (MCO-car-beach-return to dolphin-resort stay-ME return to MCO).

Have a great trip!

 

[sam_gordon]

My family of 4 is staying at the Boardwalk for a few days and then traveling to the beach for a short stay. We are planning to take the Magical Express to the Boardwalk and use Disney transportation during our stay on property (my husband prefers not to drive). On our departure day from the Boardwalk, I thought we could pick up our rental car at the Dolphin's car rental location. We would then drive to the beach and return the car at MCO when we fly home. Does this make sense? Is there a better way?

Thanks in advance!

My only suggestion would be to check prices by picking up at the Car Care Center also. Dolphin might be cheaper or the same, but it doesn't hurt to check.

 

[writerguyfl]

Clearly, walking to the Walt Disney World Dolphin is the simplest option. In case they are sold out or obscenely expensive, it's worth noting that there are five other rental companies operating on Disney World property. These locations can be found at the Disney Springs Hotels. They may operate shuttles, but you can take Disney transportation to Disney Springs and walk, too. The companies, arranged by approximate distance (near to far):

• Avis: Hilton Lake Buena Vista
• Dollar: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
• Alamo/National: Hilton Buena Vista Palace (should be same price at the WDW Dolphin)
• Hertz: Holiday Inn Disney Springs
• Enterprise: B Resort and Spa
• Budget: DoubleTree Suites

I've personally ended/started one-way rentals at the Avis, Alamo, and Budget locations. No major issues with any of them. Hotel car rental desks tend to be one-person operations. If you happen to arrive when 2 or 3 other people are there, it can be a long wait. That's the only "problem" I've routinely experienced over the many rentals.

My only suggestion would be to check prices by picking up at the Car Care Center also. Dolphin might be cheaper or the same, but it doesn't hurt to check.

The three Alamo/National locations on Walt Disney World property (there's one at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace across from Disney Springs) are run by the same people. In my experience, they are always identical. I price one-way rentals to/from those locations 20+ times each year. Other people here have said they've seen difference, but I've never experienced that quirk.

 

[bethy195]

Thanks everyone!

 

[keishashadow]

My family of 4 is staying at the Boardwalk for a few days and then traveling to the beach for a short stay. We are planning to take the Magical Express to the Boardwalk and use Disney transportation during our stay on property (my husband prefers not to drive). On our departure day from the Boardwalk, I thought we could pick up our rental car at the Dolphin's car rental location. We would then drive to the beach and return the car at MCO when we fly home. Does this make sense? Is there a better way?

Thanks in advance!

Four days or more typically equates to a ‘week’ to the rental cars. Price out the rental both from the BW area and from MCO when you arrive, you may be surprised. Often, you can apply a $25 or $30 coupon to the rental as long as you are staying over a Saturday night.

Good luck

 

[georgina]

Four days or more typically equates to a ‘week’ to the rental cars. Price out the rental both from the BW area and from MCO when you arrive, you may be surprised. Often, you can apply a $25 or $30 coupon to the rental as long as you are staying over a Saturday night.

Good luck

They would have to figure in parking fee at the Boardwalk for however many nights they are there.

I was going to suggest pricing out the round trip from the airport from checkout day, if it was a lot less they could go back to MCO on their checkout day to pick up the car (or send one adult to pick it up and go back to the BW to get everyone else) This would take extra time though, especially depending on what beach they were going to.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Or yhey could all take DME back to MCO, pick up the car, drive to the beach. Flying out of MCO makes me think theyre going to an east coast beach.

 

[keishashadow]

They would have to figure in parking fee at the Boardwalk for however many nights they are there.

I was going to suggest pricing out the round trip from the airport from checkout day, if it was a lot less they could go back to MCO on their checkout day to pick up the car (or send one adult to pick it up and go back to the BW to get everyone else) This would take extra time though, especially depending on what beach they were going to.

True, fee involved unless on points.

 

[Bullseye]

Just wondering if they are going to ding you $ considerably for picking up at one location and returning to another? If so, you could always do what we do every year. You and kids take ME so you can take advantage of luggage service. Hubby rents car at MCO and meets you at Boardwalk. Then you don't have to mess around with rental at Dolphin or anywhere else. More than likely he will be waiting for you by the time you arrive via ME.