is it possible to rent a car from orlando and drive to port canaveral to board the ship? I don't know about paying $46 each for 5 people for transfers. any other suggestions?
Yes, it's very possible, and it's done frequently.
you can rent a car at the Orlando airport and return it at Port Canaveral without paying an additional drop off fee.
Dave from Marietta has a lot of info on his Website about renting a car, his current favorite choice is Avis. They had the lowest price for an intermediate car, they had a convenient place to pick up the car at Orlando, and they had a drop off point within 3 miles of the Port. They also provide a courtesy shuttle to the port, which makes it very convenient.
The math would work the same way for the return trip as well.
Here's a link to Dave's Site and then just follow the link to 'Rental Cars'. Dave's Site
Yes, we did this last May with Avis---very easy. The dropoff is at the Radisson, and you are taken to the cruise terminal by minivan--about 10 minutes away. I don't recall the exact price, but certainly cheaper than $46 per person. I think it was $45-49 for the car.
we're staying offsite for 6 nights, then driving our rental car to the port for a 3 day wonder cruise. is there a website anyone could direct me to for directions from orlando to port canaveral?
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