Filling up rental car before returning to MCO

[Jessiebelle]

Just rented from Dollar @ MCO for one week (returned the car on 1/25) and was surprised to see "new" (??) policy - per sticker on outside of the rental folder - that when returning car, it had to be filled up within 10 miles of the airport and that a receipt would be required. I filled up at the Hess across from Downtown Disney as I usually do - made sure it was really full - and took my chances. No one did ask for a receipt but am wondering if anyone else has actually had to show proof of where they gassed up the car? I've rented cars many times at MCO and never had seen this before...thanks.

 

[seashoreCM]

I have never been asked but I too have seen the notice about getting a gas receipt.

I-4 east to 528 (Beach Line) east back to the airport. Watch for what looks like an exit ramp to pay the toll (about a dollar). Get off 528 at Exit 9 )Tradeport). Left and cross under. Nice cheap gas station is right there to top off at and you're about 2 miles from the airport.

Leaving the gas station take a left or two to see 528 crossing over in your rear view mirror. Get into middle lane, required right onto McCoy. Little over a mile is next light (Semoran; 436) turn right to enter airport or turn left to see super expensive gas station.

Suggest filling up the night before so if a last minute glitch leaves you no time to fill up/top off then the amount of gas you need to buy from the rental agency is small.

 

[DebbieB]

Gas stations around the airport tend to be expensive. You may want to fillup at Hess and then "top off" by the airport.

 

[Propro]

Seashore has the right info here. This Citgo station at the 7-11 has some of the lowest prices in the Orlando area and it's right outside the airport. The extra perk about getting off at exit 9 is that you don't have to pay the last toll to get into the airport!! As of this morning, the Hess at Disney is 3.539 for regular and it's 3.499 at that Citgo.

Put this into google maps and you'll see the gas station (make sure you go to satellite view to see the visual). 28.451591,-81.333557
Just north is the right for McCoy after you fill up. Take this to rt 436 and make a right into the airport....oh, and don't forget to wave to the people paying that toll as you pass it on the free road. I use this route to skip that toll when I land at MCO as well.

 

[bluenosemickey]

That's fantastic info! Just what I was looking for. Now, can someone recommend a gas station near port canaveral?

 

[Propro]

That's fantastic info! Just what I was looking for. Now, can someone recommend a gas station near port canaveral?

http://www.orlandogasprices.com/Map_Gas_Prices.aspx Just drag the map and follow the Bee Line east until you get to Port Canaveral. If you click on a price, you'll see the station name. They're all around the same price right now, so just pick your favorite.

 

[Brian Noble]

I just gas up at the Hess the night before, topping off once or twice, and take my chances. If I end up paying a few extra dollars in gas, fine. I'm on vacation.

 

[bluenosemickey]

Thanks ProPro

 

[Jessiebelle]

Thanks...especially appreciate the info about how to get to the cheap gas station and then from there to the airport. I did fill up at Hess the night before and had planned to pump a couple of bucks more in closer to the airport, so I would have the receipt and make sure it was totally full...but I was driving to the airport at the crack of dawn and was by myself this trip so decided to take a chance.

 

[chartle]

Gas stations around the airport tend to be expensive. You may want to fillup at Hess and then "top off" by the airport.

I have read horror stories here that there are places around the airport that charge around $5 per gallon and the customer only sees the price when they get to the pumps and are trying to catch a plane.

Not sure how that happens? Isn't their like a law saying prices must be posted?

 

[gmeh1]

I have read horror stories here that there are places around the airport that charge around $5 per gallon and the customer only sees the price when they get to the pumps and are trying to catch a plane.

Not sure how that happens? Isn't their like a law saying prices must be posted?

Right you are, the gas stations that say anything with "Sun" in them are charging 5.49 and above for gas. They are opposite each other on 436. They also have a station near the entrance to 417 and one on 535.
If you drive about a mile to a mile and half down 436 you will see Racetrack or 7-11, they post their prices and they are at market.
I am not sure if there are laws in FL re: posting of prices, but, I do know that these stations face daily fines. I tell my renters to avoid them at all costs.

 

[MHSweb79]

I usually fill up at the DD Hess station and have never had a problem. My theory is that they look at the gas gauge and if it looks "full" enough for the next customer, you're good to go. It's not like they are going to put that extra gallon in before the send the car out again.

That said, they do have the right to ask for a receipt and who knows, maybe they'll start doing that. Everyone is looking to squeeze the last dime out of every transactions, nowadays.

 

[DVC-Don]

Never had them ask, but I've always filled up at the Circle K (Shell) south on Boggy Creek off 417.

 

[DebbieB]

I have read horror stories here that there are places around the airport that charge around $5 per gallon and the customer only sees the price when they get to the pumps and are trying to catch a plane.

Not sure how that happens? Isn't their like a law saying prices must be posted?

I got caught one time. I was on a business trip and was heading to MCO on 436 south and stopped at a gas station right before the airport. It was outrageous but I was in a hurry. I can't remember the brand.

 

[tkldisney]

I always fill up at the Hess Station on 536 (across from Caribe Royale) and turns into 417. Airport is about 10 miles from there. Have never had any issue when returning car. I never get receipt either.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have read horror stories here that there are places around the airport that charge around $5 per gallon and the customer only sees the price when they get to the pumps and are trying to catch a plane.

Not sure how that happens? Isn't their like a law saying prices must be posted?

Not in Florida. But maybe soon.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you have to catch a plane, you're going to fill up at that station anyway even if a huge price (pun both intended and not) is displayed out front.

Map, pirated and adulterated (from Robo?):

 

[NotUrsula]

Just FYI, you should always get a gas receipt when heading to an airport, not just in case the rental company asks for it, but in case your CC gets skimmed. Gas stations near airports are a favorite target for skimmers.

I got skimmed once near MCO at a station on OBT, and I learned my lesson after that. Not only do I always check for skimmers on pumps, but I also always get a gas receipt. The receipt that you have provides proof of where you and (if it is your own vehicle) your vehicle were, and it helps the fraud unit to locate the skimmer. In addition, 90% of the time, the "test" charge that the skimmers will run through to check whether or not your number will work for them will be a gasoline charge. Having a second one turn up quickly in a different location than where you were traveling will often trigger the fraud alerts on your card; the receipt is proof that you were where you say that you were.

When I got skimmed on OBT they hit my card with a gasoline charge within 2 hours, and then $3600 worth of charges at a resort in Guatemala that same night -- while I was airborne over the US and had the BP to prove it.

 

[debknight]

How do you check the pump for skimmers? Where do you look?

 

[seashoreCM]

A skimmer is not always visible. It could be installed inside the pump. But if the card slot looks different from the card slot at a different pump there is a good chance there is an externally mounted skimmer somewhere.

A plastic card slot guide or guard that sticks out from the front of the pump and that looks like it could be pulled off is another possible sign of a skimmer.