First time car renter questions - help needed!

[Lil ole moi]

So it will be our first time renting a car at the Orlando International Airport (MCO)...please tell me it will be fairly easy to get from there to All Star Music. I think I am most worried about maneouvering our way off of the airports grounds itself. We have only ever used Magical Express and it always seems like we are going in circles just to drive out of the airport itself before we get out to the highway. Also, what about tolls. How many are there? How much will we be needing in American $$ for them? And to get to the All Stars itself, I understand it is an Animal Kingdom resort so is that the signage we should be looking for one on Disney property?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

 

[wdwrich]

We rent cars for our WDW vacations regularly and IMHO, the drive is easy. Getting off the airport property- just follow the signs to the south exit. If it helps you to feel more confident, ask for directions at the rental counter when you pick up your car. Most rental agencies will provide a local map for free.

 

[Lil ole moi]

Thanks! How did you know to look for signs for the "South Exit"?? See...I would never have known that and would definitely have gone around in circles!!!

 

[wdwrich]

Take a quick look at a map (search mapquest for MCO). The south exit from the airport gets you to the 417. Heading west on 417 is the most direct route to WDW. Signs clearly mark the exit for WDW. Be advised that there are tolls (2 I think) along the 417 between MCO and WDW.

 

[skelooch]

Here's a map of the route from MCO to WDW, via the South exit from MCO.
There will be 2 tolls on Rt 417, each is $1.25, toll booths are manned so you won't need exact change.
Exit Rt 417 at exit 6 just after the second toll, exit is marked International Dr. (Rt 536)
Follow 536 straight into WDW, approx 2.7 miles.
After entering WDW take the second right, which will loop around and put you on Buena Vista Dr.
Proceed approx 3.5 miles on Buena Vista Dr. right into the All Star Resorts.
Total trip should be about 23 miles.

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[puffkin]

Yes, it is extremely easy and well marked.

South exit at airport to 417 South (the signs are very big, you can't miss them)
Exit 6 (right after the second $1.25 toll)
Go straight until you go under the Disney gates and then just follow the signs to your resort.

 

[Lil ole moi]

You guys are making it so easy for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

So is it just as easy to return to the airport (to return our rental vehicle at the airport)? Any simple instructions?

 

[puffkin]

It is a little more difficult heading back to the airport as most of the signs on property will take you a different route. We usually leave for the airport from the Magic Kingdom so we usually stop at the Hess station there to fill up with gas (it will still show full at the airport). Then the thing to remember is to follow the signs towards Epcot but to not get off at the Epcot entrance but to keep going straight onto SR 536. Then you will see the signs for 417N. It really isn't too bad.

 

[gmeh1]

You guys are making it so easy for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

So is it just as easy to return to the airport (to return our rental vehicle at the airport)? Any simple instructions?

Quite simple, follow the signs for car rental return, they are very clearly marked. Just make sure you remember what side you came in on.

 

[gmeh1]

Here's a map of the route from MCO to WDW, via the South exit from MCO.
There will be 2 tolls on Rt 417, each is $1.25, toll booths are manned so you won't need exact change.
Exit Rt 417 at exit 6 just after the second toll, exit is marked International Dr. (Rt 536)
Follow 536 straight into WDW, approx 2.7 miles.
After entering WDW take the second right, which will loop around and put you on Buena Vista Dr.
Proceed approx 3.5 miles on Buena Vista Dr. right into the All Star Resorts.
Total trip should be about 23 miles.

[/IMG]

What a FANTASTIC map!!!!!