First time having car at WDW

[lilmc]

Definitely use the Visitor Toll Pass! Others have given excellent advice so I’ll just add my phone struggles at the kiosks. Unless the system has changed, I find it easier to screenshot the QR code in advance. It will give you a warning not to do that, but it’s always worked for me.

 

[MIChessGuy]

There’s a Publix down in Water Tower Shoppes in Celebration, close enough to Disney. Great selection of snacks and other groceries. And those Pub Subs… it’s a rite of passage when in Disney.

I have been to that Publix many times on past trips with either my car or a rental car. The subs at the deli counter are made to order and very good. Also worth noting is that this location has a Publix Liquors with pretty good selection, if adult beverages are on the agenda.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Parking is hell at the monorail resorts because of limited spaces, the volume of non staying visitors going to eat there, and still a big portion of the latter using that to game the system and go to MK all day (there's a jerk bragging about doing this at CR in a thread on the resorts board btw). Honestly I would just rideshare. You're within walking distance of three parks on this trip and I don't see the point in renting a car with a stay like that. Just structure your park time around where you're staying, and rideshare to the water parks and AK if you don't want to be bothered with the buses.



This hasn't been the case since both of them have been open.

The Typhoon Lagoon lot was closed to capacity last Saturday. That was the only day we saw either lot closed.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

FYI, Depending on which toll road you're taking, Highway 417 has been completely cashless since August(not sure at the end of or currently). The remaining toll roads are expected to go cashless by the end of 2025, although no firm dates have been announced for when this will happen in 2025.

Last week, we left MCO via the North exit (Route 528) and returned through the South entrance (Route 417). Both did accept cash tolls. It was $3 on the way to WDW and $4 back to the airport.

 

[EACarlson]

I have rented a car at MCO before, so I am familiar with the process, but I have never returned a car there. What is that process like? I am going through Alamo (and will be using the skip the counter option at pick up).

Are there any tolls between MCO and WDW? I have read about the Visitor Toll Pass. Should I get that?

During my moves between resorts, should I drop my luggage at bell services, or leave in my car until my room is ready? The morning of one of the moves, I will be heading to Blizzard Beach, and for the other one, I will be spending the morning at AK. While I am not too concerned about security, I am concerned about heat.

I will be taking the bus when I go to MK since I have read that is easier than parking at the TTC. Any tips on parking at the other parks?

Any must-try, off-property restaurants? I am willing to give that a try one or two nights.

Since I will have a car, I think I will make a stop to grab a few things like spray sunscreen, so that I don't have to check a bag. What store (Walmart, Target, etc) is easiest to get to?

I appreciate any and all advice.

You'll follow the terminal directions based on what airline you're flying out of. I believe Alamo is with National and Enterprise on the second floor of the parking garage. You'll pull up where they direct you, hop out, grab your stuff and head inside. Between 2 and 30 minutes later you'll get a receipt showing that the car has been checked in.

I wouldn't leave it in the car, but only because I have some temp sensitive medication, it wasn't for that, I'd have no issues taking my luggage with me just to make sure I knew where it was.

Charley's on 192 if you're looking for a very good, but very expensive meal. It usually goes about $80/person.

I usually go to the Walmart on 192 just southwest of property.