Flying into Tampa instead...

[redrosesix]

We've always flown into Orlando, but the price difference and the departure time made it well worth the extra time it will take to drive from Tampa. Since we've never even been in that airport, I'm looking for any information you can give me including problems to watch out for, best route to take, and a place to stop along the way for dinner (my daughter is hoping for Golden Corral -- we don't have that here)

And I always rent from Alamo, but apparently they aren't located in the terminal -- does it take long to get to their car rental place or am I better off renting from another company? We'd prefer Alamo because we had planned to drop off the car at CCC part way through our trip.

Thanks in advance

 

[twinsplusone]

We used Alamo in TPA and it was very easy. The airport is very clearly marked and we didn't have any trouble. By the time we got the luggage out of the trunk, we were all taken care of. The shuttle was waiting and they laoded the luggage. They drop everyone off at their particular airlines. It was very painless. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

Sorry I can't help with a place to eat.

 

[redrosesix]

We used Alamo in TPA and it was very easy. The airport is very clearly marked and we didn't have any trouble. By the time we got the luggage out of the trunk, we were all taken care of. The shuttle was waiting and they laoded the luggage. They drop everyone off at their particular airlines. It was very painless. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

Sorry I can't help with a place to eat.

Thanks. We'll probably be flying out of MCO-- haven't booked that part yet. But good to hear the shuttle doesn't have to take you far -- they make it sound like it's nowhere near the airport

 

[ldo]

assuming you are going to WDW, it is one the western side of things anyway. We landed at 12:30, got luggage and car by 1:15 PM and were at WDw hotel by 3 PM, including fast food stop rigth before getting to Disney. FYI--Avis and Hertz allow spouse to drive for free. Many times Alamo charges $10 a day. Thrifty is also at the TPA airport. Airport is nice and modern, not as big as MCO.

 

[twinsplusone]

As far as leaving the airport with Alamo, that was easy too. You walk down to the baggage area and walk out either end of that level and the shuttles are there. They make a roundtrip to both exits before departing for the offsite location. I think it took less than 10 minutes from walking out the door to reaching the kiosk.

 

[SuzyQue]

Looks like there is a Golden Corral just north of I-4 on US Hwy 98 in Lakeland. The address is 4705 US 98 North, Lakeland, FL. ~~

 

[redrosesix]

Alamo it is then -- thanks everyone

By the way, we've always used the Walmart code with Alamo to get the free additional driver -- last time we rented we would have had to pay an extra $12.95 per day plus tax.

We're heading for Lake Buena Vista but we're starting our vacay off in out timeshare unit -- dropping off the car at CCC after we move into WDW, because we really won't need it after that. And my DD is so happy to know we can go to Golden Corral for dinner on the way, and it's one of the few places I can insist she eat some vegetables.