Has anyone rented a car to drive to WDW?

[espana94]

Who did you use? What was you experience? Any pitfalls? Would you do it again?

Thanks in advance! Espana

 

[Kim&Chris]

We did...a few years ago, we rented an SUV from a local National office. No problems or issues at all.

 

[lilosurf11]

We've done that for a few years. The only problem we have ever had is that they usually aren't cleaned before they are given to the next person.
Two years ago, I was cleaning out the rental and I found ketshup packets and some food stains on the carpet. It was nasty...

 

[FireDancer]

I've never rented one to drive to WDW but I have rented one to drive to other vacations in the past. I went through Dollar and had no issues. Just make sure you aren't limited to your state or surrounding states. One time (April 2006) we had to pay a small premium to drive the car to a state that didn't border us (drove to Nashville from Ohio).

 

[Perditamarie]

Our last trip we flew down and rented a car to drive back. We picked up the vehicle from Swan/Dolphin (National, I think) and had 48 hrs to drive from FL to NH. It worked out great and we stayed overnight somewhere as well. The car was newer and clean and ran great. The rate was awesome - I think it was $40 for the 48 hr period - I believe they were trying to move cars out of FL, which was why the rate was so super. Anyway, if you are considering this, it may be less expensive to rent the car for each leg of your trip instead of in one shebang. Happy planning!

 

[baby1disney]

YES!!! And we LOVED it!!!

We had to rent one last year because our truck was acting up. We had a 2009 Toyota RAV4 and the gas on it was EXCELLLENT!!!! The only problem we had was we got a flat tire in Tennessee. That took about 20mins for us to change the tire and that was about it.

I think it costed us 400-450 for 13days!! It was something like 30-35 a day for an SUV.

We're going to do it again this year and it's goin to be 580 for 14 days. We're getting a bigger SUV so that's why it's more.

 

[louey]

Yes we have driven the past 3 times and I have rented right from the car dealership. We always have gotten a Toyota Sienna Van, roomy and comfy for the long ride. I cannot remember exactly how much is was but I want to say around $700 for 10 days unlimited miles. Not sure what we will rent this time might try something different.

 

[chellewashere]

I do lots of research to find coupon codes on line and then rent from Hertz (they always come out cheapest). It comes out to wayyyy less money than paying of the 3 of us to fly. Have never had a problem doing this. We rented last time for 2 weeks and it was a little over 300. They did put a hold on our account for 500 then once the car was returned they withdrew only the amount we were charged.

 

[Belle2667]

We've rented minivans several times from Alamo. Never had a problem with the condition of the rental or the fees.

In June, we paid just under $600 for 10 days and unlimited miles.

 

[teslaaunt]

We were going to this time and then Southwest came out with this great deal and we could fly cheaper than renting the car. We always go through Enterprise. I rent quite frequently for travel and they have always been great here. Unlimited miles, completely ok to take out of state and they are always putting out promo codes and deals . They also allow you to use your debit card instead of a credit card. They put an extra $100.00 hold on your card until you return and then it is credited back. I got rid of all of my credit cards about 5 years ago, so this works well for us. Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[extremesoccermom]

All of our cars are older pre1998 and it is usually only DD15 and I when we drive. So yes I always rent a car. If it breaks down I can just call the company. I research all the codes and coupons to find the best deal at the time. I mostly use Alamo/National or Budget, they have been the best so far.

 

[Purseval]

If you rent through Priceline part of their agreement with the rental companies is no interstate restrictions and unlimited mileage. This past March we rented a minivan in Atlanta and drove it to Orlando and back for over $800 less than we would have paid through the company's (Hertz) website:

Your Offer Price: $31.00 (per day)
Total Rental Days: 13 days
Subtotal: $403.00
Taxes and Fees: $209.73
Total Charges: $612.73
Lowest Published Price: $1473.67
Total Savings:* $860.94 (You saved 58%)

 

[Silverbelle990]

I think the next time we go home(wdw for those who don't know where home is) we are going to rent a car. We are a family of 4 and flying to disney cost us over 1000. So i think to save money we will drive. Anyone ever rent a car from NY and drive down???

 

[karice2]

Wow, driving from New York is really far. have you considered doing the auto train. You can drive from NY to Northern VA, put your car with luggage on the train and get to Florida, the next day.

Just a thought.

 

[cindermomma]

Yep! Rented a car this last May from Hertz to drive from Nebraska to WDW! We had a blast. Car ran great, was clean, ect. Our Hertz is located at a car dealership. We plan to do it again next May!

 

[happily single]

I rented a car through Hertz for our April roadtrip to Nick Hotel. I went into my local AAA and had them make the reservations. During April vacation I was able to get a mid-size car for about $168 Friday to Friday during April vacation. I called Hertz the day before to confirm and arrived right on time.

There were a bunch of cars on the lot but not in the class I reserved. The guy working was a little um, stupid? Just kept telling me he didn't have my class size becuase people that had that size kept extending their reservations. I told him it wasn't my fault and he knew I had a reservation. End of story. Originally he tried to upgrade me to an HUGE SUV, but we were driving from RI to Orlando. No thanks! I was able to get into a Nissan Altima with GPS (no extra cost because I didn't request it). Car ran great. We had a great time driving and there was plenty of room for me (driver) dd12, ds11 and ds5 along with all the luggage in the trunk.

I just rented again from Hertz for a trip to NH, but this time renting from the Hertz which was just down the roap was $75 cheaper than the one I used in April. Wasn't as thrilled but I would still rent from them again.

 

[eduk8r26]

I just rented a Nissan Sentra for a 3-week cross country trip (California to Virginia). There were 2 kids and myself. I rented through Hertz and it was $487 for the 3 weeks. Gas mileage was good and plenty of room even packed to the hilt.

 

[csharpwv]

We rented from Enterprise Rent-A-Car this past May. I rent vehicles for work all the time, and am able to use my corporate rate even from personal rentals. You may want to check and see if your employer has a contract set up.

The way it worked out on our trip was that we had reserved a specific car (2010 Ford Taurus) since we were thinking about buying one and we wanted to get the feel for it on a long trip. However, when I arrived at our local branch they were renting it to another individual! So since the only thing they had left on their lot were mini-vans (only two of us in the car) - they sent me to another local branch where they upgraded us to a 'luxury' car for the price of a mid-size vehicle (we ended up saving almost $300.00 over the car we had reserved) but ended up driving a Chrysler 300 - which yeah - they are 'cool' looking cars - however I really don't like anything made by Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep - as they drive like something won from a claw machine!

But it was OK for us.

BUT - I do not recommend Enterprise - their cars are not kept in good repair - and have even been forced to rent vehicles with repair issues (like warped brake rotors, bald tires, expired oil changes, very bad smoke smell, very dirty, and even missing body trim pieces and peeling paint.)

From all that I have read, Hertz, Avis, and National are some of the better rental companies.