Help for first timer

tripplanner2

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 15, 2005
Messages
2,785
Like everyone else we are Disney regulars. Always use ME. We have air miles but need to conserve them as we are a party of 5. This means traveling midweek. So I am looking to come down August 15 and stay until August 27. We will be onsite for either the 18th or the 20th on depending on how other things work out.
Questions: Being a party of 5 and starting our trip offsite, I would like a rental car from the airport. Figure we can keep it for a few days and then once we check in at Portofino Bay, we can dump the car and just worry about transport back to airport at end, probably a shuttle. I am getting frustrated trying to find rental cars. I actually never rent while staying at Disney so my experience with the whole process is really slim. Just looking for any help as to where I can rent from. Looking for return locations that are within walking distance from hotel.

Thanks for the help. I welcome all advice!
 
Where are you staying offsite? Might it be possible to just do the shuttle to and from the airport, but either walk to Universal or take the hotel shuttle?

I really can't help with where to return the car, but agree that you would want to ditch the car when moving onsite. The parking price is stupid and actually makes me avoid staying onsite since I always rent a car.
 
You can rent cars from locations that provide a shuttle to your hotel. I'm not clear on where you're staying and when you'll need the car.
 
you are staying offsite and spending one night later on site at pbh, right?


return the car once you move to pbh.
hertz is onsite at the darkside.

two hotels (offsite) right nearby UO have 2 different car rental companies onsite. (about a 15 minute walk to UO)

use the car rental to drop off the family and luggage at pbh.
return the car if it is one of the three that you are using.


if that is not the case, and you are staying only one night onsite, pay the $18 for hotel parking and use the car to return to the airport that next day.

it would be cheaper than a taxi or shuttle for 5 more than likely.

but if the stay at pbh is not at the end of your vacation, tell us what your general itenary would be.



 

Okay thanks for all the help. I was still ironing out some details. Some are STILL in the air. We are arriving on August 14 and checking into Royal Pacific on the 18th, staying until the 26th. I would like a car for those first days that we are offsite but do not want to pay to park the car in the garage. Hertz seems expensive so I was hoping for other options as for rental agencies. Otherwise I will just start to scour the internet for Hertz discounts.
 
If you don't find a car, another option other than a walkable hotel would be to stay at a Sea World hotel. They have free transportation to Universal and you could knock out Sea World and Aquatica. These hotels have free express at Sea World.
 
Okay thanks for all the help. I was still ironing out some details. Some are STILL in the air. We are arriving on August 14 and checking into Royal Pacific on the 18th, staying until the 26th. I would like a car for those first days that we are offsite but do not want to pay to park the car in the garage. Hertz seems expensive so I was hoping for other options as for rental agencies. Otherwise I will just start to scour the internet for Hertz discounts.

there are other car rentals, some are closer to UO than others.
on I drive you have: Alamo, Dollar
Kirkman: Budget
Universal Blvd: Enterprise
Double Tree Hotel: Avis
onsite at UO: Hertz


i think the budget board forum on the Dis might have some threads about codes for rental cars.
some threads are in the transportation forum.

maybe you can find discount codes for the general public.



and just opposite what the senator stated, stay onsite at the darkside and get free shuttle rt to SeaWorld and Aquatica.
 
Thanks for the info. I did not know that we got free transport to Seaworld. I am honestly looking forward to doing nothing during that week...just walking into the park and taking a break in the pool. No real reservations. Just go with the flow.
 
Thanks for the info. I did not know that we got free transport to Seaworld. I am honestly looking forward to doing nothing during that week...just walking into the park and taking a break in the pool. No real reservations. Just go with the flow.
That's a great plan!
 
Okay, new addition to our plan. The Universal Free dining came out. I called to look into it and you must stay offsite. I need help here. I booked Comfort Inn Suites on Canada Avenue with 2 days free dining, which don't expire so we can save that for when we are at Royal Pacific, and the 3 park unlimited ticket. Bill is $1450 for 5 people with tickets, room, and 2 days of dining. Is it worth it to book this package or should I choose another option like Gaylord Palms, where we have great accommodations. My other issue is we would have to cancel one of our nights at Royal Pacific for this package because you need to stay a minimum of 4 nights. Too many decisions! Looked at Mythos menu. Assumed it would be a fortune like at DW but seems like not too bad. Ready to hear all opinions!:flower3:
 
Personally I've been going to Universal for 16 years and I've never spent $50 a day on eating. I think you would enjoy that extra night on site more than the dining plan. Ultimately it is up to you, just my opinion! :)
 
Okay, new addition to our plan. The Universal Free dining came out. I called to look into it and you must stay offsite.

I'd call again. The details I've seen say that the plan is available for ONsite guests too.

Edit: Never mind. I see what you're referring to now... D'oh.
 
i don't know what selections on the menus will be available for this new dining program.

if there are no restrictions, you could order the high end entrees.


it does state the dessert is pre selected.


go to the thread about the new universal dining plan.
you will get more info there.

and like the other poster, i don't eat $50 a day in food at UO when you average out my total food costs for my stay onsite.
 





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