HELP! Orlando Sanford to Pop Century

[HeatHan52]

We are flying on Allegiant Air into Orlando Sanford Airport. Magic Express is only available from Orlando International Airport. I called Allegiant to arrange shuttle services to the resort and it's $61.99 PER PERSON! Does anyone know of a cheaper way for us to get from the airport to the resort? It will cost our family of 4 (2 adults, 1child, 1 infant) almost $250 to use the airline shuttle.

 

[SAMCRO]

I would suggest a one way car rental from Sanford to POP. YOu can drop the family off at POP and return the car to the car care center on WDW property and take a free shuttle back to the hotel.

Reverse procedure when you leave back to airport.

My guess would be $50 - $75 each way for rental.

 

[Alesia]

Rent a car.

 

[HeatHan52]

Thank you! We did end up renting a car. Got one we can keep the whole time for $168. Probably won't use it much, but it was cheaper than the shuttle, we can stop at the grocery store on our way in and go off site if we want to see anything else.

 

[GoofyFairie]

HeatHen52 do you mind sharing where you got a rental car from for 168? I have to arrange transportation from Sanford as well.

 

[HeatHan52]

HeatHen52 do you mind sharing where you got a rental car from for 168? I have to arrange transportation from Sanford as well.

I called Allegiant and added it.

 

[Houston86]

I have been doing research for our upcoming trip and we would be flying allegiant also. When I told my husband we could rent a midsize car for 10 days cheaper than shuttle service for 5 adults he thought I was crazy. Glad I seen this post!!
Sure wish Magical Express would pick up in Sanford!!

 

[GoofyFairie]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your help.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I rent and often use the car. Especially when we have had a medical and dental emergency on site. I like just getting in the car to go instead of the packed buses. Except MK as it can be a challenging hike in with ferry/monorail added.

The ride to and from Sanford is not an issue for us compared to the security nightmare line at MCO, and long, long walks to gates.

I will rent a car and then watch for rates to drop two weeks or so out.

 

[natelove]

Anyone know of a Walmart that is open 24 hours between Sanford and WDW?

 

[Houston86]

I rent and often use the car. Especially when we have had a medical and dental emergency on site. I like just getting in the car to go instead of the packed buses. Except MK as it can be a challenging hike in with ferry/monorail added.

The ride to and from Sanford is not an issue for us compared to the security nightmare line at MCO, and long, long walks to gates.

I will rent a car and then watch for rates to drop two weeks or so out.

 

[GoofyFairie]

I rent and often use the car. Especially when we have had a medical and dental emergency on site. I like just getting in the car to go instead of the packed buses. Except MK as it can be a challenging hike in with ferry/monorail added.

The ride to and from Sanford is not an issue for us compared to the security nightmare line at MCO, and long, long walks to gates.

I will rent a car and then watch for rates to drop two weeks or so out.

I have never rented a car before. Are there cancellation fees if you find a better offer? What about hidden fees?

 

[stinkpickle]

Anyone know of a Walmart that is open 24 hours between Sanford and WDW?

There's a Walmart just a few miles west of the airport in Sanford. We went during the day, so I'm not sure if it's open 24 hours or not.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I have never rented a car before. Are there cancellation fees if you find a better offer? What about hidden fees?

If you do not use a bidding site, or prepay car discount you should be fine to cancel. I always ask.
Join the Alamo insiders club and if it is Enterprise, their newsletter. Sign up for alerts with codes and watchtower he thread on this board for the rental codes the month you travel.

MouseSavers newsletter has codes very month too. Check with BJ's, Cosco and any other clubs that have codes. If I see one on Orbitz or another site I'll call the rental direct and try to get the same rate.

Keep a copy of your rental and how to cancel. Sometimes I have four rentals before I find a best rate a few weeks out. I've never had an issue canceling, but don't bid!

For the Walmart, there is one near Disney, if you have a GPS or smart phone it is easy to get to.

 

[GoofyFairie]

Ladygoldenhair, thank you for info. I had joined alamo already. There isn't a BJ's or Coasco anywhere near so I am not a member. I do get Mousesavers and looked at codes for Alamo and Dollar. I am looking for a 9 day rental in early June and I am inexperienced in car rental, but the 500.00 tag is surprising. I need a full size car or mini van to carry all the luggage and groceries.

 

[GoofyFairie]

OP, I didn't mean to high-jack your thread. Your original question and responses received have been very helpful and I thank you for your thread and response to my question. I hope your trip is magical and filled with pixie dust!

 

[goofyfigment]

There's a Walmart just a few miles west of the airport in Sanford. We went during the day, so I'm not sure if it's open 24 hours or not.

I live about 5 blocks from the airport. There is a Walmart on 17-92 that is opened 24 hours. Its maybe 5-10 minutes from the airport.

If using GPS it will put you on 417 which is a toll road and you will not go by the Walmart. If you take airport blvd to 17-92 the Walmart will be on your left from there you can take lake Mary blvd right to I4 and avoid all tolls. On a good traffic day it takes about 45 minutes to get from sanford to Disney using I4. 417 is quicker but will cost you around 8 dollars in tolls.