Helpful Tip About Transportation...

[speedyf]

I got this idea from Mousesavers.com. Mary offers excellent codes on rental cars.

We recently visited WDW at the end of May 2004. We went in a group of 6 adults and 1 child (5 years old). We flew into Orlando from different parts of the country and we stayed on-site at Pop Century.

Well.....instead of paying Mears about $200 or more for round-trip transportation from the airport to/from WDW for 7 people.....we decided to rent a vehicle.

Using the codes from Mousesavers.com, I was able to rent a mini-van from Alamo for $48 after taxes. I rented it for the day we arrived. We picked up the van that day and drove it to WDW. I was able to return the van the next day at the Disney Car Care Center where Alamo and National both have a kiosk. The Alamo shuttle then brought us to the Transportation Center where we caught a monorail to the Magic Kingdom.

We did exactly the same thing on our last day at WDW. I rented the mini-van from the Car Care Center for $48. We returned it at the airport and everyone flew back home.

So....instead of spending $200+ on a shuttle for 6 adults and 1 child....I spent $96 and I was able to stop at a grocery store for water, snacks, etc.....

This scenario would not be worth the trouble for 2 people....but, maybe for 4 or more people. If we would have been a group of 4, I could have rented a Ford Taurus sized car for around $32 each way using the codes at that time. That would be $64 total for the rentals compared to $100+ for the shuttle.....

I just wanted to share my experience. Everything ran smoothly and it wasn't much trouble renting or returning any of the vehicles. I figured most people were unaware that you can rent from 1 place and return to another without any penalty. There was no additional charge for returning the vehicle to a different location being the locations are so close to each other.

If you have any other questions about this, I'd be happy to offer as much help as possible.....

speedyf

 

[CRAVENDISNEY]

Thanks for sharing that info. I was not aware they made it that easy to return the car and then they transport you back to TTC.

 

[speedyf]

When I returned the van to the Car Care Center...they brought us to the TTC via the Alamo shuttle bus.

When we were ready to leave WDW....Alamo sent a shuttle to Pop Century. We took the shuttle to the Car Care Center, rented the van, and drove back to Pop Century. We then loaded up and headed to the airport.

It was very convenient and I liked the fact that we were able to eat off site and stop at a grocery store the first night we arrived. We knew we would get sick of chicken tenders and hamburgers, so we decided to eat outside of Disney World our first night while we still had the rental.

We were also able to stop outside of Disney on the way out to pick up cheap souveniers for less important people...lol )

Very good experience....

speedyf

 

[gigi1313]

they make it even easier if you want to visit the dolphin... the valet parker at the dolphin takes your car and processes your paperwork... you just hand it over w/the key, and go on your merry way... we simply walk thru, catch a boat to epcot and start our magical vacation! it works great, is convenient and actually saves money!

 

[Maryjane1]

We did the same thing at the Dolphin in June it was great and easy. Gave us a chance to stop for some snacks and wine. We will do it again when we go in October. Better than mears and have to leave when they want you too and make all those stops at diffirent hotels. Pick up at the hotel was just as easy and they bring the car to you at the hotel front door of the Dolphin.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I was just looking at doing this! Glad to hear they make it convienent for you. DS and I are staying at the Poly and friend and her DD are sharing the room with us. We had thought we could time our flights in together to share transportation from the airport but mine went on sale where I could save $147 if we flew out a day earlier. I have a cousin who lives in orlando so I can stay with them and visit for the extra night. Doing this I can rent the car and drive to my cousins, then pick my friend up at the airport. I can drop her off at the Poly with her stuff and DS and I can return the car while she gets settled. We can just hop on the monorail or walk from the TTC depending on what longhouse we are in at the Poly.

 

[sweet maxine]

That's such a great idea! I'll keep that in mind for any trip that I decide to fly instead of drive there. I like the idea about being able to do your grocery shopping at your own convenience too!

 

[speedyf]

Another addition to my original post......

You can also do this car rental thing from Tampa. I believe they charge you an extra $20 "One Way Drop Off Fee" for picking up the vehicle in Tampa and dropping it off at Disney's Car Care Center. Then, you will also be charged another $20 "One Way Drop Off Fee" for picking up the vehicle at the Disney Car Care Center and returning it to the Tampa airport on your way out.

That's an extra $40....but, if you can save more than that by flying into Tampa rather than flying into Orlando, it may be worth it to you.

It also helps some people that can't find a cheap rate into Orlando because it's already full....but, can find a cheap rate into Tampa which usually fills up slower.

My rates are based off Alamo's website. Alamo and National are the only two companies that have a counter at the Disney Car Care Center.

speedyf

 

[crisi]

Another option over Mears is a towncar.

We paid about $100 for our van, plus tip. So it was a little more expensive than renting a van with a great deal. We were able to do a grocery stop - although not as leisurely as if we had rented a van.

And we didn't have to bother with rental - no rental counter lines, no waiting if your car isn't ready, no trips to the car care center to drop off the rental. Nor did we have to drive - and we really don't like to drive in Florida (although as our trips get more frequent, I'm starting to learn the roads).

So its a little more, but probably saved an hour each way in rental car "stuff" and didn't have to deal shop.