Is there a thread discussing pros/cons and cost of the onsite rental companies?

[momof3lovebugs]

Again, haven't traveled/rented a car since '99 so a bit rusty but it seemed to me when I started pricing a rent car that 850.00 for an econo car for two weeks was rather steep. Is this really what it costs now? This may make me rethink the rental strategy and opt for disney transp after all......

 

[dioxide45]

Most of the major rental companies are now on-site, and those that are not soon will be at MCO. The rates you are seeing are not unusual these days. Though with some investigation and patience, you can usually get some decent rates. Keep in mind you will not and may never again find rental car rates like they were in 2008 and before.

 

[brenda1966]

There were articles about how much the rental car rates out of Orlando went up when Disney implemented their Magic Express bus.

I don't rent a car when I go to Disney -- it's just an added expense I don't need. But I was recently renting a car out of Tampa and was shocked at the rates. I just kept watching them, looking for coupons, etc. and they did come down. You have to really shop and keep on top of it to find a good rate.

ETA: I'm not sure I really understand people's concerns with "onsite" versus "shuttle" rental places at the airport. If they are at the airport, they are at the airport. Honestly, in all of the times I have traveled for work and had to rent a car, even if the counter was in the airport terminal, I still had to take a shuttle to get to the car! Maybe it's different at some airports, but the only time I didn't have to take a shuttle was in Atlanta because the lady working the counter noticed I had a small child with me. She had them drive the car up to the curb. But when I dropped off the car, we had to take the shuttle to get to the terminal.

Now, if you're talking about renting at a location that is not "airport", you can find some better rates there. There was a thread a week or so about this. The problem then is getting there and also that those smaller locations have limited hours.

 

[momof3lovebugs]

thanks! We are really doing the pros and cons of having vs. not having a rental....I like my freedom and do not like to wait. But if it means that I'll be spending an extra 500-800$, well disney transport is looking better all the time!

 

[dioxide45]

ETA: I'm not sure I really understand people's concerns with "onsite" versus "shuttle" rental places at the airport. If they are at the airport, they are at the airport. Honestly, in all of the times I have traveled for work and had to rent a car, even if the counter was in the airport terminal, I still had to take a shuttle to get to the car! Maybe it's different at some airports, but the only time I didn't have to take a shuttle was in Atlanta because the lady working the counter noticed I had a small child with me. She had them drive the car up to the curb. But when I dropped off the car, we had to take the shuttle to get to the terminal.

MCO is different. Most of the large rental companies are onsite, not just a desk onsite, but on site. You checkin in the terminal at the desk and then you exit to the garage area where you get your car, no shuttle, no hassle.

 

[brenda1966]

Interesting! I've never rented a car at MCO. Prior to Magic Express I bummed a ride from the locals we were meeting. If I were booking a car at MCO, I'd book the cheapest known name rental company, even if I had to take a shuttle. What's an extra 10-15 minutes if you're saving a lot of $$?

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

In my search for a decently priced rental, I found that renting and returing at the airport was cheaper for my upcoming trip next month, which has not always been my experience in the past.

I ended up renting doing a bid through priceline ($18 per day, full size car, Avis) and got what I think is a really good price.

That being said, we don't use the car to go back and forth to the parks. It's used for going off site and for this trip, to get to Wide World of Sports.

 

[momof3lovebugs]

The rates on priceline were hands down very doable....I just at all the add on fees.....do all the rental companies tack on these fees or is it just if you use priceline?

 

[MinnieForMe]

They all have a bunch of fees. It seems to bring my prices up around $100-125. Sickening, isn't it?