I've never rented a car before!

[kreckl]

It's true~ and this Sept we are thinking of doing that for 3 of our days in the middle of our WDW trip. We are staying first at Bay Lake, then 3 days at AKJ, then a few at WLV. We might go offsite the few days we are at AK, and the Mears shuttles are expensive! Please send advice my way. I have NO idea how to do this! Thank you!

 

[pieface]

I book my car from alamo, alamo.com, they are right at the airport the official car rental of WDW. I check their web site often for their best rates. If I see something fair I book it, I continue to check their site and if I find it cheaper I cancel the 1st reservation and book the cheaper. I do this until I find the cheapest rate and then I check in on line and confirm the reservation. Once your checked in you can by pass the counter and just walk over and pick up the car.

 

[pieface]

I forgot alamo does have a rental site on Disney property.

 

[Castillo Mom]

It sounds like you're probably taking Magical Express to your hotel since you mentioned that you'll need the rental for the middle of your trip. I also recommend Alamo, they're pretty hassle-free and are onsite in WDW near BLT. Don't know if you have Costco but they often have very good rates and you can book online through the Costco website. When it's time to get your vehicle, call Alamo and they'll send a shuttle to pick you up and take you to the rental counter. Same thing on the return, when you drop the car off they'll shuttle you back to your resort. Below is a link to their website.

https://www.alamo.com/en_US/car-ren...s/US/ORLR72-orlando-walt-disney-car-care.html

 

[nkereina]

The good thing about reserving a rental car ahead of time is that you don't have to hold it with a credit card like you would a hotel reservation. You can reserve one just in case, or reserve one and then keep searching for better prices, etc. You can cancel it but if you don't or forget to cancel it, no harm no foul.

You will definitely need a credit card. I would suggest NOT using a debit card - they hold funds for the duration of your rental. Most rental car companies have unlimited mileage - be wary of companies that charge by the mile. You will most likely have to return the gas gauge back to where it was when you got the car. If someone else will be driving, be sure to add them as a driver. I always decline the insurance - my own auto insurance would cover my liability in a rental car. Bring your auto insurance info from home just in case.

Rental car companies are the same to me. I have used Hertz, Enterprise, Budget and Thrifty (all in different cities). Same experiences. I've found Hertz to be the most expensive but they have good coupons if you can find them. I would go with whichever company you have heard of and is most convenient for pick up and drop off. If you are picking it up at the airport, select a company that is in terminal to avoid having to take a shuttle to their office off site.