Just Back - Used Budget and Loved It!

[meuseman]

DW and I just got back from a long weekend in WDW and for the first time, we rented a car (actually DW rented it, since I turn 25 in 2 weeks). We rented an economy class from Budget, since is was just 2 of us and we just had carry-on bags.

We received a 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx, which is a 5-door hatchback. The car was suprisingly roomy and could have easily fit 4 adult passengers without luggage. The car was very clean and drove well. There was a 15 min. wait to check in at MCO and we walked right across the street to pick up the car. Drop off was even easier, pulling right into a garage and getting out. If you leave the car on the credit card you used at check-in, it is a 60 sec. process.

We picked up the car on Fri at 10:30am and dropped it Mon at 4:30pm. Total cost: $81.89 for the rental and $7.34 to refill the tank (Hess station off Exit 11 on the Greeneway).

We used the Walmart code available on mousesavers.com.

I also have to say that having a car gave us a lot more freedom. We stayed at POFQ, so we had free parking anywhere. This allowed us to really park-hop. We could go hotel room to front gate in under 20 min. We went from the bridge between Future World and World Showcase in Epcot to Main Street USA is less than 15 min. by parking at the Contemporary.

Needless to say, the idea for renting the car came from saving a few dollars over a towncar, but I don't know if we can go back without one!!

I'd be happy to answer questions about Budget or getting around WDW with a car.

 

[alecam]

Thanks for the info. I have used Budget in the past and were happy with them also. Our last trip we got a great rate with Dollar, and they were also good. For our trip in June, I have a quote from Budget for an intermediate car 5 days for $91. +fees = 120.00. No one else can come near that as of yet, so I'm glad to hear you were happy with them. We also always rent a car even though we stay onsite alot, because we like the convenience!!

 

[dudspizza]

We went from the bridge between Future World and World Showcase in Epcot to Main Street USA is less than 15 min. by parking at the Contemporary.

I have heard renting from Budget goes well, glad you had a good experience.

One question about the quote above. Didn't the guard question you about parking at the Contemporary? Only CR guests are allowed to park there and if you have a PS you can get a 3 hour parking pass. Being a guest at POFQ does not give you the right to park at CR and walk to MK. Many people have been stopped there.....

Duds

 

[meuseman]

We were stopped and when we flashed the pass, she let us through. We tried a couple of days later and the guard gave us the 3 hour pass, so we had to park in the main lot. (which was ok with me, since I love the monorail, and that was the only time we got to ride it.

 

[minnieears]

We also plan to rent from Budget for our trip in March. Question: You said you walked across the street to pick up the car. How far was the walk? I have two small children and will probably have a number of suitcases. We normally use Hertz Gold service which allows us to go right to our car instead of having to check in first. I signed up for the Fastbreak service with Budget and am wondering how efficient is this service.

We also really like Budget. We always rent a minivan from our neighborhood Budget location...the van always has a DVD player (a must when travelling 6+ hours with young kids!) and the Dodge Caravans are roomy and well maintained.

 

[meuseman]

The fastbreak service seemed to be very easy. The booth to check in for fastbreak is outside in the garage where you pick up your car. If there are 2 adults with the kids, I would suggest one of you be in charge of the kids and the other load a smartcart with the luggage. The walk to the garage is probably about 300 yards from bag claim to the booth. Then, pass off the kids to the one with the luggage while you check in. 5 min. max. There you will get your keys and go off to the car. Fastbreak essentially eliminates the need to stop twice (once to check in and once to pick up keys) and lets you bypass the long lines.