Magical Express/Rental Car

[cmsn0w]

Hi,
I just joined the DIS forums earlier this month and have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have read thus far.

I am hoping somebody has had some experience in renting a car AND taking the ME. Is it possible for my wife and 2 yr old daughter to take the ME and for myself to go to the Alamo counter and get our rental car? I would love to be able to pick up diapers, snacks, and such on the way to the resort, meet the family, and be ready to enjoy the parks.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Chris

 

[WOODY13]

I have not used the DME yet but I talked to a CM today and she said that the whole group did not have to be on the bus. Because I was also thinking of renting a car at the airport and driving to WDW myself and stopping to pick-up a couple things on the way.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Yes. I just learned how to do this yesterday, and rebooked my ressie. I am saving 100.00 on the rental, because I do not have to pay airport taxes.

Read this thread. The info. you want is towards the end, on post # 10

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=869275

 

[cmsn0w]

Thanks Mich Mouse! We will be able to use the extra $100 on the groceries!

 

[MiniMe]

Bump. I wondered about this too.

 

[952LisaR]

My husband rented the car and did not take ME, while I took my two DDs on ME. It worked out very well. I made sure that none of his bags has his ME tag, his bags had our tags that way he didn't have to go get bags either - just the rental car.

We did not use ME on the way back since you would have to get that a lot earlier than you needed to be at the airport, so on the return we all took the rental car.

 

[WOODY13]

Mish Mouse,Thanks for the info but , I am getting my best rate by picking up my car at MCO then returning it to the CCC. Does that make any sense? It was actually the most expensive for to pick it up at CCC and return it to CCC. Cheaper to pick up at MCO and return to MCO even though it was more days?

 

[cmsn0w]

Thanks 952LisaR, that is the exact answer I was looking for. I thought that ME was a great idea - except for the time that they require you to leave the resort. We have a 8:30 am return flight and were dreading waking up at 4:00am (ish.)

 

[ckret01]

I'm sorry but I am really confused about how the rental car works ? Are you still using ME? Do you rent the car at MCO and keep it for the whole week?

 

[Mich Mouse]

Mish Mouse,Thanks for the info but , I am getting my best rate by picking up my car at MCO then returning it to the CCC. Does that make any sense? It was actually the most expensive for to pick it up at CCC and return it to CCC. Cheaper to pick up at MCO and return to MCO even though it was more days?

Maybe it has to do with availability? I had a ressie for two weeks, entertainment rate with a coupon for 457.00. Just by picking up at CCC, my rate was lowered to 352.00. For the same time/days.

I read a post by A DISER called Agnes, and phoned Alamo. I am so happy!! I wasn't even trying to get a better rate, just looking for a way for my luggage to be transported by ME.

I'm glad you got a great rate!

 

[WOODY13]

I'm sorry but I am really confused about how the rental car works ? Are you still using ME? Do you rent the car at MCO and keep it for the whole week?

Yes you can still use ME. You can have the person who is renting the car pick it up at MCO and the rest of the party takes the ME bus then you meet up later at the hotel. Another way is to rent the car on property. You can rent Alamo or National at the Car Care Center. They have shuttles that will pick you up at your resort and take you there. As far as how long you rent for that is up to you,as long as you feel you need it. If you rent it at MCO you can return it at CCC as long as it is from Alamo or National.