Nervous about renting a car...

[BeccaGrace]

We've never rented a car at Disney but the family we are traveling with gets a rental, so we are getting one also. They said they usually rent from Budget but looking at codes I am finding on here and Mousesavers, it seems like Thrifty/Dollar and Avis have better deals available for our dates. I am really nervous about renting because I've never done it. It seems like the rental agents try to take advantage of you and add on more costs. If I see a deal online (like the $125/week ($188 including fees) I am finding for Dollar), I'd like to get it but want to make sure a) it's a good deal and b) that it's a reputable company that won't take advantage of us or start our vacation off on the wrong foot!

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[cwby22]

Not sure if I can help but start with using a reputable company. I mostly use Alamo at MCO but have also used Avis. Dollar, Budget and Hertz are there also but I've never used them, just personal preference. I haven't had any problems with Alamo and their prices are usually the lowest so they are my first choice. Once at the rental car counter, Two things come to mind. First they will try to sell you prepaid gas which is basically you prepay for the full tank in the car and return the car on empty. It is more convient in that you don't have to fill up when returning car but $ wise in doesn't work in your favor.(best to decline and return car full) Second is OPTIONAL insurance. Always best to decline. Your own personal car insurance should cover it. (double check with your agent ahead of time.) Also your credit card company may cover as well. If you decline these things, then the price you reserve for is the price you should pay in the end. Hope I helped and didn't confuse you. It really is very easy.

 

[VAgal76]

Sign up for the frequent renter programs and you'll by-pass the line/agents. With National/Alamo you get to pick your own vehicle within the class you rented. You can go to the garage and do the paperwork at the exit gate. It's a very painless process.

 

[rwdavis2]

We alsways use Dollar with no problems.

1. Go to their web site and sign up for Dollar Express. It's free and you get you own line at the rental counter and is much quicker. When you sign up you enter driver's license and credit card info, rental preferences so they don;'t have to do it at the regular line.

2. When you go out to the garage to get the car you get in another line to get the keys. They give you a paper with an outline of a car. You then take this out to the car and look it over and note any dings or scrapes already on the car. If there are any, then go back to the counter to have them sign off on it. Make sure they do and get the name of the employee as well.

 

[WillCAD]

The first thing you have to do is not be nervous! You're not booking major surgery, you're just renting a car, so don't let something so mundane bother you, even though you've never done it before.

By coming here and asking questions, you will know what to expect from the experience, and you won't be surprised by anything. You'll also get the low-down on the various companies at MCO and will be able to judge what is or is not a good deal for the car class you select.

Don't be afraid to re-book, change agencies, etc. many times whenever you find a better rate. Stick with the majopr companies like Alamo, National, Thrifty, Dollar, Avis, etc. and you will have the best chance of a satisfactory experience. Keep your eyes open for coupons and discounts you might qualify for, especially things like Entertainment books, Sams/Costco/BJs warehouse discounts, and any discount from your (or your spouses) employer.

Renting a car is no more difficult than booking a hotel, air fare, or a Disney resort package, so relax and keep reading, and you'll be fine.