One day car rental question

[QueenQuad]

We are going to need a one day car rental during our stay in March. We are staying at POR, so plan to rent from one of the local places. My question is how far in advance do we need to reserve a car? Can we book it once we get down there giving a couple a days notice or should we start booking a reservation now? It would be for a family of six. We have a date in mind but if the weather changes that would change the date. Can anyone help me on this please?!

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[OKW Lover]

Easy answer is you can do it either way.

The harder answer is what you will pay. Its as hard to forecast car rental rates as it is for air fares. Sometimes the best price is what you will find now, sometimes its shortly before you rent. Fortunately there is an easier way to deal with this than air fares. Search for the best rate you can find now and book that (assuming its fully cancelable, which most are) then continue to check the price. If you spot a better rate, just rebook then.

If you look on the Transportation board, there is a sticky thread at the top with info about all the car rental companies at WDW.

 

[QueenQuad]

Honestly I'm not worried about the cost for the most part. I'm just not sure if I can snag a rental once I get down there should I decide to make reservations once we arrive. Maybe I should start looking now and reserve just in case....this car renting thing is totally new to me.

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[Shelly F - Ohio]

You should have NO problem making one once you get there. I have done it. There are many rental companies at the hotels by DTD and only a 10 minute walk from the DTD bus stops. If you are going during Spring break I would book now. It will be a high demand period.

Dollar is at the Wyndham
Avis at Hilton
I believe there is a budget near by

there are also the two onsite location for Alamo.

 

[QueenQuad]

We are going at spring break time. Today I'll start the hunt for a good deal on a rental. Wish me luck lol

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[QueenQuad]

The best I can find from where I want (Car Care Center) is $114 plus taxes/fees for an SUV. I'll keep checking to see if they lower prices or have better deals, but I'm not holding my breath. It is what it is.

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[bookgirl]

I did a one day rental out of the Dolphin with National. The one day was around $50-$60 but I have a discover card and using my reward points they have a coupon that you spend $20 and they give you a $40 dollar coupon code. After taxes my total was around $30 bucks.

That was a great deal for the one day we had offsite things planned and it was super easy to return it the next morning then catch the boat over to DHS.

 

[QueenQuad]

How far is Dolphin from CCC? I have a Discover card. Might look into that....hmmm

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[Lewisc]

Family of 6 is the key. Even full and premium size cars won't generally seat 6. You need a mini-van or SUV. I'd book something in advance then keep looking for a better price. Wait until you get there and some places might not even have a vehicle available.

 

[bookgirl]

How far is Dolphin from CCC? I have a Discover card. Might look into that....hmmm

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The CCC is right by MK and the Dolphin is by Epcot.

Not real close.

I picked up my car at MCO and spent the day offsite drove to Disney, then first thing the next morning we drove over to the Dolphin (next to Beach Club) dropped off the car and since the Dolphin is on the BC/BW boat loop that goes to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios we just planned our morning there.

If you were going to rent after you arrive you'd only have to take the bus to the first park that arrives (except Epcot) then walk over to the Dolphin resort bus to get there and pick up your car.