One-way rental price- MCO-ATL?

[thumperjr9]

I would like to plan a last min. WDW trip at the end of June that would include a few days in Atlanta. So I was thinking of flying from NY to MCO and renting a car (as we always do when in WDW) then instead of flying to Atlanta we would drive...dropping car the off in ATL when leaving to fly home.

I was checking prices for National as we usually rent with them. The price for a week rental one-way MCO - ATL is about $700. Then by accident (while trying different codes) I typed in May dates and and it came up about $200.

Is anyone familiar with rates for one-ways? Why do you think such a difference? I know with car rentals the rates will often drop and you can get great last min. deals. Do you think the rates will go down once we are into June?

Also, how is the drive from Orlando to Atlanta? From looking at the map it seems pretty direct without having to go through any major cities and my guess is it would be about 7 hours??

 

[soxfan11901]

There is usually a large dropoff fee for doing a one way rental.

There are times that you can get a good deal on them if the rental car company needs to reallocate inventory. You may have hit that situation for the May dates.
In the winter the inventory needs to be higher in the south than the north, then in the summer the north needs much more inventory. (not that I would consider ATL in the north).

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

There is usually a large dropoff fee for doing a one way rental.

National typically does not charge a drop charge but they build the fact that you're going one way into the rate being quoted. That's why the rate is so high.

BobK/Orlando

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Also, if you get a lower rate, often there are then mileage charges (not unlimited). So usually it's a balance between unlimited miles and a higher rate (with drop charge built in) or lower rate and per mile charge.

 

[mmmgood]

Most of the rental agencies (including National) are running drive out of Florida specials. That is the reason you are getting the $200 rate for May. Unfortunately that special ends on 5/31.

You may check other rental agencies as some of them extend to later dates - Avis have a one way out of Florida special until 6/30.

Good luck!