Rental Car Agencies/Parking questions

[christophersmom]

Would like some feedback on two questions -- 1) good experiences with car rental agencies and 2) Parking the car at WDW resorts/parks.

We are flying into MCO in early August and plan to rent a car for the week we are there. Which agencies have the best transportation for pick-up/drop-off at MCO? Which have the best rates? Which have you had the best experiences with???

Also, how much of a hassle is it to drive and park when going to the parks for early entry? Is it better just to take the bus from the resort? We are staying at BC. We had been told by some friends that several years ago they would drive to the Grand Floridian parking lot and take the monorail from there to MK. I thought I read somewhere that you can no longer park in a resort lot for extended hours. Is this correct?

Thanks!

 

[DVC-Don]

I have had nothing but good experiences with Budget, Dollar and National. A so so time with L&M. I've never used Avis only due to others always being cheaper. I only use the agencies that keep their cars at the airport.

As for going to the parks for early entry now, that will not be a problem as there is no more early entry. It was discontinued in October, 2001.

If you park at a Monorail resort and are not a guest, you will be given a 3 hour parking pass.

 

[CarolA]

Question 1. National, Avis, Dollar, L&M and Budget are right at the MCO airport. No shuttle. It seems like Dollar and L&M have good rates, but there are some concerns about L&M.

Question 2. I don't think Disney has re-instated Early Entry so you won't have to worry about that. The Disney hotels now give 3 hour parking permits so you won't park at the resorts to go to the parks. My rule is take the bus to MK since the parking lot is SO far away. Staying at the BC I walk to Epcot and drive everywhere else.

hope that helps!

 

[Margie J]

Car Rentals

Alamo - Off-site, used twice. Shuttle from MCO to agency was frequent but often packed. The line at the agency was long and they really pushed the insurance and a bigger car to hike the price of the great deal you booked. Quick return but a shuttle back to MCO could be a long wait.

National - On-site at MCO. Used four times. Excellent, quick service. Now that I've rented at that location a few times I'm in the system and there is no hassle with added insurance or a different car. I've used a Disney Club discount to get nice rates. They let me select which car I want also. Very nice.

Dollar - On-site at MCO. Used twice. Very good discounts and they are my backup if National is too high. Once had a problem with them offering me a higher class of car and not fully explaining the cost. The car was great but I watch their at counter offers carefully now.


Parking

As a Disney Resort guest you get free parking at any of the Theme Park lots. Why risk your car being towed from the GF or any other monorail Resort when goint to the MK. From the BC you could walk to Epcot or take the boat to MGM if you don't want to drive.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We always use National and have been pleased--and you do get to select your own car!!
As for parking--we always drive to all the Theme parks. The tram system they have works fine, and taking the bus just takes too long. Parking at the resorts just to enter the theme parks is now being discouraged--3 hour limits and the threat of being towed.

 

[christophersmom]

Thanks for all of the quick replies. Also, did not realize that early entry is no longer available. I've been reading 2002 WDW books and they must have been printed prior to Oct. 2001. I'm sure there's further info on that on the Theme Parks discussion board, so will check that out.

Thanks again!