Rental Car Logistics

[MamaCrush]

As you can see from below, we're going on the 7 Day Western in January 2005. We plan to rent a minivan (with DVD system) to travel from NC to the port. We'll be traveling with a 2 year old and a 4 year old.

Here's the question: Would it be worthwhile for us to drop the rental off when we get to port and then pick up a new rental upon our return? As I see it, the PRO would be it might be cheaper not renting for an additional 7 days plus the port parking of $10 per day. The CONS would be inconvenience and getting a "strange" and maybe different class of car for the return trip.

What are your thoughts? Would the cost savings warrant the cons??

Thanks!

 

[FLGalInTN]

I would think the cost of two one-way rentals would be more than what you would pay for a weekly rental and parking at the port for a week. You would have the added bonus of not having to take the shuttle to/from the port and to/from the rental car company (and all the bag schlepping that is involved with that).

 

[tink71973]

2 things to keep in mind, There will be a drop charge or higher rental rate if you pick up in ny and drop in orlando
and also the trip home. The Raddison offers a cruise package with parking for a week. In the long run it might be cheaper to rent for the whole time. You can also find lower car rates if you book on line. I would check out budget car rental.

 

[heathrow42]

Don't know how long it takes to get from NC to port -- but it must be less than 24 hrs (guessing since it's 14 from DC) If you get a one day rental and you drop the car off, cruise, then get a car and head straight back to NC -- wouldn't you need only 2 - 1 day rentals? That must cheaper than paying for a week and a week's worth of parking?

If you choose your rental car company carefully, you can usually avoid any 1 way rental fees. You didn't mention whether or not you would be going to wdw before or after and this would certainly have an impact if you want a car for that period. Check mousesavers.com - the budget board - and the transportation board for lots of tips and codes for rentals. You'll probably just have to sit an play with the numbers to see what works.

Good luck,
heather

 

[MamaCrush]

Thanks so much. As usual, this board brings clarity to a muddled mind! Thanks.

 

[d'Isigny]

mousesavers.com can offer some outstanding car rental discounts - highly recommended.
why not rent 2 - one way rentals...and buy an ac/dc tv-dvd unit. this way you can use it on future trips. We have 3 DD's that get anxious on long car rides...any trip over 2 hours...ours comes with us.
we don't hear the - "are we there yet...she's touching me...mine-mine-mine...give it back"...for at least 3 hours.