Rental Car recommendations

[markm0926]

We need to rent a car at MCO, and drop it close to the Port as possible on the morning of our departure.
We'll be staying the night before our cruise at the Courtyard in Coco Beach.
Can anyone give their recommendations on the rental car companies in the area.
I would imagine they all have shuttles to the Port when you drop the rental off ??

Thanks in advance!!

 

[RobinMarie]

We used Budget - all worked out well!

Try this site - it's fabulous!

http://www.dcltribute.com/carhire/

 

[inkkognito]

The three that have shuttles are Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Personally, Budget is the only one I have used, and I have been pleased with their service. They do not have a gasoline pump at the Cocoa Beach location, so when you pick up your car to head to MCO, it may not have a full tank. But there is a station right down the street, and your paperwork will note the level so you don't have to fill it all the way before returning.
When we have been waiting for a car shuttle or towncar, we've noticed that Avis typically seems to have the longest shuttle line.
Barb

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

We also used Budget - rented for two days before the cruise, picking up at MCO and dropping off at the port (actually it is 2-3 miles from the port, but they have a shuttle), and then rented again on disembarkation day for about 6 hours to go to DTD for shopping and lunch, and then drop off at MCO.

Budget was great, except for the fact that we were one of the last families to get off the ship, and by that time, all of their shuttles had left. We had to wait, and there was a very rude family waiting with us who jumped on the shuttle ahead, etc. Other than that, I have no complaints. It was cheaper than the transfers for the four of us. I got a good discount code at Mousesavers.com, and the car was a brand new Explorer that held our four family members, 5 large suitcases and carry-ons comfortably.

 

[MouseFan45]

see next

 

[MouseFan45]

Just returned from RCCL Mariner 8/1-8/7, missed Charlie.

Avis seems to have a real problem with shuttles. Only two running with one parked at a gas station needing repairs.

I dropped my family at the port to check-in then went to drop the van at AVIS location about 4 miles south of port. Used Race Track service station on the right to fill the gas tank after driving out from Orlando.

I waited in line at the rental location (very small lot) for about 45 minutes before I was able to board shuttle to return to Port. Thought about calling a cab but waited for the 4th shuttle.

For pickup upon return, I shared a cab $12/2-$6 to travel from the port to the rental location to pick up van. It still took about 40 minutes to get the van and return to the port.

Avis really needs to boost their capacity on Sundays with both the Wonder and Mariner loading and unloading. Way too small of a facility and the need all of their shuttles running.

I hope Budget and others are better.

 

[DoomBuggieDriver]

We used Budget and had good luck. If possible register with their Fast Break program and you won't have to wait at the counter. The Budget lot is just across the street from the baggage claim area, so you can walk to it. Actually, we hired a porter to take our bags and he led us to the counter, waited, and lugged our bags to the lot and loaded them in for us. There was a 15 minute wait at the counter at MCO, but that was the only glitch, and that wasn't bad. The shuttle from their location near the port is good, and we were able to grab breakfast, drop the car and catch a shuttle over.

Decided to go with Disney transfers for the trip home, but after seeing how things work in the port I wouldn't hesitate to get the Budget rental for the return trip.

Also check your airline web site and see if they offer discounted rental car rates. We are flying Southwest in November to Arizona, and got a great rate on a rental.

Buggie

 

[zucchero]

Does anybody use Hertz?

John

 

[mmouse37]

John....welcome back to the boards....

Yes, people do use Hertz...but the majority seem to like Budget and Avis as they are closer to the port and usually less expensive than Hertz.

http://www.dcltribute.com/carhire/


MJ

 

[fodc8]

We signed up for budget's Fastbreak program and it works great at the Orlando airport. We just walk out to the garage and get in the car. No lines no waiting