Renting a car versus DCL shuttle service

[KingRichard]

We always rent a car. Up until this year all of us (family of 5 ) were on the trip. Now its just 2 of us.

We always rented a minivan at MCO (or at the Budget in WDW) and dropped it off at the location near the port and took their shuttle to the port. They have them available when you get off the ship as well.

I liked it better this way because it was much less expensive (we usually got the minivan for about $100) and we had the ability to stop where we wanted to. Since we always flew in the day before the cruise, having the car made it easy for us to stop for any supplies and get something to eat.

I never did that drop off at the port then go back to the rental car agency. It seems like a waste of time. We never had a problem with 5 people and our 5 big hardside bags and carry on bags.

We usually use Budget or Avis (using discount codes you can find at flyertalk or mousesavers or other sites)

This year we are using Avis and the car is only $45.

The earlier you reserve the rental the less it will cost.

100% agree other then last statement!

Reserve car as far in advance as possible as it doesn't cost anything.


Then watch price up until your cruise.

I went from around $70 each way for mid size Down to $31 and $34 the week before the cruise. It all ads up.

For 3 of us I was thinking of the DCL bus back to MCO for about $30 more and then when the price dropped to $31 I rented the car!

 

[Billinaz]

The only issue becomes this. With DCL bus, you are guaranteed to make the ship on time. If they would have bus trouble, they will rectify the problem immediately. With a rental car or car service, if something happens, you take a chance of missing the ship. We rented a limo once from Happy Limo from WDW. We got a flat tire and sat dangerously on the side of the road waiting for another ride. We even asked them to call us a taxi. 2+ hours later, a new limo shows up. The stress of wondering if we would make it to port ruined our first day. Thus, we are now either at port the night before, or take Disney transfers.

Solution:

Don't fly in the same day as the cruise.

 

[OKW Lover]

Check the total prices. (this might not be for you, but for others doing it) It's possible that to rent for the whole time and pay for parking will end up being cheaper than two separate rentals. Always check!

Agree with this. Not only that, but keep checking! Car rental prices fluctuate and are often lower as you get closer to the rental date.

 

[scootch]

Solution:

Don't fly in the same day as the cruise.

We didn't fly in the same day . We were at WDW and wanted to get to port by 11am, thus we rented a limo since the bus did not pick up until noon.

 

[Billinaz]

We didn't fly in the same day . We were at WDW and wanted to get to port by 11am, thus we rented a limo since the bus did not pick up until noon.

On our upcoming cruise I have 3 rentals! One from MCO to WDW. Second from WDW to Cape Canaveral, and the third from the port to MCO.

I could never rely on Disney transportation, I am too much of a compulsive planner and you just cant do that with the extreme delays you get with Disney transportation.

They do have buses that get to the port prior to 10AM. They bring them into the terminal while the rest of us have to wait and watch them inside until they finally let us in!

 

[scootch]

On our upcoming cruise I have 3 rentals! One from MCO to WDW. Second from WDW to Cape Canaveral, and the third from the port to MCO.

I could never rely on Disney transportation, I am too much of a compulsive planner and you just cant do that with the extreme delays you get with Disney transportation.

They do have buses that get to the port prior to 10AM. They bring them into the terminal while the rest of us have to wait and watch them inside until they finally let us in!

That bus comes from the airport. They do not start picking up at resorts until after 11am.