renting a car when I am already there...

[jlk51496]

We are staying on site...so it is my understanding that we have free transportation to and from the airport..correct...

but my question..

My DH and I are going to "slip away" for two days toward the end of the week for a friend's wedding in Sarasota and leave our two kids with my parents! (the "real" reason why we are going down to FLA) I don't want to get the rental car for the whole week if we have transportation to/from airport and to the parks...

any idea how I go about renting a car and getting it if I am at the hotel already!?!?!

Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

Reserve in advance, otherwise you may find only expensive cars.

Now you could get lucky and get a good reservation just one day in advance.

National and Alamo have a rental office about a half mile (I have walked it) from the far reaches of the Magic Kingdom parking lot. They have a shuttle by appointment from resorts.

Some hotels including the Swan and Dolphin have rental counters. The usual rules about having to make a connection (at a park or at Downtown Disney) apply if you take Disney buses from another resort.

Inspect the car and report any damage no matter how slight before driving off.

Other hints: http://www.cockam.com/carrent.htm

 

[sympatico]

You can make reservations now with Alamo or National and click the location box and narrow down to Florida, Orlando, Car Care Center. (or Dolphin Hotel).
If you call Alamo an hour or two before you want your car, they'll come pick you up and return you when you drop it off.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

You can make a reservation with Alamo location at WDW but the cost is high. I would suggest renting from Avis which is located at the Hilton across the street from DTD. Or from Budget which is located at the Regal Sun across the street from DTD.
Just take a bus to DTD and it is a short 5 min walk to either of these locations. We have done it may times and the cost compared to Alamo at WDW was dramatic.

 

[katied]

If you sign up for National Emerlad Aisle (normally a fee, but mousesavers.com has a link for free sign up), and then reserve through National's website logged in as a Emerald Aisle member, you may qualify get a discounted rate. I've normally booked thru there for pick up at the Swan/Dolphin (can never remeber which one) to do one or two day rentals.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Wow...this is exactly what I was wondering. As when we go down in Dec 2011 I'm considering a day trip to Universal as well. I'll have to bookmark this thread for later! Fantastic info...thanks so much!