Return Rental

[brekin67]

If I rent a car and pick it up from the airport, can I return it to the car care center?
I can get a car cheaper from hotline, but it looks like I would have to pick up and return to airport.
I don't mind picking up from airport, but would rather not drive myself back at the end of the trip because the plane departs at 7:55 am.

 

[skelooch]

I would think because you have a 7:55am flight would be all the more reason to drive yourself.
If you use ME you would have to be at the ME pickup location at 4:45am at the latest, if you drove you could leave your resort at 6am and still have plenty of time.
If you are worried about dragging your bags from the garage to checkin, what I have done is drive to the departing flight area, check my bags with a skycap and then return the rental car and just go right to security and your gate.

But that's up to you.

To answer your question make sure you check both options of dropping off at the CCC vs returning it to the airport, it could make a considerable difference in cost.
The CCC only deals with National/Alamo I assume that is who you are renting from, the other option would be to drop off at the Dolphin hotel.

 

[azdizzymom]

I would think because you have a 7:55am flight would be all the more reason to drive yourself.
If you use ME you would have to be at the ME pickup location at 4:45am at the latest, if you drove you could leave your resort at 6am and still have plenty of time.
If you are worried about dragging your bags from the garage to checkin, what I have done is drive to the departing flight area, check my bags with a skycap and then return the rental car and just go right to security and your gate.

But that's up to you.

To answer your question make sure you check both options of dropping off at the CCC vs returning it to the airport, it could make a considerable difference in cost.
The CCC only deals with National/Alamo I assume that is who you are renting from, the other option would be to drop off at the Dolphin hotel.

I am going to say that is terrible advice advising the OP that they can leave the resort LESS THAN 2 HOURS before their flight, drive to airport, return rental car, return bags, get through security and down to gate! People have been posting in questions regarding ME pickup times if it is necessary to leave 3 hours before flight on ME. People have mentioned waiting in security lines for 45+ minutes recently even early in the morning.

OP--keep checking the rates right up until the time you leave. They tend to drop in the 2-3 weeks before the trip (this seems to be what people post on the boards here and what I have experienced from Alamo).

Try playing with the drop off and pickup times if you want to return to a different location---sometimes that can make a difference- read somewhere here (think November rental car thread) where someones rates dropped significantly when they changed the time by a couple of hours.

Call the car rental company and see if they will work with you -- tell what rate you have and see if they will work with you about dropping off at a different location. It never hurts to ask but that is probably a big YMMV on the CSR you get.

If you do drive allow plenty of time to get to the airport (allow for traffic even on weekends--and time to fill car up when returning). Allow time for returning the car- there could be a line there, allow time to check bags if you don't do resort check-in if that is an option, allow time for checking with skycap--there can be lines there, allow plenty of time to get through security and to get down to the gates.

LEAVING THE RESORT A LITTLE LESS THAN TWO HOURS BEFORE A FLIGHT IS TERRIBLE ADVICE AND AIRLINES RECOMMEND BEING THERE 2 HOURS PRIOR TO FLIGHTS. There are so many small things that could go wrong that could cause you to miss a plane.

If you post your dates and pickup times I would be happy to play with the info and see what rates with legit codes there might be!

 

[skelooch]

I respect your opinion, and you are certainly entitled to it, and by all means you should do what you feel most comfortable with.

When ever I give any advise here on the Dis it is always based on my personal experiences from 40+ trips to, from and at WDW in recent years. That's what so great about these boards everyone has their opinions and recommendations, and are willing to share their experiences so we can all learn from each other. I know I am always learning.

Now that the OP has some information they were looking for, it will be up to them to choose what they are most comfortable with doing.

I'm sure we can agree on that!

I will continue to leave 2 hours prior to my flight.

 

[Lewisc]

Don't take this the wrong way but your advice is suspect. A person who's taken 40+ trips to and from WDW in recent years knows where to get gas. Doesn't have to worry about making the wrong turn. Doesn't have to worry about having money for tolls. Knows to check the line for curbside baggage check in if the line inside is long.

It takes about 30 minutes to drive from WDW to MCO. Add another 15 minutes to return the car and get gas. That gets you inside MCO 1 hour 15 minutes before your flight. MCO suggests 1.5 - 2 hours.

Your suggestion doesn't leave any allowance for the kinds of situations a less seasoned traveler may encounter.

Your two hour time works for you. Works for people who know what they're doing. It isn't good advice to give to others.

edited to add:

I think the expression is Do what I say not what I do.

I respect your opinion, and you are certainly entitled to it, and by all means you should do what you feel most comfortable with.

When ever I give any advise here on the Dis it is always based on my personal experiences from 40+ trips to, from and at WDW in recent years. That's what so great about these boards everyone has their opinions and recommendations, and are willing to share their experiences so we can all learn from each other. I know I am always learning.

Now that the OP has some information they were looking for, it will be up to them to choose what they are most comfortable with doing.

I'm sure we can agree on that!

I will continue to leave 2 hours prior to my flight.

 

[brekin67]

I am going to say that is terrible advice advising the OP that they can leave the resort LESS THAN 2 HOURS before their flight, drive to airport, return rental car, return bags, get through security and down to gate! People have been posting in questions regarding ME pickup times if it is necessary to leave 3 hours before flight on ME. People have mentioned waiting in security lines for 45+ minutes recently even early in the morning.

OP--keep checking the rates right up until the time you leave. They tend to drop in the 2-3 weeks before the trip (this seems to be what people post on the boards here and what I have experienced from Alamo).

Try playing with the drop off and pickup times if you want to return to a different location---sometimes that can make a difference- read somewhere here (think November rental car thread) where someones rates dropped significantly when they changed the time by a couple of hours.

Call the car rental company and see if they will work with you -- tell what rate you have and see if they will work with you about dropping off at a different location. It never hurts to ask but that is probably a big YMMV on the CSR you get.

If you do drive allow plenty of time to get to the airport (allow for traffic even on weekends--and time to fill car up when returning). Allow time for returning the car- there could be a line there, allow time to check bags if you don't do resort check-in if that is an option, allow time for checking with skycap--there can be lines there, allow plenty of time to get through security and to get down to the gates.

LEAVING THE RESORT A LITTLE LESS THAN TWO HOURS BEFORE A FLIGHT IS TERRIBLE ADVICE AND AIRLINES RECOMMEND BEING THERE 2 HOURS PRIOR TO FLIGHTS. There are so many small things that could go wrong that could cause you to miss a plane.

If you post your dates and pickup times I would be happy to play with the info and see what rates with legit codes there might be!

We are arriving on December 2nd about 9pm and departing December 12th at 7:55am. We are flying Southwest Airlines. Thank you for your help.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If I rent a car and pick it up from the airport, can I return it to the car care center?
I can get a car cheaper from hotline, but it looks like I would have to pick up and return to airport.
I don't mind picking up from airport, but would rather not drive myself back at the end of the trip because the plane departs at 7:55 am.

I think you can't do that, for a couple of reasons:
First, the CCC won't be open that early. Therefore they won't provide transportation between your resort and their facility, so you would have to arrange for a taxi to pick you up there VERY early and get you back to your resort in time for Magical Express, or to take you directly to the airport if that was your plan. Plus, since they're not open, nobody is available to check in your car.
Second, if you try to return it a day earlier than you reserved on Hotwire, you may be subject to additional charges - since you didn't uphold your end of the deal. Yes, even though (because) they have the car back early. Plus, with direct rentals, it often costs more to return the car onsite than at the airport - possibly because they still need to get the car back to the airport, possibly 'just because they feel like it'. And even though Orlando is technically all one location (vs, say, renting in Orlando and returning in Miami), what you want is a one-way rental and Hotwire doesn't offer that option.

If this is truly what you want to do, just book directly through the car rental companies.

 

[azdizzymom]

I don't know if you have a Costco membership but right now the best deal is with Budget...$224 for intermediate...then when you return there is a $30 OFF coupon that would apply so the total for the rental is $194 for the time period. This is with pickup and drop off at MCO.

For Alamo a midsize using the Southwest code on their website is $237--that is without any coupons.

For Alamo using Costco code and $20 off $213 for midsize.

I don't know if you have a Costco card or not...

I tired the Travelocity code that people are saying gives good rates at Budget...it was a lot more than the Costco one.

Dollar was $246 using Orlando Magic code on Mousesavers.

No matter what you do keep checking rates right up until the time you leave===they usually drop.

 

[skelooch]

Here is another option if you decide to take ME for your early morning flight.

You can get a Midsize from Alamo for $194.71 incl taxes & fees.
Pickup at MCO Dec 2 at 9:30 pm and drop off at the CCC or Dolphin the evening of the Dec 11.
If returning to CCC call to see how late you can return the car, and if they will provide you a ride back to your resort.
If returning to the Dolphin you can leave it with valet services, but I doubt they will be able to provide a ride back to your resort. might need a cab.


If returning the car to MCO in the morning of Dec 12

Midsize from Alamo for $191.37 including taxes & fees.
Pickup at MCO Dec 2 at 9:30 pm and dropping off at MCO at 6:00 am

I used the following codes:
For the first example, ID=7014627, Coupon Code AD8221SDF
For the second example, ID=SUNPROMO, Coupon Code AD8221SDF

These both worked for me just now, tomorrow may be different, but as azdizzymom said keep checking often, you never know when they might drop.

Hope this helps

 

[AlexDurrani]

Try the different companies on the reservations. I found it cheaper to return the my mini reservation to the airport with National then it was from CCC. The PP is right the CCC opens at 8am so you will not be able to return your car at the location. Drive to the airport, it will be easier and may actually work out cheaper.

My brother is like the previous poster who claims he can get to the airport and be on the plane within two hours. He usually barely makes it to the plane and has on a number of occasions actually missed his flight. I fly out on my trip in december from Houston at 730 in the morning and plan on getting to the airport at 5am meaning I have to be up at 3 and on the road by no later then 4.

 

[Lewisc]

My brother is like the previous poster who claims he can get to the airport and be on the plane within two hours. He usually barely makes it to the plane and has on a number of occasions actually missed his flight. I fly out on my trip in december from Houston at 730 in the morning and plan on getting to the airport at 5am meaning I have to be up at 3 and on the road by no later then 4.

Years ago a poster said something like anyone who's never missed a flight has wasted too much time waiting in airports.

That's not the kind of advice that works for famlies visiting WDW.

 

[disney9696]

Here is another option if you decide to take ME for your early morning flight.

You can get a Midsize from Alamo for $194.71 incl taxes & fees.
Pickup at MCO Dec 2 at 9:30 pm and drop off at the CCC or Dolphin the evening of the Dec 11.
If returning to CCC call to see how late you can return the car, and if they will provide you a ride back to your resort.
If returning to the Dolphin you can leave it with valet services, but I doubt they will be able to provide a ride back to your resort. might need a cab.


If returning the car to MCO in the morning of Dec 12

Midsize from Alamo for $191.37 including taxes & fees.
Pickup at MCO Dec 2 at 9:30 pm and dropping off at MCO at 6:00 am

I used the following codes:
For the first example, ID=7014627, Coupon Code AD8221SDF
For the second example, ID=SUNPROMO, Coupon Code AD8221SDF

These both worked for me just now, tomorrow may be different, but as azdizzymom said keep checking often, you never know when they might drop.

Hope this helps

Hi...was wondering if you could help me??? I just plugged in the SUNPROMO ID and coupon code...and it is a little cheaper than my existing ressie (THANX !!) Anyway, where is that ID code from??? It is actually better than the Entertainment codes I have now....do I need coupons/cards for that ???


Thanks for your help !!!

Lisa

 

[skelooch]

Hi...was wondering if you could help me??? I just plugged in the SUNPROMO ID and coupon code...and it is a little cheaper than my existing ressie (THANX !!) Anyway, where is that ID code from??? It is actually better than the Entertainment codes I have now....do I need coupons/cards for that ???


Thanks for your help !!!

Lisa

The SUNPROMO is an Alamo promotion, and the AD8221SDF is a Costco code.
Sometimes you have to do a lot of mixing and matching of codes to get the best deals.

You shouldn't need the actual coupon, but you might be able to get it from their website.
Check in at the kiosk it's faster and you won't have anyone asking for the coupon.

 

[disney9696]

The SUNPROMO is an Alamo promotion, and the AD8221SDF is a Costco code.
Sometimes you have to do a lot of mixing and matching of codes to get the best deals.

You shouldn't need the actual coupon, but you might be able to get it from their website.
Check in at the kiosk it's faster and you won't have anyone asking for the coupon.

Thank you so much !!!

Lisa