Should I rent a car for 1 day?

[Ilovemyprincesses]

I am traveling to Disney world with my children (2 girls) in November. We are staying at all star movies and I was planning on only using disney transportation but I think there will be an American girl store in the Florida mall when we are there. We need to go there. From google I see it is about 30 minutes away from the hotel. I can not spend $100 in transportation to get to the mall. Should I rent a car at the hotel and drive to the mall when we arrive in Orlando? If I do that I can stop at a grocery store and get snacks. I was going to get things delivered by garden grocer.

I have never rented car. Where would I drop it off? I'd there any car rental placed that would pick up the car from the hotel?

Thanks, I know this sounds silly.

 

[robinb]

I am traveling to Disney world with my children (2 girls) in November. We are staying at all star movies and I was planning on only using disney transportation but I think there will be an American girl store in the Florida mall when we are there. We need to go there. From google I see it is about 30 minutes away from the hotel. I can not spend $100 in transportation to get to the mall. Should I rent a car at the hotel and drive to the mall when we arrive in Orlando? If I do that I can stop at a grocery store and get snacks. I was going to get things delivered by garden grocer.

I have never rented car. Where would I drop it off? I'd there any car rental placed that would pick up the car from the hotel?

Thanks, I know this sounds silly.

Your girls will LOVE the American Girl store. My DD went to the Chicago store many times before she outgrew it. Enjoy it while you still can! My DD liked having lunch or tea in the dining room. They brought a special chair for her doll to sit with her. She also really liked having her doll's hair done. Make sure to budget for clothes and accessories.

Now, to your question ... the easiest place to rent a car is from Alamo or National. There are 2 locations right on Disney property, one near the MK and one in the Dolphin. You can pick up and drop off at the same location or pick up at one location and drop off at the other. Go to Mousesavers to get some codes to use to bring your price down: http://www.mousesavers.com/transportation-for-disney-vacations/rental-car-discounts/ . Since it's just you 3 (or 4?) a small economy or compact car will work for you. You will need your driver's license and bring your home car insurance card. It should cover your rental. You will have to fuel up before you bring the car back. You should retain your receipt and show that you fueled up because sometimes the companies don't believe you if you drive 100 miles or less.

 

[Ilovemyprincesses]

I have been doing a little research on the site. Does this sound right- rent a car at the Alamo at the airport. Drive to the mall, then the grocery store. I assume I will see something even a walmart or target. Go to the hotel to check in and drop things off. Return the car to the Alamo at DTD and catch the bus back to my hotel. I won't even have the car 1 full day but that's ok.

 

[robinb]

I have been doing a little research on the site. Does this sound right- rent a car at the Alamo at the airport. Drive to the mall, then the grocery store. I assume I will see something even a walmart or target. Go to the hotel to check in and drop things off. Return the car to the Alamo at DTD and catch the bus back to my hotel. I won't even have the car 1 full day but that's ok.

Yes, you can do that. The Alamo return is not at DTD but at the Car Care Center or the Dolphin. The Alamo counter at the Dolphin closes at 4-4:30 but you can return anytime by leaving the car with the valet. you may need a bigger car to hold your luggage unless you checked it through via Magical Express.

 

[Ilovemyprincesses]

I know you are not allowed to send your luggage on the bus but some people do it right?