Thrifty, Dollar or Budget?

[TinkOhio]

We have been checking into rentals at MCO and these three comapnies have very similar pricing for the day/time we need to rent. Are all three located actually on airport property? And is one company generally better than another?

Thanks for any help!

 

[jaysmom4285]

I've rented from Budget and Thrifty, but not Dollar. Both are located in the parking garage right across from the airport. If you haven't already, I'd recommend signing up for their rapid rental program (Budget calls it Fastpass, I forget what Thrifty's is). It lets you enter your license and credit card info online, so you can go directly to the rental kiosk to get your keys and you don't have to stop at the regular rental counter in the airport to do paperwork. I've had good experiences with each and generally make my decision based on price.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

My family has used Dollar twice..once in Orlando and once in Denver. In Orlando last Dec we paid for a compact and were upgraded to a van. We once owned a van so my dad had no problem driving in but the couple next to us got the same thing and were not happy with the choice (this was around 10pm). In Denver, we also paid for a compact and were given an SUV (comparable to a Honda CRV) which we own so once again it was not an issue and it was great to store our luggage!
Like the post above, I would suggest signing up for Dollar Express if you go with them. It was very simple at Orlando. They checked us in (inside the airport), we walked across to where the cars are, checked in at a another window, inspected our car, and that was it. We did report some dents on the car in Orlando but it was no big deal. Make sure you have cash to pay the tolls on 417...they also might have a travelers deal for the Sun Pass but I'm not sure??

 

[tkldisney]

Thrifty and Dollar are owned by same company. Budget is part of Avis. I've been getting better rates with Budget lately and have heard good things about them. Will try them in March.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Be careful with the Budget Fastpass program. I priced cars at MCO as a Fastpass member and my online quote was hired than the quote for a non member for the exact same car/time and dates.

 

[DisneyConvert]

Just got back from MCO and a 6-day visit to WDW (stayed off-site).
You will note from my previous posts that I have been an "Avis-snob" because I travel a fair amount for business and find their service impeccable.
I have used Dollar occasionally when Avis' rates are too high, but I generally have gravitated towards Avis as Dollar's service has been uneven.
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Well, I didn't realize but during the past year, Enterprise (which owns National and Alamo) moved on to MCO. They used to be on Narcoosee Rd requiring a hefty shuttle back & forth. Rates were extremely competitive for our recent "week" - $109.60 + fees => $158 all in for a very comfortable Ford Fusion mid-size. That's $23/day - like 10 years ago! This was during the mini-Fall-peak of "Jersey week." Service was, uhhmmm, Avis-like as the pick-up and drop-off was fast and trouble-free. Wow I was/am extremely impressed.
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No charge for spouse driver (like Dollar does). Didn't even have to get her license, which worked out well as she was getting luggage while I picked up car.