|
|
Once you've arrived in Orlando you still need to get to your going. If you've arrived at the Orlando International Airport, you'll find plenty of rental cars, taxis, limo and shuttles that will happily provide transportation to your resort.
>Car Rental Companies >To Rent or not to Rent a Car
Shuttles and Limos
Quicksilver Tours and Transportation
Phone: 888-468-6939
Web site: www.quicksilver-tours.com
Quicksilver offers a variety of special services that set it apart from most other transportation services. They’ll not only meet and greet you at baggage claim, but they’ll help you get your luggage to the car. Car seats and booster seats are available at no extra charge - an added safety feature that isn’t available at the other transportation companies.
One of the most helpful services they offer is the 30-minute grocery stop (if you need more time, a small fee, currently $10, will get you an additional 15 minutes). Thisparticular service however is only available if you book a roundtrip airport transfer. You even get a free 10-minute long-distance call for those of you who may need to check in with someone back home. Depending on the size of your family, you have the choice of traveling by car or by van (an SUV and limo are available as well, but they’re a bit more expensive). The car will accommodate up to 4 passengers while the van accommodates up to 10 (though you won’t have to share the ride with other vacationers).
Rates currently run $50 -$60 for one-way transportation and $95-$100 for round-trip transportation by car.
The van currently runs $60-$70 traveling one-way and $110-$115 for the round-trip. The cost of course depends upon your destination. Limo service is also available and currently runs $120 for one-way transportation and $220 for the roundtrip.
 Many (but not all) of the area hotels and resorts offer some sort of shuttle service to the area parks (to see which hotels and resorts offer this service and to what parks be sure to check the hotel and resort reviews). In some instances, the shuttle is run by the resort; in other cases, it may be run by an outside company such as Mears Transportation.
This is a very important difference because additional fees may apply if the service is run by an outside source, and they can add up rather quickly. Be sure to check with your own hotel regarding how their shuttle service works before deciding to rely upon it for transportation throughout your vacation; otherwise you’re likely to be surprised at what you are getting into.
Most hotels offer service to only one, maybe two of the theme parks, with only a very small handful servicing all three of the areas major theme parks (Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld). This too is rather important to consider. If you intend to spend the majority of your vacation at Disney, and your hotel only shuttle service only to Universal--well, you get the idea.
Something else to think about is the shuttle schedule itself. How often does it run, and is the departure and return schedule going to fit your family’s schedule? Does the shuttle service other area hotels? If so, you may have to stop and start frequently to pick up and drop off additional passengers, greatly increasing the time you are riding the shuttle and not enjoying the parks. Find out too if you are required to sign up ahead of time for a shuttle, which would make changes in your plans for the day quite difficult, if not impossible. Finally, you will need to ask if there are additional fees involved to use the service, and if so exactly what they are.
Flexibility unfortunately goes right out the window if you use the shuttle. Whereas renting a car allows you absolute and complete freedom. Using the shuttle means there is no sleeping late, no “one more ride” at the end of the day, no spontaneous decision to hop over to another park or to change your timetable.
Shuttle Pros
-Door-to-door service (well, almost) so you won’t have to walk miles to get to the park entrance.
-You don’t have to do any of the driving.
-You won’t get lost.
-It can save money (though be sure to check on this ahead of time).
Shuttle Cons
-Strict shuttle schedules allow for absolutely zero flexibility in your day’s schedule, and flexibility is the key to surviving your vacation when children are along.
-Lengthy rides due to multiple stops.
-Added expense if any charges are incurred.
-The limited number of destinations that may require that you take a taxi or other form of transportation if your destination is not on the shuttle’s route.
Mears Transportation Group
Phone: 407-423-5566
Web site: www.mearstransportation.com (Click on “shuttle services” and then look for the “Rates PDF” link to the right of the page--it’s the easiest and quickest way to find all the information you need.)
Mears Transportation Group offers taxi, shuttle, and limo service to and from the airport as well transportation between your hotel and the attractions. Round-trip airport transportation using their shuttle service (which means you may be sharing a ride with another family since the shuttle accommodates up to 11 passengers) currently runs between $26 and $30 per adult and between $19 and $22 per child (ages 4-11), depending on your destination. Children 3 and under ride for free (though you must account for them when making your reservations). This equates to an average (and approximate) cost of about $100 for a family of four. They also offer a one-way option. Rates currently run between $16 and $18 per adult and between $12 and $14 per child (ages 4-11).
Reservations can be made ahead of time either online or by phone, which I suggest doing if you’re traveling during peak season.
If you choose to make your arrangements upon arrival, you’ll still be able to catch a ride, though you may have to wait a bit longer if it’s busy.
If you prefer a more luxurious ride (or a more private ride) sedan and limo services are available as well. These however are much more expensive when compared to the shuttle service. For the most up to date information on current sedan and limo rates be sure to check out the Mears website listed above.
Taxi service is also an option as Mears also runs the Yellow and Checker Cabs. Rates can run anywhere from $30 to $60 (or more) for one-way transportation depending on your destination. Keep in mind that this
is only an estimated price range - as you know, taxi rates vary greatly and depend on both time and distance.
Disney’s Magical Express, Disney’s Magical Express debuted in May of 2005 – to the delight of many a family in need of transportation to the Walt Disney World resort. Disney’s Magical Express is an innovative (and complimentary) shuttle service that includes airport transportation, luggage delivery and airline check-in for guests staying at the Mouse’s house (in other words, one of the Disney’s 22 owned and operated resorts).
Guests who take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express service (having made reservations in advance) can check their luggage at their hometown airport and never look back…once in Orlando they can bypass the baggage claim area (at Orlando International Airport [OIA]) and head straight for Disney’s Magical Express. After boarding the specially designed motor coaches, they will be transported to their Walt Disney World Resort, their luggage “magically” appearing in their room later that same day (generally upon check-in).
Additionally, at the end of their vacation, guests (flying domestically) can take advantage of Disney’s Resort Airline Check-In Service. Guests can not only check their luggage directly from their Disney Resort, but they can also obtain their return boarding pass (and avoid having to wait through the long lines at airline check-in at the airport - bypassing airport check-in completely …you will however, still have to go through airport security).
This allows for a more stress-free departure - and is especially helpful for those with later flights trying to squeeze in a bit more Disney fun before they go. The service is complimentary, designed and created to ensure that guests staying with Mickey are able to enjoy their Walt Disney World vacation even before they arrive.
The savings can be substantial! For example - a family of four can save upwards of $100, sometimes more (based on round-trip rates charged by the various taxi and shuttle services offered between the Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World Resort) if they use Disney’s Magical Express. And the larger the family- the larger the savings!
Here’s how it works:
1. First, you’ll need to make reservations either by going online (www.disneyworld.com) or by calling the Disney Reservation Center (407-939- 7675). Disney will send you (via the mail) special “Magical Express luggage tags for each of your bags (they must be attached to your luggage) as well as a booklet of vouchers for the Magical Express shuttle service.
2. Once you’ve landed in Orlando (at the Orlando International Airport), skip right by the baggage claim area and head directly to the Disney Welcome Center. Disney will take care of gathering up your luggage and delivering it to your resort (right to your room).
3. After boarding the Magical Express motor coach, you’re off to Walt Disney World.
4. At the end of your vacation (usually the day before your departure), Disney will notify you of the pick-up place and scheduled time for your motor coach ride back to the Orlando International Airport. At check out, those flying domestically (and via participating airlines) can check their luggage and receive their boarding passes (right at their Disney Resort hotel) using Disney’s own Resort Airline Check-In Service.
Airlines currently participating in the program include:
AlaskaAirlines
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Ted
Northwest Airlines
JetBlue
Other Helpful Information:
Are car seats allowed one motor coaches?
Once You Arrive:
The Disney Welcome Center is located in the Main Terminal of the Orlando International Airport on the B side on Level 1. Hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., however will be extended if you have booked Disney's Magical Express Service and your flight is scheduled to arrive after 11:00 p.m.
At the Disney Welcome Center, you will be asked for your airline baggage claim checks and a brief description of your luggage. You will also be asked to confirm your return flight information if you are using Disney's Magical Express Service for transportation back to Orlando International Airport at the end of your stay.
Travel Timing:
It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an 11/2 hours to get from the Orlando International Airport to your Walt Disney World Resort as the motor coaches may make up to 3 stops before arriving at your resort.
Luggage Delivery:
It may take up to 3 hours after you check in to your resort for your luggage to be delivered to your room. You don’t however need to be in your room for your luggage to be delivered. Due to the delayed time frame however, it is wise (and advised) to pack any valuables, medications or any items that you may need or require immediately upon your arrival in Orlando in a carry-on bag.
Departure Information:
The day before your departure, you will receive a notice advising you of your motor coach pick-up time and other general information. Pick-up time will be approximately 3 hours prior to your flight departure time from Orlando International Airports.
Resort Airline Check-In service?
Resort Airline Check-In Service:
If you are traveling on one of the participating airlines, you can check in at the Resort Airline Check-In Desk (located in the lobby) of select Walt Disney World Resorts.
Check-In can be done up to 12 hours prior to your flight departure time (but no less than three hours prior) during Resort Airline Check-In Service operating hours (daily from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). You will be required to show a valid government issued photo ID and your “Key to the World Card” (your resort room key).
All Walt Disney World resorts offer Resort Airline Check-In Service, with the exception of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and the resorts along Hotel Plaza Boulevard (near Downtown Disney).
As A Note:
Disney’s Resort Airline Check-In Service is available to any guest staying at select Walt Disney World Resorts (see above) who are flying domestically on participating airlines departing from Orlando International Airport. You do not have to utilize the Magical Express service to take advantage of this helpful and time-saving benefit.
The Pros:
-Saves guests the additional hassle of having to make separate arrangements for airport transportation
-Saves guests from having to wait around for, collect, and then carry, all of their luggage from baggage claim to their chosen mode of transportation (whether shuttle, taxi, rental car, or otherwise).
-Saves guests from having to load up and check-in their luggage on the way home
-Saves guests from having to wait in the airline/luggage check-in lines at the airport (as long as you are flying domestically via participating airlines)
-Saves guests a substantial amount of money (that is best spent elsewhere).
The Cons:
-Luggage delivery may take up to several hours (requiring you to carry anything that you might need more immediately with you in your carry-on bags)
-The motor coach may stop at up to 3 resorts before arriving at yours, making the trip longer than otherwise necessary
-Magical Express departure schedules (from your resort to the airport) run excessively early (thanks in part to a schedule that has the coach making pick-ups at several resorts before actually getting on its way). In addition to having to accommodate for the additional pick-ups, guests may wind up waiting around the Orlando International Airport far longer than you would like.
Rental cars
Getting Around Once You’ve Arrived
To Rent or Not to Rent - A Car, That Is...
Should we or shouldn’t we? Believe it or not, this can be one of the toughest decisions you face. Whether or not you have a car affects not only where you’ll be able to go but how much time and money you’ll spend getting there. The biggest issues in renting a car are convenience, closely followed by cost. Before deciding whether to rent a car, you need to get out a pen and paper and ask yourself a few questions that will help you to determine what effect this will have on your vacation plans.
What exactly are your plans? Will you be heading out to more than one of the area theme parks (counting the entire world of Walt Disney as one park for this exercise)? Will you be taking any day trips or excursions beyond your base destination? For example, if you are vacationing in Orlando, do you plan on heading to the beach for a day or two, to the Kennedy Space Center, or possibly Busch Gardens and the Gulf Coast? If you are vacationing at one of Florida’s white sandy beaches, what about a day or two at Disney, Universal, or Sea World?
Where are you staying - where is your resort actually located? For those vacationing in the Orlando area (as opposed to those spending the majority of their time on the coast), is your resort on theme park property or is it elsewhere? If you’re staying elsewhere is transportation available to the places you want to go if you don’t rent a car and if so how much will it cost in the end?
Also consider that if you are staying at a resort on theme park property, whether Disney or Universal, you will need to think about whether or not you ever intend to venture beyond boundaries of the park. If you plan on experiencing any of Orlando’s other offerings, including other theme parks, recreational venues, and dining and shopping options, then renting a car is recommended.
While park transportation will suffice to make your way around theme park property, having to use a shuttle or taxi more than once or twice to break out of the park’s borders can be both costly and very frustrating. Finding yourself at the mercy of a shuttle schedule or having to wait for a taxi to get both to and from you destination, especially with kids in tow, can seriously cut into your time, your plans, and definitely your finances.
If you truly intend on remaining within the confines of theme park property, then a car is likely not a necessity. It definitely isn’t at Universal Orlando, but you may find Walt Disney World to be another story. While they do offer their own transportation system that could rival most cities’, and you can get anywhere in the Mouse’s House from one of their resorts, the sheer amount of time it takes to travel from one place to another can be frustrating at best. While you don’t need to rent a car, you may want to if your resort is in an outer-lying area.
If the transportation is by bus, and your resort is located completely at the other end from the park you are heading to, you may find yourself on the bus for 45 minutes or more – longer during the busier seasons. You may also find yourself having to switch from one form of transportation to another one or more times to reach the park of your choice, having to load and unload with all of your children and all of your (and your children’s) gear each and every time…and believe me it’s not a pleasant experience…or in any way good way to start off (or end) your day given it’s likely you will find yourself spitting and sputtering expletives that would curl Mickey’s oversized ears (not to mention your kids).
The prospect of doing this each and every day, and for several days, would make me seriously consider renting a car. After having had a similar experience myself with the Disney transportation system, I would wholeheartedly suggest renting a car if you have infants or toddlers (and all their gear) in tow unless you are staying at one of the resorts along the monorail route. If however the youngest of your children are of at leastelementary school age you will likely survive without added expense of a rental car.
If you are staying off of park property and heading to more than one of the area parks (again counting Disney as only one park for now), renting a car is again highly recommended. While many area resorts offer shuttle services, there are both pros and cons to taking advantage of this option, all of which are discussed below.
Keep in mind, too, that you will also need to get to restaurants and shops and possibly the other smaller attractions and recreational venues that Orlando has to offer throughout your vacation, and shuttles are generally a poor option (if they are even an option at all) in such instances.
Cost is a big issue to consider when deciding whether or not to rent a car. Again, you need to make a list of all of the car costs and all of the costs involved with taking shuttles or taxis, and be sure to factor in the extra time using the shuttle may require.
If you have a rental car while staying at a Disney resort, self-parking at the resort is free.
If you choose to drive to the parks, you will also park for free, avoiding the normal $9 daily parking fee. If you are renting a car and not staying at a Disney resort, you will have to pay the $9 daily parking fee at Disney. But there is a bright side. If you are parkhopping, you need only show your parking stub to the attendant and you won’t be charged for parking at more than one park in a single day.
Adding Up the Costs
-The costs of renting a car include the car rental itself, the gas you use, the gas needed to fill up the tank prior to returning the vehicle, as well as any parking fees you may incur to park at the parks, resorts, or other places, and any tolls.
-The cost of not renting a car includes possible shuttle or taxi fees to and from your hometown airport, the shuttle or taxi fee to and from the airport in Florida, and daily shuttle or taxi fees incurred to get to the parks, attractions, restaurants, and shops in the area. An additional extremely important cost to consider is your time and flexibility, both of which are dramatically and negatively affected by not having a car.
-Add up all of the costs associated with shuttles and taxis, remembering to multiply the shuttle and at times taxi costs by the number of people in your party. Be sure to add up the number of days that such transportation will be necessary.
Now add up the cost of renting a car. Consider how many days you will need to park at the parks, if your resort charges any type of parking fees, whether for self-parking (now don’t rub your eyes -- you read that correctly, several of the area resorts actually charge resort guests to self park their cars) or valet, and last, if you will require more than 1 tank of gas for making any excursions. Then and only then can you really determine which is the better choice for your family. The answer may very well surprise you.
If you have made the decision to rent a car, there are now other issues to consider, not the least of which are which rental company to use and whether to buy rental insurance.
There are plenty of car companies to choose from at or near both the Orlando and Tampa International Airports. Each offers slightly different services to entice customers their way, and all offer different makes and models of cars to choose from. I have found the best way to get started is to start narrowing down the search by checking out one of the discount travel sites such as Orbitz or Travelocity, to name just two.
These sites provide an easy-to-read matrix that includes all of the car-rental companies along with their daily rates by type or size of car. With all of the information right in front of you, you can immediately eliminate some of the companies based on their rates alone. I suggest looking into maybe 3 or 4 companies in more detail after that, to check out their weekly rates and what services or extras they offer.
When you are comparing prices that some companies include all of the extra fees like taxes, airport fees, and so on in their pricing; others do not. Be sure to check exactly what is and isn’t included in the price they quote (whether on the web or even over the phone). Make sure you are really comparing apples to apples – or in this case comparing mini-vans to mini-vans.
Another very important detail that you need to know is whether the company is located right at the airport or if it is located off-site, meaning a mile or so away. If it is an off-site location, you will have to board their shuttle bus (with all of your luggage and all of your children) to get to the rental office, where you will then need to stand in line to speak with an agent. Now the ride is really not all that long, but in peak season it can take a half an hour or more (usually more) to get just a short way down the road, to then have to stand in a horribly long line with the other 100 people or so awaiting service at the counter. Now, you may be thinking that one parent could remain with the kids at the airport while the other goes and picks up the car. Sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it?
Think again. Even if you are traveling during the slow season and the ride to the rental office is quick (10 to 15 minutes) and the line to the counter is reasonable (another 10 to 15 minutes) and you pick up your car and return to the airport relatively quickly (yet another 15 to 20 minutes or so), you are bound to be greeted by a group that’s become extremely unhappy and generally unruly after having to stand around the airport terminal for the last hour or so. Trust me - I’ve tried it. If you have younger children, several pieces of luggage and travel gear; just say no. That is not to say that renting “off-site” is an entirely bad idea. For those with kids able to help with the luggage and the travel gear, and who have a modicum of patience, it’s not really an issue - you will likely even save a few dollars by doing so. It simply requires a bit of extra effort and additional time (which of course greatly depends on the time of year as well as the time of day your traveling) both to retrieve your car as well as to return it - and don’t forget that if you intend to make your flight home, you will have to allow at least the same amount of extra time when returning your car as it took you to rent it if not a bit more.
Renting a car with an agency that is located right at the airport terminal itself is in my opinion a better option, especially if you have a larger family (meaning 3 or more children), have a great deal of luggage and gear in tow, or are traveling during peak season. It is by far more convenient to simply walk across to the parking garage to the appropriate level and rental area. Leaving your family waiting just across the way at the terminal in this instance is not such a terrible idea as it would probably take you only a few minutes (once you have checked in at the rental desk on the lower level of the terminal) to get your car, though you could also just as easily rent one of the carts to tote your luggage along with you, allowing you to head out to your hotel a bit sooner.
Consider This
Several of the area hotels and resorts have car-rental desks located right in their own lobby. If you find that you need a car for only a day (or even a few) rather than for your entire vacation, you won’t have to return to the airport to rent a vehicle, you can simply look in the yellow pages or online to find the which rental companies have resort (or even satellite) locations that you can rent from. This also provides an option for those who may decide that their original decision not to rent a car was a serious error in judgment.
A warning, though--prices at these locations are most often much higher than if you rent at the airport making even a 2 or 3-day rental almost as expensive as a weeks rental from the airport, so be sure to check out the costs ahead of time so you can avoid sticker shock later. If the Walt Disney World transportation doesn’t meet your expectations while you are a guest at one of their resorts, Walt Disney World has an Alamo rental office located near the entrance to the Magic Kingdom at the Magic Kingdom Auto Plaza.
You can call 407-824-3470 for more details. Be sure to check with your hotel (as well as in the accommodations chapters ahead) whether it’s located on theme park property or not to see if they offer car-rental services if this is an option that at all interests you.
O.K., you’re finally at the rental counter. This is when you really need to be on your toes. You will be barraged by added fees, taxes, surcharges, gas charges (unless, of course, you have gotten an all-inclusive quote) and - oh, yes - car insurance. Now this requires a bit of homework on your part. Most companies these days will inform you that if your car is damaged - regardless of who was to blame - you will be responsible for not only the damage but also the amount of time the car is out of commission and unable to be rented.
That is enough to scare anyone into buying insurance, with all of the tourists trying to make their way around with the maps they’ve never looked at before held high above the steering wheel. This is where you need to know exactly what your own insurance provides. Be sure to check with your own insurance company ahead of time and ask plenty of questions including (but not limited to) exactly what it is that they (the insurance company) will cover (with regard to not only the vehicle but the passengers and possibly pedestrians that may be involved), how much your deductible will be, as well as a complete list of any and all monetary charges that you may be responsible for should an accident occur. An option to explore if your current auto or homeowners insurance coverage is not adequate may be to take out a rider.
You should also check with your credit card company as many now offer insurance coverage automatically if you use their card to rent your car , others may offer an actual travel insurance plan (which you may already be signed up for so be sure to check). If you find you have some type ofcoverage through your card company, be sure to check with them directly to find out exactly what type and how much coverage is provided. Some companies may only cover select types of cars while others may only cover cars valued up to a certain dollar amount (often times offering additional coverage though at an additional cost). They may also work only as a secondary form of insurance, in conjunction with your personal auto insurance, making it necessary to first make a claim with your primary auto or homeowner’s insurance company before seeking payment or reimbursement from the card company. Often times vacation packages purchased through an agency, airline, or other similar travel service company, may include (or at least offer at an additional cost) some type of insurance, but, again, make sure you ask questions to see if it is what you need if you were to be in an accident. A general rule of thumb--make sure you have enough insurance to pay for the car along with damage to any additional vehicles involved in the accident.
If you find that you don’t have the proper coverage through your own personal or homeowner’s policy, you may find it well worth the extra money to purchase the rental agency’s insurance when you rent your car (though a rough estimate, you should plan on an additional charge of up to $25 per day for coverage through the car rental company). What ever you decide, be sure you’ve read all of the fine print (on both your insurance policy and the rental agreement), know exactly what type of coverage you need ahead of time, and avoid paying for coverage you may already have -- the latter of which you can accomplish by doing a bit homework before you go.
Helpful Hints:
-Always take along your original printout if you have booked the car via your computer. If you have booked it over the telephone, be sure to write down your confirmation number as well as the type of car you have agreed to and, most important, the rate you were quoted. I have often gotten to the rental desk and been presented with a charge for an entirely different amount for the rental--always a much higher rate, even doubled in some cases. If you have all the original information with you, the situation can be cleared up quickly. Sometimes it seems that the two systems (the 800 phone center and the individual counter you are at) don’t always communicate properly. Always double-check what you are initialing or signing before you actually sign anything and be sure to verify any and all charges you are being billed for. Finally, make sure the dates on your rental agreement are correct. You certainly don’t need any unexpected surprises.
-Take the time to personally inspect your car for any damage - preferably before you have even left the rental lot. You may however have a 12 to 24 hour window in which to report a problem so be sure to check your rental agreement or ask the representative at the counter. If you find any damage at all, no matter how insignificant, immediately notify the rental company. This also applies to mechanical difficulties that you may encounter. For example, on a recent trip I noticed that the gas gauge never read full, even after having just filled the tank with gas. I was concerned that I would be charged a penalty fee for returning the car with less than a full tank (the option I chose when I signed the rental agreement) if the attendant saw the gauge registering less that full upon its return. The representative noted the problem on my record and when I returned the car there was no problem. On a different occasion upon sitting in the car I had just rented I noticed that the seat belt was broken and completely unusable. I was immediately given a new car. If you don’t report mechanical defects or damage immediately (or at least within the time frame allotted) you may find yourself faced with some rather hefty charges including repair fees, possibly even out-of-service fees.
-If you start out in Orlando but end up on the Gulf coast, and you don’t want to have to drive all the way back simply to return your car, most car rental companies will allow you to rent a vehicle from one location (in this case the Orlando International Airport) and return it to another (the Tampa International Airport). Some companies charge a fee to do this, however it’s generally rather insignificant.
The Car Rental Companies
Car-rental companies located right within the Orlando International Airport include:
-Alamo
-Avis
-Budget
-Dollar
-National
The advantage of renting with a company located right at the airport is strictly convenience. It is only a short walk to the rental counters to finalize your rental agreement and another short walk to your car once the paperwork is completed. Because the rental cars are kept right in the parking garage across from the terminal, you can easily haul your luggage right to your car or pick up the car and drive it back around to pick up your family and luggage curbside.
Car-rental companies located outside the Orlando International Airport include:
-Enterprise
-Hertz
-Thrifty
If you’re renting with any of these rental-car companies, you may save a few more dollars, but you’ll find yourself having to hop a shuttle (free of charge) to get to the offsite location. The obvious disadvantage of an off-site rental is that you’ll have to haul all of your luggage, as well as your family, onto the shuttle, and then haul everyone and everything all off again, to then wait in line to finalize your rental agreement before getting your vehicle. The other disadvantage to off-site rentals is the added time required to return the vehicle prior to your departure, as you will have to not only return the vehicle but also pack up the luggage and the family to get onto the shuttle, ride to the airport, and then get everyone and everything off the shuttle before heading to the airline counter. Please note that there are other car rental companies located both on-site and off in addition to the major companies listed above.
As A Note:
-Child safety seats (in some instances infant seats and booster seats) are available at each of the car rental companies listed below. Additional charges apply for each seat rented and generally range anywhere from $5 to $10 per seat per day, usually with a maximum charge of between $50 and $60 (per seat).
-Most of the companies listed below offer a variety of online travel services that often include printable driving directions and the local weather forecast (all you need do is enter the name of the city or the zip code of your destination) among others. The services however, vary greatly (as does the ease in which you are able to utilize them) from site to site. As an FYI however, Alamo and Hertz currently offer the most extensive services as well as the most user friendly sites out of the bunch. They are however generally two of the most expensive companies to rent with. Something to keep in mind however is that you can take advantage of the general travel related services on any of the rental car websites you choose - not simply the site of the company you choose to rent a car from.
National
Phone: 1-800-227-7368
Web site: www.NationalCar.com
Located at the Orlando International Airport.
Located off-site from the Tampa International Airport.
Located in the following Orlando area resorts;
-Buena Vista Palace Hotel (in Lake Buena Vista along Hotel Plaza Boulevard)
-Sheraton Studio City (on International Drive)
-Walt Disney World Dolphin (in Walt Disney World)
National offers Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles that range in size from subcompact to luxury, in addition to SUVs, convertibles, and minivans. Childsafety seats are available for a nominal daily fee, but quantities are limited.
Budget
Phone: 1-800-527-0700
Web site: www.Budget.com
Located at the Orlando International Airport.
Located at the Tampa International Airport.
Located in the following Orlando area resorts:
-Holiday Inn Universal (near Universal Orlando)
-Embassy Suites (on International Drive)
-Double Tree Hotel (in Lake Buena Vista along Hotel Plaza Boulevard)
Budget offers Hyundai, Ford, Chrysler, Mercury, Lincoln, and Hummer vehicles that range in size from economy to luxury in addition to convertibles, SUVs, minivans, and passenger vans. Child-safety seats are available for a nominal daily fee, but quantities are limited. They can be guaranteed however if you request a seat at the time you make your reservations and as long as your reservations are made at least 48 hours in advance of the time you will need the car. Otherwise seats are offered only on a first come first serve basis.
Alamo
Phone: 1-800-327-9633
Web site: www.Alamo.com
Located at the Orlando International Airport.
Located off-site from the Tampa International Airport.
Located in the following Orlando area resorts:
-Walt Disney World Car Care Center (in the Walt Disney World Resort on Car Care
Drive)
-Buena Vista Palace Hotel (in Lake Buena Vista along Hotel Plaza Boulevard)
-Walt Disney World Dolphin (in Walt Disney World)
-Sheraton Studio City (on International Drive)
Alamo offers Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, and GMC vehicles that range in size from economy to luxury, in addition to SUVs, convertibles, and minivans. Childsafety seats are available for a daily fee however is subject to availability. A variety of helpful services are available on the Alamo website including, though not limited to, the local weather forecast, point to point driving directions, city information (offered through Yahoo), and a number of road trip games featuring Disney trivia, characters, and world scrambles (along with an answer key) are available to print out to keep the kids busy.
Thrifty
Phone: 1-800-847-4389
Web site: www.Thrifty.com
Located off-site from the Orlando International Airport.
Located at the Tampa International Airport.
Located in the following Orlando area resorts:
-Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration (in Kissimmee off of U.S. 192 on Parkway
Boulevard)
-Sheraton World (on International Drive).
Thrifty offers Kia, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles that range in size from economy to luxury, in addition to convertibles, SUVs, minivans, and full-size passenger vans. Childsafety seats are available at a nominal daily fee, but quantities are limited.
Enterprise
Phone: 1-800-325-8007
Web site: www.enterprise.com
Located off-site from the Orlando International Airport.
Located at the Tampa International Airport
Enterprise offers Chevrolet, Dodge, and Cadillac vehicles that range in size from economy to luxury, in addition to SUVs, minivans, trucks, and cargo vans. Child-safety seats are available at a nominal daily fee, but quantities are limited.
Hertz
Phone: 1-800-654-3131
Web site: www.Hertz.com
Located off-site from the Orlando International Airport.
Located at the Tampa International Airport.
Located in the following Orlando area resorts:
-Shades of Green Resort (at Walt Disney World)
-Buena Vista Suites (on World Center Drive)
-Caribe Royale (on World Center Drive)
-Hard Rock Hotel (at Universal Orlando)
-Portofino Bay Hotel (at Universal Orlando)
- Royal Pacific Hotel (at Universal Orlando)
- Hyatt Grand Cypress (in Lake Buena Vista)
-Marriott Grande Lakes and Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes (on the John Young Parkway)
-Marriott Village (in Lake Buena Vista)
-The Peabody (on International Drive)
-Renaissance Resort at Sea World (on Sea Harbor Drive off of International Drive)
-Wyndham Orlando Resort (on International Drive)
-Gaylord Palms (on the Osceola Parkway)
-Omni Resort at Championsgate (south of Kissimmee)
Hertz offers Hyundai, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Jeep, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Lincoln, Audi, Cadillac, and Hummer vehicles that range in size from economy to luxury in addition to sport utilities, convertibles, and minivans. Child-safety seats are available for a daily fee however quantities are limited. An additional safety feature available through Hertz is the Never Lost system, a GPS (global positioning system) navigation system that can help you find your way while traveling. It is available at a daily fee of around $10.
Computerized customized directions and maps of the area are available at the rental center. If you prefer to have driving directions in hand ahead of time they are available on the Hertz website as are a variety of helpful services including but not limited to the local weather forecast.
Avis
Phone: 1-800-831-2847
Web site: www.Avis.com
Located at the Orlando International Airport.
Located at the Tampa International Airport.
Located in the following Orlando area resorts:
-Embassy Suites (on Jamaican Court off of International Drive)
-Radisson Worldgate (in Kissimmee on U.S. 192)
-Hilton at the Walt Disney World Resort (in Lake Buena Vista along Hotel Plaza
Boulevard)
Avis offers Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, and Hummer vehicles that range in size from subcompact to luxury, in addition to convertibles, SUVs, and minivans.
Child-safety seats are available for a daily fee however quantities are limited. There is an additional charge of $15 if the seat is returned to a different location than it was rented in and a $50 charge if the seat is returned in it’s original condition . Avis also offers a local driving-safety tip sheet that includes local driving regulations, emergency phone numbers, and traffic and weather updates as well as a pocket-sized Quick City Guide that includes listings for restaurants, attractions, and businesses in the area. You can also print out customized directions at the Route Navigator kiosk located in the rental center.
Dollar
Phone: 1-800-800-4000
Web site: www.Dollar.com
Located at the Orlando International Airport.
Located at the Tampa International Airport.
Dollar offers Kia, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles that range in size from economy to luxury, in addition to convertibles, SUVs, and minivans. While Dollar does not rent child seats, they do offer minivans that are equipped with built-in child seats. Keep in mind that these are not appropriate for infants.
Safety Tips When Traveling by Car with the Kids
- Children under the age of 5 must be in a car seat when riding in a car.
- The best place for a child in a car is in the middle of the back seat.
- Children under 80 pounds and 40 inches should use a booster seat.
- Children under 12 should never ride in the front seat.
- Infants under 20 pounds should be in a rear-facing infant seat and always in the middle (for a minivan or SUV) or back seat. Never, never, never place an infant in the front seat.
If you choose not to rent a car, you’ll still have to get to your hotel. As I’ve mentioned, there are taxis, limos, and shuttles all waiting to take you there. Two that offer particularly good service are the Mears Transportation Group and Quicksilver Tours and Transportation.
As A Note:
If you happen to be staying at the Mouse’s house, Walt Disney offers a free shuttle
service complete with luggage assistance, to all of their resort guests (as long as you
make the proper arrangements ahead of time) called the Magical Express. For all the
details be sure to check out The Perks of Staying With the Mouse (at Walt Disney
World).
|
