TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN ORLANDO
How to save money on car rentals in Orlando. Driving directions to Walt Disney World from the Orlando International. How to handle tolls in Florida with a rental car.
Orlando International Airport is home to the largest rental car market in the world. Renting a car at the airport is often cheaper than renting from an off-airport location.
Rates are highly competitive compared to other cities, so you definitely want to shop around.
A good price for a standard car is about $30 per day but you might be able to do even better. Fun Fact: it usually costs less to rent a car than a stroller at Walt Disney World!
Car rental counters are all on one level at Orlando International Airport
Renting a car saves time getting around Walt Disney World.
Disney transportation is a reliable way to get around Disney, but think of it as public transportation: it will get you there, just not as fast as your own car.
Renting a car also allows you to go between hotels, something Disney transport does not offer.
Often guests need to travel between hotels for dining reservations.
Tip! Book your rental car several weeks in advance but check back often, especially 5 weeks prior to your arrival.
Fare wars are common among rental companies at Orlando International but they can actually increase too, like when a convention comes to town or if it's a holiday weekend.
Avoid pre-pay discounts, if rates go down, you won't be able to rebook!
Many of the car rental companies in Orlando offer an automatic billing option for tolls in Florida. It may not be necessary to stop at a booth.
RENTAL CARS AND FLORIDA TOLLS
Most major rental car companies now offer their customers the option of automatically billing tolls to the credit card they used to rent the vehicle.
You can use the SunPass lanes on 417 (my recommended route) and other toll roads in Florida.
Some rental companies offer SunPass rentals, usually free of charge, other charge an additional fee.
GETTING TO DISNEY FROM ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
There are two main routes you can take: Route 417 or I-4. Avoid I-4, the stretch between the airport and the theme parks is always heavily congested. 417 has a few inexpensive tolls.
To take 417, follow signs for the South Exit of the airport. Then, simply stay on 417 to either exit 6 or 3, depending on where your hotel is located.
Signs on 417 will tell you which exit to take based on theme park and/or resort hotel.
Walt Disney World is about 20 minutes from Orlando International.
When going back to the airport, follow signs in Walt Disney World for Osceola Parkway.
Once on the parkway, follow signs to Route 417 towards the airport. If you follow the airport signs in Walt Disney World, most of them will take you on I-4 which you want to avoid.
Costco Wholesale has consistently offered some of the best rental car rates in Orlando.
They contract exclusively with Alamo, Avis, Enterprise and Budget. Costco's rates usually beat special offers found on the rental agency's official website and the travel websites like Expedia.
A Costco membership starts at $55 but you don't need to be a member to view rates.
If you're not a member, check to see how much you'd save, the savings might actually pay for your membership.
BJ's Wholesale Club is also a good place to check for rental car discounts, though we have found that Costco rates are usually better. A BJ's membership is $50 per year.
BOOKing DIRECT FROM THE RENTAL CAR COMPANIES
This option will almost always cost more than if you book through a third-party unless you have credit card points or other perks to use, this could be a good option.
Alamo Rent A Car is the official rental car agency for Disney with two offices located right on Disney World property.
Offices are located at the Walt Disney World Car Care Center near Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.
Alamo Rent A Car has an Office on Disney World Property
Another office is located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, near Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Epcot.
Alamo operates free shuttles that service the Walt Disney World hotels. If you need to be picked up, or if you’re dropping your car off, you can get a ride!
Check Alamo rates through Costco, they are usually very good.
Alamo has recently reduced the number of online offer codes, opting to post discounts on its Alamo Insiders Club website. Membership to Alamo Insiders Club is free.
Alamo shuttle at Walt Disney World
A great feature that Alamo offers is pre-arrival check in. You can complete all the rental car paperwork online, in advance.
All you need to do at the airport is walk over to the garage, choose a vehicle, then stop drive through window to check out.
Super fast and convenient - plus it's nice to be able to choose your own car. Avis offers a similar program.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is located inside the Orlando International Airport and have a reputation for renting new, high-quality vehicles.
The checkout process is painfully slow compared to the other rental agencies but they offer some of the best customer service in the rental car market.
Someone is going to help you locate your vehicle and go over all its features with you.
Sure it's great service, but not ideal if you just want to get your car and hit the road.
Budget Rent A Car is located at Orlando International Airport with an additional office at the DoubleTree Hotel - Walt Disney World, 2305 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Orlando, FL (just outside of Disney Springs).
Cars tend to be slightly older with higher miles and have a reputation for having poor customer service.
E-Z Car Rental is a smaller company but offers competitive rates.
They are located on airport property - no shuttle bus is required. They are pretty good about offering upgrades at a discounted rate.
Just ask at time of check in. The issue with E-Z is that it's a slow process to rent a car once you arrive at the airport.
First you need to check in at the desk inside the airport. They will spend a lot of time typing on the computer while you stand there and wait.
Then, you walk outside to the garage and stop and another desk for your keys. If they are busy, this can take a long time.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Guide to Disney World Travel Protection
In this article I review Disney Travel Protection, offer tips and answer questions like, How much is Disney Travel Protection? What is the Disney World cancellation policy?
Disney World offers a Travel Protection Plan on Resort Packages to help protect you and your family for unexpected trip interruption while you're on vacation. One of the best features is that your airfare is included, even if you booked it on your own.
Benefits of Walt Disney Travel Protection
How Much is Disney Travel Protection?
The current price for Walt Disney World Travel Protection is $95 per adult. Children age 17 and under are free when travel protection is purchased for the adults on the reservation.
Travel protection can be added at any time prior to final payment and is refundable for the first 14 days after it has been purchased. After 14 days, it is non-refundable.
Key benefits of Disney Travel Protection
You’re covered from the moment you depart for Walt Disney World until the moment you arrive back home, including airfare.
You’re covered if you cancel or interrupt your Walt Disney World vacation, due to illness or injury.
Reimburses up to the total trip cost of the prepaid travel arrangements due to illness, injury and non-medical reasons such as job loss, military service and more
Provides up to $25,000 of coverage if you get ill or injured on your trip
Room-Only Bookings
Travel Protection is not available on room-only bookings such as those booked as Florida Resident offers and group and convention offers.
To protect yourself and your family while traveling on room-only bookings, you’ll need a third-party insurer. ConsumerAdvocate.org recently reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Based on In-Depth Reviews.
Even if you book a Walt Disney World Resort package, you might save money by purchasing travel protection from a third party insurer.
Tips for Purchasing Travel Protection:
Wherever you buy your policy, ask for a quote or even a brochure that can be emailed to you. Websites don’t always provide full details.
Be sure you fully understand the coverage that is being offered to you. Ask questions if you need to.
When it comes to insurance, there’s a lot of confusing fine print. First, determine what is most important to you when it comes to travel protection. Then ask specific questions around that to make sure you understand how you will be covered.
What is Disney World’s Cancellation Policy?
Package Cancellations: Outside of 30 days amounts paid will be refunded. Cancellations made 2 days to 29 days prior to arrival will be subject to a $200 cancellation fee. For cancellations made 1 days or less prior to arrival or for no-shows, the full price of the package is non-refundable.
Room Only Cancellations: In order to receive a refund of your deposit, notification of cancellation must be received at least 5 days prior to your arrival date.
Have questions about planning your Disney vacation? I have answers! Contact me today and get more out of your vacation.
Related:
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
New Details on the First Ever Disney Attraction at Sea
Snow on a Cruise Ship? Disney Cruise Line Reveals Splashtacular New Adventure on AquaMouse, First Disney Attraction at Sea
When Disney Cruise Line announced the Disney Wish a few months ago, we were introduced to AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea.
Disney Cruise Line already shared details about the ride’s original show “Scuba Scramble” — inspired by “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts —which will immerse Guests in a hilarious underwater adventure with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse through show scenes and special effects.
Guests aboard the Disney Wish can experience AquaMouse in summer 2022.
Today, we have more details on what you can expect on the ride.
“Swiss Meltdown,” where Mickey and Minnie will invite Guests on a mountain sledding excursion that will inevitably (and hilariously) go awry.
Splashtacular New Adventure Coming To AquaMouse On The Disney Wish | Disney Cruise Line
When the sun comes out and the snow begins to melt, you’ll be off on a frantic dash to the mountaintop while trying to avoid obstacles like avalanches, leaky rock walls and waterfalls.
The story is inspired by one of the Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” shorts, “Yodelberg.”
Here’s a first look at the posters for both fun-filled excursions! These will be showcased in the attraction queue to let our Guests know which adventure is being featured each day of their voyage.
You can experience AquaMouse when the Disney Wish sets sail in summer 2022! Keep an eye out for more details about Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Digital Brochure Now Available Here!
Star Wars Hotel Brochure available now.
Today I’m please to share with you a new digital brochure for the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser coming to Walt Disney World this spring.
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Brochure provides detailed content on this 2-night immersive adventure, including highlights of the experience, dining and cabins and suites.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Ferrytale Fireworks Cruise Returns to Walt Disney world
Guests who are booked with me can reserve Ferrytale Fireworks cruises starting today!
Ferrytale Fireworks | Walt Disney World Resort
Reservations are once again available for Ferrytale Fireworks:
A Sparkling Dessert Cruise as part of the Enchanting Extras Collection.
This experience invites Guests to climb aboard one of Disney’s most iconic ferryboats for an unforgettable evening on the Seven Seas Lagoon featuring delicious treats and stunning fireworks views.
If you would like this experience added to your package, contact me today.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Time 2021 Dates, Tickets and Exclusive Offers!
Christmas Vacation Packages for Disney World, Christmas Party Tickets Prices and Dates
I know many of you have been asking for details on “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” event and today I have great news!
This Christmas season After Hours Party at Magic Kingdom will include
“Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks”
“Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”
Yes, the very popular Toy Soldiers will be in the parade. the parade will, of course, also feature Santa Claus too!
See below for Agency Exclusive Offers on select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Christmas Party at Disney World
See 2 Fireworks Spectaculars at Magic Kingdom
Ticket holders for the 4-hour “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will be permitted to enter Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m.
Christmas at Disney World Packages
This means you can also take in EARidescent magic that will be part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” from the brand-new fireworks spectacular “Disney Enchantment” to the transformation of Cinderella Castle into a “Beacon of Magic,”
Christmas Party at Disney World
That means you could experience two different and unique fireworks shows in one night!
Disney Very Merriest After Hours Event Dates 2021:
November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30
December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21
Christmas at Disney World 2021
Disney Very Merriest After Hours 2021 Ticket Prices
Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November-December nights and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21.
Tickets will go on sale Aug. 20.
Early Ticket Sales Benefit: Guests of select Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as August 17.
Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $10 discount on select event dates in November.
These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.
What You Can Expect at Disney Very Merriest After Hours 2021
In addition to a parade and fireworks, holiday attraction overlays are also making a comeback! The Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise, and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor will get new jokes perfect for this joyful season.
After the park closes to day guests, enjoy less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions including favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.
Sightings of Disney characters throughout the park all dressed in their holiday best.
While you are walking down Main Street, U.S.A. be sure to look up to the sky, you might catch some magical snowfall!
Dance and boogie the night away at themed Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland.
Enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.
Specialty holiday food and drinks will also be available for purchase.
Disney PhotoPass will offer holiday magic shots throughout the night.
Agency Exclusive Offers for November and December
NOVEMBER 1 - 12, 2021
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
NOVEMBER 19 - 28, 2021
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
DECEMBER 1 - 12, 2021
Magical Vacations Travel Agency Exclusive Offer Posted by Darren Wittko
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Walt Disney World License Plate Approved
Florida Department of Motor Vehicles approves Disney World specialty license plate
I have an update on the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World licence plate.
Florida residents will be happy to know that the official Walt Disney World license plate has been approved!
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a minimum of 3,000 presale orders for specialty license plates.
There were mare than 10,000 orders of Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary plate!
There is no word on when the plates will be sent to vehicle owners, but it’s rumored to be soon.
100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida.
To order a Walt Disney World licence plate, click here.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Magic Kingdom is Ready for Boo Bash
Fall decorations are up on Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom
It’s early August so that means it’s time to start celebrating fall and Halloween at Magic Kingdom!
The first Boo Bash event begins on August 10, 2021 and decorations have are going up all around Main Street USA.
It’s great to see how Disney transforms Main Street USA literally overnight.
I had been wondering about the decorations and if they would be up for the 50th anniversary or if Disney would prefer Main Street to have a more traditional look. Looks like we’re going with Halloween!
Disney After Hours Boo Bash will take place on select nights through October 31. Many of the party nights have sold out, some nights are still available.
The cost is nearly double than the price of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and will have fewer events.
Christmas decorations will begin going up immediately after Halloween.
Disney Very Merriest After Hours will take place from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM on select nights, from November 8 through December 21, 2021.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Sample Rates for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World
Sample vacation package rates for the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World
We now have sample pricing for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opening at Walt Disney World in spring of 2022.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Terminal
The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Vacation package include:
2-night stay in a cabin or suite
Ongoing, immersive and interactive entertainment where choices determine your experience
Food and beverages on the starcruiser (excluding alcoholic beverages) and a quick-service meal at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or other select locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for your planetary excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Valet parking
Exclusive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser databand (that’s a MagicBand to you and me.
Sample prices for Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. Price based on a cabin room for most weeknights from August 20 - September 19, 2022.
All vacation packages are a 2-night experience. Package includes entry to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for one (1) day on day 2 of your experience.
This admission ticket is nonrefundable
Package includes two breakfast, two lunch and two dinner meals per Guest, with gratuity included for dinners; and one quick-service meal
We know that this hotel will open spring of 2022, Disney World has not yet released a date that we can start booking.
I suspect we will know soon as things have recently begun heating up.
For more information on this new experience, visit the official Star Wars Galactic Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Website.
To get notified when booking becomes available, sign up for my Newsletter.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!