Last week we chatted about driving to Walt Disney World and how to survive the road
trip. But what if you fly…but still want to have the benefit of having a car too?
Welcome to the wonderful world of car rentals!
Sometimes, believe it or not, we might want to go offsite when visiting Disney World, for such things as snacks, groceries, a meal at an offsite restaurant, and this might mean transportation other than Disney’s buses, boats, or monorail. Sooo we look to car rentals…
One way car rentals are not always the best idea as, depending on the pickup and drop off locations, the standard rental could be as much as twice the price. Be sure to compare a one-day rental cost if you are only going to use the rental for one or two days during your vacation time vs. renting for the entire trip. If you need a car the first day or two of your vacation and then maybe not again until the end of your trip – and you are not planning to use it in between – you can save hundreds of dollars by using the car one day, turning it in then spending an hour going to the rental office and renting it again when you need it. Some car rental companies will even deliver to your resort.
Size matters. Why rent more than you need? Do you really need to rent the sports car or luxury vehicle to ride across town to Sea World from your Disney Resort? Don’t pay extra rental fees or gas for that sports or luxury model if all you need is basic transportation. Rent the smallest car you can get!
Got Children – need car seats. If you are flying to your Disney vacation, remember many airlines are charging for extra luggage. Car rental companies also rent car seats. Be sure to check with your car rental company for the appropriate child safety seat when you rent your car. Bringing your own car seat might not be the thriftiest decision.
Self-service gas. Fill that gas tank up before you turn the car back into the rental company. Having them fill up the tank costs you more in the long run. If you fill up the half-empty tank, you pay for half a tank; however, if they fill the half empty tank, you pay for the whole tank! Decline those special fill ‘er up services they have: they cost you more money!
Car Rental Insurance Coverage. Check your own insurance and your credit card options for car rental coverage. If either offer this option, you can decline the coverage from the rental company.
Coupons. Here Google search is your friend. Many times car rental companies have coupon codes on the net but don’t advertise them. Seek and find, you’ll likely find many. All of these codes might not be valid however, if you check out even the first page, you are likely to find a coupon code that will ;save you money!
Happy travels!
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Leigh Anne, originally from Mississippi, lives in North Alabama with her husband and a menagerie of furry kids (FIDS), including dogs, cats, exotic birds, fish and a lionhead rabbit. Figment, her African Grey parrot, is named after Disney’s small purple dragon, Figment. She works as a motivational speaker and pastoral counselor. In 1974, Leigh Anne marched with the Enka High Marching Band in the Magic Kingdom daytime parade. Leigh Anne fell in love with Disney while on her Disney honeymoon with her husband in 2002. They have made an annual trip back to Disney to celebrate their anniversary every year since. Since they own a piece of the mouse with their Disney Vacation Club (DVC), some years they go twice! She also plans to be the grandmother that introduces all her grandchildren to Disney World first. She has a great start ~ 2 out of 3 so far! As a DVC member married to the best Disney shopper in the world, Leigh Anne has lots of experience in finding the most frugal way to have the most fun in the parks and resorts! Leigh Anne admits to being spoiled as a DVC member but is always on the lookout to keep their WDW vacations fun and frugal!
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