You know when you do something new on a vacation and it makes you feel like you’re #adulting? Well, that just happened to me because I rented a car for the first time!
I headed down to Orlando for a visit to Disney World and Universal Orlando and decided to ditch my usual Uber ride. Since I wasn’t staying at a Disney World hotel, it seemed like the perfect time to try out a rental car…and as prepared as I was, I can’t believe I didn’t see this coming.
Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the entire country. That’s why you see warnings to get there hours in advance and lengthy security lines! So tell me why I didn’t think to prepare for long rental car lines?!
I triple-checked my reservation and had everything ready to go, but what I forgot to do was check my patience. Maybe it’s because everything went so smoothly on my way out. Maybe it’s because it wasn’t very busy on a Wednesday morning at my home airport. Or it could be because I’m an Aries, but I fully forgot to adjust my expectations on how long it would take to check in at the rental car counter.
For this trip, I chose Budget and it took about 45 minutes to get to the counter from when I hopped in line. As I waited, I noticed Budget and Avis were the only car rental companies with a long line — people were walking right up to the counter at nearly every other company I saw. It depends on the time of day and even the time of year on the lines, but it was something I wanted to note.
When booking the rental car, Budget was the cheapest by far for my dates of travel. So although I didn’t save time, I did save some money for other activities on the trip.
Luckily once I made it to the counter, it was a super smooth process. That was also because I completed the check-in online ahead of time which helped speed everything up. Then it was time to find the car and I was off to the hotel like that!
Many Disney fans want to pack their trips with as many things as possible, and while that’s understandable, remember to allow for some extra time to get your rental car at the airport.
I made a dining reservation at Steakhouse 71 for 5PM, however, I almost made a lunch reservation so I could cram in even more activities that day. It ended up being the right decision because I would have missed it due to the rental car line! Give yourself extra time and try to take in the fact that you’re on vacation. I get it — you want to get on with the trip because you’re excited but my motto is if it’s out of your control, let it go!
There are SO many factors to think about when traveling, but don’t make my mistake! Temper your expectations on how long things like getting a rental car will take to avoid as much frustration as possible.
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Have you ever rented a car at Orlando Airport? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments.
I check in online and walk out and get in the car. No waiting in lines with Alamo
I never reserve in terminal C because I am a hertz gold rewards member and they do not allow me to pick my own car. I take the tram to terminal A or B where I can choose my own car. I made the mistake of picking it up when terminal c first opened. Never again..doesn’t take thay much more time to go to terminal A or B
I used Budget Fastbreak program last month. I walked right to the garage, picked up my documents, and drove out with no waits. Loved it. I did notice the line at the counter was very long while most other companies had very few waiting. Odd….
That’s why there is Turo. You know exactly the vehicle you will be getting with no lines. Car will be waiting in the parking lot for you. Individual cars and hosts are reviewed by guests.
Never really had any issues. A matter a fact the car we chose was not back . They gave us a upgrade at no extra cost. Just said to go pick a car. The only suggestion is do leave a bit early to return your car. To get into MCO is a challege to drop off the car with traffic missed the return area and had to go around the whole airport.
If you book skip the line with Alamo, there’s no line at all! And Alamo employees are the best! Love walking to our vehicle, getting in and heading to the World.
This is why I book exclusively with Alamo! Just walk out, choose your vehicle and hit the road. It has always been flawless.
Alamo is the best for avoiding the line. Check in online, print out the form, skip the counter, go directly to the cars, choose your car, drive to the check-out booth, show them your printout, license and credit card and be on your way. But since your photo in the story shows that you were in Terminal C you have to allow at least half an hour to get from the gate to the rental car area.
It was terrible! I was charged 3 times the amount when returning rental car. I am,still dealing with customer service. Never again!
Take advantage of rental car companies like National that do an Emerald aisle where you skip the counter. No lines.
I was just in Phoenix two weeks ago. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get a car from budget. Plus, the car was twice what I was quoted at the end oc the period. Two weeks later later, I’m still waiting for my $400 deposit. Budget is the very WORST Rental car company in America. Use anybody else.