SO- Here it is, late Spring, and some of us want a last-chance Disney fix before the Summer rush. Maybe you are considering a weekend visit for Star Wars Weekends at the Studios. OH WAIT- You may be tempted to join in the May 22-23 Meet Up with Lou Mongello as he goes live for the 24 hour show to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation (free plug for Lou, because he's the man!)
Thinking you may have a challenge affording the airfare there and back? Well- I am going to share a secret with you. If you live within, say a day's drive of Florida, here is how I do my Spring and Fall trips: Ready? The Fly in/Drive out or Drive in/Fly out. Let me tell ya how that works...
Many of the rental car companies move vehicles TO Florida during the Wintertime to meet the demand of their reservations. Then, in the Spring, these cars need to be moved back to the cities where they came from (or simply, outside of Florida). They use amazingly cheap rates (and we, the renters) to do this. For example, National Car Rental is currently offering a rate of $10-12/day (depending on size) to pick up at many FL airport locations and drop at airports outside of Florida now through the end of May. BONUS- You can pick up the car at the WDW-Dolphin hotel as well! If you have a family, imagine the savings of money and time by only driving one way! Again- just my secret to share with everyone.
Another thought: I shop at Character Premiere and Character Warehouse on EVERY trip. If you don't know what these are, they are the Disney owned/operated outlet stores where "odd-lot" merchandise from the parks is sold to the public at rock-bottom prices. I love loading up the rental car and driving back with my Spring stash. I avoid the excess bag fees this way. (I wish cheap was sexy).
Always check with each of the rental car company's specials page (or ask you favorite travel agent) to research the dates/cities/rates that apply, as they change each season. In fact, below I have assembled the listing (as of April 30th) to assist you with your transportation planning.
Let me know what you think of the idea? I am frugal, I love Disney, I love being frugal for Disney :)
WDWStevieB
FL One-Way Car Discounts:
National: https://www.nationalcar.com/ (see specials to go section)
$10 - $12 per day (priced by car size)
Pick Up: Participating FL Airports including MCO and the WDW-Dolphin Location (not Sanford)
Drop Off: "Participating Locations outside FL" This is a bit vague on the site, so check your local airport.
through 5/31
Alamo: https://www.alamo.com/ (see Alamo rental car specials section)
$10 - $12 per day (priced by car size)
Pick Up: Participating FL Airports including MCO and the WDW-Dolphin Location (not Sanford)
Drop Off: "Participating Locations outside FL" This is a bit vague on the site, so check your local airport.
through 5/31
Budget: http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html/en/deals/weekday/oneway_savings_daily10.html?&ICID=homepage_right&IID=onewayflorida_2010
$9.95 - $29.95 per day (priced by car size)
Pick up: MCO (or other FL airports, not Sanford)
Drop Off: (Check for specific city/airports): Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
through 6/25 (if available)
Avis: http://www.avis.com/car-rental/content/display.ac?contentId=one-way-florida-US_en-012036&ICID=dl_floneway_0110
$9.95 - $26.95 per day (priced by car size)
Pick up: MCO (or other FL airports, not Sanford)
Drop Off (Check for specific city/airports): Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
through 6/25 (if available)
