Renting a Car in Orlando
Is It Worth It?
Why Rent a car?
Renting a car in Orlando gives you the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to explore on your own schedule. Whether you’re rope-dropping Magic Kingdom, catching a nighttime show at Universal’s Cinematic Celebration, or heading out for a beach day at Cocoa Beach, having your own vehicle means no waiting for hotel shuttles or costly ride shares. In this Car Rental 2025 Guide we will look at these options.
While Walt Disney World has now removed daily parking fees for its resort guests, Universal Orlando still charges $30 per night for hotel parking. Many off-site hotels offer free parking, and vacation home rentals usually don’t have parking fees either. However, keep in mind that theme park parking is still an additional cost:
•Walt Disney World: Standard parking starts at $30 per day, with preferred parking costing more. (Parking is free for Disney resort guests.)
•Universal Orlando: Standard parking is $30 per day and $10 after 5 PM (excluding Halloween Horror Nights).
One perk of renting a car is that you can visit multiple places in a day without relying on bus schedules. Want to start your morning at Animal Kingdom, take an afternoon break at Disney Springs, then end the night at Universal CityWalk? A car makes it easy.
Choosing a Rental Car
How to Pick the Right Car
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., so there are plenty of rental companies to choose from, including Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, and Enterprise. If you’re flying into Tampa (TPA), Miami (MIA), or Sanford (SFB), you’ll also find rental options there.
To find the best price, we recommend searching a comparison site like USCarHire.com, which we’ve personally used and recommend to others and found them to offer great deals.
Consider how much luggage you’ll have—playing suitcase Tetris in a parking garage after a long-haul flight is not fun! Most rental sites display luggage capacities for each car type. If in doubt, size up. A slightly larger car is worth it for extra comfort, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Extra Tip: When selecting a car, think about Florida’s weather. A convertible sounds wonderful, driving with the sun on your face—until an afternoon downpour soaks everything! An SUV or mid-size sedan with good A/C is a safer bet for those humid park days.
Our Experience
On our 2023 Orlando trip, we traveled as a family of three (two adults and a child) from the UK for four weeks. Our luggage included:
- 3 large suitcases
- 3 cabin bags
- 2 backpacks
- A large stroller
- A car seat
We rented an intermediate SUV, and everything fit comfortably—no squeezing bags into every inch of space!
On-Airport vs. Off-Airport Rental Pickup
Some rental companies require a shuttle ride to an off-site location. While these rentals are sometimes cheaper, they add extra travel time—not ideal after a 10-hour flight with exhausted kids.
If convenience matters, filter your search for “in-terminal” rental options at MCO. This way, you can pick up your car and be on your way to Spaceship Earth or Hogwarts in no time.
Hidden Costs: Fuel and Tolls
Fuel: How to Avoid Overpaying
At the rental desk, they’ll ask if you want to prepay for fuel. We always say no—it’s almost always cheaper to fill up yourself. However, if you’re in a rush and don’t mind the premium, prepaying could be worth the convenience.
Pro Tip: Gas stations closest to the airport charge extra. Drive a few miles away to save money.
Tolls: What You Need to Know
Orlando has a lot of toll roads, including the 528 (Beachline Expressway) and 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay). If you’re not prepared, rental car toll programs can charge hefty fees.
The best option? The Visitor Toll Pass at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
- Clear, upfront pricing, no hidden nasties
- Low deposit to book
- Full insurance included (proper coverage, not the “read the fine print” kind)
- Young driver packages available
- Loads of pickup locations — super easy
- Popular car types can book up fast — don’t hang about
- Young driver packages cost extra (but still cheaper than many others)
- Some smaller locations have fewer car options
What is the Visitor Toll Pass?
A temporary toll transponder that lets you pay electronically at the lowest rate (up to 80% cheaper than cash or rental car toll programs).
Pick it up at designated kiosks in MCO’s Terminals A, B, and C.
Download the app before your trip and set up your payment method.
At the end of your trip drop the tag in one of the drop off boxes at Orlando International Airport and you will be charged for your toll usage. Spending can be monitored on the app.
Important: The Visitor Toll Pass is only available at MCO. If you’re flying into another airport, here are some other options:
Ways to Avoid Extra Toll Fees:
Use Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze and select “Avoid Tolls”—this may add a few minutes to your drive but could save money.
Pay cash at toll booths (some still accept it, but many are now cashless).
Bring your own E-Pass or SunPass (available at Publix, CVS, and Walgreens). If you buy one before your trip, remember to register your rental car’s license plate once you pick it up.
Final Thoughts Is a Rental Car Worth It?
If you’re only visiting Disney and staying on-site, you might be fine relying on Disney’s free transportation—though it can sometimes be slow. However, if you want to explore Universal, shop at outlets, or visit nearby attractions, a rental car is a game-changer.
For more driving tips in Orlando, check out our Orlando Driving Guide for International Visitors.
