Although public transportation in Orlando is practically nonexistent and taxis are expensive because of the distances involved, it is by no means absolutely necessary to rent a car when you are in the area. If you are staying at a Disney hotel or purchase a multiday passport instead of buying daily admission tickets to the Disney parks, your transportation within Walt Disney World is free. Outside Walt Disney World, just about every hotel is linked by private shuttle to area attractions. However, should you want to visit the major theme parks outside Walt Disney World, venture off the beaten track, or eat where most tourists don't, then a rental car is essential.
By Car
The most important artery in the Orlando area is I-4, which links the Atlantic Coast to Florida's Gulf of Mexico. However, the interstate actually runs north and south in the Orlando area. So think north when I-4 signs say east and think south when the signs say west. The gas islands at the Disney Car Care Center near the Magic Kingdom are open daily until 90 minutes after the Magic Kingdom closes.
Car Rental
The major car-rental companies represented in Orlando are Alamo Avis , Budget , Dollar , Hertz , and National InterRent ). Fortunately, Orlando offers some of the lowest rental-car rates in the United States. Rates begin at $28 a day and $136 a week for an economy car with unlimited mileage. This does not include tax on car rentals, which is 6%.
Requirements
In the United States you must be 21 to rent a car; rates may be higher if you're under 25. You'll pay extra for child seats (about $3 per day), compulsory for children under five, and for additional drivers (about $2 per day). If you are not a U.S. citizen, to pick up your reserved car you will need the reservation voucher, a passport, a driver's license, and a travel policy that covers each driver.
Parking
Every theme park has a parking lot-and all are huge. In fact, Disney prides itself on noting that the Magic Kingdom's parking lot, with its 12,000 parking spaces, is the second-largest lot in the universe (after Houston's Astrodome). Always write down exactly where you park and take the number with you. Although in theory Goofy 45 is unforgettable (sections of the Magic Kingdom lot are named for Disney characters; Epcot's are named after environments, such as Space and Energy; Disney-MGM Studios' are film genres), a day full of unforgettable experiences in the Disney parks may prove it otherwise. Trams make frequent trips between the parking area and the parks' turnstile areas.
For each lot, admission is $5 for cars, $6 for RVs and campers, and free for Walt Disney World resort guests with ID. Save your receipt; if you want to visit another park the same day, you won't have to pay to park twice. Parking is always free at Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, and Blizzard Beach.
By Mass Transit in Orlando
If you are staying in Orlando proper, you can ride public buses to get around the immediate area. To find out which bus to take, ask your hotel clerk or call the Lynx Information Office (1200 W. South St., tel. 407/841-8240) for more information.
From the Hotels to the Attractions
Scheduled service and charters linking just about every hotel and major attraction in the area are available from Gray Line of Orlando (tel. 407/422-0744), Mears Transportation Group (tel. 407/422-5566), Phoenix Tours (tel. 407/859-4211), and Rabbit Bus Lines (tel. 407/291-2424). In addition, many hotels run their own shuttles especially for guests; to arrange a ride, all you have to do is ask your hotel's concierge, inquire at the front desk, or phone the operator directly. One-way fares are usually $6-$7 per adult, a couple of dollars less for children 4-11, between major hotel areas and the Disney parks.
By Airport
Orlando International Airport gives you transportation information to and from the airport. They have information about rental cars, parking, shuttles, and more.
