Episode 459 - First Timers Guide To Car Rentals

Authored by: jcodirewolf on Monday, September 08 2008 @ 09:20 AM CDT

Just an FYI for everyone that is looking into using a SunPass on a rental car.

SunPass Agreement
1.2 User must notify SunPass® of any change in vehicle and/or vehicle registration and/or license plate prior to using any toll facility. Failure to update this information may result in a toll violation resulting in the User and/or the owner of the vehicle used on the toll facility being held responsible and liable for any Uniform Traffic Citation issued pursuant to §316.1001, Florida Statutes as a result of User’s failure to update this information.
Statute 316.101 is a $100 fine.

johno

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Authored by: wdwtodayfanclub on Monday, September 08 2008 @ 10:43 AM CDT

So Newell gets up to the counter and the rental car agent asks would you like the insurance and Newell says , "Oh yeah, cause I'm going to bang the heck out of this car!"

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WDWTodayfanclub

We are not Disney nerds, we are enthusiasts

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Authored by: ssevener on Monday, September 08 2008 @ 10:57 AM CDT

Another option to consider if you're thinking about picking up a SunPass is their new "SunPass Mini" sticker that they started offering earlier this year, I believe. Instead of the transponder, you get a sticker about the size of a credit card that you affix to the windshield - cost is $4.99 and you get that amount back in toll credits upon activation, as opposed to the $25 you pay for the regular transponder alone. The only caveat would be that the website says that it must be adhered to the windshield to work, but I'm thinking a couple of pieces of tape would do the job just as well for temporary installation in your rental car ... and it really wouldn't surprise me if you could also just have a passenger hold the sticker up to the windshield as you're going through the toll plaza, too!

http://www.sunpass.com/MiniWebPDF_E.pdf

Also, another thing worth noting is that this version can't be purchased online in advance, however you should be able to find them near the registers in pretty much any Publix, CVS, etc...

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Authored by: Maz246 on Monday, September 08 2008 @ 01:48 PM CDT

Great show. I just went through the rental car process this past weekend getting ready for a trip to WDW next week. You forgot to mention the web sites that have Promotional codes to use on the Car rental sites. I found a code on one of those sites and got a Intermediate class car for less than an economy car. It was $52 for 6 days before taxes. After taxes $75. And the killer is it was a promo code from the Budget site itself, just not easy to find. Mousesavers.com has a great list of promo codes.

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Authored by: mr. figment on Monday, September 08 2008 @ 07:47 PM CDT

If you're staying at an Epcot resort, do you still need a car? You can walk to Epcot or DHS. You'll have to take a bus to the Magic Kingdom any how. So for me, I'll save the money and buy one really nice Toy Story Midway Mania shirt!

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Authored by: Beckypooh1972 on Monday, September 08 2008 @ 08:45 PM CDT

Great show tonight, guys! I would add how important it is to check car rentals prices frequently with promo codes. Prices fluctuate wildly. We went from about 160.00 to a final price of 111.00 renting from Alamo for next week and getting a midsize car. We really focused on trying to get our car at the airport to avoid the shuttle ride with our toddlers. At first I was really resistant to renting a car when my husband suggested it because we are staying on property this time (9/13-9/20 woo hoo) and I thought why spend the money? However, the more I read about Disney transportation the more I think having a rental car with little ones is essential because sometimes with toddlers you need to make a quick getaway. Also the last time we stayed on property and used Disney transportation the buses were conventional types with rows of seats but this time I've read that the buses only have a limited amount of seating around the inside perimeter so that a lot of people have to stand on the buses, holding sleepy kids, which doesn't sound like a lot of fun when everybody is hot, sweaty, and worn out. We might try the MK buses just to avoid the TTC in the morning but otherwise I think we'll be glad we got the car. Thanks for the tips.

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Authored by: ErwinM on Tuesday, September 09 2008 @ 09:34 AM CDT

One very good reason to take 528 instead of 417 is that by going just a little bit out of your way, you can bypass the toll plaza nearest the airport. Jul and I have been doing this for years.

Head out of the airport on Semoran going toward 528. Instead of getting on 528 from Semoran, keep on going to the first traffic light, which is North Frontage Rd to the left and TG Lee Blvd to the right. Turn left there onto North Frontage. You'll run parallel to 528 for a short distance (and will see the toll plaza on your left) before coming to another light at South Conway Rd. Turn left there and make another immediate left onto the ramp for 528 West. (Make sure you make the correct turn, as the ramp coming off of 528 onto South Conway is there as well...)

If you've rented from one of the off-site companies, you'll be heading south on Semoran toward 528 -- in that case, of course, you'll turn right onto North Frontage.

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Authored by: timsampson on Tuesday, September 09 2008 @ 02:20 PM CDT

Currently listening to this show.
Regarding SunPass...you have to go online and update the tag for the vehicle you're using BEFORE you use it. If you're renting a vehicle, that would be a pain I think. The reason for that is because the computer compares the transponder information to the picture of the vehicle tag that it automatically takes and if they don't match, you will receive a notice in the mail. If you don't straighten it out, you can receive a citation and if you ignore that, your license can be suspended. It's happened to me.

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Authored by: piwackitt on Tuesday, September 09 2008 @ 10:36 PM CDT

I just noticed that the first story on the first page is dated September 9, 2005.
That makes today your 3rd anniversary!! YAY!
Just wanted to wish you all the best and can't wait to hear what you have in store for "Season 4"

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Authored by: TiggerRay on Thursday, September 11 2008 @ 09:38 AM CDT

Going to MK in the morning when the buses run fairly frequently the buses should get you to MK quicker than driving to the TTC and taking the monorail or boat to MK....I'll agree with Len on that. We've driven to MK (TTC) and I'll contend that in the long run you'll still save time and aggravation by driving. If you leave early...like way before closing the buses don't run as frequently so you should save time there. And at park closing, I would think that with the boat to the TTC and leaving in your car you'll be back to your resort before you would waiting in line for a bus, especially if you're not fond of standing on the bus. In addition...you have so much more flexibility with a car even at MK.

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Authored by: ddindy on Tuesday, November 04 2008 @ 10:43 AM CST

I just rented from Budget, and the car was equipped with PlatePass (www.platepass.com). They bill your credit card for all tolls incurred plus a $2.50 per day service charge (up to a maximum service charge of $10). Great if you're in a hurry, on an expense account or don't have cash, but otherwise way too expensive for my tastes.

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