I'm planning our family's first trip to Disneyworld. Are there any rental car companies at or near MCO that should be avoided, because of inconvenience, long waits, vehicle nightmares, or otherwise? (I know there are some Hurricane Charley related problems going on right now, but our trip is 9 months hence, so that shouldn't be a factor.)

I don't have a specific answer, I usually look for the best deal I can get. But I will suggest this. Whatever firm you're thinking of renting from, go online and join their free "club". I've been particularly successful with Dollar's "Fastlane". It's free and easy to join, and they'll even send you a couple upgrade certificates. What's more when you arrive if there is an hour wait for cars, you go to the immediate "Fastlane" to get yours. I'm convinced I'll never rent a car again without joining their "club".

I would avoid Alamo because they are off site at the airport. You should check to find out who has rentals available onsite. This will save you time and inconvenience! I learned the hard way! Good Luck!

Actually, I think what is most important is WHEN (day of the week and time) you get into Orlando. We arrived in Orlando on a Friday late morning and the airport was an absolute mob scene. We went to Hertz (off-site) and there was a long, long line and wait. My companion and I had to return on different days and on both Wed. morning & Thurs. afternoon the airport was quiet and we each went early expecting long lines after seeing it Fri.. When the car was returned (Thurs. afternoon) there's was no one there. So, we expect a lot of people try to make it down to Orlando on Friday for a long week-end and pretty much everywhere there will be long lines and delays, but if you fly in mid-week it would be much quieter.

I love budget rental cars and usually I can find a good deal at MCO. If you sign up with their fastbreak program, you can bypass the rental counter and go right outside into the parking garage...show them your DL and pick which vehicle you want and drive away....simple as that. Their cars (and most other rental cars) are located at the airport really close outside the main terminal.

Alamo now is located at the airport. They are apparently sharing a counter and cars with National Car Rental. Can't comment on their service.

I would avoid Alamo at all costs. We went to Orlando last summer (4 adults, 3 kids) and rented a van from Alamo. Their vehicles were all beat up and we had a flat tire during the week we had it. When we called from the highway to report it, they said they could send someone out but we would have to pay extra. When we turned the van back in, they accused us of causing scratches on the bumper (which had been there when we picked up the vehicle but because we arrived late at night, there was no one to report this to). When I got home I had a charge on my credit card for gasoline even though I filled up the tank just outside the airport.

I arrived at Orlando one time at about 1:30am on a Friday. Dollar had one person working the counter and she moved so slow she must have been a former postal counter worker. It took her an hour to rent cars to five people.

When I got to the counter she tried to tell me the Dodge Stratus she was giving me was premium class car. :whatever: I just took the keys and got on the road.

The one good part is that it's a short walk to their area in the garage.

Yes; sign up for the fastbreak (or similar) when renting.

In my background of traveling i found that getting a car rental off airport property should be avoided if possible. I find that the prices are more expensive. A company i would look out for is National, i find them extremely expensive.