Do you need a hire car?
We usually hire one because it gives us freedom, although our next large-family trip will probably use one car plus Uber and Lyft instead of paying for two vehicles. If you are staying entirely inside the Disney or Universal bubble, a car may be unnecessary. If you want to explore springs, beaches, supermarkets and different areas of Florida, a car becomes much more useful.
Companies we have used
Sixt has given us our smoothest recent collections, with the car ready after landing. Enterprise has been good and Avis often has competitive pricing. Dollar supplied the wrong vehicle, Thrifty was unremarkable, and Hertz was useful for a younger driver but expensive. Costco Travel frequently has strong rental rates, so members should compare it.
Driving differences for UK visitors
Floridians drive on the right. Take time to understand lane markings, school buses, emergency vehicles and right turns at red lights before setting off. At a four-way stop, vehicles generally proceed in arrival order; if two arrive together, the driver on the right normally has priority. Stay calm and make eye contact rather than treating it as a race.
Tolls
Many Central Florida toll roads are cashless. Visitor Toll Pass is available for eligible visitors collecting and returning a rental car at Orlando International Airport, while Florida’s SunPass system offers another option. Compare these with the rental company’s programme because convenience fees vary. Never assume you can simply pay cash at every toll.
Parking
Theme-park parking is a significant daily cost and prices change, so check official park websites before budgeting. Standard parking is normally charged once per day at the same resort when you retain the receipt. Annual passes can include parking and discounts, but buying one solely for a short holiday rarely makes sense without calculating admission, parking and likely discounts together.
Uber and Lyft
Ride-hailing is quick and plentiful around the tourist areas. Our longest typical wait has been about ten minutes, although surge pricing changes the cost. Always compare both apps. It avoids rental desks, fuel and parking, and is the sensible choice when anyone plans to drink.
Disney and Universal have clearly marked collection points; Universal uses a dedicated rideshare area in its parking complex. At a private villa, we prefer using the community gate or a nearby recognisable point rather than sharing the precise house location unnecessarily.
Disney transport
We have used Disney buses, boats, the monorail, Skyliner and parking trams. Most of our family loves the Skyliner, although it will not suit anyone afraid of heights. The monorail can become extremely busy after Magic Kingdom fireworks. Buses are generally well signed and reliable. Pushchairs must be folded on many buses and trams, so sometimes walking is easier.
Best option by group
Couple: a compact car, or a convertible for fun. Young family: minivan or roomy SUV. Large group: compare a large van with one car plus ride-hailing. Disney-only: Disney transport with Uber or Lyft as backup. Disney and Universal: resort transport plus rideshare can work well. Snowbird stay: a car is usually worth having.
Our number-one tip
Download offline maps before leaving the UK. Airport Wi-Fi and mobile service can be unpredictable at exactly the moment you need your route.