






Compare rental car prices from major providers in Lake Buena Vista with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up your ride at Orlando International Airport, the Disney Car Care Center or Disney Springs–area hotels, then cruise to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios or Cocoa Beach on your own schedule. Book early for peak seasons like spring break and the winter holidays to score the widest choice and avoid last-minute markups.
Visitors to Lake Buena Vista have several options for renting vehicles, each offering distinct advantages and considerations.
| Location | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) |
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| Disney Car Care Center |
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| Disney Springs Area Hotels |
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Transportation Tips:
On average, car rentals in Lake Buena Vista cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $25 per day.
Compare pickup spots on our site. Airport desks add 11-18 % in surcharges. Off-site counters like Disney's Car Care Center or hotel desks often beat MCO prices and still give you a free resort shuttle.
Only rent for the days you'll leave Disney property. Use free buses/monorails while park-hopping, then grab a car for beach runs or outlet shopping. Paying $40+ a night for a parked car hurts.
Shift your dates. Moving pickup or drop-off by a day, or traveling in the low-demand Sep-Oct window, can slash rates versus Spring Break or Christmas.
Book with free cancellation and keep stalking. Re-reserve if rates drop—easy win.
Grab the free Visitor Toll Pass at MCO. It dodges the rental company's $5-15 daily toll program and still scores SunPass rates on FL-417, FL-528 and I-4 Express.
Reuse that parking stub. One $25 Disney parking fee works at all four parks the same day—park-hop in the afternoon instead of paying twice.
Where to Park:
| Location | Cost | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Theme Parks | Fee applies for standard or preferred spots | One fee covers all parks for the day if you show receipt |
| Disney Springs | No charge | Multiple garages have electronic signs showing available spaces |
| Disney Resorts | No charge for guests | Use MagicBand or reservation for access |
| Universal Orlando | Fee applies | Multi-level garages have clear signage |
| Downtown Orlando | Fees vary | ParkMobile app works for many meter locations |
| International Drive | Varies by venue | Many free lots offer validation at attractions |
| Beaches (day trips) | Varies by location | Cocoa Beach has both metered and daily fee options |
Key Driving Regulations:
Toll Road Overview:
| Toll Road | Coverage | Payment Options | Approximate Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL-417 (Central FL GreeneWay) | Semicircle around Orlando | SunPass/E-Pass lanes, some cash booths | Varies by distance |
| FL-429 (Western Beltway) | Western Orlando area | SunPass/E-Pass lanes, some cash booths | Varies |
| FL-528 (BeachLine Expressway) | Orlando to Space Coast | SunPass/E-Pass lanes, some cash booths | Varies |
| Florida's Turnpike | North-south through FL | SunPass/E-Pass lanes, some cash booths | Varies by distance |
| I-4 Express | Through Orlando | SunPass only, variable pricing | Varies by congestion |
Toll Payment Options:
Local Tip: If visiting Magic Kingdom, you'll park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and need a monorail or ferry ride to reach the park entrance. Allow extra time (about 20–30 minutes).
A car lets you go beyond Disney property to nearby theme parks, beaches and Central Florida cities on your own schedule.
Universal Orlando Resort – 10 miles (16 km), 20 min on I-4
Kennedy Space Center – 65 miles (105 km) via FL-528 toll
Cocoa Beach – 70 miles (113 km), Atlantic shoreline parking lots
Tampa & Clearwater Beach – 75-95 miles (121-153 km) west on I-4/I-275
Winter Park – 25 miles (40 km), lakeside shopping and museums
Downtown Orlando & International Drive – 20 miles (32 km), dining and nightlife

Do I need a car if I'm staying at a Disney resort?
You don't have to. Disney offers free transportation (buses, monorail, boats and the Skyliner) between its parks and resorts. However, a car gives you more freedom for off-site dining, shopping and visiting other attractions.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Lake Buena Vista?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card. If you are visiting from another country, you should bring your passport and either a license written in English or an International Driving Permit.
Are there age restrictions for renting a car?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also add a fee of about $25-30 per day if you are under 25.
How do toll roads work in the Orlando area?
Orlando has several toll roads. Your rental company will likely have a toll program that charges your credit card for any tolls you use, plus a service fee. Another option is to get the free Visitor Toll Pass at MCO or buy a SunPass transponder.
What's the best way to avoid rental car fees at theme parks?
If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can use Disney's free transportation to avoid paying for parking at the parks. If you need to drive, remember that you only have to pay the parking fee once to cover all Disney parks for the day.
Can I park at Disney Springs for free and take a bus to the parks?
No, the buses from Disney Springs don't go straight to the theme parks. To get to a park, you would have to take a bus to a Disney resort hotel and then switch to another bus. This takes a long time, so we don't recommend doing it just to avoid parking fees.
What should I do if I have a breakdown on Disney property?
You should first call the rental company's roadside assistance. Disney security can also help you fix small problems or tell emergency services where to find you.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations available?
Yes, Disney has put EV charging stations at some resort hotels, Disney Springs garages and a few spots in the theme park parking lots. You can find Tesla Superchargers at the Disney Springs Orange Garage.