You Can Finally Avoid This Rental Car Scam in Disney World

There are plenty of ways to get from Orlando International Airport to Disney World.

You can always use rideshare services, which could be cost-effective if you have more than a few people in your group. There are also shared shuttle options like Mears Connect. However, another option is to rent a car. But we’ve got to tell you something about car rentals in Orlando.

If you don’t already know, driving from the Orlando Airport to Disney World means you will have to travel on toll roads. If you’re not used to that, it can get confusing about what you need to do. Most of the toll roads in the Orlando area no longer have toll plazas where you can pay with cash. Instead, people use transponders in their cars linked to their toll account, or they are billed by the expressway authority under a “pay by plate” program.

Rental car companies know this, and many of them will try to rent you a toll device for a fee of $10 to $20 per day. All we can say is just say “no,” friends.

The state of Florida has a program where you can sign up to pay the actual toll instead of that upcharge. This is especially good if you’re going to the Disney World area because you only have to pay for toll roads to and from the airport, and if you use the rental car company’s device, you’re paying a daily charge during your vacation when you’re not even driving on toll roads!

Orlando-Sanford Airport Parking Garage

The state’s program is called Visitor Toll Pass and it’s FREE for on-site rental car customers. With the pass, you’ll always pay the lowest toll rate throughout Florida without additional costs. It’s available for pick-up and return at Orlando International Airport.

Here’s how it works: you can download the Visitor Toll Pass app on your phone and follow the instructions to reserve your pass. Once you get to Orlando International Airport, scan the barcode in the app at the Visitor Toll Pass vending machine located on Level 1 in Terminals A and B or on Level 4 in Terminal C. You’ll get a tag that you need to hang on your rental car’s rearview mirror.

Visitor Toll Pass vending machines near the rental car counters at Orlando Airport’s Terminal C.

The pass will pay your toll electronically using the bank or credit card information you provided in the app when you drive on toll roads. Now you’ll be paying ONLY the actual toll, rather than any upcharges or toll device rental fees. When you return your rental car, there will be boxes nearby to return the toll tag, as well.

Visitor Toll Pass return box

There you have it! With a little advance planning, you can save some money and avoid paying unnecessary charges during your next Disney World trip! Check back with AllEars again soon for more!