Welcome back to planDisney, Amanda!
I am so happy to hear that you have plans to
return to the magic later this year! As an international Guest, I like renting a car to explore Central Florida before flying back to Brazil. I know tolls are a concern when it comes to methods of payment, so I believe it is advantageous to rent a car that already comes with a toll pass that is widely accepted.
Please note that Central Florida Expressway (CFX) is the only toll operator in Florida that accepts E-ZPass. In this case, it seems State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay) would be your option to travel from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort. However, I highly recommend visiting the CFX website to check roadway maps outlining the Central Florida toll roads where E-ZPass is accepted to plan accordingly. I suggest contacting E-ZPass and CFX before traveling to determine what you need to do to avoid double-charges if the rental company Florida-accepted transponder is also in the car.
If you plan to visit other Florida destinations, I find it convenient to rent a car that already comes with SunPass. This pass is accepted on toll roads, bridges, and managed lanes throughout Florida. Their transponders are interoperable, so they are also accepted as payment for E-PASS and LeeWay tolls. I also recommend checking for updates on Visitor Toll Pass, an alternative to rental car toll programs. Although this toll payment solution seems like a good option for tourists visiting Florida, it is unavailable at this time due to the current situation – I hope it returns by the time you visit.
Have you considered using
Disney’s Magical Express to travel from Orlando International Airport? This complimentary service is available throughout 2021 for Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel, and using it means you could avoid
parking charges at your resort. I usually travel from the airport to our hotel with Disney’s Magical Express and
pick up a rental car at the Disney Car Care Center at the end of my visit to continue exploring Central Florida. When you rent from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo or National, they offer complimentary shuttle service to drive you from any location at the Walt Disney World Resort to the Disney Car Care Center to pick up your car. This service is convenient, and you can even get the car in the morning of check out and visit the theme parks – standard theme park parking is complimentary for Disney Resort hotel Guests until midnight on the date of check out.
I hope this information is helpful, Amanda. October is one of my favorite times of the year to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, so keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for news on fall events and experiences coming to The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Best Disney wishes,
Thiana