Hi Carrie,
Welcome to planDisney! Renting a car when coming from Orlando Sanford International Airport is a worthwhile splurge. It can be a bit longer of a trek and that cost adds up if you are using a rideshare. We regularly fly into this airport and rent a car to get over to Disney World. We like having a car with us while at Disney World because it gives us extra flexibility on days we are running behind getting to a dining reservation or just want a little bit of quiet on our way to and from the theme parks.
Once you get to your Disney Resort hotel,
parking is complimentary. You will drive through the main entrance to your Resort and show them your ID. They will look up your reservation and confirm for the hotel that you will have a car with you. I have never had to provide my license plate details ahead of a trip so I would not worry about this. During your stay, you will be able to either leave your car and take advantage of
Disney transportation or drive to the theme parks where standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of Disney Resort hotels.
Direct-to-Room Service is one of my favorite benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel. I always check in before I arrive because there is nothing better than parking your car and heading straight to your room to change and relax before hitting the theme parks for some fun! If you are arriving later in the afternoon or evening, you will get a text message when your room is ready and you can head straight there without checking with the front desk. If you are arriving earlier in the day, you can leave your luggage with
Bell Services while you explore then head to your room later in the day. They will deliver your luggage to you after you arrive back in your room!
Happy Planning,
Jenna