BuffettNews.com

Hey All,
We leave for Orlando/Anna Maria Island in about a week & a half and need to rent a minivan for the six of us for 11 days. I think we'll need to rent at the airport since we're flying into Sanford at 11pm. The weekly rate doesn't seem bad, but when you start adding on those extra days it really takes a jump. Does anyone have any tips on how to save some $$$?

Last year was able to save 50% off my rental with hotwire...
Maybe worth trying

We have had luck with Priceline. Look up some info on how to bid with Priceline before proceeding. We saved quite a bit of money. Good luck.

You're going to love AMI and the whole area. Don't forget to go to St Armands in Sarasota for dinner, people watching and shopping. Beautiful shops with local artists displaying their talent (unless the economy has tanked them too).
For the softest sand ever, Siesta Key, worth a visit.
Report back now with restaurant reviews. We plan on going next year and haven't been to the area in 4 years!! Have fun.

we too did Hotwire for the car rental and saved a bunch

Vans are so expensive to rent. If its not too inconvenient for you, you may save a lot of money by renting 2 cars instead (as long as you have two people who can drive). Gas likely wouldn't be too different....the only factor that may cost more is if you have to pay for parking at many places.

Will you need the car before you leave Orlando? It might be cheaper to take a cab to Disney then rent the car when you're ready to go to AMI, or your hotel might have a shuttle service.

Thanks for all the replies - I'm listening. We've thought about the two cars vs. the van thing. I'm a little nervous about driving in the Orlando area though. We've also considered not getting the van till we go to AMI but I don't think any hotel shuttles go to Sanford Airport and I don't know how hard it would be to rely on taxis. We usually do road trips so are used to having our own vehicle. I'll try Hotwire and Priceline next and maybe do what C-Dawg suggested. You're all so much help - thank you!
We're thinking about staying at the Hawthorn Suites on Canada which would only be a block off International Drive. That way our boys, who have no desire to go back to Disney, can hook up with the I-Ride Trolly to do stuff while we're at Disney with our daughter.
And, Summerlover, I'll do my best to report in on the restaurants. I'm a little more interested in the beach bars though! I will make it a point to get to Siesta Key. Thanks again everyone - you're the best!

Here's a list of ground transportation: http://www.orlandosanfordairport.com/ta ... huttle.asp

I don't know whether they have one big shuttle company that will take you everywhere, but for six people, I will guarantee you that a cab will be a cheaper option than the shuttle.

Oh- forgot to suggest Priceline for the hotel as well. We've had nothing but good experiences. www.betterbidding.com has a calendar of wins, so you can see what people are getting for that time period/area. Biddingfortravel.com does as well, but they have a history of banning people who participate in any other travel forum.