The system its self is straight forward just really trying to have plenty of small change ready as you approach the Booths. however, some people have chanced either going through the Express Lane or avoided paying at the small unmanned Throw in payment Booths thinking because they are in a Hire car they will not have to pay. Well, the Hire car companies do have everyones Credit card details and not only are they charging the Toll amounts they are charging the fines and  charges imposed to your Credit Card even when you have left Florida.

We have been told that you are “let off” for one or two mishaps but there is no guarantee that this is the case.

A lot of Hire cars are now equipped with their own Express sensor on their windscreens and you can pay a fee to activate this when you pick up your car that allows you to use the Express lanes.

For frequent and visitors who are staying a little longer you can purchase your own sensor which attaches to your car, for approximately $25.00 (Publix & CVS Chemists) which you need to top up as you please. It also gives you a discount on each Booth’s normal fee, usually betweem 5% & 10%. You can also buy a stick on Pass for approximately $5.00 which gives you the option of paying as much as you do use the Express Lanes, also with the discounts.

These methods may help some visitors but the main thing is be very careful that you do Pay at All Booths, one way or another, as the Fines and Charges may be added to your final Car Hire account.

A Very Happy New Year to All Silver Creek Visitors.

Mary & Larry Phillips

Driving in the USA is, for most people, much easier than driving in the UK. The roads are generally wider and less congested (apart from the I4 at rush hour!), and automatic transmission and cruise control add to the enjoyment. We have found that American drivers are much more courteous than European drivers and this may or may not be due to the American perceived right to bear arms.  Certainly it is not generally a good idea to gesticulate to someone who may have a gun in his glove box.

Speed limits, contrary to popular belief, are very similar to the UK and obviously should be obeyed. Speed cameras are happily few and far between in the States, but look out for those sheriff cars parked sneakily on central reservations!

There are no roundabouts of course, but you have to contend with the “four way stops” where there is no clear right of way. At these intersections, drivers must look at the other stops to see if there are any other vehicles stopped or moving. The idea is that vehicles leave the stop signs in the same order in which they arrived. The first vehicle to arrive at a complete stop is the first vehicle allowed to leave the stop sign by the other drivers. It actually works very well, although I can’t imagine drivers in the UK being so patient!

On the subject of all “Stop” signs, it can’t be emphasised enough that “Stop” does mean “stop”. It does not mean “slow down” a bit. Make sure that you come to a complete halt before proceeding. Many Brits have been prosecuted for failing to observe the distinction.

On the plus side, in Florida it is usually quite legal to turn right at a red light if it is safe to do so – but stop at the “Stop” sign first. (There are some exceptions, and there will be a sign at the intersection in those cases informing you that it is not allowed at that particular place).

Finally I come to the “school bus”. I can’t begin to explain the cold sweats that come over me when I see one of those iconic yellow vehicles as there is U.S. legislation regarding passing or overtaking them. Basically, if they stop to let children off, lights flash and traffic from either direction must immediately stop, no closer than 100 feet from the bus, and not move off again until the bus does so, or the lights cease to flash.

Having said that, I have found driving in Florida a comparative pleasure, and it is a great way to explore the real out-of-the-way Florida.

Please do not take my jottings here as any definitive information on US driving, but do take some time to acquaint yourself with the official US driving laws. Drive happy!

Andy Brownlie

2.      Unless otherwise stated, you may turn RIGHT at a RED traffic light providing of course that it is safe to do so. When crossing the road on foot, make sure that you look LEFT first.

3.      When going to petrol stations, you may be required to pay before filling up. All cars use regular unleaded petrol and it is cheaper to use Self Service stations.

4.      If stopped by the police you must stay in your vehicle until the officer comes to you. Do not attempt to get out of the car. If you do not have both your driving license and rental agreement with you, you can be fined.

5.      Should you have an accident, you MUST report it to the local Police. You must not leave the scene of an accident and you must ask for a copy of the report for your car rental company. You should then telephone your car rental company and advise them of the situation.

6.      NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE: It is illegal in the State of Florida to visibly carry alcohol or to have an opened container of alcohol in the vehicle. If you are found guilty of Driving Whilst Intoxicated, you will go to prison.

7.      On multi-lane roads, vehicles in both the outside and inside lanes can overtake you. American drivers in general will not allow you to cut in so make sure that you are in the correct lane at junctions.

8.      Roads are much wider than in the U.K. and driving tends to be easier.

9.      Rush hour is normally between 7:00 and 10:30 in the morning and between 15:00 and 19:00 in the afternoon.

School Buses

You are required to STOP if a school bus stops, even if you are on the other side of the road.

1. It is illegal to overtake a school bus when it is stopped for loading or unloading passengers.
2. You should remain stationary until all the children are clear of the road and the bus has moved off.

When entering a school district, watch out for reduced speed signs.

We stay at our fabulous luxury home in the Davenport area when visiting Florida. Having a car at our disposal means also having the choice of literally hundreds of fabulous places to eat within a twenty minute drive of our home. To start listing the choice of restaurants would take all day, but trust me when I say that if you visit either Hwy 192 or International Drive, you will be absolutely spoiled for choice. There’s enough to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters with an array of choices from around the world.

When it comes to enjoying the full Florida shopping experience, then a car is also a must. The malls around Orlando are fabulous, with our own personal favourites being The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia. However we have found that the best place to hunt for bargains either in clothing or for the home are in some of the large stores outwith the malls. Among our favourites are Marshalls, Ross and TJ Max which can have some great designer bargains if you don’t mind having a bit of a rumage through the rails. These are dotted all around the Disney area, but none would be accessable without a car.

There are also all the smaller tourist attractions like mini golf, medieval times and gatorland which are a fun way to spend your time. If you have any spare after the parks that is!  Often we’re happy to just have a day by the pool, or an evening in the games room on our days away from the theme parks. However once again a car is necessary for getting in supplies of food, beer and ice cream from the local Publix supermarket.

I think my message should be clear by now, without a car would be without options. And there are so many wonderful ones in Orlando that you wouldn’t want to miss any of them.

Have a great visit and please drive with care. 

We have for the last few years used the same company.They are a UK based company where you can select your choice of vehicle, make payment and are then issued with a voucher. I don’t feel the need to name this company just to let customers know to read the small print on the various hire car agent’s websites. In all the times we have collected hire cars we have never encountered this problem before. We had hired from the same company in November and everything was fine.

We originally requested a hatchback vehicle as we wanted to purchase a games table for our villa. The hire company told us this could not be guarenteed as these are very few and far between, not the norm for Florida. We went ahead with the reservation regardless as we definately needed a car and could if need be get our table delivered. My wife selected a car, booked for two people to drive and chose the gold hire option. She paid by credit card and printed the online voucher.

We landed at Orlando MCO and proceeded to collect our vehicle. We gave the agent at the car hire desk our pre paid voucher and both driving licences. He requested a credit card and we gave him the card on which we paid for the booking. He would not accept this credit card and told us it had to be in the name of the person shown as the main driver (myself). He went on to say if we could not produce a card in my name we would not be able to take the car. We explained that we were husband and wife and that I don’t actually possess a credit card. The UK company had accepted the booking on my wife’s card and she was shown as an additional driver. We were then asked to produce a utility bill, he had already seen our passports and driving licences but these were not good enough. Perhaps he just wanted to compare UK gas/electric prices ……who knows. Of course we were not travelling with a UK utility bill (who does) so could not assist him. He went away for about twenty minutes and returned with the manager who told us we were not entitled to take the car we had paid for, however on this occassion they would make an exception and allow us the car. It would have been a long walk to Davenport so we were very happy. There was a lot of additional paperwork and we had to sign various disclaimers but what choice did we have?

Perhaps a lot of readers are already aware that the credit card must be in the name of the hirer but we were not. It did not state this on the UK website and allowed my wife to fill in the online form in my name and make payment in her name. The booking went through fine and we were not contacted asking us to correct the names. As I have previously stated we hired a vehicle from the same company in November using the same details and the same card and did not have a problem. There was no problem with the credit card, just “new hire rules”

Please potential hirers be aware or you could find yourselves stranded at Orlando Airport.

A small device called a ‘SunPass Transponder’ or ‘SunPass Mini Sticker Transponder’ attaches to the inside of the car windscreen just below the rear view mirror.  This transponder communicates with the toll plaza reading equipment via radio frequency.  As the car goes through a SunPass equipped lane, toll charges are electronically deducted from the user’s prepaid toll account.

The SunPass system is used to provide a safe state turnpike system, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by providing a convenient and efficient electronic payment system for Florida residents.  Users must notify SunPass of any change in vehicle, vehicle registration or licence plate.  More than one vehicle can be registered on a user’s pre-paid account, as can more than one transponder.

A SunPass Portable transponder, is available online at www.SunPass.com and at all authorized SunPass retailers.  It cost $25 plus tax. A silver radio frequency shield bag is also supplied when a portable transponder is purchased, so that if the user decides to pay cash at the toll booth, the transponder will not be read when placed in this bag.

A SunPass Mini Sticker transponder is only available at authorized SunPass retailers.  This costs $4.99 plus tax.  The Mini Sticker transponders can not be transferred between vehicles as removal from the windscreen renders it useless

Both transponders allow motorists to have tolls electronically deducted from a prepaid account.  The minimum opening balance for a personal account for either transponder is $10.00

The benefit of using SunPass is that, as well as being a well-organized method of collecting tolls, SunPass customers pay less than cash paying customers.

Violations:

If the transponder is not in the vehicle as it passes through a SunPass lane.

If the transponder is not mounted on the windscreen, unless there is metallic oxide in the windscreen, which will necessitate it being mounted elsewhere.

Pre-Paid Limit Low:

The portable transponder will give out a series of tones: high-low-high-low.  The Mini Sticker transponder has to be checked at www.Sunpass.com ;this method can also be used by the portable transponder.

Payment on line takes up to 2 days to update the transponder, 3 days by payment at a Wachovia bank, or 7 days by post.

Insurance will be included in your standard car rental package.  However, it is best to check that your travel insurance covers you against personal injury whilst using your rental car, otherwise additional personal injury cover is available at the car hire desk.

We have found from personal experience, as well as from what rental guests tell us, that the car hire agents upon your arrival at the rental desk, will encourage you to upgrade to a larger car.  We believe the agents earn commission if the customer upgrades, and we stick to what we have already booked beforehand.  Drivers under 25 will generally find car hire is more expensive.

When collecting your car from the parking lot, it is a good idea to check for any dents or scratches and, if you find any, return to the agent and report it to make sure details are recorded.  You don’t want to find you have been charged extra for any damage, when your credit card statement arrives after you return home.  It is also a good idea to check that there is a full tank of gas. 

Don’t forget to carry your driver’s license and car rental papers with you at all times when using the car.

The car will be an automatic, left hand drive, as driving is on the right hand side of the road.  Sometimes at first glance you may think there is no handbrake – some cars have a foot pedal under the dashboard instead.  It is best to check you are familiar with the controls before taking the car out on the road, and it is advisable to use the air-conditioning and keep windows shut to keep flying insects out.  It is usual that car doors will automatically lock as you start driving – you will hear the ‘click’.

Always concentrate, especially when re-entering the highway again after having parked up at stores, attractions, gas stations or restaurants, that you are driving on the right – it could easily slip your mind!

Road signs (at intersections) will indicate the road you are crossing over.  You can turn right on a red light if it is safe to do so, unless there is a sign stating ‘No Right Turn’.   

Even road numbers travel east/west, and odd numbers north/south.  Keep a few quarters 25 cent coins, in the car for use at tollbooths.  Sometimes they are unmanned and you need to throw the coins into a collection basket. 

Interstate 4 often has heavy traffic in places, and it is best to allow plenty of time for returning to the airport for your flight home.  Stick to the speed limits – a particular ‘Hot Spot’ for on the spot speeding fines, is on the approach roads leading to the airports.

We have found when driving on Interstate 4, there is only one exit that comes up on the left.  This is when travelling east, you will exit at Kirkman, if you want to go to Universal Studios.  You should then keep to the nearside lane.   All other exits we have seen have gone off on the right hand side.

Sometimes driving on Interstate 4 you can get into a right hand lane which you have to turn right on, so if in doubt it is best to keep in the middle lane.

The law states that when a yellow school bus stops on the road, you must also stop, and cannot pass it.  You must wait until it starts moving again.

Also, if emergency services are attending to a breakdown or accident, you must leave one lane between yourself and the vehicles involved.

In the event that you have an accident, it must always be reported to the Police, as an accident report number must be given to the car hire company for their insurance purposes. 

The possession of any ‘open’ containers of alcohol is strictly against the law, both for the driver and passengers of the car.  All drink must be kept in the trunk (boot)

Strict fines will be imposed

That’s the good news now it gets complicated. The main difference between the UK and the US is that in the UK fuel is paid for after it is dispensed, in the US it has to be paid for before it can be dispensed.

Most pumps offer a credit card / debit card pay at pump service. Unfortunately in an effort to prevent fraud one of the first things you will be asked for is your ZIP code which even if you know it, unless it is dedicated to your card it will not work and your post code certainly will not. That means you have to go into the shop and pay up front, either in cash or with a card. If you pay cash you have to guess how much fuel you will need, if you pay for too much it will be necessary to revisit the shop to get the credit. It is easier with a card if you do not use as much fuel as you have paid for, the credit is automatically credited back to the card. As a guide most vehicles will take about 12 gallons from empty, larger SUV’s about 15 gallons.

That’s the easy bit done, following the transaction there is sometimes a time limit for commencing fuelling, often 3 minutes. If you do not start the pump before the time limit expires the payment will be cancelled and you have to start again!

At the pump remove the nozzle from the holster and place in the fuel filler, select the grade of gas required, for the vast majority of vehicles this will be 87 unleaded. On some pumps it is necessary to lift the holster to start the pump. On US nozzles the trigger can be latched open by pushing the spring loaded lever down and engaging it in the ratchet track on the bottom of the hand guard. It is an offence to leave the nozzle on auto fill, you must be in attendance. The auto fill will switch off just before the prepaid quantity of fuel is dispensed, it will be necessary to complete the filling process manually. On completion simply return the nozzle to the holder.

Gas is much cheaper than in the U. K, $45 will fill an average SUV!

Surprisingly Hess gas stations in Walt Disney World are among the cheapest in the area, as is Wal-Mart on SR535 (Vineland Rd). RaceTrac also tend to be cheaper. Avoid gas stations in Lake Buena Vista (just outside Disney) as they are incredibly expensive.  

Happy travelling.

The first choice is to rent a car from an off-terminal company.  They usually have lower rates because they do not pay for the in-terminal space.  The drawback from these companies is that your party must take a shuttle to the car location which means undertaking the cumbersome task of moving all of your travellers and their luggage on and off a shuttle, waiting while the driver rents the car, and then repeating the process on the trip home.  This takes extra time and effort and can be a hassle to your travel experience.

The second choice is to rent from an in-terminal company.  As far as Orlando International, once the paperwork is taken care of, your party takes the luggage across the street to pick up the car.  It is quite easy and there are limited delays.

Now for the savings tips regardless of the company.  Car rental companies generally cannot charge your credit card until you actually rent the car.  I have gone to a general website such as Orbitz to view the car choices and prices for the dates needed. Once you see a car and price of your liking, go directly to the company websites. Consider that some of lesser known companies such as L&M  as they offer good deals and are reputable. You can then view the prices and availability and make a choice.  Now make the reservation and keep the reservation number handy.  Rental rates often change. Every week or so go back and review the rates. Check the rate of the exact car type and dates needed.  If the price is lower, use your reservation number and modify the existing reservation for the same  at the lower rate.  I have done this as many as 5 times and have been able to reduce my price by over $200.

Another tip is with insurance.  Many people in the US have auto insurance which covers you in a rental car.  If you have proof of insurance with you and you are in an accident, there is usually no issue.  The car rental companies will want to be paid for damages but you have to file a claim with your insurance company.  The car rental companies may pressure you to buy insurance and the only benefit (with cost) is that your liability is reduced.  (this is what they tell you) So, if you want this peace of mind, pay the extra cash.  It adds up.

The last tip is about car rental choice.  I have reserved the economy car many times.  The companies are limited to how many cars they have in that class and will ask you if you want to upgrade the car type at additional cost.  I refuse to pay more for the upgrades.  More often then not, they are out of the economy models and they will act as if they are giving you an upgrade for free.  So what, I have gotten models far above the economy model and yet paid the economy price.  Car rental companies make money on the extras such as insurance and upgrades that are on the spot offerings at the rental office.  Be prepared ahead of time and stick to your guns.  In the long run, you will get more for your money.