TPA/MCO Airport to Ocala, FL

I'm heading to FLA in Jan/Feb and kicking this around ( trying to not
waste money and could use advice from people that have done it).
Flying into Tampa or Orlando ( whichever is cheaper), then:
1. We're gonna spend a day or 2 near disney - Universal.
2. Then visiit family in Ocala
3. Then drive ( with them ) to Naples to visit other family in their
(ocala) car ( only 2 of us and 2 of them so size not an issue)

Last year we rented a car to get from Orlando - only to leave it in the
Ocala driveway until we returned from Naples ( 7-10 days). Cost a few
hundred bucks and we really only drove the car for a few hours. My folks
are in their 80's and I know they are intimidated driving in the "big
cities", so I would not have them meet us/pick us up. So what are my
options ?
Specifically, I'm thinking maybe a shuttle to Disney area hotel ? and 2
days later get a shuttle/rent a car to Ocala area. I could rent a car
one-way and drop off in Ocala, then get another a week later in Ocala
and drop it in Orlando (or Tampa). I could take an aiport shuttle to
Ocala ? But I'm told that they are about $100 each way - 24 hr car
rental is only ~$70 one way and no stopping along the way for us - just
drive the 90 miles and drop it off. So one-way car rental seems best
right now - any local alternatives ?
I checked and perhaps returning from Gainesville (??) What's that
airport /drive like ?
( only 30 miles and if 'not as bad as Orlando Airport' - maybe they
could give me a ride there - I could drive in.)

snipping all but my suggested solution
----------------------------
"- Bobb -" wrote:
I'm heading to FLA in Jan/Feb and kicking this around...
Flying into Tampa or Orlando ( whichever is cheaper), then:
1. We're gonna spend a day or 2 near Disney - Universal.
2. Then visiit family in Ocala
3. Then drive (with them) to Naples to visit other family in their car.
----------------------------
... I could rent a car one-way and drop off in Ocala, then get
another a week later in Ocala and drop it in Orlando (or Tampa).
... 24 hr car rental is only ~$70 one way and no stopping along
the way for us - just drive the 90 miles and drop it off. So
one-way car rental seems best right now...

IMHO, this is your best solution. I live in Gainesville (its a 2-hour
drive from MCO via Turnpike & I-75). When I fly out of MCO,
I compare a 1-day/1-way car rental versus the cost of leaving my
car at an airport car lot. If I'm gone long enuff, renting each way
makes sense.
----------------------------
I checked and perhaps returning from Gainesville (??) What's
that airport/drive like?...

Gainesville's airport (GNV) is a joy to use. Its small, uncrowded,
uncomplicated, and easy to get to from I-75; however, flights are
usually priced significantly higher, and since its not a hub, you'll
need to change planes in Atlanta (Delta) or Charlotte (US Air).
I tend to use GNV only when cashing in FF miles. =R=

Flying into MCO vs Gainesville is about $50 more ( via Charlotte) , BUT
if I don't need that second rental, it'll pay for itself ( if I can get
a ride from Ocala). Anyway, be more convenient rather than dealing with
Orlando.
Thanks very much for the advice.

"Rog'" wrote in message
...
snipping all but my suggested solution
----------------------------
"- Bobb -" wrote:
I'm heading to FLA in Jan/Feb and kicking this around...
Flying into Tampa or Orlando ( whichever is cheaper), then:
1. We're gonna spend a day or 2 near Disney - Universal.
2. Then visiit family in Ocala
3. Then drive (with them) to Naples to visit other family in their
car.
----------------------------
... I could rent a car one-way and drop off in Ocala, then get
another a week later in Ocala and drop it in Orlando (or Tampa).
... 24 hr car rental is only ~$70 one way and no stopping along
the way for us - just drive the 90 miles and drop it off. So
one-way car rental seems best right now...

IMHO, this is your best solution. I live in Gainesville (its a 2-hour
drive from MCO via Turnpike & I-75). When I fly out of MCO,
I compare a 1-day/1-way car rental versus the cost of leaving my
car at an airport car lot. If I'm gone long enuff, renting each way
makes sense.
----------------------------
I checked and perhaps returning from Gainesville (??) What's
that airport/drive like?...

Gainesville's airport (GNV) is a joy to use. Its small, uncrowded,
uncomplicated, and easy to get to from I-75; however, flights are
usually priced significantly higher, and since its not a hub, you'll
need to change planes in Atlanta (Delta) or Charlotte (US Air).
I tend to use GNV only when cashing in FF miles. =R=

"- Bobb -" wrote:
Flying into MCO vs Gainesville is about $50 more (via Charlotte),
BUT if I don't need that second rental, it'll pay for itself ( if I can
get a ride from Ocala). Anyway, be more convenient rather than
dealing with Orlando.

If its only a $50 diff, I'd definitely use Gainesville's airport. Its only a
45-min. drive from Ocala, via US 441 or I-75. The terminal is one-
story with check-in on one side and baggage claim on the other. All
gates (3) leave from the same small waiting area just the other side of
security. An complete interior renovation project will begin in January.

BTW, I have a brother who lives in Ocala. If you want any other info
about this or MCO, just ask. =R=