I was in Orlando for the industry meetup at the IAAPA Global Headquarters April 23-24 and was searching for a vehicle to rent. Enter the best kept secret for those flying into MCO. I own my own business, so ROI is everything. Full disclosure, I have a “Fast Track” account with Avis/Budget, I belong to the travel clubs of Hertz, Alamo/National…. you get it. I traveled to Orlando April 23-24, 2025. EVERY on-site rental agency was $225 (+/-); so am I willing to wait a little longer to go off-site to get a rental for a similar vehicle (Hyundai Santa Fe) for $76.75- YES. There’s no difference between the fleet cars I’ve rented from the agencies at the airport and those at Fox. They have just as low mileage, clean, no dents, etc… Once I arrived at their location Wednesday morning- from the time I got off the bus to the time I was on my way was about 5-7 minutes.
The trip went as planned… then came the check in. Upon getting my belongings out of the car and proceeding to the waiting area for the MCO bus I did my routine: “do I have everything” check. No wallet. I looked everywhere and assumed it was left at the gas station down the road I topped off at. Although I had already checked the car in, Antonio allowed me to take the car to retrace my steps but turned up nothing. I’ve never lost or had my wallet stolen- so new territory. EVERYONE on staff I encountered were very gracious and beyond helpful and understanding. Having never lost a wallet I was unsure if I’d be able to get through TSA without a license- and from searching and retracing steps I was also, now, short on time to even make my flight. Antonio was proactive and spoke to his manager who told me that in the event I missed my flight, they’d keep my car for me.
They got me to the airport and I arrived at the gate moments before the doors closed and made it home. This morning I received a call from Donerys Cuevas saying that someone had located the wallet and placed it on her desk.
Donerys was very helpful and is sending my wallet to me (though everything was canceled within minutes of me assuming it was gone forever and I only carry as much cash as I think I’ll need.- so if someone had stolen it, they would have made off with a deactivated credit card, debit card, gift card… and $3. But it had my drivers license, which made me nervous to not try and find.
I’ve rented from them many times in the past since discovering them “word-of-mouth” a few years ago. I travel to Orlando for business on a regular basis and can say I rent from them an overwhelming majority of the time, perhaps 90%+. I have those other agencies I use as well, but Fox isn’t at every airport. I have never had a bad experience with them. I’ve never had an issue with the vehicle I’ve rented from them. I’m VERY appreciative to the staff that was on hand 4/24 around 9pm that helped me in any way they could- and Donerys could not have been more helpful this morning. Thank you!
What’s interesting is that on the morning of 4/23, while Clete and I was recording our podcast- went off on a tangent about how guests who receive great service and tell the employee the obligatory “thank you” but also vow to write a great review/recommendation, etc….. then proceed to do NOTHING. Little did I know I would be challenged to put action to my words so quickly…
As a side note, just a heads up to people renting on something I misjudged; this is not Fox Rental’s fault. I only brought $10 cash with me; assuming if my wallet would get stolen I want a small footprint. I know that the tolls from the airport to the resort areas is $3 each way and I go through the cash lane- then keep $4 back for transportation “tips.” I’m going to receive several $15 adm fees from the tolls I hadn’t planned on… Orlando has added another toll location on 528 that has no booth; then I had an unexpected trip north of downtown with three toll areas… and no booth. then trying to retrace my steps to find the wallet will be hit a couple more times. So, I mention that to say that Orlando seems to be moving away from “cash” toll booths. Plan accordingly.
Thank you Donerys and Fox Auto Rental!
