I admit I delayed about planning this convention trip and am travelling on free miles/priceline/very limited school grant $. My question is: i have never rented from one of the non-majors but these now look like my only bet for a 3 day weekday rental under $50/day. Has anyone done this in Orlando? Companies to watch out for? E-Z rent a car quotes $30 a day which I must admit is appealing. Any thoughts or advice?

I've only rented from the majors that are located on-site in the airport. I can think of Avis & Budget as definitely being in there, but there are a few smaller companies.

I'm pretty certain that Hertz & Alamo are off airport. I'd rather not have to take a shuttle bus to get the car when all I have to do is walk into the parking lot to get it. I usually use Avis.

I would check to see which of the companies are on-site and use one of those.

Has anyone done this in Orlando? Companies to watch out for? E-Z rent a car quotes $30 a day which I must admit is appealing. Any thoughts or advice?Orlando no, elsewhere yes. Make sure you bring a copy of your own auto insurance if you have auto insurance, or at least be able to PROVE (written) that your current auto policy covers you when you rent a car. Fox and others love at the last minute to pull the "did you bring your insurance?" no? then "you'll have to buy our policy for $X per day if you want the car".

Also, go over the car (exterior and interior) with a fine tooth comb. Put down EVERY scratch/dent/imperfection no matter how small and even if the rental car person states they are aware of the condition of the car as you most likely will NOT be returning the car to the same person.

edited to add: I still use the non-majors, especially when priceline won't work, but just beware of the above.

I've used independent companies quite a few times and have had very good experiences. I did return a car in Florida once though and overheard another customer returning who was pretty steamed. The car he rented didn't have current registration tags and he had been pulled over. I suppose that could happen at a major too, but it's just one more thing you might want to check before you drive the car off the lot.

I've never had problems getting cheap rentals with the majors in MCO, but my visits have been limited and may not be representative. If conference is at or near Disney, consider taking a shuttle (like Mears) to the hotel and then renting a car at or near the hotel. I know several if not all of the majors have rental locations near Disney (but hours may be limited). Consider calling the locations directly and asking about rates. I have done this twice or so, getting very good rates and cars in the process, and returning the car at MCO without any additional charges.

E-Z is in the terminal, so no need to wait for shuttles.

One of my all time car rental bargains happen in Orlando with E-Z rental (I actually rented from L&M, but they are one and the same). Luxury car for one week at 185 total, and I got a brand spanking new Infiniti Q45 (2003 model). Too bad that deal is no longer around and likely will never return.

Did you check to see if your convention contracted with one of the majors to offer a discounted rate to attendees? I'm getting a mid-size from Hertz in March for $32/day, which is similar to the other companies and significantly less than the $50+/day Hertz wants otherwsie.