Orlando - Worst places to refuel the rental car near MCO

Meant to post this a while back but stopped going to MCO frequently and it slipped my mind. Was reminded last night during a massive rainstorm, trying to refuel and return the car before running over the "24-hour" period.

The two gas stations closest to MCO on Semorran/SR436 routinely double the going rate for gas; yesterday the Shell on 436 was charging $4.99/gallon for regular unleaded, and the station directly across the street (Energy Solutions or some weird name like that) was charging $4.97 for the same. About half a mile down the road, away from the airport, is a 7-11 charging $2.60-ish which is right in line with the general area. I first saw this over a year ago, maybe longer, so if they're still doing it, I imagine those two stations are *always* priced like that.

I know lots of gas stations charge a little more based on location but the doubling of the going rate seems quite extreme. What's worse is these stations do not post their prices on the usual gas station signs; you don't know what you're paying till you get to the pump, and if you're not paying attention, you won't notice till you get the bill.

Always prudent to check what you're paying to fill up anywhere, but in a strange city when you're trying to drop off the car and catch a flight, it's easy to let it slide. Never seen anything so extreme (other than the Exxon in DC right next to the Watergate building) and wanted to warn folks traveling to Orlando: do not wait till the last gas station to get your fuel, and take the minute to check the price before you pump! On a half-tank in my Dodge Caliber rental, that's a $30 difference.

Alas, the gas stations have claimed another victim. I'm sorry to hear it was you.

There have been many, many complaints about these two stations. From what I remember, the Orlando City Council finally took action and I think the two gas stations will be required to post prices beginning this month. Read this http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/florida/624077-mco-gas-station-ripoff.html

They got me last time, but this time I scampered away after checking the prices. I was really surprised they were still at it, over a year later! Glad to hear they're going to have to start putting up signs though. ^ to the city council!

It looks like November 15th is the date when they must post prices.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-gas-gougers-regulations-20101004,0,750861.story

The BP on Narcossese rd was 2.89 on Monday.

It looks like November 15th is the date when they must post prices.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-gas-gougers-regulations-20101004,0,750861.story

As of today, at least two stations have not posted signs and they are continuing to sell gas at around $4.79 a gallon or higher. The average price for Orlando is about $2.77.

As of today, at least two stations have not posted signs and they are continuing to sell gas at around $4.79 a gallon or higher. The average price for Orlando is about $2.77.

The gas stations must have got an injunction.. that or their signs are a malfunction.:eek:

Leaving the Orlando Airport Rennaissance, I asked the front desk about where to refuel on Dec 29th. The lady told me to go further than the first station, as she said it was charging double the going rate (which is over $3 so I'd guess they're charging about $6 or more) so to go further to 7-11 which was another half mile away. I passed the station she was referring to on Semoran Blvd, and no, they did not post their prices at all. I filled up at 7-11 for regular prices. I guess they don't have to list prices - man they must be happy campers at that station! No business from me, though.

Leaving the Orlando Airport Rennaissance, I asked the front desk about where to refuel on Dec 29th. The lady told me to go further than the first station, as she said it was charging double the going rate (which is over $3 so I'd guess they're charging about $6 or more) so to go further to 7-11 which was another half mile away.

Yes, exactly what I always do. Best solution.

I gassed up at Sev after the first toll booth (I think on 436.. its the highway up to MCO from Universal Blvd). $3.07 per gallon. This was located before the second toll booth closest to MCO. Is this the 7-Eleven you guys are talking about?

The worst place to refuel near MCO is, in my opinion, anywhere near MCO!

I almost always rent from Alamo, Thrifty, or National when I'm in Orlando, and I've always been able to refuel at gas stations in the Disney area (the Hess stations on Disney property tend to have reasonable prices), before heading off to the airport. It's a trip of about 25 miles, and if one fills the tank to absolute capacity, then when you arrive at MCO the gas guage will still be on F.

I picked up my mini-van and the gauge was below F.. I thought this was a bit unfair, because when I filled it up to full, my gauge was at F.. all at MCO Thrifty. I guess its Thrifty's fault for not ensuring my gauge was at F when I received the rental vehicle.