VTP vs Hire Car option?

Question

I am renting a car through Avis and staying in the Windsor Hills area. We will mostly be visiting Disney but with a few day trips to Kennedy, to see wildlife and shopping. Picking up the car at the airport and dropping at Universal.

Question is will it be cheaper for me to get the VTP or go with Avis’ default etoll? I presume we will only hit tolls on the non Disney days.

Avis website was a bit confusing in that it says you pay a daily charge each day you use it ($7) do you then pay the toll on top? Seemed to suggest you do and at the max rate.

Whereas VTP there is no charge (just the deposit) and you get a discounted toll rate? Correct?

If I’m just getting a cab to the airport is it easy to find a return box in departures or are they only beat the car desks?

Presume I can track charges in the app?

Thanks!

Answer

When deciding between the VTP (VinTag Pass) and Avis’ default eToll option for your Orlando trip, it’s helpful to consider how often you will be using toll roads and how charges are applied.

Avis eToll Option

Avis’ default eToll is convenient because it allows you to drive through toll roads without stopping, but it comes with a daily service fee (around $7 per day you use the toll) plus the actual toll charges. The website can be confusing, but essentially you pay the toll amount in addition to the daily $7 fee. There is also a maximum daily charge per vehicle, which varies by location. This option is generally simpler for occasional use but can get costly if you have multiple days with tolls.

Daily fee of $7 on each day you use tolls
Actual toll charges applied on top of daily fee
Maximum daily cap may apply
Convenient and automatic, no need to manage a transponder

VTP (VinTag Pass) Option

VTP requires a small deposit but offers discounted toll rates. Unlike eToll, you don’t pay a daily service fee, just the tolls themselves. It is especially beneficial if you will only hit toll roads on a few non-Disney days, as it avoids paying unnecessary daily fees.

Deposit required, refunded at the end of rental
Discounted toll rates compared to eToll
No daily service fee—you only pay for tolls actually used
Best choice if tolls are infrequent during your trip

Vehicle Return & Tracking

For dropping off the car at Universal, most rental locations provide clear signage and designated return areas. There may be a dedicated return box for key drop-off in departures, but it is safest to follow the Avis desk instructions. Both eToll and VTP charges can typically be tracked through the Avis app or online account, giving you transparency over toll usage and fees.

Recommendation

Given your plan to mostly visit Disney (which has no tolls to enter) and only use toll roads on occasional day trips, the VTP is likely the more cost-effective option. You avoid daily fees and only pay for the tolls you actually use, with a slight discount. The eToll is simpler but better suited for travelers using toll roads frequently.

VTP vs Hire Car option?

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