just booked 1st trip at Vero, several questions

[kel3420]

I just booked our first DVC trip to Vero Beach for a week over Thanksgiving. Initially, we were interested in going in August for a week, but also threw around going over Thanksgiving. When telling everyone our plans, they all thought we were nuts to go to Florida in August, and that no one GOES to Florida then, that all the people in Florida go somewhere else, since it is so hot.

Obviously this isn't so :) When I called to make reservations, I was told there were no one OR two bedrooms available for any week in August. Did everyone have the same idea, lol?

So Thanksgiving week it is. Is Orlando the most economical airport to fly into, or would Melboure be better? How far a drive from both?

Also, what is the best car rental place for a week for a car that will comfortably sit five? Where would I find discount codes?

Has anyone used the shopping services? Or is is better to just go on your own?

Thanks for any and all info.

Kelly

[Donald]

I can't help with all of the questions, but I can answer a few...

It is about 2 hours from Orlando Airport and about 45 mins. from Melbourne. I would imagine you would be able to find better deals into Orlando airport because it is a bigger hub, but I have never compared prices.

I have not used the shopping service, but from what I remember it is expensive and limited in items it offers. There is a Super WalMart about a 10 minute drive from the resort, and it has EVERYTHING you will need for a week at the beach.

Vero is my favorite DVC resort. Enjoy.

W

"...yes, the pixie dust is strong" - RumpleMom

[ralph]

Car rental rates fluctuate based on demand, holiday times, phases of the moon ;), etc. etc. There is a transportation board here at the DIS which provides a lot of information about car rental (and other transportation-related issues). That said, you might want to visit the National Car Rental site to get an idea of rates for the time of your visit (www.nationalcar.com). National offers some decent discounts for Disney Club members. In fact, between the car rental discounts and the annual pass discounts for DC members, the savings alone far exceed the DC membership fee.

Perhaps Pluto4Pres will weigh in on this discussion, since he is clearly a knowledgable voice on car rental issues.

Ralph

[spiceycat]

you can also try priceline.com for your car rental.

[PamOKW]

Another airport option is West Palm Beach. It is slightly shorter than Orlando and a bit more direct. A better fare at Orlando would make it a toss-up.

[mikesmom]

When I first reserved our May trip (back in Feb) I was appalled at the cost of rental cars. We were looking for a full size or SUV as we have two over-6-foot teens with us plus luggage. The prices were MUCH higher than last year. I attributed it to having vacation fall over Memorial Day. Ended up with National and the Disney Card discount. Checked back online about 3 weeks ago just for the heck of it and found SUVs at Alamo a full $100 less for the same period. Looks like discounts may just be announced only a quarter ahead or so. I'd check back end of summer for that autumn date. Maybe you'll be lucky also!! :cool:

[kel3420]

Thanks everyone!

Kelly

[Poohnbuki]

I have found that just by using Travelocity.com and checking rates at least once a week you can get GREAT rental rates. It just takes a little bit of time.

For example; we are going to VB in May and are renting a convertable. When I first checked the rates were $450 for the 10 days. I kept checking and we are now renting from dollar (they are at the airport/no shuttle required) for $283 for the 10 days.

Good luck!