12 Passenger Van vs Minivan

[FigmentSpark]

So, we really only need a minivan, but the 12 passenger van is about $70 cheaper for the dates we're staying. That will pay my parking at the port terminal!

Bizarre that they are so comparably cheap. What am I missing. I see that it's mileage is less, with a more powerful engine, but other than that, is there any reason I wouldn't want the 12 passenger van?

Looking at Budget and Alamo.

 

[tobikaye]

Have any of the driver's driven a vehicle this large? I am used to large vehicles (large SUVs, tall pick ups, long station wagons) and I am okay with driving a 12 passenger van filled with people. That said, I still have adjustments every time I drive one as they are much wider and getting in and out of the driver's seat is literally a climb in and out as I am only 5'. I have driven these to and from a college campus about 1.5 hours via highway and around the college campus.

Most of the issues I could see with driving on of these around WDW has to do with parking. These are longer and some sight lines can be limited so you have to be cautious backing out. You have to leave enough room on the one side for the passengers in back to get out as the doors swing open only on the one side. Note that I know some 12 passenger vans do have sliding doors (Nissan, I think), but the ones we have gotten from Budget did not. Not all of the 12 passengers have running boards so smaller ones might have to climb in or be lifted in.

I think I would only consider one at WDW if I needed it for at least 7 individuals plus luggage. I would be prepared to have to park farther out in some lots and having to pull out of a spot to load/unload.

 

[mom2rtk]

Parking a large van does not sound like something I want to do on vacation. I would personally pay the extra for the mini-van. But it probably depends on just how much you intend to drive it.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

if you can barrow one or someone's large pickup before you decide. if you are not used to a large car you are going to find a big difference in driving a 12 passenger than a minivan. I drive a large pickup truck

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Twelve passenger vans are dangerous and will cost more for insurance and gas. I wouldn't even think about renting one.

 

[Alesia]

As others have said, they're much more difficult to drive and to park. I wouldn't want to learn how to on busy, unfamiliar roads.

 

[keishashadow]

So, we really only need a minivan, but the 12 passenger van is about $70 cheaper for the dates we're staying. That will pay my parking at the port terminal!

Bizarre that they are so comparably cheap. What am I missing. I see that it's mileage is less, with a more powerful engine, but other than that, is there any reason I wouldn't want the 12 passenger van?

Looking at Budget and Alamo.

As others have mentioned, they are beasts to drive if you're not accustomed to it. Even more fun to try and park it.

How many people do you have in your party?

Are you driving just to/from port or are you including extra days somewhere in Orlando?

There are meany towncar/limo companies out there, could be in same ball park as rental/parking.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Wow! I'm glad I posted this. Thanks, everyone. There are only 4 of us. I was only looking at renting it because it was cheaper. I was also hoping there was a chance that aisle would have smaller vans, but yeah, for less than $100, it's not worth the hassle.

Yes, it will be parked for a chunk of that time. But we'll be driving around for about 5 days.

 

[Baklava]

Wow! I'm glad I posted this. Thanks, everyone. There are only 4 of us. I was only looking at renting it because it was cheaper. I was also hoping there was a chance that aisle would have smaller vans, but yeah, for less than $100, it's not worth the hassle.

Yes, it will be parked for a chunk of that time. But we'll be driving around for about 5 days.

Go with the minivan. WDW is absolutely the last place I'd want to drive an unfamiliar large vehicle!