1st time using Emerald Aisle - question

[Liz]

We've reserved an intermediate on the EA. After getting our luggage we go downstairs and outside where the National cars are. Will we see a sign that says "Emerald Aisle - Intermediates"? Or are all EA cars intermediates (or upgrades)? Please tell me exactly where to go and what I should be looking for! Thanks a bunch!

 

[ncbyrne]

There are signs on the rows of Emerald Aisle cars. You can't miss it. There are also attendents in the area if you have questions. Most of the cars on the EA are intermediates, but there might be any size car. As long as the car is in the EA you can take it, no matter what the size.

 

[goofyforlife]

Actually there are two emerald aisle designations....

One is emerald aisle green (what most people are)

and the other is emerald aisle silver (don't know how you obtain silver level; it could either be a corporate thing or maybe you pay more for that membership)

If you don't know which one you are; look at your membership card and if it's green; you're a green.

The emerald aisle greens are closest when you enter the garage.

 

[jnrrt]

Do intermediates have 4 doors? Could you be fairly certain of finding a car with 4 doors on the EA?

 

[goofyforlife]

We've gotten a Monte carlo (which was two door but it was our choice) once. The other times we've done emerald aisle there were usually a lot of malibus and some other 4door type cars. We were lucky to get a jeep liberty last may.

 

[DebbieB]

Most of the cars have 4 doors. The most common car on the Emerald Aisle is a Chevy Classic (the old Malibu), which I think is a crappy car (I rented one 3 or 4 times). For $8 more earlier this month (total for 6 days), I upgraded to a full size and got a nice Impala. You might want to check how much more a full size is. You would use Emerald Reserve, which is the same as Emerald Aisle except you go to the row you booked (for example, full size).

The "silver card" row is labled Executive Aisle.

 

[jnrrt]

How does that work, DebbieB? If you're an EA member, and you book intermediate, do you just go to the aisle, and if you book full, you go to the reserve aisle? We'd rather have a full size, especially if the difference was not that great.

 

[dudspizza]

Actually there are two emerald aisle designations....

One is emerald aisle green (what most people are)

and the other is emerald aisle silver (don't know how you obtain silver level; it could either be a corporate thing or maybe you pay more for that membership)

If you don't know which one you are; look at your membership card and if it's green; you're a green.

The emerald aisle greens are closest when you enter the garage.

Actually, there is only one Emerald Aisle. It is clearly marked, you can't miss it. The signs are on the posts of the row the cars are parked in.

The other aisle you are referring to is the Executive Aisle. This is for frequent renters. You have to have a set amount of rentals in a year and you are bumped up to this service. It works the same as EA, you reserve an intermediate, but you are guaranteed at least a full size. It is across the lane from the EA at MCO.

duds

 

[DebbieB]

How does that work, DebbieB? If you're an EA member, and you book intermediate, do you just go to the aisle, and if you book full, you go to the reserve aisle? We'd rather have a full size, especially if the difference was not that great.

If you book full size Emerald Reserve, you go to the full size row, usually right next to the Emerald Aisle. Emerald Reserve works with any size car other than intermediate. If you reserved a mini-van with Emerald Reserve, you would go to the mini-van row.

 

[TiggWDW]

Thanks for the replies! I'm sure I can figure it out. When I drive to the booth do I just give them my confirmation, coupon, drivers license and the info on which car we chose? Anything else they need to see that I should have ready?

 

[Liz]

Oops, that last post was by me. I didn't realize my daughter was signed in.

 

[DebbieB]

Thanks for the replies! I'm sure I can figure it out. When I drive to the booth do I just give them my confirmation, coupon, drivers license and the info on which car we chose? Anything else they need to see that I should have ready?

Credit Card
I always bring my Emerald Club Card too, although I've heard it isn't necessary

 

[cranbiz]

Used EA last week. Arrived about 11pm and there was just 3 Malibu's there. All were 4 door cars. It was fairly roomy and had lots of pep.

If there are no cars in EA when you get there, you will usually have pick of the garage. I gou a very nice, brand new, pickup that way not to long ago.

I'm not sure that you can use a coupon with EA, usually you need to go to the counter with a coupon.

All I needed was my license and a CC. No other cards were needed. If you booked EA, your Emerald Club number is already on the ressie. I found it interesting that this time I got no paperwork from the booth attendant. He just confirmed my info and opened the gate. When I asked about the RA, he said that I did not need it anymore.

 

[DebbieB]

You can use a coupon with Emerald Club and go straight to the garage. Without Emerald Club, you do have to go to the counter with a coupon.

They write your agreement # on the hang tag from the car, that is your rental agreement, the terms are in the inside.

 

[WDWsnooper]

I used EA for the first time earlier this month. I read as many posts as possible to "study up" on possible scenarios.

I arrived at 11:30 pm, side B. I had reserved on EA, with a coupon. The coupon was stated on my reservation confirmation sheet.

There was only one car on the EA, and it had it's engine hood up (as if engine trouble). After reading these boards I was prepared! I went to the booth there, asking if there were other cars available since I did not have confidence in the car with the possible engine trouble (was renting for 2 weeks) He said not to worry, went with me and loaded my bags into a nice (full size) Impala, told me to tell the person doing paperwork at their exit booth that he told me that this one will substitute.

I had my info paperclipped together ahead of time, my reservation confirmation, license, EA card, printed internet coupon, credit card. I handed it to the exit booth staff along with the hang tag thingy on the rear view mirror, she kept the printed coupon, gave the rest back, confirmed the price and I was on my way in less than 2 minutes at the booth.

Taa Daa!! Done. Worked slick! Will do again. BTW, Impala was nice little car, averaged 27 mpg over nearly 400 miles, roomy enough for our 4 teens and myself.
Snooper

 

[Liz]

I read people referring to "side A" and "side B". What does that mean?

Leaving for the airport in 4 hours!!!

 

[DebbieB]

I read people referring to "side A" and "side B". What does that mean?

Leaving for the airport in 4 hours!!!

The Orlando airport has 2 sides, which are mirror images of each other. Some airlines use A side, some use B side. There are National counters and garages on both sides.

http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/ops/airlines.htm

http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/images/diagrams/terminal_overview.jpg

 

[Liz]

Thanks so much! This thread has been so helpful and informative! If I wasn't so sad about leaving my dogs and cats I'd be on cloud 9 right about now! Such mixed emotions leaving them!!!