2.5 yo Triplets - Minivan or Luxury car?

[devfar]

We are traveling down to WDW in May with our 2.5yo triplets. It seems that I can get a better deal on a luxury car than a minivan but don't know if that is a good idea. They can climb into their seats by themselves. We will have to rent car seats with the car. I would think the luxury car would be wide enough????

Any advice?

 

[disneyfanfamily]

Yikes! We had a full size car with a booster (kids 2 1/2, 6, 8) and it was tight. Especially with all of the luggage, stroller, etc.

We then rented a mini van 2 years later and it was SOOO much nicer. Nobody felt cramped and there was room for stroller, luggage, etc.

It cost us $299 for the minivan for 9 days. We felt that it was worth it. But we have so much luggage that it was hard to fit it all in a full size car.

So, how much luggage are you going to have? Stroller? Diaper bags? And how long are you going to be in the car?

Good luck on your decision!

 

[joellyn23]

I have no personal experience...but I think you'd be much more comfortable in the mini van. We had our two kids in a full size car last year and there was definitely enough room. Add another and the carseats -- I'm just not so sure.

We struggled between an Equinox or standard SUV. (There's about a $80 difference in those rates). In the end, we decided to go with the standard SUV for peace of mind. This way we won't worry for the next few months whether or not we'll have enough luggage room.

Again -- just my opinion.

Good luck!
Joellyn

 

[travlnman1]

My 3 kids would really dislike it if I booked a luxury car over a mini-van.
The mini-van has way more room.
No one will have to touch anyone else!

 

[otoole]

When we were in Disney last year the mini-van ended up costing the same once they factored in the cost of car seats for a car because the mini-van had built in car seats so they didn't charge us for these. I also felt more comfortable because I didn't have to be concerned with ensuring that the car seats were installed correctly. You might want to check this out.

 

[welovedis]

While I only have 1 son, I run a daycare & also am a CPS tech so I am familiar with fitting car seats in a vehicle. Thinking about 3- 2.5 yo children and I agree with the minivan idea. Another bonus would be if it came with an onboard DVD player--I've heard a few people mention that their rental had one. GL with your choice & welcome!

 

[minkydog]

My 3 kids would really dislike it if I booked a luxury car over a mini-van.
The mini-van has way more room.
No one will have to touch anyone else!

The mini-van gets my vote too. Three kids on one seat is one kid too many. We took a trip last summer with young three kids and two adults and all their various stuff, and boy! was i glad for the extra space.

 

[devfar]

I have talked to a couple of agencies and they seem to be fazing out the intergrated car seats (was told by Nat'l we could have them look in the garage for one??). We have a minivan and put them all next to each other and so far we haven't had to much fighting (yet!). They are also starting potty training but I doubt that will be in totally b4 the trip.

I'm just trying to see where I can save a few $. I don't think I should skimp in this area. I'll be searching for coupon codes etc so hopefully I can get an ok deal.

Just hope we have as much fun as I think we will! A lot of people (wife included) think I'm nuts but what the heck, lol.