8 Passenger van

[dsneydude124]

I usually rent from Dollar or National. I need an 8 passenger van in March. I currently have a reservation with Dollar, but they only note the request of the 8 passenger. If there is not one available when I get there, it will be a problem because I have 8 adults travelling. National has a separate 8 passenger vehicle class, but the cost for a week is about double the 7 passenger. Anyone have any suggestions of how to guarantee an 8 passenger without paying over $600 for the week?

 

[PattiPB]

JMO, but 8 adults would be smooshed in a minivan, even the 8 passenger ones.

I suggest renting two small cars. Even with parking, etc., you might end up cheaper.

 

[dsneydude124]

Thanks for the idea. That might be a good way to go.

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

Costco.com has a code for it's members for rentals at various companies. Their Alamo code is working great for me. Alamo offers an 8 passenger category and I tried each of the first 2 wks in March using the costco code and the total after tax was $435 and that included one additional driver and unlimited mileage.

I used an MCO pick-up and drop off and a Friday to Friday rental. I hope that helps.

 

[ryanally]

Unless each passenger holds their luggage on their lap, I don't see how this is possible. We usually have 5 adults and 2 kids and we don't fit in a 8 passenger. We either get 2 cars or a 12 passenger van. Which ever is cheaper.

 

[dsneydude124]

Thank you all for your responses. I am going to see what kind of pricing I can get on the 12 or 15 passenger. Thanks again!!

 

[travlnman1]

I have had 8 passengers before and I will have 8 passengers in June when we go back. Alamo has the largest mini-vans. Toyota Sienna, i think it is. It seats 8. The old Chevy Astro's were great! But they dont make those anymore. All you really need is a bench for the second seat, not captains seats.
But..in all my research..Alamo carries the largest mini-van.
Good luck!
Let me know if you find out anything different!

 

[dsneydude124]

I will take a look at Alamo then. Thanks for the input. I have a good price on a 7 passenger with Dollar. I am also toying with renting a compact as well since 1 person will only be staying for a couple of days. I figure when he goes home, he can drop off the compact. But I will look at Alamo since my wife would really prefer we go in one vehicle.

 

[travlnman1]

I just booked an 8 passenger van...not a mini van...a regualr van, with Thrifty for a base rate of $287.99 per week. It's not bad concidering the rates I've seen so far and it seats 8 with suitcases!!

 

[dsneydude124]

Wow. That's a great rate. I will see if I can come up with something similar.

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

I just booked an 8 passenger van...not a mini van...a regualr van, with Thrifty for a base rate of $287.99 per week. It's not bad concidering the rates I've seen so far and it seats 8 with suitcases!!

That's a good rate, but if you have a Costco membership, Alamo will give you an 8 passenger for $268 base rate. I tried it out of MCO on Feb 3 to 10th. If you want to fiddle with the code, go to costco.com, click the travel link and find the rental car link. Once you get right into the Alamo page, you'll see the code. Just use that code and happy hunting.

 

[Sal]

That's a good rate, but if you have a Costco membership, Alamo will give you an 8 passenger for $268 base rate. I tried it out of MCO on Feb 3 to 10th. If you want to fiddle with the code, go to costco.com, click the travel link and find the rental car link. Once you get right into the Alamo page, you'll see the code. Just use that code and happy hunting.

This is exactly what we have for a May trip. I think it is a great rate!

 

[mill4023]

Has anyone rented one of the Sienna's from Alamo?
Can you tell me if it would have enough room for 2 strollers(fairly compact, but not umbrella) and a backpack behind the rear seat?

We're flying into Tampa and I currently have 2 reservations. One for an 8 passenger Sienna from Alamo and one for an 8-passenger full-size van from Thrifty. The full-size van is about $100 more total for our 2 week rental.

We'll have 3 adults, and 5 kids total, but fitting luggage won't be a problem because 2 people are arriving a day later than the rest of us and leaving several days earlier. So we'll never have to fit all 8 people with luggage. We'll just need to fit all 8 of us, plus what we are bringing to the parks (2 strollers and a backpack or two.

I would MUCH MUCH rather drive a Sienna around for 2 weeks instead of a full-size GM/Ford/Chevy van and it would be a bit cheaper. But I want to make sure we'll be able to fit the strollers.

Any opinions?