8 people renting car, suggestions

[TwingleMum]

My parents will be joining us at WDW. I'm thrilled but it creates a big transportation problem. There is 6 of us ( DH, me, DN15,DS4,DS2,DS2) My parents are flying down 4 days after us and they don't drive. I had a minivan but I don't think that will work. I got a full size SUV for $698 (OUCHHHH!!!!) I tried 2 full size thats almost $700. HELP!!!!

 

[agnes!]

I would use National's Emerald Reserve to get an actual reserved vehicle (mini-van/sized or bigger) that is large enough for your immediate traveling party. Then I would spring for a roundtrip Towncar service for your folks, making arrangements ahead of time (so Mom & Dad never see the bill & don't even have to pay the tip).
Think of it...treating your parents to a towncar/limo ride from MCO to the resort. That way you would get them where they need to be with a minimum of stress (no driving to/from MCO/WDW, thereby wasting 'precious' themeparks time), plus they get the treat of being treated like stars.

Towncars run about $100/roundtrip, some include complimentary grocery stops, some have coupons available online or in guidebooks. There are several companies that DIS'ers might recommend (and some that won't have recommendations, I suppose...)

By the way, are you *sure* that a mini-van will have enough room for the 6 of you in your immediate travelling party? 6 people, 3 of whom are adult or adult-sized plus the other three who are young children with all the parapenalia that kids seem to generate... plus all the luggage...might be a bit tight in that mini-van, eh?

Also, depending on when you travel, are you eligible for the new Disney's Magical Express bus service to WDW resorts? That might be another option for some of your party.

Have fun, whatever you decide!
agnes!

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks Agnes, Points to ponder.

 

[DisFlan]

I doubt that even a full size van would be big enough for your whole crew. Last April we were a bit crowded in 2 minivans for 6 adults and a 3 yr. old + luggage and golf clubs. You can get 7 people in a minivan, or you can get 4 people and some luggage in a minivan. I don't even know if 8 passengers are legal. The rental car agencies rent them as "7 passenger vehicles".

I'd get a minivan for your family and spring for the towncar for your parents. Or if you can, get the Magical Express for your parents - it's free. Whichever, this would probably be cheaper than 2 full size cars. If you travel anything like we do, I'm not sure that much luggage would even fit in 2 cars.

DisFlan

 

[Jimdamedic]

I've had the same predicament. An option is to rent an Astro Van from L&M. Not quite as expensive.

 

[disneymom1]

When is your trip? $700 for 2 full sized cars for a week seems like a lot, unless it is Christmas week.

If you don't mind renting 2 cars, you should be able to get 2 intermediates (plenty of room for 4 people in each) from National most weeks for under $150. I am renting an intermediate for 9 days for $140 in April ( I have a $20 Entertainment book coupon that brings the price down from $160). I have friends renting in May for a week for around $120 with the coupon and I have another reservation in October for a week for $120 with the coupon.

You need to enter a code (contract #) to get a good rate from National. Check out mousesavers.com in the transportation section to get info on the available codes and how to use them. I use the "priceless" code and it always gives me a good rate.

Also, if you are staying at a Disney resort and are eligible for Disney's Magical Express bus service, your parents could take that to the hotel and you could avoid a trip to the airport to pick them up.

 

[zurgswife]

Is there a reason you feel you need 2 cars???...I would keep a van for my family...we have 6 ( is getting more crowded as they get older) and a van works just barely..there is usually somebody that has luggage at there feet. I would then get a town car for your parents...which should be about $100.

The van depending on the time of year should be about $300 or less.

 

[gigi1313]

may i ask why you need a rental at all? have you considered wdw's magical express (if you are travelling after may 5th/staying onsite) to/from the airport? once you are at wdw (again, if you are staying onsite) disney transport is the way to go, and it's free! i would save my money for other stuff, personally...

also, if you decide you need a rental for a day (to do some offsite stuff) you can rent a car on wdw property at either the dolphin or the car care center (and they will come pick you up at your resort)...

good luck!

 

[zdesiree]

Hi!!

I just did a reservation with National Car Rental for a full size car for 8 at $319.00 the week, you should check it out.

Good Luck!!

 

[gigi1313]

Hi!!

I just did a reservation with National Car Rental for a full size car for 8 at $319.00 the week, you should check it out.

Good Luck!!

how can you fit 8 people in a "full size" car? typically there are only 6 seatbelts, no?

 

[zdesiree]

how can you fit 8 people in a "full size" car? typically there are only 6 seatbelts, no?

The car they rent you is a Full Size SUV, like the Ford Expedition XLT or similar, they come with 8 seatbelts.

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks everyone for the input. I will be at WDW for 13 days. A minivan for that period was around $440. We intend to do offsite trips SW and possibly US. I also have twins so diaper runs, groceries (we own DVC) etc.. its nice to be able to run out for things. My parents are elderly and wouldn't be able to handle driving or Magical Express. I want this to be as stress free for them as possible. So we will pick them up at the airport.

 

[TwingleMum]

Hi!!

I just did a reservation with National Car Rental for a full size car for 8 at $319.00 the week, you should check it out.

Good Luck!!

What codes did you use? I did fullsize SUV through National and got $698.

 

[gigi1313]

The car they rent you is a Full Size SUV, like the Ford Expedition XLT or similar, they come with 8 seatbelts.

ah, an suv, not a "car" per se... you might want to double check your reservation 'cause a full size car is very different (in car rental lingo) than an suv... i would hate for you to get there and find out you've got a ford taurus instead of an expedition! good luck!