A week of a full suv to move 6 large bags from hotels?

[marybraguim]

So I'm splitting my Disney trip in two: first week I'll stay off-site (I-drive) for shopping and Universal. I'll rent a car for this period at the airport.
Second week I'll stay at Port Orleans and won't need a car (will use Disney's buses and stay in property the whole time)
THE COMPLICATION: I'm planning driving with 6 LARGE bags and 2 carry-ons from the I-drive hotel to Port Orleans to drop the bags, then returning the car wherever the car rental has a store (close-by, hopefuly) and then going to Magic Kingdom. All this should be done in the morning so I won't miss too much of MK (although I'm saving the last day to repeat it).
THE AGGRAVATION: In order to fit all the bags in the trunk, I need either a mini van (say Grand Caravan) or a full SUV (like Yukon or Tahoe), right? Those are pretty expensive for the week, specially when the only moment I'll really need a big trunk is for the last day when changing hotels.
WHAT I'D LIKE MOST: save time AND money. Has anyone done this or could PLEASE share your thoughts with me?
I really appreciate it!

 

[jlw29]

How far off site are you staying? Could you make 2 trips to Port Orleans? One To drop off the family and another to bring the luggage. Making two trips could save you quite a bit of money at the expense of time.

Good luck whatever you do!

 

[maxiesmom]

Would it save you any money to rent a smaller car for the week that you need it, and then use a taxi or two to get your bags to Port Orleans? Even if you have to use 2 taxis it should still cost you around $30.

 

[Greysword]

There are a few important pieces of information missing. First, how many people are traveling? Second, how are you getting from the airport to I-Drive?

Alamo has several car rental facilities on WDW property.

 

[marybraguim]

I considered a taxi, but I thought they would be a lot more expensive than that and not so large for the bags, but 2 taxis for $30 is a great deal for me!
I'll search the web to see what I can learn about cabs in Orlando. If you happen to know anything about it, please let me know.
Thanks a lot! =)

 

[marybraguim]

We'll be in 3 (2 bags each). And I was thinking renting at Alamo at the airport (I already rented with them and returned the car at the car care center near MK).

 

[Lewisc]

We'll be in 3 (2 bags each). And I was thinking renting at Alamo at the airport (I already rented with them and returned the car at the car care center near MK).

Three people. Just stack the bags in the back seat.

 

[marybraguim]

I was told by the guy who works at Alamo it's forbidden by law to do that...

And just to let you guys know (and anyone else who might be interested), I did my research based on a suggestion given by maxiesmom and came up with 2 good alternatives:

- The Taxi Fare Finder Orlando website, wich allows you to estimate your taxi fare
- Some transportation companies that appear on top of Google's research when you type "Taxi Orlando" that charge you a little bit more, but you get to choose wich type of car (mini van, SUV, etc) you want.

 

[Lewisc]

I was told by the guy who works at Alamo it's forbidden by law to do that...

Is that the same guy at Alamo who says you have to purchase the optional insurance? One joker in Tampa told me I needed to buy the gas plan because there "aren't any gas stations in Orlando". I looked shocked and asked what people in Orlando do when they run out of gas.

I'm pretty sure you're not allowed to remove seats (mini-van) or put some kind of roof rack in the car. You're certainly allowed to put to put luggage in the car. This won't work for a family of 5, maybe not even for a family of 4. You have 3 people. You'll have no problem putting luggage in the car. Get a full size car if you're concerned. No problem putting whatever doesn't fit in the trunk in the car.

I wouldn't leave luggage in the car, probably not even in the trunk. Drop your luggage off before you make a grocery stop, unless you're going to leave someone in the car.

You don't really need 6 suitcases for 3 people.

edited to add--There isn't any reason to ask about putting luggage in the car. There is no law against it and people do it all the time.

I note the OP is from Brazil. Rental agencies can, and do, require residents of some countries purchase optional insurance and gas plans. I understand some third party companies bundle those extras with the car rental.

My comment was directed to US renters who generally don't need the extra coverages or the gas plan.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Backing up Lewisc. There's no law saying you can't put luggage in the passenger compartment. Heck, Alamo and National employees, and hotel valets, have put mine in the back seat for me! OP, just don't mention 'luggage' again when talking to car rental companies.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You don't really need 6 suitcases for 3 people.

While I agree with this, it appears the OP is from Brazil and mentioned doing shopping. Possible he/she is stocking up with things to bring back home.

 

[Lewisc]

While I agree with this, it appears the OP is from Brazil and mentioned doing shopping. Possible he/she is stocking up with things to bring back home.

Pack empty duffel bags. Why pay to check and empty suitcases on your arriving flight.

Do you agree, with only 3 passengers, there will be more then enough room in the car to accommodate whatever luggage won't fit in the trunk?

 

[marybraguim]

Pack empty duffel bags. Why pay to check and empty suitcases on your arriving flight.

Do you agree, with only 3 passengers, there will be more then enough room in the car to accommodate whatever luggage won't fit in the trunk?

Oh, I always take my bags empty and buy everything during my stay. Shopping in the US is a LOT cheaper than shopping for the same brands (or others) here.
And passengers departing from Brazil to North America and vice versa are allowed to take 2 bags up to 70.4 lbs. (guess they know we'll shop 'til we drop! =)


Last time we traveled with the same 6 bags and carry-ons, we got a Ford Escape, believing it would do the job, but even with the folded seats, the back of the car was full near to the roof, making the rear view mirror pretty much useless. I was afraid the cops would pull us over!

 

[Lewisc]

Don't fold down the seat. You can probably stack at least 2, and probably 3, suitcases on a seat without obstructing your vision. You can put another suitcase on the floor.

Consider putting two passengers in the back. Two suitcases in the passenger front seat and 2 suitcases on the floor in front passenger position.

Another 2 suitcases in the back seat with one more on the floor.

You don't even need to use the trunk.

 

[RodJohnson]

You can get a van taxi and carry both passengers and bags in one trip for the same price as a sedan taxi. Save money, time and aggrevation, just use the taxi service and forget the rental. By the time you pay for parking, gas, etc. the cab is as much or less money, and a whole lot less aggravation, not to mention, front door service everywhere with MK being the only exception.

 

[Lewisc]

You can get a van taxi and carry both passengers and bags in one trip for the same price as a sedan taxi. Save money, time and aggrevation, just use the taxi service and forget the rental. By the time you pay for parking, gas, etc. the cab is as much or less money, and a whole lot less aggravation, not to mention, front door service everywhere with MK being the only exception.

The OP is staying offsite for the first week of her vacation. Universal and shopping. A rental car gives a lot more flexibility and will probably cost less.