?? About Renting Mini-Van From Alamo @MCO

[Bill From PA]

Travelocity lists Alamo as having the best rate for 8 1/2 days for a mini-van and I haven't used them since they went 'on-site'. A few questions, please? Can I make a ressie now without giving a card number and change/cancel it easily if I find a better rate? Are the vehicles actually on-site for easy pick-up and return? Does QuickSilver, or whatever they call their 'express' pick-up cost anything, and is it worth it? Any recent experience with them? I like Dollar and their FastLane, but I'm taking the whole crew this time and looking to save $$ wherever I can. Also, any idea which van for 7 adults and a toddler they rent? Thanks for any info on any of my many questions you can offer.

Bill From PA

 

[holidaybarb]

I have made a June ressie with Alamo that is easily checked, changed, or cancelled on-line.

I don't remember if they asked for CC#, but I doubt it.

Quicksilver is free. I've never had any more trouble with Alamo than any other rental company. Slow line in Orlando, I remember.

A minivan doesn't have enough seat belts for 7 plus a toddler. Alamo shows a bigger van (Astro, I think) but it's much more pricey.

Happy driving!

 

[debster812]

We just rented a full size SUV from Alamo onsite @MCO.

All the cars are onsite right next to all the National cars.

We did NOT have to leave a credit card number when we made the reservation, however, they did charge our card the full amount of the rental when we picked the car up, versus at drop off.

As far I understand, Quicksilver is free, but it is for business customers only. www.mousesavers.com has a 'how to' get a Quicksilver account if you do not have a business account. We did not bother.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

debster is correct, it is for business customers. So, Bill, what company do you want to own today?

 

[Gillian]

Bill, it may be worth checking into 2 car rentals instead of 1 van. You won't fit into a standard minivan, as you know. A full sized van is often very expensive. I don't know where you are staying, but it can be nice to have 2 vehicles if you want to split up.

Happy hunting!

 

[ducklite]

Gillian is right on with this one. One compact and one mid-sized car will easily accomodate your group, and will be handier to split up. The only disadvantage is that if you are staying off-site you will have to pay parking for two cars--factor that in. My guess is taht even with the extra parking it will still be cheaper--and one other thing--if you are not used to driving something that large, a full sized van can pose it's own set of challenges. They ride and steer differently, as they are built on a truck chassis.

Anne

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. GAIL, I'm actually in the process of starting a 'DOT.COM' consulting company as a second career thing, so I may really qualify for QuickSilver. In light of the advice here, I'm leaning towards renting a full size car and having the three young adults combine to rent an economy. This trip will be a Christmas present for my two daughters, son-in-law and GD. They're all employed, (except the 2 yr. old!) and a Dollar economy car split 3 ways shouldn't burden them. The last few trips down it's just been my wife and I and one other child at a time so an economy car was fine. As mentioned here, a full sized van is pricey.

Bill From PA

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Bill,
Remember, if you are an AARP member, there are some good rates out there. Also, BJ's had a 20.00 coupon for National.
All in all my rental was less than 140. from National the first part of Feb.

 

[hercamore]

Yes, AARP had the best rrate for me also thru National linking thru the AARP site. $l65 total for full size with $20 off coupon in Jan.


herc

 

[Lilly's Dad]

you can also just hire a limo service to / from resort for about half car rental....some hold up to 10 people

 

[Bill From PA]

I'll have to explore the AARP angle. I guess becoming an old fart has its adventages! Lilly's Dad, somehow, I just can't be without my own charriot. We're going to hit Universal/IOA for one day and we'll want to visit some other WDW resorts, so a car will be handy even if we don't use it every day. Thanks again for all the the advice offered.


Bill From PA