Alamo at MCO **Updated**

[UKDEB]

We'll be using Alamo for the first time this trip. (We leave tomorrow! ). We've pre-booked a Luxury category, but if they've got an SUV we like, we might want that instead. I know you choose your own vehicle, so we're thinking of taking a look in their garage before going to the desk. Is this possible? I assume their cars are in the same garage as those of all the other companies across from the car rental desks on the ground floor?

 

[jockey]

Debbie- Alamo cars are on the ground floor with the others across from the rental desks so you could go take a look!

 

[Hallfamily]

Have agreat trip.

 

[squitty]

Hi Deb

I don't think you would have any problems doing that. Just leave someone with the cases and nip over have a peak
When we picked our car in Dec there was loads of SUV's and Luxury cars to choose from.
Have fun.

 

[Cochise]

I remember going to the garage and seeing many many SUV's but only one or two Luxury cars (we were there 3 times due to a car swap) They tried their level best to get us to upgrade to one which i refused to pay the stupid amount they wanted, eventually he said "What do you think you should pay for an upgrade Mr Evans" My answer wasn't far off beginning with F and ending with all Hence we stayed with the Full Size.

I still have fear on the moment we chose the car in the garage as that was the point we realised we had lost the backpack with passports,money/tc's,keys wallets purses etc *Basically our lives*. I never got to the trip report so this has never been told.

 

[Miffy2003]

Deb - I hope I am in time to wish you, Matt and anyone else you are travelling with to have a fantastic holiday

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks, Karen. We're in the Virgin Clubhouse Lounge at the moment . We're hooking up with my brother and sister-in-law in Orlando later today. They're flying in from Washington.

 

[UKDEB]

As our flight was almost 2 hours late, we couldn't be bothered with the plan. As usual, Matt went to the car rental desk whilst I went for the bags. The guy at the Alamo desk asked if he wanted to upgrade to the new Cadillac SRX (SUV) for $49. "A week?", enquired Matt. "No, sir - per day".

Matt: (Chuckling) No thanks.
Alamo guy: It's a great price. They've only been out 2 months and we were charging $700 a week a until a few days ago.
Matt: Right.
Alamo guy: Which flight did you come in on?
Matt: Virgin
Alamo guy: Oh, well that automatically gets you 10% off.
Matt: (Chuckling a little harder) Really? Well, if I get out there and can't live without it, I'll come back in,
Alamo guy: No, sir. Because they're so new, we've got them locked in a separate lot.
Matt: (Laughing hysterically) Alright. See ya.

So, we get out to the parking garage and show our papers to the attendant. "Luxury vehicles right there, sir. Take whichever one you want - they keys are in the door". And the car in the very first space? Yep, the Cadillac SRX! We'll have that then, shall we?

Despite nearly being conned out of $700 to upgrade to something we'd already paid for, the overall experience was better and quicker than Dollar. We got a good deal through US Rent-a-Car and you can register your details online with Alamo which saves time at the desk. My brother, who arrived an hour or so before us managed to get a Cadillac DTS (also new) which was what he wanted.

 

[jns]

well done on the car

hope you are enjoying your trip

 

[Miffy2003]

Deb - thanks for the update!

Remember don't talk to me about being ripped off at car agencies

I'm glad you got the car you wanted anyway

 

[Amyrlin]

Sounds like a good deal.......I hpe you are having a great time!!!!!!!

I booked an eocnomy last time and Dollr subjected me to the sales pitch to upgrade for $9 a day. I didn't bite and found an upgrade anyway, I think sometimes they try and force you into paying for what they were going to give you anyway.

 

[Red-Snapper]

Amyrlin - when you say you "found an upgrade anyway" - what do you mean - I have never found that Dollar give you a pick of vehicles when you get to the garage - I have always been given the car they allocate at the desk ??

Has this changed ?

 

[Amyrlin]

The keys they gave me were to an upgrade anyway, perhaps I phrased that badly, found I had been given the upgrade anyway.

I think that for many of the smaller cars they run out and if you are on a later flight they have no choice but to upgrade you if they haven't got the category you ordered.


In my case, when there are only 2 of us I always book an economy car with the knowledge that Dollar do not usually keep these in stock at Sanford so they will upgrade to a compact anyway. I hope it is the same with Alamo, as that is who we are usng next time.

 

[Netty]

Amyrlin - when you say you "found an upgrade anyway" - what do you mean - I have never found that Dollar give you a pick of vehicles when you get to the garage - I have always been given the car they allocate at the desk ??

Has this changed ?

yep, you now can pick your own car. this is a good idea, but if like us you fly into the ariport very late in the day, there isnt many cars in your catagory to choose from. this happened to us, all the intermediates had gone and only compact left so we took a compact and then a few days later went to the nearest alamo pick up point on I- drive and had them get us an intermediate.

Debbie, have a great holiday, and take some photos of the car, so we can all drool!!

 

[Kevin Stringer]

Good deal Deb!

Matt could have brought the guy at the rental desk down to the proper level by asking directions to the nearest Hooters!

Kev

 

[UKDEB]

Good deal Deb!

Matt could have brought the guy at the rental desk down to the proper level by asking directions to the nearest Hooters!

Kev

C'mon, Kev. Matt has a built-in homing instinct as far as Hooters joints are concerned. In any case, he has a special 'Favorites' folder with Google Earth links to every Hooters location known to man!

 

[Hilary]

We're using Alamo for the first time on our next trip, so I'm interesetd to read about being able to pick your vehicle from the category - I wouldn't have known about that without these boards!

This trip will be just the two of us so, in frugal mode, I've booked an Economy 2 door. We always resist the 'upgrade patter' at the desk, so it'll be up to fate whether we get anything bigger.

 

[thegirlyarwood]

I am due to go in 3 weeks and as this is our first time, am wanting to get as much help with the whole procedure as possible. We are using alamo and have ordered an 8 seater people carrier. Can anyone give me some hints and tips as to what has worked for you, and what to avoid.