Alamo or National

[Splashboat]

We are going to rent a car for 1 day (never did this yet - hate driving). Staying at the Boardwalk so it seems to make the most sense to use Alamo or National at the Swan/Dolphin. Does anyone have any experience to recommend/avoid either one? It appears as though the rates are the same.

 

[francie57]

It really doesn't matter since they are basically the same company. We have used both and have never had any trouble.

 

[shoes99]

Either one is OK since they are the same company. The Dolphin car rental desk closes promptly at 4PM, but you can return your car to the Dolphin valet and they will give you a paper receipt. Make sure you check thier open/closing times. We usually rent from the Car Care Center since they have van pickup service and their hours are better, they are also National or Alamo.

 

[Splashboat]

We usually rent from the Car Care Center since they have van pickup service and their hours are better, they are also National or Alamo.

When you say "..We usually rent from the Car Care Center..." Do you specifically have to call a certain # to book through this service or is that an automatic service if we book directly through one of them (on-line) and identify Swan/Dolphin as the pick up/drop off location?
If this is something different, can you tell me how to find the number?

 

[shoes99]

When you say "..We usually rent from the Car Care Center..." Do you specifically have to call a certain # to book through this service or is that an automatic service if we book directly through one of them (on-line) and identify Swan/Dolphin as the pick up/drop off location?
If this is something different, can you tell me how to find the number?

There is an Alamo/National Office at the Disney Car Care Center, right outside the Magic Kingdom Toll Both. They will pick you up at your resort and bring you to the office to pick up your car. You still have to book your car rental reservation with Alamo or National online but you pick Disney Car Care Center instead of Dolphin. Put in Lake Buena vista, Fl as your search location, then choose disney car car center. You have to make a reservation for the van to pick you up on rental car day, but that can be done 1 day prior to rental... I always compare prices between the dolphin or the car care center knowing that if you pick the Dolphin you have to get to the office yourself. If you pick the Car Care Center at WDW you can ask for a van pick up at your hotel.

 

[Splashboat]

Thank you!

 

[purple figment]

I would use the Dolphin if you're staying at the Boardwalk because it's only a 3 - 5 minute walk to get there. I think the counter hours are 8 -4 so just select a time when the counter is open to pick up your car. To return the car we've always dropped it off at valet services which is open 24 hours. They will give you a receipt. Super easy.

 

[Splashboat]

That makes sense - Thanks for the suggestion!