Alamo tip

[experiment818]

I have been checking the car rental rates for our September trip for a couple of months now. We always rent a car and they have been unusually high.

We were looking to pick up the car at MCO on Saturday, Sept. 12th after 12:00 (noon).
We would drop the car off at MCO on Friday, Sept. 25th by 4:00pm.
With all fees and taxes it was $747

Last night, for the heck of it, I tried something different.
Take Disney's Magical Express from the Airport to our resort (BWV).
The next morning I will walk over to the Dolphin resort and pick up our car rental (after 10:00am).
We would still be returning the car to MCO on Friday, Sept. 25th by 4:00pm.
With all fees and taxes it was $379

Almost half the price by just cutting off 22 hours and picking up at the Dolphin.

I don't know why there is such a big price difference......but thought that I should pass this info along.

 

[shoes99]

We do this all the time. We take DME to the hotel, check in, then either rent from the Dolphin or the Car Car Center. I don't think we need a car, but DH thinks otherwise. We then return the car and take DME back to the airport.

 

[eeyoregon]

It pays to experiment w/ the different pick-up locations.

For our October trip I just used the controversial 7011111 Alamo code along with my Costco coupon code and was able to get a 7 day rental, picking up at the Dolphin and returning to MCO, for $94.00 total.

Folks are reporting that they have been using that code with success so I think I will brave it. I have a back-up ressie without the code which would cost $60.00 more, just in case .

 

[janjandis]

Hello! I am looking for almost the same days as the OP. Can you tell me what the source is for the code you gave me? I also came up with the 94.00 which is an amazing deal!

 

[TChrist05]

The code is supposedly for travel agents only. It has been said that you might need to show identification of a working travel agent. Back up plan is good....but their are people that are on these boards that feel nobody should use this code unless you are a travel agent.

 

[desmar9]

I have to say "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you" to the original poster for this tip! I went in and checked the difference in rates - almost a $300 difference for our August trip!! I couldn't believe it! You are the best!

 

[aristocat65]

We do this too. I prefer to take ME to the resort (our flights are so long and we're tired!) and get the car the next day at the Dolphin. We also drop off at the Dolphin the day before we leave and its so easy. No line ups or anything. The rates also vary between the CCC and the Dolphin so I usually check both. Playing around with P/U and drop off times can affect things too.
Personally, I wouldn't gamble with sketchy codes that aren't meant for the general public though. I have always been able get a dirt cheap car with codes off mousesavers and the website coupons. I sometimes need to rebook a few times as prices go down.

 

[rustyharleton]

I used the 701111 code to book through ALAMO then called another company and they matched the rate. I then cancelled the ALAMO ressie.

 

[poohbear8]

I know I can get to the CCC from ASMusic, but is there a way to get to the Dolphin from there?

Could I take ME to the Dolphin, then just drive to ASMusic?

 

[eeyoregon]

I know I can get to the CCC from ASMusic, but is there a way to get to the Dolphin from there?

Could I take ME to the Dolphin, then just drive to ASMusic?

My understanding is that Alamo/National will pick you up at the Music and take you to the Dolphin.

 

[Doris1962]

I used the 701111 code to book through ALAMO then called another company and they matched the rate. I then cancelled the ALAMO ressie.

Which company did you call ?