Alamo vs National

[jpurnell]

I know someplace this thread has been discussed. However this is my question. Though I am an Emerald member I will still have to stop at the counter because of a child seat. So comparing National and Alamo at Orlando Interantional, I see that I can get a lower price for a one day rental (drop off at WDW car care center) through Alamo. Does the cheaper price give Alamo the advantage or is National's service that much better it justifys the higher cost. By the way family of five.

 

[Alexander]

I have never rented from Alamo, we always use National, so for service, etc., I can't help. What I do know is that when we are in line for National, which there has never been more than 2 people in front of us, the line for Alamo is very long. They are usually wrapped around two strands of those line baracade thing-a-ma-jigs. I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't use Alamo because there is always such a long line.

 

[spiceycat]

since you aren't going with priceline - but using the WDW system - I think you will be fine with Alamo.

I have problems with them - but I went through priceline.

if you complaint about their service to WDW - then WDW will find another car rental. So I would think they would definitely treat you much better than I was treated. Be sure to mention that you leaving the car at WDW car center....

I am using the Magical Express this time and for groceries going with
www.wegoshop.com

 

[LoraJ]

I have used both. I haven't used Alamo for a few years though. Their lines have always been so long every time I rented from them.

I just used National for the first time with EA. When I got to the Aisle, there were no cars to be found. I went inside the booth and there were a few people in there that had problems with Alamo. I told them that there were no cars and I had dinner reservations I needed to make and they told me to just take a car from the executive aisle. I was worried when I would return the car that I would get charged more for it. But nope.

The people copmplaining at Alamo had pre-paid for their cars. Something had happened where their flight was delayed and they were getting charged for time they never used on their car.

We walked by the National line on our way to the EA and there was no one there.

 

[johnnyr]

So comparing National and Alamo at Orlando Interantional, I see that I can get a lower price for a one day rental (drop off at WDW car care center) through Alamo. Does the cheaper price give Alamo the advantage or is National's service that much better it justifys the higher cost.

I assume your price quoted by Alamo was only a few dollars cheaper than National. Trust me, stick with National and pay the extra few bucks! I have rented with Alamo twice. Both times I had a problem with the reservation. The mose recent was just at the Disney Car Care Center. I reserved a minivan way back in August 04 for our trip in March 05. When I arrived, they were totally over booked and had no minivans. I wasn't the only one either. They were trying to give people two compact cars for midsized rentals that they didn't have. What a joke! People were furious! I was by myself, and they tried to give me two cars. I said the the reservation agent, "how do you expect me to drive two cars"? I ended up with a full sized car and squeezed everyone in. Never again with Alamo!

 

[cdntourguide]

Alamo and National are divisions of the same corporation.
If you use either company you may have to use the car from the other company, so be aware.
The Car Care Centre counter at Disneyworld handles both rental companies, same service given to clients.