Anything I need to know about National at Dolphin?

[westcliffemom]

Is there anything I need to know about pickups/dropoffs for National at the Dolphin? I've never rented/dropped at anywhere but airports. TiA!

 

[NancyIL]

I really like picking up my car at MCO and dropping it off at the Dolphin. In the past, the valet would take the car when I arrived, drive it somewhere, and return to give me the keys...whereupon I went inside to drop off the keys at the National desk. The last time I rented a National/Alamo car and dropped off at the Dolphin, the valet took the car, then told me that I didn't need to do anything inside, since it would be charged to my credit card. I was a litle uneasy about not dropping off the keys personally, because I didn't want to get charged for any extra time, depending on when the valet turned in my keys. However, there were no extra charges on my credit card statement, so all was well. Others have reported getting their receipt from the valet at the Dolphin, but I didn't get a receipt.

If you want to pick-up the car at the Dolphin, be sure you have a reservation ahead of time. I have seen the "no cars available" sign more than a few times when I've dropped off or picked up a car at the Dolphin.

 

[gigi1313]

if it is convenient for you to get to the dolphin, it is a great way/place to rent a car... no hassles at all... but, if you are not staying in the vicinity of the dolphin, consider renting at the car care center as they will send a shuttle to your resort to pick you (and your family if you let them know) up... the best thing about returning a car to the dolphin is they are open 24/7 (the valet is at least) and even after the desk closes and the car care center closes, you can still return your rental car and not have to deal w/it in the morning... we have found renting onsite to be very convenient and accommodating!

 

[FigmentGuy]

Count our vote in! We rented a car from the dolphin last month and they were great and helpful. It was very conveinent and quick too! Plus we were able to get a great rate through them.. (7 day full size car for $124!)

 

[shoes99]

We rented from National at the Dolphin last month. I was the Emerald cardholder and the desk clerk said my DH would be charged an additional driver fee if he drove. It was only a 2 day rental, going back to the airport, so I drove. Also, I tipped the valet when he brought us the car. This is probably optional.. Rate was good for a Thankgiving weekend rental.

 

[jetsetter90]

I thought it was great! We took ME to PoP, where we were staying. The next day we went to Epcot and after lunch headed out the back way and took the boat to the Dolphin. Got a free upgrade and headed back to the pool at our hotel. We dropped the car off at the airport and the best part of all this was we never had to carry or load our bags. ME when we arrived and baggage checkin at the hotel on departure day.

TTFN
Jetsetter90

 

[snowbunny]

There seem to be slightly more limited choices in vehicle with Emerald Reserve, if you drop off at the Dolphin rather than returning to MCO?
We are a party of 8 so I need the Toyota Sienna, which seats 8, rather than the other minivan (a Chevy?) that only seats 7. That seems to work if returning to MCO but not the Dolphin.