Better deal from Hertz or others?

[mjonis]

OK, here's the specs so far (I should've booked on Sunday as the rate was cheaper and now it's gone up--ARGH):

Pickup Location (airport): MCO
Dropoff Location: same (MCO)
Pickup Date and Time: 10/21/17 - 11:00 a.m.
Return Date and Time: 10/30/17 - 9:00 a.m.
Vehicle Size Preference: Mini-Van with child seat and booster seat
Memberships (AAA/USAA/airline FFP/Amex Plat/Cent etc): AAA (no costco, tried Discover portal, etc.)
Best Price you've found, Hertz or otherwise:

Hertz with AAA discount code (also gives free child seat) & pre-pay = $416.00
If booked through eBates and paid with eBates Visa card, approx. 5% cash back as well.

And there would be 5 adults and 2 children.

 

[tinka-belle]

Keep looking, as the trip gets closer rates may go down. Best to have something booked (not prepaid!) that you can change and cancel as you find lower rates. Often promo rates appear just for a day or two, for example over a holiday weekend when bookings are slow, for future travel. Mini vans are popular and might sell out closer to your date, but keep playing with the rates and you'll find something reasonable.

I would not prepay for any rental so far in advance, even with Hertz. IIRC their prepay dept. is in Europe and is run independently of the actual rental operation, really hard to change or cancel the rental. Last minute Priceline or Hotwire or similar is different, but you are talking several months away so keep your options flexible.

 

[mjonis]

OK thanks! Wasn't sure since October seems really popular (can't even get the $45 disney campsite booking, it's $65 that time of year).

 

[Rachystar]

We always check the difference it would cost to get a rental car not at the airport ( Figure in taxi or transportation cost on that). We did this in Denver and saved money even figuring in taxi. We used our USAA membership to get a discount and they give free additional driver as long as they are your spouse.

 

[mjonis]

That's an idea. Although from MCO to the HGVC Tuscany Village costs about $60 each way, so unless the rates are a *LOT* cheaper, may not work out that well. But I will definitely check out (I usually avoid the ones with the shuttles as it adds like another 30-45 minutes on the pickup and return time).

 

[TheRoyalPaynes]

Prepaid department is domestic. Small chance you may get someone overseas if call volumes are high, but not terribly likely these days.

Rates for larger vehicles generally don't drop too much at MCO--that being said I would probably not book a prepaid either because there's always a chance.

Book a res, ask for the lowest possible rate (sometimes it takes a little digging) and call back with your res number to see if the rate drops. If it does, the agent will save the lower rate for you. If you find something better, no harm, no foul, as you're never obligated to anything booked as a "courtesy hold".

Also, AAA tends to be one of the best options/discounts, FYI. If you are employed, you can always ask someone to check your corporate rate, generally all the agent will need is your company's name. You never know...

It can be significantly cheaper to book away from the AP and still return back to the AP. It's just a pain to find transportation to get (at the very least) the driver to the alternate location. BUT--it can be cheaper.

Lastly, sometimes a 7Pass SUV (or even a larger SUV) has a better rate than the minivan. Of course, there's not as much luggage space/room, so keep that in mind.