Beware of Wal-Mart Alamo code at MCO!

[FoodLover]

One thing that I noticed on the Walmart page is that the instructions say to call the 800# and mention ID No. 43071; there's no other option stating that online reservations are allowed. Any thoughts on that?

Also, re: using the kiosk: I've read that sometimes when your reservation shows both a code and a coupon, the reservation won't be accepted at the kiosk and you must get in line at the counter, unfortunately. Anyone ever have that experience at MCO?

The Wal-Mart ID# can be reserved online. Wal-Mart just doesn't do online booking of any travel anymore through its own site, for whatever reason.

I've used the Wal-Mart ID# (booked online) myself this year, though not at MCO. I did check in at a kiosk.

I have used an ID# with a coupon code at an Alamo kiosk twice this year and was not sent to the counter.

I'll definitely pull the ID# off my site if it's proved to me that it is no longer good. However, so far I'm aware of only two people who had problems with the ID. Besides this one, there was another one that I just learned about, which happened in April. Both involved checking in at the counter at MCO. In the April case, the person who had a problem called Alamo while at the counter and Alamo confirmed that the code was from Wal-Mart, but the counter agent wouldn't budge!

Meanwhile lots and lots of people (myself included) have used the ID# successfully between April and August. So I think it's clear there is a management problem at MCO, but I see no reason to believe the Wal-Mart ID# is no longer valid.

That said, if it makes you nervous, use a different code. The Costco code gives the same rate and benefits.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[richmo]

A good thing to do, in general, is make sure you bring any documentation that supports the code you're using. In the OP's case, that would be something from Wal-Mart which lists the code. I usually wind up using a Costco code, so I make sure I bring both my Costco membership card and a copy of the Costco page that shows the code. And, of course, if using a coupon to further reduce the cost, bring that along as well -- I haven't actually had to produce the coupon for awhile, but its much better to be prepared.

I think there's been a lot of people using questionable codes lately since the rates have gone so high, so I'm not surprised that the agents are instructed to crack down on their use.

I also agree that its a good idea to bypass the rental counter whenever possible. Alamo gives you a couple of ways to do that: online checkin and the kiosk. That way you save a little time and avoid the upgrade upsell and the insurance spiel. Even with that, use legitimate codes; often the questionable codes do not allow for advance or kiosk check-in.

 

[kjs1976]

It would not have mattered if I brought proof of the code, even though I had the wal-mart website to give him. He said if it is not verified through his computer, he cannot give it to me, no matter how many websites publish it. According to him, he could not access it because it only existed as a code for people with Latin American or Carribbean addresses. So even if I had it in my hand, according to the manager, the computer would not verify it.

 

[Lewisc]

It would not have mattered if I brought proof of the code, even though I had the wal-mart website to give him. He said if it is not verified through his computer, he cannot give it to me, no matter how many websites publish it. According to him, he could not access it because it only existed as a code for people with Latin American or Carribbean addresses. So even if I had it in my hand, according to the manager, the computer would not verify it.

You don't know what would have happened if you had the printout. You would have had to the option of asking him to call corporate and give you the rate you reserved or if you waiting until you got home to complain to corporate and/or file a credit card dispute.

You had no evidence to refute his assertion the code is only for Latin American residents.

 

[kaytieeldr]

As far as I know, the OP has not followed this advice. I am pretty confident Alamo will fix the overcharge if she will take the time to do so.

I had a negative experience with my last Alamo rental, all the way up to there being no cars available when I first got to the garage. Different from the OP's, because I was able to resolve everything when I returned the car - but Alamo (in the form of the Manager on Duty) took care of me. I'm thinking the company WILL work with the OP.

 

[kjs1976]

In response to Lewis - Right, I understand that. Even though I said I'd go somewhere and print it or show him the website myself, he said it still wouldn't work in his computer.

I'm not here to go through all the shoulda-woulda-coulda's. There are many and I'm aware of what they are. Hind sight is 20/20.

My only point in posting this thread is so that people who rent from Alamo are aware and informed when they go to rent there. I want others to avoid what we went through if at all possible.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thank you, kjs1976 - your consideration, advice, and concern for your fellow DISer's is appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[francie57]

We have a regular SUV reserved with the Walmart code plus a BJs coupon for next Thurs. I had printed out the Walmart page back in March when I made the reservation plus printed the BJs coupon. We have already entered all our information in the Alamo system and will try to use the kiosk. If we have any trouble I will just walk over to the Budget counter where I have my back-up reservation using a Florida Tourism code. Guess we will see what happens on Thurs.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I've always been happy with Alamo. The last 2 years I've been able to book my ressie using one of the Alamo websites deals (coupons) and the WM code and been able to use the kiosk at MCO. Worked great! The website coupon was a better deal than the Entertainment coupon then. Right now the Entertainment coupon is a better deal but, hopefully, rates will drop and I'll use one of Alamo's coupons so I can use the kiosk. I loved using it-no line and we were done it about 5 min.

Also, I've never really been pushed to upgrade or buy insurance. I just say "No", and we move on.

Last year we were picking out a car (minivan) at about 10:30 p.m. and they're were only 3 there. They were either dirty or they smelled. I asked the mananger if they could wash one for us but he said they were doing compacts right then and it would be 20-30 min. I mentioned that they had plenty of Toyota Siennas available (next larger van) and he quickly offered me one, for the same $$. I happily took it and we were on our way to POP.

I'm sorry the OP (and one other) had a problem with the code, hope it's not a trend, but I still like Alamo. Now if only their rates on minivans would start to fall.

Thanks OP for letting us know.

 

[scammermom]

We have a regular SUV reserved with the Walmart code plus a BJs coupon for next Thurs. I had printed out the Walmart page back in March when I made the reservation plus printed the BJs coupon. We have already entered all our information in the Alamo system and will try to use the kiosk. If we have any trouble I will just walk over to the Budget counter where I have my back-up reservation using a Florida Tourism code. Guess we will see what happens on Thurs.

Thread Hijack Warning!!

"back up reservation"???
I thought they charge your card if you don't show.

 

[train]

The Wal-Mart ID# can be reserved online. Wal-Mart just doesn't do online booking of any travel anymore through its own site, for whatever reason.

I've used the Wal-Mart ID# (booked online) myself this year, though not at MCO. I did check in at a kiosk.

I have used an ID# with a coupon code at an Alamo kiosk twice this year and was not sent to the counter.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

Thanks, Mary, for that info.

kjs1976, thanks for posting about your situation. I hope Alamo resolves this quickly for you. I'm sure you'll let us know the outcome.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I'll be using the same code this Sunday in Orlando. I'll report back on how it goes.

I printed the Wal-Mart page and my original reservation. Like the OP, I've successfully used these codes the past two years with no problems from Alamo. I hope that it goes smoothly Sunday.

 

[ibob52]

OP thanks for posting ... sorry to hear that the car rental became a situation ... I as one who frequents discussion boards for Trip Planning info ... appreciate your input ... I like to know (approximately) the $$ of my main Travel expenses = Airfare / Hotel / Car Rental / etc ... ahead of time ... when these cost vary ++ ... I too would be bothered ... that said ... being a glass 1/2 full type ... I am most Happy ... when all goes as Planned ... Hope all goes well in the end ...

 

[Luv2Diz]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I know I've would have been very angry also. Thanks for sharing as another example of poor customer relations.

Just my experience with Alamo at MCO - overly aggressive customer service agents who try to "make" people take their insurance by telling them their insurance wasn't good enough (when it was) or saying you have to pay extra for an upgrade since they were out of their reserved vehicle (and suddenly have the vehicle when pushed).

FYI - avoid the counter if at all possible. Good advice for any rental agency. Sign up for their programs and use the kiosk if at all possible.

This is exactly the same experience we have had renting from Alamo in Orlando. I have rented cars all over the country and even internationally and never encountered agents as pushy as here. We had the problem with the agent trying to tell me that my personal auto insurance wasn't good in Florida, that the additional rental car insurance I have through my American Express card was void in Florida and that we really had to purchase several types of storm insurance because a hurricane was swirling way out in the Atlantic.

We went to the counter because I was told we had to use the counter instead of the kiosk if we were using coupons. It was so ridiculous that my kids were standing behind me actually laughing as I said NO continuously and louder each time the agent tried to push more insurance on us. This trip we are using Enterprise.

 

[francie57]

To the poster that asked, Budget didn't ask for a credit card - neither did Alamo. I have never had to give a credit card number to rent a car on-line. We just put in our driver information the other night for the car and we still have not given a credit card number. Just figure we would be doing that at the kiosk. I know several other posts have had drivers said they book a back-up reservation with another company and have never had to give a credit card no. either.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

This trip we are using Enterprise.

LOL.....they get commission too for selling insurance!

BobK/Orlando

 

[JandD Mom]

To the OP,

You've already been in touch with Alamo at least twice. You can write the letter as Mary says. But you also have sufficient documentation to show you had a valid reservation from Alamo at a certain rate, and Alamo refused to honor it.

So if it were me, I would also call my credit card company and dispute the charge. You can provide them with the documentation and let them go to bat for you as well. Note, I have found the credit card companies to be variable at best on how they actually handle these issues. IMHO, American Express is the best, Chase (Disney Visa) was disappointing.

 

[portsofcall]

The fact that Alamo made a pathetic attempt to fix things is enough for me after hearing that. I won't be using them, they're either cheaters or not interested in making things right with their customer, or both...

We typically use budget or enterprise when we rent a car

We had a similar problem with Alamo in Hilo, HI. We had an online entertainment coupon code. They demanded the book coupon, even though you have to have a paid subscription to get them online. Lucky, I had the book, but I had to walk a block back to baggage claim and look for it.

Never had a problem with Enterprise or Budget.

 

[photolover]

I also agree that its a good idea to bypass the rental counter whenever possible. Alamo gives you a couple of ways to do that: online checkin and the kiosk. That way you save a little time and avoid the upgrade upsell and the insurance spiel. Even with that, use legitimate codes; often the questionable codes do not allow for advance or kiosk check-in.

Can someone please fill me in about on-line checkin and the kiosk at MCO Alamo? Do I have to do both in order to by-pass the rental counter? What info do I need at the kiosk? If I use a coupon and a special code, can I use on-line check-in and the kiosk to bypass the counter? Sorry I am new to this stuff. TIA

 

[mzlee]

I use Alamo often as they seem to always have the lowest price and I always use the Walmart code when I rent from them. I just picked up my rental on Thursday at MCO with no problems. I did use the kiosk and went straight to the garage. I lucked out because I had reserved a compact and had a free upgrade coupon for a midsize but ended up with a free upgrade to a fullsize because they were out of midsize.