Budget Rental Car

[cd&kids]

Has anyone used Budget at Orlando Airport? We usually like to use Avis, but Budget has a good deal. I know they are right within the airport, which is a must as far as we're concerned. Was wondering if anyone had experiences in terms of long lines...how quickly you get in and out with your car, etc.
I think we'd all agree that it's worth spending a little more money for speed and convenience!

 

[safetymom]

Speed and convenience is why I use Hertz. Even though they are an offsite location I am driving away from the lot in less than 10 mins.

Being located at the airport is OK but if you are going to stand in long lines what is your time worth? I think it is a myth to say that onsite is faster than off site.

Hope it works out well for you.

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

I have neverhad a problem with long lines when using Budget in the past.
Budget also has a program that you can join(I can't remember the name) and you have a special line to stand in and you can bypass the regular stand-in line. (if there is one)

 

[sln88]

did you find?

so far, everything I have found has been high!

 

[cd&kids]

The deal we found (Internet) is $199 for a mini-van for the week. Not great, but pretty good. I've also found prices pretty high over the past few months. I almost booked back in March and wish I did, because I've seen prices go up since then. They are just levelling off...and since we're a couple months away, I want to start acting soon.
Anyone else out there use Budget at Orlando?

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

When are you looking for a rental? Have you gone to mousesavers to get a code?

 

[cd&kids]

Sorry...I've heard of mousesavers, but don't know a thing about it! How do you get a code?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by cd&kids
Sorry...I've heard of mousesavers, but don't know a thing about it! How do you get a code?

http://www.mousesavers.com/groundtrans.html

Here you go.

 

[3AmigosMom]

Tried some of the mousesaver codes, but actually found that the internet special Budget is running right now (minivan for $199/week) is about the best out there for September. Dollar is the same and eventhough we have used them in the past, this is the first time we are renting a minvan and from posts seen here I was a little nervous about the size of the minvan Dollar would try to give me. L&M has a cheaper rate (I think $169/week) and they are on site as well. We've used them in the past also. Never had a problem there either, but posts suggest some past issues with minivan rentals through them as well.
Have a great trip!!

 

[hercamore]

Hi,

With budget you will get a Ford minivan and with Dollar you will get a Dodge Caravan.

Just depends on brand car you want, I guess.


herc.

 

[cd&kids]

3AmigosMom...when are you going? We're heading down September 27th. Let's make a pact that whoever goes first, tells the other about their minivan experiences!
Right now, we're leaning toward Budget and the Ford. Also...anyone know if you book an internet special if you can cancel a couple days before without penalty (in case something better comes along!!!)
Thanks again for all the input!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by 3AmigosMom
Tried some of the mousesaver codes, but actually found that the internet special Budget is running right now (minivan for $199/week) is about the best out there for September. Dollar is the same and eventhough we have used them in the past, this is the first time we are renting a minvan and from posts seen here I was a little nervous about the size of the minvan Dollar would try to give me. L&M has a cheaper rate (I think $169/week) and they are on site as well. We've used them in the past also. Never had a problem there either, but posts suggest some past issues with minivan rentals through them as well.
Have a great trip!!

Code QV with Alamo has a minivan for 199. If you go to Alamo's site, click on book ahead specials, or on the hot deals tab.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by cd&kids
3AmigosMom...when are you going? We're heading down September 27th. Let's make a pact that whoever goes first, tells the other about their minivan experiences!
Right now, we're leaning toward Budget and the Ford. Also...anyone know if you book an internet special if you can cancel a couple days before without penalty (in case something better comes along!!!)
Thanks again for all the input!

You sure can!!! Up to 24 hours in advance.

 

[3AmigosMom]

cd&kids- we're going Sept 7 for 6 days, so I'll definitely post our experience with the minivan.
Also thanks Gail for the tip with Alamo. Must have missed trying that code. We have the ressie with Budget (who requires cc# up front) and one with Dollar (who doesn't) and will probably just stick with that. I don't want to reserve vehicles we have no intention of using. And honestly, don't want to get caught forgetting to cancel something and getting charged a fee. You seem very "travel savvy". Is there a reason to choose one over the other?? As stated earlier, our experience with agencies through MCO have been Dollar and L&M, but only for intermediate cars or lower. This trip is totally a new ballgame for us because we are taking our 3 new little foster children. So of course, we need to be a little smarter shoppers as well and try to stretch the dollar further!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by 3AmigosMom
cd&kids- we're going Sept 7 for 6 days, so I'll definitely post our experience with the minivan.
Also thanks Gail for the tip with Alamo. Must have missed trying that code. We have the ressie with Budget (who requires cc# up front) and one with Dollar (who doesn't) and will probably just stick with that. I don't want to reserve vehicles we have no intention of using. And honestly, don't want to get caught forgetting to cancel something and getting charged a fee. You seem very "travel savvy". Is there a reason to choose one over the other?? As stated earlier, our experience with agencies through MCO have been Dollar and L&M, but only for intermediate cars or lower. This trip is totally a new ballgame for us because we are taking our 3 new little foster children. So of course, we need to be a little smarter shoppers as well and try to stretch the dollar further!!!

The reason I go with Alamo or National over anyone else is because they don't put holds on your credit cards. Dollar puts a hold of 200.00 plus the rental costs. Alamo charges you card at the beginning of the rental for the total cost of the rental, no deposit. National charges at the end, no deposit. Alamo does not normally charge a fee for no shows. I would price them both and go with the lowest. Some charge higher per diem fees than others. They are both onsite and you can actually pick the vehicle of your choice with Alamo. Which is important to me cause I don't drive ( I hate them) white cars.

I am so happy for you and the kids. They sure are lucky little ones. Have a GREAT vacation.