Budget Rental vehicle-Class Z...help please!

[mickeyluv]

We are looking to rent a vehicle for our trip in Florida for April. We will have 7 people (4 adults, 3 kids ages 13, 14, and 15). I was on Budget's website looking at the Full size SUV class Z and it says FORD EXPEDITION. I am wondering if anyone has rented a vehicle in this Z class before and what your experience has been. If renting from Budget at MCO what make and model vehicle will they have in the Z-class? We rented a minivan back in 2009 for 6 people and we barely got us and the luggage to fit so I'm thinking that a minivan for 7 people is not going to work. I really would appreciate any input/advice!

 

[Big Willie]

We own and Expedition and a Dodge minivan. The seating configuration is the same. (2+2+3) The Expedition has less room for luggage than the minivan. Behind the third seat there is a about an 18 inch space between the seat and the rear gate. You can line up three normal (carryon) sized suitcases up side by side. Of course you can pile duffles on top of that. The Dodge Caravan has a much larger space. The only advantage to the Expedition is the luggage rack but you need to check the company policy on using it.

I feel your pain. We always end up having the same situation (more luggage than either can hold). Here's what we have done on occasion.

1. CRAM! JAM! Bags in laps; sit on bags; bags piled to the ceiling.

2. If van has luggage rack - I bring those ratcheting type straps with me. If the van has a luggage rack I strap as much as I can on top. Sadly, lots of time the vans do not have a rack.

3. Make 2 trips. 1/2 the family and their bags are dropped off then circle back for the second group.

4. Lastly, 2 rental vehicles. Normally we travel with my sister's family. They rent a vehicle as well. We fill one vehicle with luggage and the other with people.

Honestly, we choose the van when on vacation. Z Classes are normally considered a premium rental and cost more.

 

[Lewisc]

It's only about 30 minutes from MCO to WDW. It's not the end of the world if luggage winds up on someone's lap or on the floor.

You'll have a vehicle. Buy some of your "stuff" in Orlando. Health and Beauty aids for example. Laundry detergent. Pack less.

 

[Big Willie]

LOL. I love you Lewis. I can't count how many times I've yelled "YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO THE HAPPIEST PLACE IN THE WORLD!!!! to those in the back complaining. Of course I'm the driver (I do keep my laptop behind my calves)

 

[mickeyluv]

Sorry, maybe I should have said we're needing to get to Port Canaveral for cruise on the Disney Dream. We are flying in late Friday night and have all day Saturday and Saturday night before driving down to the Port on Sunday morning and 2 trips at 50 to 55 minutes one way wouldn't really work. I guess we'll have to either rent 2 vehicles or 1 bigger SUV. We could use a transportation company to get us to the Port and just use the vehicle for driving around Orlando area. Not sure yet...I guess we'll have to discuss this a little more between our family and the family going with us .