Car Rental Deals at MCO or TPA?

[MyPrince&Princess]

Hello! My brother and his family are thinking of flying down this summer but he is having a hard time finding a reasonable price for a rental car in July. He's looking for a minivan but honestly could probably fit in an SUV. They are planning on staying offsite for the start of their trip and on-site for the latter part. They can't book their flights as the car pick-up will dictate where they will fly in to. Does anyone have any insider tricks or tips on car rental deals?


TIA!

 

[summabreeze85]

National is our absolute go-to. Google contract codes and you can find some rates that are in-line with everyone else. Best thing about national though is you book a mid-size which is emerald club aisle. About 75% of the time we get a much needed mini-van in the emerald club aisle. Of course not guaranteed though. Then when we are doing a split stay you can pick up at mco, go to your non-disney hotels, then when you get on property you can either drop it off at the swan and dolphin or the car care center to save you money for days not needed.

 

[gottalovepluto]

If they are a member of Costco check their rates and if they have a Chase Credit Card with Ultimate Rewards check the rates through the UR portal (I actually got cheaper rates for cash through the UR portal with National last year than if we had paid cash with the best coupon I could find direct with National.) I've seen numerous recommendations for Costco so while I haven't used them myself I have no issues recommending them!

 

[MyPrince&Princess]

Thank you Summabreeze! Can I ask - what is the emerald club aisle? Is that National's loyalty club?

 

[MyPrince&Princess]

Thanks GottalovePluto! I did actually check Costco for them first and they are giving the lowest rate, but still in excess of 1,200 for 2.5 weeks. Seems a bit high. I know we've personally never paid more than 700 for the same time of year through Costco. I don't think they have a Chase card, but I will check.

 

[holden]

Consider getting the rental car offsite, not at MCO, through Costco. Just search for rental places near MCO. Get an Uber to the rental car place. He will save significant $.

 

[momto4obkids]

Try looking on www.carrentalsavers.com it will show all of the car company rates and automatically adds any codes etc.

 

[trenty]

Try autoslash DOT com. I have always gotten great deals through them.

 

[elgerber]

I also think it's way too early for a good car rate. I usually get my best rates a few weeks before I leave.

 

[LadyD]

I just booked a car rental pick up from MCO and drop off at Tampa through Avis last night for my May trip over mother’s day weekend. For an intermediate SUV, it was $205 total for the six days. That was by far the lowest rate for that size vehicle I could find across numerous websites and companies. Most were about $100 more for the same trip.

Since it is a pay at the counter reservation, I will continue to keep looking to make sure nothing cheaper pops up, but I’ve been periodically checking for the last few months and nothing came close to that.

 

[lanejudy]

I would say he needs to just keep checking. I find the best car rental rates tend to be about 3-6 weeks prior to when I need it. If he waits for a good car rental, he may lose good airfare. I think he's going to have to bite the bullet and pick an airport. Car rental deals will likely come along later for either.

Enjoy your vacation!