Car rental questions

[xgao]

1. I know National and Dollar are the preferred choices by many. How about Avis? Did anyone try it and what is your experience with Avis? How about Budget? I think they are both in the terminal. The reason that I am interested in these two is that so far I have found they offer best rates for a compact car. ( I think a compact is enough for me since we only have two adults and one child and I don't think we need to drive much around WDW, right?)

2. There is a free child seat coupon posted on the mousesavers site. It says the expiration date is 12/31/02. However, Avis's online reservation site says it has expired. Did anyone use the coupon before and is it still good?

3. I am bringing my 21-month-old with me and I never rent a car while I have him before? Should I bring my own car seat or should I reserve one with the rental company? What kind of car seats are offered by the car company? Are they generally in good shape? Should I choose "child safety seat" or "booster" for a 21-month boy when I book it online? Budget told me car seat availability is only on first-come- first-serve basis while Avis told me it will always available if I reserve one? Which to believe? Anyone has experience in renting car seats from these two companies or others like National?

Thanks!

 

[Eeyore1954]

I cannot answer questions 2 and 3 (no kids for me), but I did rent from Avis on the last trip to WDW (11/10 - 17). They were FANTASTIC! I had a very short wait in line on a busy Sunday morning (arrived about 10:30 a.m.). Their entire counter was staffed - I easily counted 10 people there. I think my wait in line was less than 3 mins. My contract was prepared, signed and I was on my way in less than 5 min. total from the time I walked to the line!

We got a car with only 800 miles on it. Incredibly clean, including the trunk. We asked for non-smoking and it was non-smoking.

Avis really does try harder.

 

[safetymom]

You want to use a car safety seat not a booster seat. Booster seats are used when they outgrow the regular car seat around 40 pounds and 4 years old. I would bring my own since you would be familiar with it and wouldn't have to worry if they had one at the rental office.