Car Rental with 8 passengers

[Sammy]

With a party of 8 adults (well, 4 adults, 3 older teens, 1 younger teen), I have a choice of an 8-passenger minivan (Toyota Sienna or equivalent) or an 8-passenger full-sized van for about the same price.

I know the full-sized would have plenty of room for all of us, I just don't know if we want to be running around property in a giant vehicle On the other hand, I'm concerned we won't fit comfortably in the Sienna.

Would love to hear anyone's thoughts and experiences....

Thanks,
Sammy

 

[Brian Noble]

If it were me, I'd be sorely tempted to get two cars. My guess is that the price will be comparable, and the added flexibility might be worth it.

 

[Sammy]

LOl...I know. That's quite a bit of family togetherness! However, we really will be traveling in a "pack" for this vacation, as the only two drivers will be DH and myself (my parents are in their 70's and have no intention of driving while on this vacation! ) and the teens are are under 21.

 

[Tinkerbell53]

Could I ask where you got the choice of the Toyota Sienna? I have looked at most if not all of the rental companies and can't find one where I can specifically rent a Sienna for the 8 seats. Thanks!

 

[Willow1213]

I would be less concerned about whether 8 people can fit but rather if luggage for 8 people can fit!

I think you would have better luck with the big van unless you have 2 seperate airport trips (i.e. grandparents come in later)

Hope this helps!

 

[Sammy]

Could I ask where you got the choice of the Toyota Sienna? I have looked at most if not all of the rental companies and can't find one where I can specifically rent a Sienna for the 8 seats. Thanks!

The ONLY way I was able to get the 8-passenger minivan to come up on Alamo was to use SUNPROMO in the ID/Corp ID box. If I used any other code, the 8-passenger option disappeared.

I would be less concerned about whether 8 people can fit but rather if luggage for 8 people can fit!

I think you would have better luck with the big van unless you have 2 seperate airport trips (i.e. grandparents come in later)

Hope this helps!

The only time we will have 8 people PLUS all luggage will the be the return trip to the airport at the end of vacation. There are 5 of us arriving on the first day, then 1 more joining us on Day 2, then 2 more on Day 5. So really, there will only be 8 people in the van for 5 of the 9 days. I just don't want to be practically sitting on someone else's lap for those 5 days

 

[Tinkerbell53]

Thank you Sammy. I did try the SUNPROMO code but it said no vehicles were available for my rental period. I have to assume either the code is not valid for Nov or there are no Siennas available. I guess we will be renting two cars then. I found a decent deal on two cars but my BFF really hates driving in Orlando. We had quite the experience doing that last time. She got lost several times. It will be another adventure in driving around Orlando for her I guess.