car rentals-advice please!!

[tonysgal34]

We have decided that we are going to rent a car for when we arrive at MCO to take to WDW. To have it handy just makes us feel less "trapped" while we're at WDW. My question is: What companies have all of you used, what was the best deal and can't you REALLY fit more stuff into the car than the websites say? I mean, we aren't above putting things in our laps! Also, what "extras" aren't the websites saying? The only site that seems to give a whole list of the extra fees is Enterprise. Everyone else tells you the cost-but I know that can't be a "total" cost. Thanks.

 

[ncbyrne]

Over the years I have gotten the best rates at Dollar, National, and once at Avis and Alamo. All of these companies are onsite at the Orlando airport. http://www.mousesavers.com/groundtrans.html
Be sure to check for codes and coupons on mousesavers.com Also be sure to plug in your info to Travelocity....I got the best price from them at Alamo for our next trip. It pays to do your homework when renting a car at MCO. If you continue thru the online renting process, all of the companies will eventually list the final cost, including all fees and taxes. (And yes, they DO add up!)
Before considering the rental agency insurance, be sure to check with your own car insurance to see if they cover rentals. Also, many credit cards also have this benefit if you charge the rental on that card.

 

[inkkognito]

I prefer a towncar, but we do a lot of weekend trips where we just bum around the Orlando area so we've started renting cars for those. I highly recommend Priceline. First, get the very best rate that you can find elsewhere. Then, bid below that on Priceline (don't forget to factor in the $5.95 fee). If your bid is accepted, good for you! If not, just go with the lowest rate you found elsewhere.
We specify an MCO agency, and normally we get either Alamo or Avis. Both of them are fine, although I prefer Avis because with Alamo, you have to stop at a booth before driving out of the garage. But one advantage is that you pick your vehicle with them rather than being assigned like Avis. That came in handy when we rented an SUV because there were so many kinds to choose from.
We did get Hertz (short bus ride offsite once), but the fact that they upgraded us from economy to a RAV4 definitely made up for the bus ride.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[safetymom]

We use Hertz all the time and love it. When you make a reservation it spells out all the cost so you know ahead of time.

 

[Tigger Fans!]

Another great site for discounts is www.rentalcars.com
There are tons of coupons for rental cars in the 2004 Entertainment book. I also loaded a program called "SideStep" that was recommended on another board. This program checks for rates as well. I don't still have the link for that download site....maybe someone else can help?

TTFN!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Tigger Fans!
Another great site for discounts is www.rentalcars.com
There are tons of coupons for rental cars in the 2004 Entertainment book. I also loaded a program called "SideStep" that was recommended on another board. This program checks for rates as well. I don't still have the link for that download site....maybe someone else can help?

TTFN!

www.sidestep.com

 

[madthemouse]

I have used Budget, National and Alamo. All three have been great with no problems. I go to each of there web pages to see what deals they are offering. I also use discount codes from the entertainment book and from BJ's club. Make my reservation about three months out, then check back periodically on these boards and their onw sites to see if I am able to get a lower rate.

What they quote you with taxes and fees is what you are going to pay. I've never had a problem with it being more. As far as luggage, the way it's depicted is very close. I hope this has been of some help.

 

[n2mm]

Here's my tip! Watch the Budget and Transportation Boards on this site. If there is a sale, price drop or discount, some wonderful sole always posts it. We only use Dollar and National (both located at the terminal--which is a must for saving time and hassle, sometimes the higher price might be worht it, it is for us) Neither requires a CC to hold the reservation, so I often bounce back and forth. There are lots of discounts codes to try on mousesavers.com and the entertainment book has LOTS of coupons to use. When you reserve and print out your confirmation, it will give you a complete breakdown of your charges and we find that it's always the same amount at check-in. Also, we and most don't pay for the insurance, because our private insurance company will cover a rental (something you should double check before renting). We presently have a full size car reserved at national for 108 a week (total after taxes and fees $130). While this is not a typical low price, because of the boards here, I jumped on the bandwagon back in March when the rates were very low. When the rates are low, I make all of my reservations, even tentative ones then. sometimes modifications are allows and other times modifications will change your rate. I've been very happy with both companys and will stick with them exclusively.