Dollar/Alamo MCO (May-June reservation)

[DCTM]

Have 2 reservations at MCO for May 30th - June 9th. Checking rates everyday but they seem to just be going up.

For those who have rented a standard car at MCO via Dollar what car did you end up with (Mitsubishi Galant)? The rate on this one is $207

Also, have reservation with Alamo same dates for a mini van $278

I have never used either rental company. Anyone prefer one of these over the other?

Both of these reservations say "estimated" total on the confirmation.

 

[nacho113]

When we flew into MCO in January, Standard cars were mostly Chrysler 200's, several Hyundia sedans (Sonata, I think) and a couple of Buick Verano's

Don't worry about the "estimated" total at the bottom, this is the amount that you will pay unless you add extras such as Insurance, additional driver etc.

FYI: Alamo doesn't have a Standard Aisle at MCO so if you get a deal on a Standard, you will pick from the Full-Size Aisle.
We have found all kinds of vehicles on the Full-Size Aisle with Alamo and you get to pick the one you want. There is usually a lot of full-size sedans like Chev Impala, Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Dodge Charger and quite often we find small SUV's and sometimes a mini-van or 2 depending on the time of year.

 

[richmo]

Don't worry about "estimated".

Also don't give up...you may find that rates won't go down until a week or two before you leave. Keep looking for specials, etc.

With all else equal, I prefer Alamo since you can do the entire reservation and checkin without stopping at the rental counter or the kiosk. Checkin a day or so before (when you are sure which car you are renting) and just head out to the garage and pick a car out from the proper row.

 

[kj2mom]

Don't worry about "estimated".

With all else equal, I prefer Alamo since you can do the entire reservation and checkin without stopping at the rental counter or the kiosk. Checkin a day or so before (when you are sure which car you are renting) and just head out to the garage and pick a car out from the proper row.

Does Alamo have a special program you have to sign up for prior (like Dollar for example) in order to bypass the counter or is it just the online check in process the day or so before? Thanks!

 

[nacho113]

Does Alamo have a special program you have to sign up for prior (like Dollar for example) in order to bypass the counter or is it just the online check in process the day or so before? Thanks!

Alamo Insiders - free to join.
Do the online check-in before you leave home and print your paperwork. Take the paperwork with you and walk out to the garage when you arrive at MCO. Pick a vehicle from the aisle/size that you booked and drive it to the exit gate. Hand them the paperwork, your licence and the credit card that you are using and you will be on your way within a couple of minutes.

 

[kj2mom]

Great info, thanks soo much!

 

[BigTigger]

If you stay with Dollar, check for City Specials as you get within a few weeks of the rental date. This shows up on the car choices page if available when you choose Show All Cars. You can get a daily rate around $30 and weekly about $230 when these come up. Given your travel dates are in a slower period, you should see City Specials for your dates eventually.

 

[castle1]

In February we rented a standard car from Alamo. As previous poster stated, there were many full size cars to choose. With online checkin, it was so easy! Also, the rates kept falling the closer to our date. I would book the cheaper one and then cancel my current reservation. Have a great trip!