Dollar Car Rental - Good and Bad Please

[goofy!]

I just booked a minivan through Dollar Rental with the code listed on mousesavers. As we have never rented from Dollar before, we would love the collective opinion of the wonderful people on this board. Both Pros and Cons please.

Thanks!

-Goofy

 

[KarenP99]

We've always used Dollar when going to Orlando, and have NEVER had any problems (other that getting a PT cruiser one time...ugh, so NOT us).

Drop off is a breeze, they come to the car, scan it & print your receipt right there.

We will be there in Sept and are trying Budget this time, strictly based on price.

Karen'

 

[Lew]

We've been using Dollar and National interchangeably since we've been visiting WDW.

National has the Emerald Aisle program which allows you to proceed directly to the parking garage to select your vehicle, bypassing the rental counter. Dollar has the Fastlane program which requires that you go to the rental counter, but to a special line that is usually quite short.

Most recently I have found Dollar's rates to be better. We have recently reserved a van with Dollar for late September with a total cost $35 less than National. Next time it could go the other way.

National's web site can get quite funky sometimes. I've never had a problem with Dollar's site.

 

[lsyorke]

I love Dollar!! We use them exclusively now. I tried National one time and they tried to charge me for a full tank of gas, when it was full. Had to fight for that one!! Dollar has been a pleasure. Great cars, low mileage, easy pick up and drop off.

 

[gapere]

I have had nothing but good experiences with Dollar and use them exclusively when I fly to Orlando. I recommend you sign up for their Fastlane program on their website. It makes checkout much faster.

They have a separate line for Fastlane users where the next available agent attends to you immediately. I've skipped some pretty long lines by being a member. Also, not sure if Dollar still does this but the enrollment kit you get when you sign up comes with a free car upgrade coupon.

One more thing, keep checking the rates even after you make your reservation. I often found a cheaper rate by doing so.

Sorry, no con's tha I can think of

 

[sgtdisney]

I have used National and Dollar a lot in the past although recently I have been using National more since their prices have been competive and usually cheaper than Dollar's when I looked and I like getting to pick my own car. If the price is right with Dollar I would use them again. One thing to consider with Dollar, and this may have changed recently since I haven't used them in 2 years. The last time I used Dollar they consider the minivan class to be regular length wheelbases. If you want an extended length Minivan like the Grand Caravan as opposed to the Caravan they can charge you more at the counter for it. I have see numerous people here on the DIS who have gotten the Caravan for no upcharge, whereas others including myself were forced to pay the upcharge if you needed the larger van. They both seat 7 but the Caravan has almost no cargo space when all seven seats are in use as opposed to the Grand Caravan having some usuable cargo space. It seems to have been hit or miss. With National, I have always gotten an extended length wheelbase and there was never an upcharge. National even has Chevy Astro vans on occasion which are even slightly larger than the Grand Caravan or extended length Venture/Montana.

Good luck.