Dollar or National? A bit of a dilemma (long)

[docksider]

We are going to WDW on July 27 and will be staying for 2 weeks.

I am an EA customer and I made a reservation with National way back in September when the rates were low. I have a confirmation for an intermediate for $114.00 per week.

Here's my dilemma. I had to make the reservation in my name because at the time, my husband was not an EA member. Therefore I will be listed as the renter and hence the driver.

After reading the boards, I got really nervous about the extra driver charge. On a two week rental, that really adds up. My husband will definitely be doing all of the driving. I called EA and they stated on the phone that since I was an EA member, I would not be charged the extra driver fee.

But I continue to read conflicting reports on the board. So...I made another reservation for Dollar for $99.99 per week in my husband's name. It is a compact car which really doesn't matter to us. There are 4 of us but we will only be using it to drive to and from the parks. The only drawback to Dollar is they put that extra 15% hold on your credit card.

Which should I stick with? I'm afraid that I will get to the National counter and they will tell me that the info is false and I do have to pay the extra driver charge.

Should I stick with both and see what happens and use Dollar as a back-up? What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lewisc]

You might E-Mail National for confirmation (I did) and keep the memo. You may make your life easier if you are the one who drives out of the garage (you might save a discussion with the attendant.)

 

[sgtdisney]

I always keep 2 car reservations when I travel. A couple of times, dealing with Alamo, I was taken by the old bait and switch tactic and did not have a backup reservation so I was basically stuck. Now, I always hold a backup reservation just in case the first one tries to pull something over on me. In that case, I am covered if some agent tries to pull something or they try to bait and switch I can tell them to forget it and walk away, knowing I have another car at a similar price.

The other thing I do to prevent this is to NEVER use Alamo. But, that is a different story.

 

[stacy6552]

Please! go with dollar! dont count on national they will mess with you and reek havoc on your first day!

 

[d.kurz]

Since EA enrollment is free....why don't you just have him
join!

Originally posted by docksider
We are going to WDW on July 27 and will be staying for 2 weeks.

I am an EA customer and I made a reservation with National way back in September when the rates were low. I have a confirmation for an intermediate for $114.00 per week.

Here's my dilemma. I had to make the reservation in my name because at the time, my husband was not an EA member. Therefore I will be listed as the renter and hence the driver.

After reading the boards, I got really nervous about the extra driver charge. On a two week rental, that really adds up. My husband will definitely be doing all of the driving. I called EA and they stated on the phone that since I was an EA member, I would not be charged the extra driver fee.

But I continue to read conflicting reports on the board. So...I made another reservation for Dollar for $99.99 per week in my husband's name. It is a compact car which really doesn't matter to us. There are 4 of us but we will only be using it to drive to and from the parks. The only drawback to Dollar is they put that extra 15% hold on your credit card.

Which should I stick with? I'm afraid that I will get to the National counter and they will tell me that the info is false and I do have to pay the extra driver charge.

Should I stick with both and see what happens and use Dollar as a back-up? What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Dorothy in PA has nailed the solution exactly. In fact, my DW joined last week for just this reason. The process is extremely simple, since you can complete the application on the National web site and get an immediate confirmation (actually an image of the new member's ID card). You need driver license number, issue date, expiration date, and credit card information along with the usual address information to complete the on-line form.

Also, the information about extra driver charges being waived for EC members is available on the EC portion of the National web site under Program Benefits.

Ralph

 

[Niagara2]

I always make the EA ressie in my name and my DH gives his license and drives. In 10 or so trips we have never had a problem with this with national but be sure to check your rate at the check out counter as we have been charged more than our internet rate the last three times we rented...if it happens again I will go to another company. We are on vacation and trying to get away from the hassels! They have always honored the printed confirmation but it takes time and I always feel bad for the poor souls behind us ready to drive out.