Dollar Rentals and Promo Codes

[lizzie64]

I just spoke to a rep at dollar and was told that the promotional codes don't apply to 8 passenger vans only to regular Mini vans like the "Caravan". I have a party of 7 and with luggage I really need to have the bigger van. I remember last year it was only like a $40 per day difference. What she's quoting me is almost double at $735 for the reservation.

Anyone know anything I can do?

 

[RobinLyn]

Budget (onsite at MCO) and Interamerican (offsite) rent larger vehicles. I'm pretty sure they send a shuttle to pick you up at Orlando Airport, at least Interamerican does. Would you consider renting two cars? With codes from Dollar you could probably get two cars cheaper than the one larger vehicle. Good Luck!

http://www.interamerican.com

RobinLyn

 

[minster22]

lizzie64, I also am traveling with 7 people and have booked a minivan with Dollar using one of their codes. It is a group of 7 women going to Disney for a 50th birthday party and was worried about the luggage fitting in the vehicle. I emailed Dollar and asked about their larger minivans. When they emailed me back she suggested that I keep the great rate I have and that they will more than likely offer an upgrade at the counter for a minimal additional charge as opposed to booking the larger van for a lot more money. We are keeping the current ressie and hoping for this offer and we'll work around it if we have the smaller van. I don't know if this strategy would work for you. We will probably use it very little and only all be together in it for very small amounts of time. Hope this helps!

 

[n2mm]

We rented the Dollar minivan in January. There were 4 adults and 1 child. We could barely get all of us and the luggage in. The other 2 adults and child sat on the back seat and we had to fold down the middle seat and pile suitcases on it. There were at least 5 suitcases and a couple of carryones. I wouldn't even think of renting this size vehicle for that party size.

I had a group of 9 go a couple of years ago. We rented 2 full size cars and that seem to suite us. Plus gave the grown kids the flexibility to go where they wanted. With the ENTERTAIN code for dollar, I booked a full size car for base weekly amount of $140. this code worked for our Aug, Sep and Oct trips. IMO, I would never go with the HOPES that I would be upgraded. As an National EA member, I also book the size I want, never hoping that there will be a bigger car in EA. I think the worrying whether you're going to get the size vehicle you want would drive me crazy and put a damper on my excitment of the trip. It may work out, but it may not work out....not the way I would want to start my vacation.

 

[sgtdisney]

On our last trip we had 3 adults a 5 year old and a 5 month old. We barely fit into a Grand Caravan (which Dollar does now charges extra for) on our return trip to the airport. We had luggage for a 2 week trip, plus we did bring back more than we went down with, as we had to buy an additional suitcase for the things we bought down there. Also my Mother in Law had to bring back a box of material as she is sewing for my Brother In Laws upcoming baby. But I will tell you I could only fit 4 big suitcases in the area behind the seat and that was with sliding the back seat up as far as it will go which basically eliminates the leg room for the back seat. Not a problem with a five year old, but could be with 3 adults...