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?

 

[ErinC]

Get two compact cars instead of the big van.

 

[lizzie64]

I would If I had 2 drivers

 

[Goofy Fan]

I don't think there's much you can do here. I tried to do the same exact thing 2 weeks ago with Dollar, but wound up with the mini van. For some reason, those 8 - 15 passenger vans always go for a premium and rarely get discounted. I was even checking Orbitz on a daily basis for a couple of months and never saw those vans get discounted. While asking at the rental desk, I was offerred the "Grand Voyager" which is extended and has extra cargo space and seats 7. I think it was an extra $10 per day. That's one idea I can come up with that may work out for you.

One other idea that I have heard people do (albeit more cost) is to have the other 6 passengers take Mears or a van service to WDW while the driver takes all the luggage in the mini-van to the resort, and reverse that plan on the way back to the airport. Tiffany has a luxury van that will cost $90.00 round trip, and make a grocery stop on the way. $90.00 is a lot cheaper than the difference between vans. That's probably what I would do.

 

[lizzie64]

Thanks for your idea. That may work, although I just hate separating on vacation, even for just an hour.

You're in Jersey too. Where is Blackwood?

 

[Goofy Fan]

Blackwood is about 10 miles or so east of Philadelphia in South Jersey. Most people have heard of Cherry Hill, and I am not too far from there.

Have someone go with the driver of the minivan for company. Now you can get a Lincoln Towncar from Tiffany instead of the luxury van for $80 round trip. Sure beats the extra $400 or so. Also, I forgot to mention the $5 coupon on the Tiffany Towncar web site that make it $90 for the luxury van. The Towncar for 5 would be $75 with the coupon. www.tiffanytowncar.com

Have fun!

 

[snowmouse]

I have successfully received complimentary upgrades on rental cars on several occasions. I drag all of my children and all of my luggage to the counter and tell them what a long plane trip it has been. Ask them how much luggage space your going to have as they're looking for a vehicle for you, seem a bit overwhelmed by the whole situation. I try to engage the rep. in a friendly conversation, and politely ask if they would be able to help me out at all. This is almost always successful for me (even once for 4th of July weekend on the coast). I have know idea if it would work in your van situation.

Be prepared, though. If you don't get the upgrade you'll have to take what you booked. Had you considered strapping the luggage to the rack to free up some inside space? If you're just going from MCO to the resort, could you shuttle in shifts (I'm sure that would be quite inconvenient but maybe an option??)

Good luck!!

 

[K P & J's Grandma]

If you are staying on site you don't really need a vehicle. There were 8 of us this past February - we used 'yourride' - they had a clean large van - we needed car seats & they supplied them free. We did the grocery stop with them & we also went to Universal using them --- it all cost a lot less than renting something that would accomodate all of us. Hope that this helps!!!

 

[MK Familystone]

Just got off the phone with Budget and got my minivan res with the codes suggested by you-all!
I had fun just dropping the codes on the Budget website watching the prices drop like the Walmart commercials.
I couldn't believe the final answer (rate)?
So I called my life line a Budget res. desk and d It was the Final Rate. $210 week minivan .
Thank you to Patty-T, Sgt.Disney and all you
others who contributed!!!!!!
Now for the Power of the Messenger.
What if all reading this total thread called the other car rentals and told of the budget price, would they match, could a price war for minivans happen? I going to try it ?
THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!

 

[mark & sandra]

Hello MK Familystone- What codes did you use and when is your trip. We've been looking for a good deal like you got.

 

[MK Familystone]

I went to Dollar site and used,fVG, MCC, Entetain, and FISH.
Called Dollar direct and gave the agent the best price code from the site and she gave me what the website displayed, I haven't tried "Power of the Messenger " yet because I needed to get my Hotel E- mail confirmation from USA Hotel.
Good Luck!

PS: CHECK OUT Sgt.Disney and Patty-T postings during July on the Budget Board Subject Dollar rates.

 

[MK Familystone]

Just got back from FLA. Dollar's codes from this page was fantastic!!! $249/week tax included!!!
We flew in on SWA and had to wait 20 minutes for our minivan and got a Grand Caravan Sport with 1,244 miles on the total odometer. We lucked out!!!!!!
I want thank Patty-T and SGT.Disney who informed us with the discount codes.
A thought, do you think that the low mileage vans show up at the Rental Co.s in early August?
The Van we had was registered and put in service july 7th.
Great Ride and COMPUTER MPH INDICATOR average 20
miles per gal. with a/c on all the time.
ENJOY!!!

 

[sgtdisney]

MK Familystone, I am glad the advice helped you. That was a good price for the van. Would you mind sharing what code you did end up using that got you that good rate?

 

[MK Familystone]

I went to the DOLLAR RENTAL WEBSITE and just filled in the suggested codes by ALL and watched the rate fall and finally settled on "FISH".
Remember to spell the code F I S H when talking direct on the phine to the DOLLAR agent.
THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!jester:

 

[crazyforgoofy]

I just booked a compact car for a week in early December for $108 using "entertain" in code. Just the two of us, only need a little car. Love the rate.

 

[DMRick]

I shaved $20 off my compact car from switching from FVG to entertain. But I need to know where that code is from before I cancel the first ressie today. I have the entertainment book..is it from there? Anyone know? Thanks.

PS..is there anyway to join the dollar fast lane without being a business?

 

[lawgs]

dmrick...

it is not from the entertain book ....there seems to be no trouble with the code from the people who have used it and have returned.....there is NO coupon required....it is probably like the fish and fvg codes which appear in publications...

as to your second question...

NO you do not have to be a business to register for Fastlane...

we just filled it out on ......the net and then faxed our info to them

within two weeks i had my card and number....



happy travelling..

 

[MauraAndIainsDad]

I agree that the rates using the ENTERTAIN code are exceptional. However, I've never used Dollar before so I have a question. How is the check-in at the Orlando Airport? I rented from National there once and it took over an hour just to get through the line to the ticket counter. We have a relatively short trip planned so I don't want to waste any time if I can help it. Also, does the FastLane service get you to your car without stopping at the counter (like Hertz Gold Club or National Emerald Aisle)?

Thanks for the help!

 

[A kid at heart]

Renting from Dollar at MCO is actually pretty good! Ihave yet to have a problem.

 

[MK Familystone]

Arrived at MCO on SWA, Dollar's counter is located a long distance from the baggage claim but the van pickup lot was a short walk on the same level across the street. the checkin was quick, 11:50am and waited till 12:15pm while they brought the brand new grand caravan to the pick-up lot.They extended my return time by an hour to compensate for the wait.
The Return was as quick as avis and the return is at the same lot as the Pickup. Palm held computer print out and off we went to the SWA tix Counter. ENJOY!