Dollar vs. Alamo

[fizz13]

Ok, I have a quote for both and thre is not much in it, so I wondered if you could help me compare the two based on quality of service. The pick-up would be from MCO. Are these both at the terminal?
Many thanks
Claire

 

[bopeep9207]

Yes, they are both onsite at MCO.
dollar puts a large hold on your credit card. Alamo charges you for the amount of the rental only, and that is done at the beginning of the rental.
Given the choice, I would take Alamo.

 

[toystorymom]

We've used Alamo before and had a great experience. Another plus is that you get to choose your own car out of the lot.

 

[inkkognito]

We have not used Dollar but have gotten Alamo many times through Priceline. Their line is typically one of the longest, although that is not always the case. There have been a few times when there was no one waiting at all! But still, be prepared to wait just in case.
Their agents tend to be the pushiest on insurance, so be sure thay you are firm in saying no. They will say, "Do you want deluxe coverage, or just basic?" to try to trick you into thinking you must pick one or the other.
This might sound bad, but really it's not...just things to watch out for. If their rate is cheap, it's worth it. It's nice to be able to select your own car, but be aware that you are in for a second wait at booths to leave the garage.
Barb

 

[SB in KY]

I really prefer Dollar...quick pickup (in probably 6 or 8 rentals from them at MCO over the past few years we have never had to wait more than a couple of minutes), they are generous with upgrades (if you apply online for their fastlane program they will give you free upgrade coupons and you bypass the line). Faster check in on return in our experience as well...

Others may disagree, but everytime we have rented from Alamo at MCO there has been a mammoth line (and there is no way to bypass it), they have been overly agressive with insurance pitches and on 2 occasions even though I declined additional coverage they printed the contract with it included (fortunately I caught it, once they quickly corrected and sent us on our way and the other time the clerk whined and delayed us over 20 minutes "because it takes a while to reprint all of the contracts"....so be VERY cautious about reading the contracts if you do go with Alamo)...

Cars have been fine with both agencies, but have never been upgraded with Alamo, and everytime we have used Fastlane at Dollar we have been upgraded.

 

[ncbyrne]

I have used most of the MCO onsite agencies and once Avis off site. Of the two, I would choose Dollar. Alamo is now the "official" WDW agency and tends to have long lines. As someone else posted, you can join Dollars Fastlane program. It lets you bypass the line (they have a special line just for members) and you will get nice coupons too.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Originally posted by bopeep9207
Yes, they are both onsite at MCO.
dollar puts a large hold on your credit card. Alamo charges you for the amount of the rental only, and that is done at the beginning of the rental.
Given the choice, I would take Alamo.

Curious as to how large of a hold they put onto a card. I got into trouble with credit cards about 5 years ago and paid them off and cut them up and have just a couple of cards with small limits ($300) so that I can't get into that kind of trouble again too soon. I've been considering Dollar because they have some decent rates that I've found, but if my card is going to get declined simply because it's a low limit card I don't even want to bother.

Thanks in advance!

Carrie

 

[LATigger]

Yikes! I have an Alamo ressie for next month and was worried about the long lines...experienced that many years ago at offsite Orlando Alamo. But I have a really good rate and cannot beat it so far.

Please chime in your opinions about a 9:30am arrival on a Thursday and if there might be only a short line then. It doesn't seem like a peak time to arrive. Thanks to all!

 

[bopeep9207]

Originally posted by ncbyrne
I have used most of the MCO onsite agencies and once Avis off site. Of the two, I would choose Dollar. Alamo is now the "official" WDW agency and tends to have long lines. As someone else posted, you can join Dollars Fastlane program. It lets you bypass the line (they have a special line just for members) and you will get nice coupons too.

When did Avis go offsite?

 

[bopeep9207]

Originally posted by MyGoofy26
Curious as to how large of a hold they put onto a card. I got into trouble with credit cards about 5 years ago and paid them off and cut them up and have just a couple of cards with small limits ($300) so that I can't get into that kind of trouble again too soon. I've been considering Dollar because they have some decent rates that I've found, but if my card is going to get declined simply because it's a low limit card I don't even want to bother.

Thanks in advance!

Carrie

I believe the hold rule is on their website. It is something like the cost of rental plus 15% or 300.00 whichever is higher. I would read the site to be absolutely sure.

 

[bopeep9207]

Originally posted by LATigger
Yikes! I have an Alamo ressie for next month and was worried about the long lines...experienced that many years ago at offsite Orlando Alamo. But I have a really good rate and cannot beat it so far.

Please chime in your opinions about a 9:30am arrival on a Thursday and if there might be only a short line then. It doesn't seem like a peak time to arrive. Thanks to all!

I doubt there will be too much in terms of a wait on a Thurs. am.
Many people go right to the booth in the garage and check in there.

 

[inkkognito]

Bopeep,
Avis is onsite.
The other poster might be referring to a different location, but they are definitely still onsite at MCO.
Barb

 

[LATigger]

Thanks bopeep9207. I thought it should be quiet Thurs. AM but also just joined the alamo.com ReservePlus program that might zip me past the line as well. Does anyone have any experience with that service?

 

[jiminy14]

My sister had major problems with Alamo this past August. She was delayed in arriving due to Hurricane Charley but called Alamo and advised them she still wanted her car but would be a day late. She was assured by the clerk on the phone that the info was in the computer and she would not have any problems. When she finally arrived on the next day, the lines were very long. She got to the counter, handed the clerk her CONFIRMED reservation and was told that they would not honor the price. Even though she was renting for one day less, they charged her an extra $50 over the price on her reservation. She was told that she was lucky to even get a car and to take the offer or leave it. She took the car and spent the next three days on the phone with Alamo customer service trying to rectify the situation. Finally she had to fax her original confirmation from the hotel to Alamo before they would issue her a credit.