Dollar vs. National for a Minivan

[BCVNovember]

I am going to WDW on 11/15. I initially reserved an SUV with National (joined the Emerald Club). There will be 5 of us (my dad, me (the driver), and my 3 daughters all of whom will be using a carseat or booster seat).

It initially appeared to me that the SUV was about $150 cheaper than the minivan, so that is what I went for. Then I started thinking that the SUV might be too small and I tried some different discount codes and a coupon code today from Mousesavers.com and came up with a price for the minivan at National at $331, including tax, for the week.

Then I tried the DOL39 code for the minivan at Dollar and that does give me a price of $255 ($199 + tax) for the week.

I have heard a lot about National and how great the Emerald Aisle/Emerald Reserve works (which is why I reserved there in the first place), but I haven't heard much about Dollar. Is the cost difference of $76 more for National worth it, or should I just go with Dollar? How is the customer service at Dollar?

Thanks!

 

[KIMHELMS99]

I'm sure you will get many varied responses. I have always had good luck with Dollar. They have always had the best rate when I checked and I've never had any problems.

We've rented a minivan 4 times with no problems. Good luck!

 

[zulaya]

This doesn't sound like it's an issue for you, but Dollar usually carries only base model Caravans or the like, not the Grand Caravans/long wheel base minivans. This was an issue for us with 6 people and the luggage that goes with 6 people for a week. We went with National because Dollar was going to not guarantee a Grand Caravan, and if we did get it, we'd be charged more for it.

 

[smart cookie]

Originally posted by zulaya
Dollar usually carries only base model Caravans or the like, not the Grand Caravans/long wheel base minivans.

I've always been lucky & gotten the grand caravan from Dollar.
In fact, my most recent rental, last week, I got a Loaded Grand Caravan (Power everything-seats,windows,mirrors,vents) plus it had the DVD player. Couldn't believe it!

 

[sgtdisney]

Dollar charged us more for a Grand Caravan a year or so back as well.. It seems to be luck of the draw lately with Dollar in regard to this. If you don't need a longer wheelbase minivan guaranteed, I would go with Dollar. I have had excellent service with both Dollar and National. With National however, you will get to pick your own van as opposed to having one assigned to you by an agent. When we were in Orlando in June they had an aisle full of minivans, all extended wheelbase, and we could have picked from Astro Vans, Ventures, Montanas and Grand Caravans.. some with 8 passenger capability too..

 

[BCVNovember]

Thanks for all the great information you guys!! I think I'm going to stick with National for now. Maybe the rates will drop some more between now and mid-November. I really feel like we'll need the extra space for the luggage and the strollers I'm planning on bringing. I really like the whole idea of using Emerald Reserve, avoiding having to stand in line at all, and getting to choose the vehicle myself rather than taking whatever Dollar offers me.