Driving down in a rental - I have questions...

[Karenj2]

We're thinking of driving down to go camping at Ft. Wilderness (lots of firsts for us). I've never rented a car for a long roadtrip before, and I have a few questions...

1) What rental company is best for renting a minivan (or SUV)? It'll be me, DH, DD, plus our friends (DW & DH) and their DD. Both girls are in car seats (rear facing), so we need room. (Plus, we'll have all our camping stuff, too.) All four adults will probably be driving at some point - are there any rental car companies that allow this?

2) Would it make any sense to book two one-way rentals (since we most likely won't be using it during the week)? Or should we keep it, just in case we want to use it for going to dinner at a resort? (I personally like the WDW transportation - I love not having to drive, or worry where my keys are, etc.)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

1. Rent from the cheapest company which allows additional drivers at no extra cost. I'm not sure what companies allow four drivers without charge.

2. Usually one way rentals are far more expensive than round trip rentals.

 

[NotUrsula]

Read the fine print VERY carefully, especially as you live in the Northeast. Some companies restrict the geographical range of the vehicles even if mileage is technically unlimited. Be sure that you are not going to get hit with a hefty surcharge if you take it out of a proscribed distance range. (For companies that do this, the car is usually equipped with a satellite transponder that will ping if it is taken out of range.)

 

[francie57]

If you rent a van rent it for the time frame you want, a one way rental will be more expensive. As the pp said, make sure that you are allowed to take the van out of the area - not all companies allow that.

 

[Karenj2]

Thank you for your input! I read Hertz' terms & conditions, and couldn't find anything about distance restrictions... Should I call and find out?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Sure - it won't take too long and could save you some grief later.