Ermeral Isle question

[MaryKatesMom]

Has anyone signed up for the program on mousesavers?

Can someone give me a quick overview of what the program is like?

I had a terrible experience waiting for Alamo a couple of years ago and don't want to repeat it so I'm looking for alternatives.

 

[Erin12303]

My mom obtained her Emerald Club membership for free using the offer on Mousesavers.com. It worked out without any problems.
I will only rent from National because I love the convenience of picking my car at the EA, paying at the booth, and driving off to Disney in less than 15 minutes usually.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I know National and EA are the same company but do they share reservations, etc? How separate are they? TIA!!

 

[maraakl]

No, the do not share reservations. Just counter and garage space, however, they are clearly marked as to who is who.
For information on the Emerald Club go to the National website and click on the Emerald Club tab.

 

[Bobb-O]

Someone wrote

I know National and EA are the same company

and someone else answered

the[y] do not share reservations. Just counter and garage space

I disagree - Emerald Isle- is a subsidiary (may not be correct term) and wholly owned by National Rent a Car. It is a "program" that is a part of National, originally for businesmen.

From Emerald Club Rules-
If National Car Rental terminates the Program, National Car Rental will provide Program members with at least 90 days prior written notice.

FYI Alamo is also owned by National.

Alamo and Avis also have "bypass the counter" programs.

 

[Bobb-O]

[duplicate post-unable to delete]

 

[SalandJeff]

Emerald Aisle is National's program that allows you to skip the rental counter. It's a great timesaver. When you sign up, you will put in all your info and preferences (whether you want the insurance or not, lic #, etc) and they will be stored. You make your reservation online through National's website...just put in your EA #. Then when you get to Orlando, just go to the garage and there will be a clearly marked section of cars for EA members. Just get in whatever one you want, drive to the booth, show your EA card, license and any coupons you've used, and drive off.

When you return the car, you pull into the garage, they come check the mileage & gas tank (make sure you fill it on the way back) and hand you a receipt and you're off to your flight.

Keep in mind that most of the cars on the EA are Intermediate or Full size and if you have a special requirement (like a minivan), don't go there counting on getting one. What's available all depends on what time you get there, day of week, etc.

Definitely worth it...especially because it's free!

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by MaryKatesMom
I know National and EA are the same company but do they share reservations, etc? How separate are they? TIA!!

I think you are thinking of Alamo. National and Alamo are the same company but have separate counters and reservation systems. They share cars.

 

[maraakl]

Bobb-O
National and Alamo are sister companies owned by Vanguard.
Vanguard bought them a year or so ago.

Quicksilver is the rental program for Alamo
Emerald Club is the rental program for National.

I read EA and National but, my brain registered Alamo and National. It has been a very LONG day.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Thank you for all of the help.

I'm going to give EA a try. I've really never had any bad advice from a disboard member. Well, OK, I never did find out why I needed to bring a bungee cord on my cruise but other than that

Thank you everyone!

 

[maraakl]

Emerald Club is what you will join. Emerald Aisle is the aisle you will select a car from if you book an intermediate.

 

[Deesknee]

dh has EC through work Also I believe they have some connection with American Express, but not sure on that.
We've used it 6 or 7 times never been a problem. A matter of fact EVERY time we have returned the minivan the cost has been LESS than they quoted us. We questioned it once and was told we had the vehicle back sooner than they anticipated!!!! Imagine? We never questioned it again.

Good luck.