First Post

[elm6]

First off let me say I love these boards and all the info that is provided. At the last minute we have decided to go to Disney in April as Christmas gift to my daughter. I think that I have gotten pretty good deals. 3 flights out of detroit return trip for $404, taxes and fees included. As well as a condo at Windsor Hills for 5 nights, 6 days for $400.00. We only want to do Disney for 2 days..just Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom as I know my daughter will probably be more excited about Seaworld and dear husband will have a fit if he doesn't get to go to Universal. Any ideas how we would go about getting the passes for such more reasonable. As well as any good ways to get discounts on rental cars.

Thanks

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

With rental cars you just have to be diligent and check daily as the prices are always changing - also check www.mousesavers.com for codes.

to the Dis~!!

 

[allustoms]

I did a ton of searching for a car rental so here's a bit of what I learned.

Our last trip to Orlando we booked through CAA and the agent made some phone calls a came up with a rate which seemed good at the time. Since then I have learned so much more. She booked us with National - great rental company except that they are not on site at the airport. We were not aware of this and walked around quite a bit before we realized there was a phone on post in the retal area. They came with a shuttle really quickly and took us to their location. Going home we had to figure out where to go to get back there, and then ride the shuttle back again. I wanted an on site retal company this time.

I researched all over the web to get the best rate I could for our January trip. I felt pretty confident I had an awesome rate and booked with Alamo directly through their web site. Then I discovered the mousesavers list of discount codes. I used the code for Walmart customers, got a cheaper rate and got an additional driver for free. Last week I retried the Walmart code and got it even cheaper. Today Alamo sent me a coupon for $25 off a rental, I entered it into my confirmation and it accepted it. I didn't expect it to go through and I'm not sure that they won't stop it at the check-in desk when we arrive, but it's worth a try.

I also purchased through Airmiles, 2 - $100 Alamo dollars. If everything goes as expected, our 13 day rental will cost us less than $150 out of pocket - taxes included.

The coupon code for the $25 is AD1901NJK, it is only for rentals booked through the Alamo website and is good until June 30, 2007. Check all the codes on Mousesavers that apply to you and recheck them, it's worth the time.

 

[Lizziejane]

Today Alamo sent me a coupon for $25 off a rental, I entered it into my confirmation and it accepted it. I didn't expect it to go through and I'm not sure that they won't stop it at the check-in desk when we arrive, but it's worth a try.

I just went to the Alamo site and everything worked - the Walmart code plus the $25 coupon code, however, my concern is, do I have to have the actual coupon from them (the one you received in the mail?). Did you email tell you the coupon has to be presented in person?

The total is within a few dollars of my reservation through Dollar, however, Alamo would give me the additional driver for free, which is a huge bonus.

 

[Lizziejane]

Sorry - I just saw the coupon on Mousesavers and re-ran everything through the Alamo website. Did you click on the "additional drivers" info? It mentions "exceptions" and under "Canada" says additional charge for additional drivers. Do you know - does that refer to rentals in Canada, or Canadian drivers?

This car rental "game" drives me nuts!!!

 

[allustoms]

Honestly, I will not be suprised at anything that happens at the actual rental counter. My past experience from other times I've rented, your confirmation is your confirmation and the people working at the counter rarely change anything.

About the additional driver, when I enetered the site, there was a spot for what country I am from. This should have stopped any specials Canadians are not entitled to. I really doubt this will be a problem, the only one I am expecting may be an issue is the last $25 coupon along with the other specials, which I don't mind.

I also tried phoning Alamo a while ago to ask them about the Alamo dollars I purchased through Air Miles. The agent on the phone said all she knew how to do was enter the code discount numbers that I could give her, or she could quote me the full rate price of the day. This is why I think the counter person will be much the same, if I have my confirmation in my hand, it will be good enough.

And another also, there are so many rental companies at MCO, just move down to the next wicket and start talking. We are leaving on Jan 2 and returning on Jan 15, I will post back here when we return to let you know how it goes. I honestly don't see any problems.