First time renting a car, a few questions.

[Belle0101]

I have never rented a car before so I'm feeling pretty uncertain of myself right now. I was hoping someone could help straighten me out.

We (my DS age 3yrs and myself, DH isn't a Disney nut like us) are arriving at MCO on April 5 at 9:05 p.m. on Delta Airlines. I think it's terminal 4.

I signed up for the Emerald Club to hopefully make the process easier. So, if I understand right -- I pick up our luggage, bypass the counter and go to the aisle of the car class (intermediate, standard, full) I reserved. If I don't find what I like I go to the regular aisle of that same car class. After I find what I like I load up the car and head for the exit. Am I understanding it?

What makes a car worthy of being on the Emerald Aisle? Are they any nicer or is it the convenience of bypassing the counter?

When I was trying reservations tonight if I used the Emerald Club number the total was higher than without it. Did I miss something or is that normal?

Thank-you for your help.

 

[luckytso]

We just came back using EA, it was very painless. You walk over to the garage across the street from National's counter, go to EA section and just pick out a car. Drive and proceed to the check out booth. That was it. We booked a full size and we did not see any minivans, so we got a Camry, 5500 miles on it. It was great.

Have a good trip.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

So, if I understand right -- I pick up our luggage, bypass the counter and go to the aisle of the car class (intermediate, standard, full) I reserved. If I don't find what I like I go to the regular aisle of that same car class. After I find what I like I load up the car and head for the exit. Am I understanding

Close. You pick up the luggage, go down one floor (take the elevator) go to the garage, go to the second floor, go to the EA, they are all mushed together, no separation of full , standard, and intermediate, pick the car you want. If there is nothing there that suits you, you then go to the aisle marked either full, standard, or intermediate (of course going to the aisle corresponding to what you rented).

Just and FYI, the cost for intermediate, standard and full are generally the same, so, go for the full size. Standard cars, btw, are full size with just two doors, ie: Monte Carlo.

There is nothing special about these cars, they are just there for convienance. Sometimes if rentals are slow for converts, minivans, suvs, etc. they will put them there.