Flying with TCD...car strategy??

[mkingdon]

We are flying with Travel City, and wondered if anyone had any tips on the best way to get the car?

Is there any mileage in splitting up so one of us gets the bags and the other the car, or does that not work at Sanford?

Which car company do TCD use and if anyone has any experience or tips I'd be grateful.

Cheers

Craig

 

[allie5]

I assume you are flying into Sanford not MCO?? If so, you will find you will need to split up to collect the car, as they dont allow baggage trolleys in the car rental hall. At least one person will have to stay with the bags. TIP: the person waiting with the bags will be outside (undercover) and it gets unbearably hot here....make sure the person waiting has a cool drink, or change to get one from a machine.

TCD use Dollar. Check carefully what you have paid for as the clerk will try to get you to upgrade. Try to make all your upgrades BEFORE you leave. If you need child seats, consider bringing your own. If you like the idea of a bigger/better car and are prepared to haggle, bargains can be had, but they arent gauranteed. NEVER accept the first offer they make! If you want a convertable (for example) then $10 a day can usually be negotiated!

Make sure you are comfortable with all the controls of the car before you drive away....and check ALL the electrics (lights, windows, locking, radio etc) as we have had to return a few times. Some cars have a strange foot operated "parking brake" and dash mounted gear shifts that can be confusing! Take your time to get to grips with it all.

Hope that helps a little.
Allie.

 

[Gumshoe]

I concur re the getting to know your controls. Going back several years I was happily driving away from the airport sorting out my directions with my handbrake on. Didn't notice was wrong until somebody beeped me and I realised a plume of smoke was trailing our vehicle. Got out and realised I hadn't took the handbrake off as it didn't appear to have one (I couldn't find it). eventually realised it was one of those pesky foot pedals.

We live and learn.

 

[Aceman88888]

A Few additions

1. Car desk checkin with Dollar is huge with nearly 20 positions so even if you join the back of the Q it doesn't take too long.

2. All drivers need to sign for the car, so don't leave one of the drivers outside with the luggage.

3. On our experiences anyway, we have found the individuals service to be fairly poor, and bordering upon surly on a couple of occasions although I'm sure I would be no better stuck behind that counter all day.

4. You will be real unlucky if you are not out on the road within 1 hour of landing and often less.

 

[Disney owl]

As far as I can remember Craig children as well as luggage are not allowed in the car rental office.

i can definately remember last time we went being left outside (I'm the non-driver ) with 5 kids & assorted luggage trolleys!!!!

 

[matty624]

It's pretty bad that children have to be left outside. Since dw won't drive in Orlando, something about not wanting to die, it's not a problem for us. But what if both of us were drivers, would we have to do a baby swap like when we get in the parks? I'm pretty sure that it's the same at Orlando Int.
Ian

 

[janine29]

Hi there,
Have just returned from Orlando and travelled with TCD to Sanford. I went to collect the car alone and only the head driver needed to sign, I took my mother's (other driver) driving license to the desk but I can't even remember being asked for that.

Beware of the pressure from the girl behind the counter to upgrade. I had already upgraded one level when I booked the car. I couldn't believe the change in nature of the girl after she realised I wasn't going to upgrade again. She was also rather dissappointed that I had paid for all my insurances in the UK. It wouldn't surprise me if they work on a 100% commission basis.