Full-size (12-seat) passenger van rental...Where in IN?

[SCCaguioa]

Our trip from West Central IN to WDW will be a family of *9* in March. (4 adults, 14, 12, 11, 7, 3). I need advise on obtaining a LARGE van. I would prefer a luxury van but a 12-seat passengar van maybe our only option.

Any advise?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I would check the codes on www.mousesavers.com
Be aware, however, that some rental car companies do not allow you to take the vehicle out of the state.

 

[NotUrsula]

Gail is correct, you are going to have a very hard time finding a conventional rental that will allow you to take a vehicle across-country. They have really tightened up on that, especially with larger vehicles.

Here's something else; have you ever *driven* a 12-passenger van? I have. Those things are tanks, and the suspension is horribly uncomfortable, the shocks are so stiff you bounce on the seats. You'll all have pretty bad backs by the time you arrive.

Have you considered renting an RV? Those are normally allowed to go anywhere, and it is definitely a more comfortable ride than a shuttle-type van. They are not cheap, though. The rate for an RV that will hold that many passengers (not sleeping space, just seat space) is probably going to come in around $1K for 8 days.

 

[SCCaguioa]

Gale, I have seen alot of info stating these type of vans have very low miles. I think 12-seat vans have been limited for some time...hopefully not due to terrorism
I might be able to get 9 people in a minivan...but that's going to be difficult at 4 adults, 2 teens, and 3 kids.

NotUrsula, I was thinking about an RV but considering the cost and the fact that we are staying at BCV (Woo Yoo); it just wasn't reasonable.

I was hoping to put all nine of us into one vehicle; allowing us to have 4 drivers and a straight-thru trip there and back. I may have to 'suck it up' and pay for an RV.

 

[NotUrsula]

Well, I wouldn't give up too quickly; you never know until you try. Hertz, Budget and Thrifty have full-size vans in their fleets, but they may not have them at smaller locations, unless you pay a transport fee to get one there. The distance restrictions might be something you could buy your way out of, though mileage fees could be a monster.

As I understand it, the reason for the mileage restrictions has nothing to do with terrorism, and everything to do with a) excessive wear-and-tear on vehicles, and b) accidents. Big vans have a very high accident rate when driven on highways, especially when fully loaded. They have a tendency to overturn easily, and that goes double if you are not used to driving them.
Add in driver fatigue on cross-country trips, and you can see why the company might think it is best to keep them close to home.