Going in 67 days and still have not reserved a car!

[Disneynut5]

I am clueless about rental cars and DH is too busy to help me. We need one for 10 days and I do not want to spend over $400 if possible. I have not even started to look really. All of these codes and everything confuse me. Why can't they just have reasonable rates without all of this code mess?

I am not even sure what size car we need. There are 2 kids and 2 adults with one child in a booster (that we will bring). But we will also have 4 suitcases and maybe a stroller and carry-ons. Most of the smaller cars say they only hold 2 suitcases in the trunk. Is this true? When I drove a small 2 door in college I could get tons into the small trunk! I do not want to be driving to/from the airport with luggage between our legs in the car!

HELP!

ANy and all advice will be appreciated!

 

[seashoreCM]

Just keep on shoppin'. If you find a better deal than what you booked, then cancel and rebook.

Even the everyday low prices (no codes needed) go up and down like a roller coaster every few days.

Travelocity gives (or used to give) a rundown of several companies' everyday low prices all on one page. Caution: Go to the chosen rental company's own website to do your booking, lots of complaints about on-line travel agency customer service and helping you change your reservations!

You might be able to get loads of stuff -- books, clothing, DVD's, etc. into the trunk of a small car at college but it is possible that once you put two suitcases in, no more suitcases will fit.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[ParrotBill]

I have had my best luck with Dollar lately. Much lower than the others.

Here is what I recommend for packing.
2 large suitcases which are "rigid"... 2 duffels that you can squish into the space around them and hopefully lay the stroller on top of. Soft backpacks for carryons, each kid puts theirs under their feet and second adult take one or two up front with them.

You may fit the stroller or 2 pcs soft luggage under their feet and they hold their own backpacks.

If you can do this, I think you need a full size car, maybe MAYBE you can do it in a mid size.

If you need to take 4 rigid pieces plus stroller plus carryons you are going to be uncomfortable... and many would rent a minivan at that point.

I assume you are not at a Disney resort so you can't use Magic Express, so you must need a car for the whole time. Car rental rates are staying high because car rentals companies have reduced their inventories.

Good luck!

 

[Disneynut5]

WOW! Great advice from you two! I am learning a lot. We are staying onsite (POFQ) but our plane does not get in until 7:30pm and I want to put the kids to bed as soon as we get to the hotel - we have reservations at Tusker House at 8am the next morning. WE could take the ME but I have no idea when my luggage might come that night and we really will not have time to get our car the next morning. The Disney Car Care center closes before we get there.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

With the cost of car rentals this year, I personally wouldn't rent one if staying onsite unless really necessary.

Also we're a family of 4 and a midsize is ok for just us but add luggage and stroller and it will be really tight. I'd vote for a full size.

Maybe try Priceline's Name your own Price?

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

I love Alamo. They always have good last minute deals. I know you don't like the codes but since Alamo is partnered with Disney, they offer some special discounts to those going to Disney, i.e. Annual Passholders, DVC members, etc.

 

[Disneynut5]

Update:

I went ahead and made a reservation for a full-size with Enterprise. I got it for 9 days for $257 after fees and taxes. I will keep looking but that seemed to be the best rate I could find. Thanks for the tips and motivation everyone.