Good experience with National's Emerald Aisle

[sherry7]

Thanks to the great advice from you guys on this board, I obtained an Emerald Club membership for our car rental through National this past week. We were really pleased. There was a nice assortment of vehicles on the aisle, including Grand Prix's, Buick LeSabres, a mini van, several SUV's, and a couple of sporty looking cars. We got a bright red 4 door Chevy Blazer with only 1800 miles on it. Everything was smooth, and when we returned the car the total was exactly what my internet confirmation had. The down side...after driving around in the Blazer for 10 days, I have now decided that my car is too small.

 

[JPerry]

I'm glad you had a good experience. We, too, joined after finding the free membership deal here and our first trip is in 25 days! I hope our turn will go as smoothly as yours! Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[paras4ri]

Sherry,

We have an intermediate class car reserved on the Emerald Aisle for the end of the month. Do you have any idea what model that would be?

 

[DebbieB]

An example of an intermediate would be a Pontiac Grand Am. But if you have an Emerald Aisle reservation, you have the choice of any size car on the Emerald Aisle rows. If a van or SUV is there, you can take it. They will usually have at least full sizes. If nothing there is good for you, then you could go over to the intermediate aisle.

 

[paras4ri]

Wow.....I didn't realize that. So I pay the price I was quoted but can possibly get a larger car, that's great!

 

[Padre Disney]

Sherry 7
Could you please give an estimate of what your 10 day charge was being and emerald club member? My husband is trying to figure out if you really save any money joining the emerald club or is it just the perk of picking your own car.

Thanks

 

[DebbieB]

There is no discount for Emerald Club, at least the last time I checked prices. Disney Club was 20% off when I made a reservation last week (you can still get the Disney Club discount & use Emerald Club). Everyone at National gets to pick their own car, but with Emerald Aisle you have the possibility of an upgrade plus you don't have to go to the counter. Without Emerald Club, you can only pick out of the size aisle you reserve and you have to stand in line at the counter first. If you belong to Disney Club, there is no charge to get an Emerald Club card so there is really no downside to it.

 

[StilesMom]

We also just had a great experience with Emerald Aisle during our trip last weekend, but one thing I wanted to note... we reserved a full size car because the rate was the same as the intermediate. When we got to the aisle, the cars there were intermediate (mostly Grand Ams) and there was one Mitsubishi Eclipse (not sure what category that would be).

My husband waved over an attendant, who drove a full size Olds Intrigue over for us. (He was very nice... when we asked if they had any convertibles to choose from - he said that they were all reserved or he would have brought us one! Something you may want to try!)

We were very pleased with the car, but if we hadn't paid attention we would have driven off with one of the intermediate cars. If it matters to you - be sure to check the car class before you drive off.

 

[Pluto4President]

Just to reiterate, you are only guaranteed what you reserve....

 

[sherry7]

Padre Disney....we paid $225 (with all taxes, etc) for our 10 day rental. I reservered for a full size, since it was only around $4 more total than the intermediate. You do not get a discount with the Emerald Club, just the nice option of choosing your own car, and skipping all of the hassle of the paperwork. I did use my Disney Club card for a discount though.

 

[maciec]

I was told today (by National over the phone) that even though I had reserved an intermediate car I was guaranteed a full size or higher because I am an EC member ... I don't feel comfortable with this because I really need a full size car .... can anyone help me with this I am a first time renter. What if it's like what StilesMom said abut there being nothing bigger than an intermediate size car on the lot. Is it true that when I get there I get a full size car or what?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

maciec,
You are only guaranteed what you reserve for the Emerald Aisle, but, if you have reserved an Intermediate, you are welcome to take any class/size car on the aisle.
When you book for the EA, you receive a standard or full size car for the price of an intermediate.
If you really need a full size car I advise you booking one.
We arrived late night and there were NO full size cars ( I had booked a full size), but, there were many Intermediates and one Bonneville (not sure if that is premium or luxury), we took the Bonneville. Nice car, lots of room, but, the Impala we had before had a larger (so it seemed) trunk.

 

[pbhunt]

If you are an Emerald Club member using Emersald Aisle....Book a Full Size Car! It costs the same, or close to, your intermediate car reservation, and you are guaranteed a full size car!

 

[StilesMom]

maciec - If you book a full size and there are only intermediate cars - tell the attendant and they will get a full size for you from another lot. I wasn't aware that the Grand Ams were intermediate, but my husband knew better and wanted to make sure we got what we reserved. It may not matter to some people to reserve full size and drive away with an intermediate if they are satisfied with the car. If it matters to you - check before you drive off.

 

[maciec]

thank you StilesMom .... I am just nervous about this whole trip. This is the first time we have ever rented a car, the first time taking a child (1yo DD), and the first time we have ever stayed off site (Vistana). I just wish December 2nd would hurry up and get here. I can't take this impatients any longer!!!!!!!!!!