Got back last night (5/26) - EA report

[Momto4]

A big thanks to Pluto and all who helped us decipher the MCO rental car experience...

There were maybe 15 cars total on the EA -- ALL "full" and "intermediates." No vans, convertibles, bugs, PT's or SUV's.

Thanks to the info on these boards we gave up the risky EA reservation in favor of the more expensive and more certain minivan reservation. We had our choice of all of 3 vans left (Sat at @ 2:00 pm), but we were very pleased with the one we got.

Easy pickup and return...no waiting, no counter.

If you're shopping for a rental van, keep checking. Our national one week van rental was $207 total with all fees and taxes. (DC discount and free day coupon) Got that rate the week before we left. Not bad for a van!

 

[Disney Daniel]

Thanks for the report. It reinforces the idea that if you are looking for a specific type of vehicle, like a mini van, and you would not be happy with an intermediate or full size car it is best not to take the chance on EA.

 

[MOMOFFOUR]

What kind of van did you get? We are leaving tomorrow and also have a minivan reservation with National. Did you have any trouble using the coupon?

How was the smoke?? We are very concerned since many of the roads leading to disney are closed today. I know it changes day to day so we are hoping for a wind shift!!

I was happy to hear the retal worked out for you.

 

[Momto4]

Hi Momoffour,

The van we picked out was a Dodge Grand Caravan. I drive a Chrysler Town & Country, so other than the whistles and bells, it was the same van. We also had a choice of two other vans -- both were Montana's (?). We just missed two Chrysler T&C's...we saw them leave the lot. In the return line, I saw an Astro.

The smoke was not bad at all, although I hear it's bad today. We had smoke on our arrival day, and on our first full day. However, on both of those occasions, the smoke was cleared out within a couple of hours. Other than one other morning that had a hint of smoke smell, the skies were clear and the weather was great.

Have a great vacation!!

 

[Momto4]

oops... forgot to answer the coupon question...

No... we had no trouble using the coupon. They never asked for it, we just showed the printout to the exit booth guy. However, I did have all coupons and DC card to show if needed!

 

[robinb]

Wow! $205 is a great price. The best I can do in July via National is $283+ . I have a EA intermediate reservation and a backup minivan reservation at Dollar for $199. It would be worth a little extra for me not to have to check for a minivan at National and then go to Dollar.

 

[Momto4]

robinb,
Keep checking! Our minivan rate hovered around $275 for a LONG time. It started dropping as departure week approached.

By the way, I am assuming you are planning to check the EA for vans and then use the Dollar ressie as a backup?? Have you done this before? I thought about doing that, but I was afraid of National's cancelation fees. (At one point, the $$ still would have been worth it even if they charaged me) For future reference, I would love to know if they actually charge you. Anybody know???

 

[robinb]

Hmmm. I don't recall any cancelation fee. Most rental car companies don't have one. I'll have to check my reservation.