has anyone ever rented a 12 or 15 passenger van?

[princesspumpkin]

12 of us (six adults, six kids) are doing the 4-day Wonder in February preceded by a two day pre-stay off site. I have two 7 passenger mini-vans reserved (picking up at MCO and returning at Cape Can.) but I'd rather just rent one vehicle. When I priced a 15 passenger van, it came out $70 cheaper, but I'd have to return it back to MCO (then get additional transportation to the pier). A 12 passenger van may not allow enough room for our luggage (probably 9 bags). Any suggestions?

 

[IvyandLace]

Hi, princesspumpkin! Have you tried calling or emailing Southern Elegance (www.southern-elegance.com)?? We are a group of 9 adults and 3 teens that are using them for transportation from an airport hotel to port and back to MCO in late November. They have a 15-passenger mini bus and reassured us that our luggage would NOT be a problem (and trust me! We can pack a lot!). They quoted us a rate of ~$285.00 roundtrip plus we can add whatever kind of gratiuty we want! We all really wanted to travel together in one vehicle since it's a family vacation, and Southern Elegance was the hands-down winner in the price department.

Let me know if I can help in any way!
IVY

 

[princesspumpkin]

Thanks Ivyandlace. My problem is that we're going to spend one day at MK prior to our cruise so we would need transportation for that as well, otherwise, we would use a limo/van service.

 

[myboysmom]

15 passenger vans in our fleet require that we take a special class (not a CDL) because they have a bad habit of rolling over. Because of this we are even starting to get rid of our 15 passenger vans.

You may have a hard time getting a 15 passenger rental. Would you consider two minivans and traveling together? The little walkie talkies work great to stay in touch.

 

[ivanova]

check out L&M Car Rental. We got an unbelievable cheap rate for a 15 passenger van last November. Even with the Port Canaveral $10/day parking fee it was cheaper than any other rental agency.

 

[Tiki Fans]

We have 10 adults making a trip in December. We have rented a 15 passanger van from National. $230 for 2 days. We are using to visit Sea World and Kennedy Space Center. This is also a Costco rate. I haven't checked into AP rates for this but, I'm gonna!!!!!

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

You might want to see what class of license you must have to drive the 12 to 15 passenger vehicles. In the stay of Illinios you must have a p* endorsement plus a class b* license.

P = passenger endorsement

B = has to do what the type and weight of vehicle you are permitted to drive

It would be a pitty to get all the way down there to find out you were not qualified to drive one of these vehicles.

 

[pumpkinboy]

For the 2 day portion at WDW but staying off-site, I think the 2 minivans might be best. I would think if you were able to return them at the Dolphin, you could then have one of the towncar services pick you up there and take you back & forth to Port Canaveral.

As several others have noted here, the 15 passenger vans have a really nasty habit of rolling over, killing and injuring occupants. Our church will no longer use them. With a vehicle like this you are probably better off leaving it to a professional, and not having to worry whether your license permits you to drive it or not.

Good luck!

 

[kylara]

Originally posted by Kimberlyfamilyfv
You might want to see what class of license you must have to drive the 12 to 15 passenger vehicles. In the stay of Illinios you must have a p* endorsement plus a class b* license.

P = passenger endorsement

B = has to do what the type and weight of vehicle you are permitted to drive

It would be a pitty to get all the way down there to find out you were not qualified to drive one of these vehicles.

You don't need any special designation on your license here in FL for 15 passenger vans...I know, I have to drive one often since the college owns it and we use it for club trips all the time.

 

[4greatboys]

I priced some 12 passenger vans for our last trip in May and they were all $500-$600 per week. We just used FL Tours--they have a van that will hold 11. We paid around $200 for MCO pickup to WDW then from WDW to Universal for a few days then back to WDW and finally a trip back tp MCO. It was really much easier to have someone else do the driving cheaper too.