Has anyone ever rented a full size van

[rickdeni]

We have 4 adults, 1 teenager and 2 children plus at least 8 suitcases that we need to transport from the airport to the Wilderness Lodge. We intend to keep the van for the week. Will it be too big to handle in parking lots, etc. If we rent a minivan, I don't think we can fit all the luggage in it. I cannot see my husband making 2 trips to and from the airport. Plus we need to transport same people and luggage from Wilderness to the Radisson at Port Canaveral.

 

[zippehsmom]

We are renting a 12 passenger van from Budget for $377, 8/2-8/16. This was the best deal I found, I used the Entertainment $20 off coupon.

All of the minivans during this time period were almost twice as much.

zippehsmom

 

[rickdeni]

That is really a good price from Budget. Thanks for the info.

 

[swilshire]

We own a van that would be a 12 passenger if it were not converted. We only use it for vacations as a rule. It drives like a dream going down the interstate and I don't mind driving it a bit, but I hate to park it. I should mention that I normally drive a Subaru, so even our mini-van seems big to me. If DH drives a normal size car, he should be fine.

I still think things will be tight with so much luggage. We bought a Samsonite soft carrier for the top of ours for trips where there are all six of us and quite a bit of luggage. If those eight bags are large, some of them will be in someone's lap.

This actually isn't a terrible solution when renting a mini-van. We flew into Denver last year with the luggage carrier packed in a suitcase. When we got there, we selected a mini-van with an appropriate roof rack. We were spending the first night close to the airport, so we just crammed all the luggage into the van and got up the next morning to install the luggage carrier. It takes a few minutes, but sure beats piling luggage on top of the kids. When it's not needed, you can just throw it in a closet at your resort. It's been well worth the $50 or so we spent for it at the Samsonite outlet. After the trip, we put it back into it's box and throw it into a suitcase.

Sheila

 

[dorazio8]

Last year we went to Disney there were four adults and three children , and about 10 pieces of luggage, so we rented the 15 passenger van, I have to tell you there was sooooo much room , it was the best time of our lives, we cranked up the radio blasted the A/C and the kids had the time of their lives each kid got their own entire row to sit in. that van was the BEST><<<<<<<<

 

[alexcturner]

Yes, we rented a full size van right after Thanksgiving from Alamo. We had 7 adults and two children. It was packed tight the day we went back to the airport but had room for everyone and everything! Lisa

 

[EdDome]

I've stuffed 7 people and lots of luggage (uncomfortably) into a minivan from MCO to WDW. The price on the full size is great. I've rented the full size before but have to admit that parking is a little difficult which is why I've been going with the tight fit in a minivan. If you're really concerned, go with the full size and just be a little patient with the parking.

 

[kimisabella]

Last month we rented a mini-van for our trip and I didn't think we were going to fit. It was myself, dh, my 2 daughters, my mother and father, and lots of luggage and a stroller. We fit it all with PLENTY of room. We paid $189.99 for the week w/a coupon from Disney Visa card. You could definatley try to fit in a minivan, it worked out great for us.

 

[rickdeni]

I have gotten some estimates on cost of a 12 passenger van ($1100) vs. minivan ($390) from Budget. I tried getting a cost on the regular van to Disney - switching in Disney - and trying to switch back to Port Canaveral. I cannot get a full size van from Budget at the Doubletree. Last year we had six people and luggage and barely fit - this year we have 7 and the 7th person is a 15 year old girl and her luggage. I still might do the switch at Disney and send 5 of them and luggage to the Port and my husband and I could take Disney transportation to the Port. I know the bus to the Port from Disney does not get there until late and I will just have to forego dinner at Palo. Does anyone have any better ideas?

 

[swilshire]

Since there are usually good deals on cars, how about renting two? I've often wished we had a second vehicle when the whole group couldn't agree on a destination.

Sheila

 

[kdonnel]

We rented a full size van once in Miami. We were leaving to go on a cruise and were spending a couple pre cruise days. There were 8 of us traveling together.

Every time we pulled up at the hotel and opened the door people would get in. Everyone thought it was the hotel airport shuttle.

We laughed everytime it happened. Quite a few were actually angry that we were leaving it with valet and could not understand why we would not give them a ride to the airport.

 

[rickdeni]

That is a funny story but it does show how big those vans are.

I have a few months to keep checking prices and to decide what to do. I don't want to pay $1100 for a full size van but more than the money I think it would be a pain to park and maneuver through Disney. This is what I get for being a nice aunt and taking the 7th passenger.