Help with National...starting to panic

[mommi97]

Ok I think I am working myself into a panic attack and DH's comment while laughing at me saying he wants to see how this is going to play out got me really nervous. I have never flown before much less rent a car. We got Emerald Reserve full size. Where do I go when I get off the plane to get the car? Do you split up and 1 person get luggage while the other gets the car and how do you meet back up? We have 3 small children, lots of luggage probably and a carseat and stroller.

 

[JandD Mom]

Ok I think I am working myself into a panic attack and DH's comment while laughing at me saying he wants to see how this is going to play out got me really nervous. I have never flown before much less rent a car. We got Emerald Reserve full size. Where do I go when I get off the plane to get the car? Do you split up and 1 person get luggage while the other gets the car and how do you meet back up? We have 3 small children, lots of luggage probably and a carseat and stroller.

Mommi--Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!

Here is what we did the first time we went to Orlando and rented the car while our kids were small. We made sure we got a porter. He put everything on a cart, then we told him we were renting at National. He asked us which aisle, we told him we were on the EA and he took us right to the EA. That night, there was even a mini-van at the aisle which he spotted, and he told me to run over and grab that van. I did it and he helped us load the car.

Not everyone likes to use the porter because with that quantity of stuff, you are looking at a pretty hefty tip. But that night, it was worth every penny.

Of course, now that we know where we are going, and the kids are slightly older (ie, we can trust them to roll their own carry on and stay with us) we generally do it ourselves.

 

[CarolA]

There is no need to split up with ER.

Go to baggage claim, get your luggage. Either you or the skycap take it down one level (follow the signs to rental car) Go to the center of the level (you will see where folks are crossing the street) Cross the street to the parking garage.

Look for the National signs. (Green) Once you find the National section, look for the aisle labled Full Size. Pick a car, any car on this level... Get your DL and any coupons ready, drive to exit. Give DL an coupons to the person in the booth.. Go to Disney.

 

[mommi97]

How much does the porter cost? We are arriving at 9:30 p.m. and I will definitely pay the money so I can keep track of my children, they all run in different directions, so if anyone is going at the same time and sees a mom screaming at 3 children to get back here.... that is me!!!!

 

[mommi97]

There is no need to split up with ER.

Go to baggage claim, get your luggage. Either you or the skycap take it down one level (follow the signs to rental car) Go to the center of the level (you will see where folks are crossing the street) Cross the street to the parking garage.

Look for the National signs. (Green) Once you find the National section, look for the aisle labled Full Size. Pick a car, any car on this level... Get your DL and any coupons ready, drive to exit. Give DL an coupons to the person in the booth.. Go to Disney.

Do you think there might possibly be a van on ER or am I stuck with a car cause it's a Emerald Reserve

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

Do you think there might possibly be a van on ER or am I stuck with a car cause it's a Emerald Reserve

Whatever is in the Emerald Reserve Full Size Aisle is yours to take - regardless of what it is.

 

[mommi97]

Has there ever been a van or SUV on the Reserve or are they all cars?

 

[lawgs]

emerald reserve does not usually have any upgrades....
thus if you book a full size ER that is what will usually be on thataisle

emerald aisle was where people were getting different upgrade possibilities SUV vans etc...but not as much this year as in the past...

 

[DebbieB]

If you have an Emerald Club card, they will usually allow you to take something from the Emerald Aisle even if you booked Emerald Reserve full size. Just ask an attendent if you see something better on the Emerald Aisle, it is usually right next to the full size row.

If you are not familiar with the airport, I would not split up. We just rent a cart for $3 but you may have too much luggage for one, you may need two. Or get a porter as suggested. They usually hang around baggage claim looking for customers.

 

[riu girl]

Please tell me what change is required for the $3 carts. Last year we did not have change with us and DH spent about 30 mnutes trying to get the right change fom stores in the airport. I want to be better prepared this time.
Thank you
Also: does anyone know what emerald aisle (A or B) I should go to when flying SWA?

 

[Ms. Belle]

SWA baggage claim is in the A terminal. You can go to either A or B for National. It takes a little more time, but if you really want a van, you can check both sides and see if there is one.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Please tell me what change is required for the $3 carts. Last year we did not have change with us and DH spent about 30 mnutes trying to get the right change fom stores in the airport. I want to be better prepared this time.
Thank you
Also: does anyone know what emerald aisle (A or B) I should go to when flying SWA?

You can use a credit or debit card.

 

[sunnygirl]

If you have an Emerald Club card, they will usually allow you to take something from the Emerald Aisle even if you booked Emerald Reserve full size. Just ask an attendent if you see something better on the Emerald Aisle, it is usually right next to the full size row.

I am so excited to hear this! We really need at least a full, so that's what I reserved, but I would have been so frustrated if I had seen a minivan in the EA! I love the Boards! Thank you!

 

[lawgs]

sunny girl

the best way to find out would be to call National in Orlando and see what they say about "using" EA even though you have a ER if you happen to see something more attractive on the EA

 

[DebbieB]

I said you could ask, it doesn't necessarily mean they will say yes. The time it happened to me, the full size selection was very sparse and the attendent did allow us to take an Aztec from the EA. But it many depend on the circumstances at the time. Never hurts to ask.