How should I find the best deal for a rental car?

[1000thhappyhaunt]

We are flying Southwest from Buffalo to Orlando in two weeks. We want to rent a car at the airport for 8-9 days and, since we will not be driving a whole lot, we just want the basic that will fit us all in. We are 2 adults and three kids, 10, 8 and 4. The four yr old has a carseat which we will be bringing. We also have a stroller and probably 4 suitcases. What agency do you suggest? What size do we require? Thanks.

 

[amylevan]

I was new to the whole car renting thing myself. What I learned: do NOT use travelocity or expedia. Their rates were MUCH higher than just going directly to the company's website. My suggestion is to just hit the main companies websites and play with online coupons, special offers, credit card offerings, etc.

I found our best deal by using Alamo.com, using their pre-pay option, which saves I think it was 15%, and then using the website coupon that they have on their for an additional $15. We got a small SUV for 8 days for $186.

Good luck!

 

[princesspumpkin]

Also, visit Southwest's website. They have special car rental rates as well. Try using Mousesavers.com website discount codes. I have found great rates with National, Alamo and Budget.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

www.mousesavers.com
they have a great coupon for national

 

[JQuatt21]

I just rented AVIS at MCO and had no problems. Very inexpensive. As someone who is a computer geek, sometimes talking to a human is the best way to rent a car and when u say you will not be doing much drivng, they might be able to help you....JUST BE CAREFUL, NOT ALL OF THE CAR RENTAL COMPANIES ARE LOCATED IN THE TERMINAL BUILDING. SOME ARE OFF SITE SO TRY AND PICK ONE WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE TERMINAL FOR EASIEST ACCTESS!!!!! Especially with a little one! Good luck to ya.

 

[doombuggy]

I was a little confused when I first read your post (my thought was why is Rita in Buffalo?) and I see that you have the same screen name as my friend.

Your best best is to try the codes at moussavers.com. Go to the airport's website to get a list of car co. that are on site (since you have young ones) and then check out the codes on mary's site. I have gotten some great deals on rentals several times, and not just for visiting Disney. I got a great rate with National last year when I went to San Francisco, using a code from moussavers.com.

 

[tmt martins]

I know this might sound crazy but if your staying onsight you might have 1 adult do the ME and take the bulk of luggage with them (smaller car needed )to save money .Or the opposite 1 take luggage in smaller car and have the other ride ME with the kids It's really a great way to start the MAGIC.

 

[mowog]

another alternative if you don't need the car all the time is to use ME and walk,bus to the Swan/Dolphin and get a National car for just the time you want. The tax is less but you have to weigh pros/cons of each.

 

[Snoozan]

About the only deal I'm finding now is through Alamo. Try using the corp ID code of 430710, rate/product code of BY and coupon code D42C. You can get the coupon right on the Alamo home page under $15 discount info. I came up with about $227 for 12/9-12/17 dates for a full-size.