How soon is too soon to rent a car?

[neilbrassfrog]

We're going to Disney World in June 2013. When should I start worrying about renting a car?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

My recommendation is to book something now at the best rate you can find, outside of blind booking sites (ie. Priceline/Hotwire), you can always change/cancel and rebook if you find a better rate later without penalty.

 

[js]

I would book when you can and use it as a base to look all year long (at least that is what I do).
I print out the mousesavers codes and usually at work go through them one by one to check out the prices, keep the papers there and do it all year.
Come back on here and check to see if anyone is posting anything better than what you got. Just make sure you keep track of everything and cancel if you make a new ressie.
Happy planning!

 

[PrincesCJM]

I agree with the PP. Book the cheapest rate that's out there right now. Then look every so often to see if the rates have dropped. As long as you haven't prepaid for the car, you can book/cancel as often as you want. I have often found that the best rate is booked way out. Also, don't feel like you need to limited to a certain car class. Sometimes the bigger cars are cheaper.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Best rate I've seen so far is with Dollar, the Orlando Magicard corporate code oi1054 which anyone can use - Mousesavers has the link to a printable card if you want to take it along.

I've also found that as the time gets closer, Dollar's city specials often are cheaper than this code. We used to always rent with National but have been finding much better rates with Dollar.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I never rent a car until 7-10 days before my trip. That is when the car rental companies release their last minutes specials that are good during the time I will be at WDW.

 

[PrincesCJM]

I never rent a car until 7-10 days before my trip. That is when the car rental companies release their last minutes specials that are good during the time I will be at WDW.

I haven't had good luck with the last minute specials. I have found better rates months in advance, often using Dollar/Thrifty's City Special. Because I am a teacher, I often have to travel during busier times of the year - when the entire Northeast is on vacation. That may have a role to play but who knows.

 

[travelcoupons]

I never rent a car until 7-10 days before my trip. That is when the car rental companies release their last minutes specials that are good during the time I will be at WDW.

This is true in SOME cases, but as you can see: http://www.rentalcodes.com/last_minute.html , they don't release good rates for EVERY location. It's kind of hit or miss depending on supply & demand. Best thing to do is book the best rate you can find early & re-check every week or so & as the poster suggested, always check the last minute specials before you leave.
The nice thing with discounted car rentals, unlike discounted airline tickets is you can cancel & rebook when you see a lower rate.

 

[Bullseye]

I agree with the PP. Book the cheapest rate that's out there right now. Then look every so often to see if the rates have dropped. As long as you haven't prepaid for the car, you can book/cancel as often as you want. I have often found that the best rate is booked way out. Also, don't feel like you need to limited to a certain car class. Sometimes the bigger cars are cheaper.

I agree Princes. The best rates you are going to get are generally going to be found in the last weeks preceding your rental date. But, like others have said, book the cheapest rate you can now and then just keep checking every now and then for a better rate. You can always cancel a previous reservation for a better one. I always rent from Alamo or Dollar because I never find better rates. I'm still working the system right now for a better rate for a January 2013 trip.

 

[ncc1701]

No matter where we go on vacation if we need a car we book a cancelable rental car right after the airfare & hotel. I keep checking for a better deal and will book it once I find it. Since the downturn in 2008 a lot of rental co. have cut down on their fleets (just like the airlines cutting flights).
If you wait until too close to your arrival you might be stuck with a higher rate not to mention what can happen at the airport if you have no reservation . We saw several people looking for cars at some of the rental counters at San Fran. Airport 2 yrs ago getting turned away becos the cars were already reserved.