How to find a great car rental

[candielips]

So we are heading into WDW on Dec 28 and will be staying for 16 nights. We would love to be able to find a great deal for a rental vehicle but not sure where to start?
The best I have found so far is with Budget for $800 all taxes in.
I was hoping to keep it under $500. Is this unreasonable????
We do not need a fancy vehicle but need one that will fit a Baby Jogger City Mini Double and 3 large suitcases. Plus all 4 of us. 2 adults, DD 5 and DS 3.

 

[mrsklamc]

Check over on the transportation board, they are very knowlegeable, but car rental is harder to get a deal on than it used to be and you are visiting at a peak time.

 

[Dreamer32]

I always use Hotwire.com. I've never had a problem and always get good deals.

 

[elgerber]

I think it's too early for a good deal, I usually get the best deals several weeks before the trip. I book something early, and then end up rebooking several times as the prices drop.

 

[Marionnette]

So we are heading into WDW on Dec 28 and will be staying for 16 nights. We would love to be able to find a great deal for a rental vehicle but not sure where to start?
The best I have found so far is with Budget for $800 all taxes in.
I was hoping to keep it under $500. Is this unreasonable????
We do not need a fancy vehicle but need one that will fit a Baby Jogger City Mini Double and 3 large suitcases. Plus all 4 of us. 2 adults, DD 5 and DS 3.

You're going to Disney for 17 days over the Christmas holiday and you need a large vehicle (minivan or SUV?). IMO, you are not going to be able to get the cost down below $500. Heck, I don't think you will be able to get a 1-week rental for that amount for that time of year.

But you can still try to get it down to as little as possible. Check Mousesavers.com for rate codes and coupons. And keep going back and trying for a better rate. The good thing about car rentals is that you can cancel and re-book with no penalty as long as you don't do the "pre-pay" deal that some agencies try to suck you into. And don't opt for the CDW if your personal insurance or credit card already cover you.

Another saving option: Take Disney's Magic Express if you're stay on site and then rent from one of the nearby agencies at the Car Care Center, Downtown Disney Hotels or the Swan. You won't need to pay the airport surcharge that add a big chunk to your costs.

 

[clutter]

Check with the transportation board, they may help. But I usually rent a car, and when we went a couple years ago at that time, we didn't. It was going to be that much for 4 or 5 days. You will probably have to pay the higher holiday rates for the entire rental period, so you might consider taking ME, then waiting to rent a car until after New Years, when they will likely be cheaper.

 

[phins_jazy]

Yup, go over to the transportation board. I was able to get two minivans for $589 each for 13 days over christmas and new years. There is a thread specifically for Dec car rentals. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2902656&page=2 good luck!!!!

 

[candielips]

You're going to Disney for 17 days over the Christmas holiday and you need a large vehicle (minivan or SUV?). IMO, you are not going to be able to get the cost down below $500. Heck, I don't think you will be able to get a 1-week rental for that amount for that time of year.

But you can still try to get it down to as little as possible. Check Mousesavers.com for rate codes and coupons. And keep going back and trying for a better rate. The good thing about car rentals is that you can cancel and re-book with no penalty as long as you don't do the "pre-pay" deal that some agencies try to suck you into. And don't opt for the CDW if your personal insurance or credit card already cover you.

Another saving option: Take Disney's Magic Express if you're stay on site and then rent from one of the nearby agencies at the Car Care Center, Downtown Disney Hotels or the Swan. You won't need to pay the airport surcharge that add a big chunk to your costs.

I do not need a van or a SUV. Just a large car.

Thank you for the tips about the transportation board. I will head over there and take a peak!