I just got an unbelievable rate w/ National EA!

[hulagirl]

Here's the info:
Reservation is for November 29-December 6 (7 days). I used the old DC discount code from Mousesavers and an Entertainment book coupon for 20$ off. That brought my base rate for a Full Size car, Emerald Aisle service down to 76.71! Total with all taxes and fees = 110.73! I think this rate is unbelievable, don't you guys? I was also able to get the same deal (with one extra day from July 1-9) for 132.28. I am so pleased, thought I'd share with you all in hopes that someone else can get these amazing rates too!

 

[lawgs]

got the same rate for november 2 - 9 2003

much better than the 160$ we were looking at first..

used the same code and 20$ coupon which i did not think was much at first, compared to the free days they used to offer.....but at the base rate we got. the free day would have given us only about 10$ or so approximately off the total cost so the 20$ is a real bonus.....

by the way. when i checked yesterday, the base rate had gone up about 5 or so $....

thus, we caught it at the right time


smilawgs

 

[travelin' tigger]

Maybe one or both of you can help me (or any other National expert out there).

Here's my dilemma: I'm planning to fly into MCO Thanksgiving day in the afternoon. Need to pu a car for 4 days, returning it to the dolphin Monday afternoon (Dec. 1). I put a product rate code I got off Mousesavers, a DC contract ID and a coupon code for a free weekend day, but the best I could come up with is $155.

I also joined Emerald Club during the course of the morning, but it didn't seem to help (DC contract ID saved a few dollars more). To top things off, during the course of trying various combinations, the base rate jumped from $40.83 to $46.99!!!

So here's my question...just keep trying over the course of the next few weeks? I want to book at least 6 months out since it will be over Thanksgiving weekend!!!

Thanks for any insight you can offer!!!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by travelin' tigger
Maybe one or both of you can help me (or any other National expert out there).

Here's my dilemma: I'm planning to fly into MCO Thanksgiving day in the afternoon. Need to pu a car for 4 days, returning it to the dolphin Monday afternoon (Dec. 1). I put a product rate code I got off Mousesavers, a DC contract ID and a coupon code for a free weekend day, but the best I could come up with is $155.

I also joined Emerald Club during the course of the morning, but it didn't seem to help (DC contract ID saved a few dollars more). To top things off, during the course of trying various combinations, the base rate jumped from $40.83 to $46.99!!!

So here's my question...just keep trying over the course of the next few weeks? I want to book at least 6 months out since it will be over Thanksgiving weekend!!!

Thanks for any insight you can offer!!!

It's because you are dropping it off somewhere different than where you picked it up!

I just did it with the same pickup/drop off and it came to a Grand Total of $99.73. Then I remembered you said you were dropping it off at the Dolphin and the total jumped to a Total of $146.87.

Sorry!

 

[MDCU2003]

I've been playing The Car Rental Game for 2 months now. Its a fun daily challenge that has become a family joke. Everyday I go home and tell my son how much money I've saved today. My advice is make the rental for whatever you can find is the cheapest and then keep checking back. I've changed between 3 different companies over the 2 month period. Always make your new reservation first then cancel your old one. I found keeping a log with cancellation numbers to be very helpful. Over the 2 months I have saved $77 for our Florida trip in June and $47 for our Vegas trip in April. Both for full size cars. I guess it all depends on how much effort you want to put into it as to how much you can save. I've made it a personal quest. Also, I found that sometimes the Southwest Airlines website shows really good rates too. GOOD LUCK!

 

[travelin' tigger]

I decided to do the pu/dropoff at MCO and save $50. I'll either grab Mears back to the Dolphin (only $15) or see if my friend or brother can give me a ride back!!

I'll still keep checking every day and see if I can get lower than $99!

 

[hulagirl]

Barb, I sent you a pm.

MDCU2003 - I find it an amusing game too I told my husband last night, I made 12$ for 10 minutes work. Feel like I'm contributing to the household income even while staying home with my kids.

 

[splashmt]

Alas, now I have a 2.5 year old DS and time doesn't allow this anymore. I did get a good deal with a Mousesavers code though.

 

[hulagirl]

What splashmt? You aren't awake at 3am staring bug eyed at your computer screen and scanning the DIS while your little one sleeps? Get with the program! Those of us with children must take advantage of the wee morning hours when no one is awake. How else will we get first crack at those discounts?!! Don't worry, we'll turn you into a real DIS addict yet!

 

[Belle0101]

"You aren't awake at 3am staring bug eyed at your computer screen and scanning the DIS while your little one sleeps? Get with the program!"

hulagirl,
That was the best laugh I've had in a while and believe me I've needed a good laugh!

I had actually thought I was the only one -- stay at home mom or otherwise -- that was staring at the computer until the wee hours of the morning. Glad to hear that I'm not alone and I'm in good company!

Now -- get some sleep!!

 

[hulagirl]

Belle - You're not alone! But I did actually decide sleep was a god idea last night!

 

[beattyfamily]

I went to check today and my rate for Nov/Dec went up from a base rate of $120.99 to $151.99.

I'm so glad I booked when I did!!!

 

[pnelson]

I still can't get a good rate. Like the other poster, I'm picking up at MCO on Thansgiving Day and returning to the Dolphin on Saturday. I need a van so for three days the best quote I've gotten is $194. Also, I have to go to the counter because it's a van! Any suggestions?

 

[cindala]

hulagirl,
We got the same great rate for our reservations in July too!

 

[Bell Family]

Pnelson -
Ouch - that seems high for a van - is it full size or a mini-van? I just booked a minivan through National for late june - used old Disney Club number, plus entertainment coupon for $20 - total for 9 days rental - including child safety seat ($45.50) and taxes is $306.22. You are getting three days for more than half of what I am paying for 9. My base rate is $199.94 week. Maybe it is cheaper if you pick up and return at MCO.

 

[travelin' tigger]

Well, after much thinking and weighing prices I booked a full-size for 10 days, picking up and dropping off at MCO for $219 with all taxes and surcharges. It's only $60 more than if I had gone the 4-day route and returned it to the Dolphin and I'll have it for my whole trip. I'm just kicking myself that I missed that base rate of $120 by only days (paying $151.99 base). But I'll keep checking back!!!

Thanks for everyones input and help!!!

 

[hulagirl]

travelin' tigger - I think you made a good decision. The wonderful think about renting a car is that you can cancel your existing reservation any time you find a better fare. Don't you wish we could play the same game with our airfare!

Cindala - glad you got the good rate! When are you going in July?

pnelson - Have you had any better luck?

I'm noticing the rates moving upward again but you know what they say, what goes up, MUST come down, right?

Good luck to you all. I wish you very happy and safe trips this year!

 

[cindala]

hulagirl,

God willing, we'll be there the week of July 4th!