I'm back after a tough year, and trying to plan for a trip next year :)

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

Hi guys, if anyone recognises my username they may remember that I was supposed to be returning to WDW on March 31st of this year for a trip with my DBF. Well, after having some troubles we broke up exactly 2 weeks before we were due to fly and were forced to cancel our holiday

We lost A LOT of money when we cancelled as we were so close to the trip, however, 4 months on and I've decided to save for a trip next year

I'm currently learning to drive and thought of staying offsite and renting a car seems more and more appealing as I scrape together my pennies.

So I was just wondering about the laws over there, whats the youngest you can rent a car and how long must you have held your driving license for?




Its good to be back

 

[jen_uk]

I think you have to have held a licence for over a year

Welcome back tho, sorry to hear about your last trip and DBF

 

[disneyholic family]

i think that if you're under 25 years old, you can rent but have to pay extra (something like $25/day extra)..

 

[jayduk]

i think that if you're under 25 years old, you can rent but have to pay extra (something like $25/day extra)..

Under 25s insurance has been discussed in another thread to some degree so worth checking that out...

Basically you can pay $25 per day of the rental or pre-pay a Young Persons Insurance with certain providers which is the cheapest. Try looking at USRENTACAR, when booking with Alamo you only have to pay £50 extra for drivers ages 21-25! I don't think under 21's have a chance to rent at all but i could be wrong?..

You will need your license to have been valid for atleast a year. And you will need a credit card to hand over the desk for deposit.

 

[torsie24]

I thought you had to have had your license for 3 years to drive abroad...?

 

[torsie24]

I thought you had to have had your license for 3 years to drive abroad...?

Sorry turns out that's not the case - but most insurance/hire companies will insist you;ve had a license for 3 years apparently.

 

[Claire L]

From the Dollar website -

* The rates are available only when pre-booked from the UK. The credit-card holder must be the main driver.
* Rates are not valid for U.S. or Canadian citizens or holders of a U.S. or Canadian license.
* Minimum driver age is 21. Drivers age 21 to 24 must pay an additional fee. Additional drivers over 25 sign on locally. They also pay locally, unless they have purchased the Platinum Package.
* Please ensure that you have available ID and a valid and full national driver's licence held for a minimum of 1 year (in case of a UK photo-card licence the card and paper counterpart) and that you are at least 21 years of age. If your driving licence is not written in English, you will need an International Driving Permit together with your national driving licence.

Looks like 1 year is the minimum for most.

Claire

 

[wayneg]

Claire I don't think you can go on what the Dollar(or any rental company) website say, Its down to the UK agents contracts with the rental company, for example Tim & Elle's site offers cover from 19 year old with Usave but direct with Usave they say 21 year old minimum. http://www.carhireflorida.net/page/young-drivers

Welcome back Katy, looks like you are still only 17 on your profile so Car hire might not be an option, depending when you are planning your trip.

I would email and get info direct to be sure. Unless Tim or Elle read this they might comment.

 

[Claire L]

Claire I don't think you can go on what the Dollar(or any rental company) website say, Its down to the UK agents contracts with the rental company, for example Tim & Elle's site offers cover from 19 year old with Usave but direct with Usave they say 21 year old minimum. http://www.carhireflorida.net/page/young-drivers

Welcome back Katy, looks like you are still only 17 on your profile so Car hire might not be an option, depending when you are planning your trip.

I would email and get info direct to be sure. Unless Tim or Elle read this they might comment.

Hmm interesting about that, didn't know they could change the restrictions. Wonder why the companies such as Dollar do not offer this themselves?

Claire

 

[wayneg]

Hmm interesting about that, didn't know they could change the restrictions. Wonder why the companies such as Dollar do not offer this themselves?

Claire

Only thing I can think of is its something they want to do for the UK market and not US customers.(Do we have better younger drivers?) Glad I was 26 when I 1st rented, all very confusing for younger drivers.

 

[minimandymouse]

theres only one thing for it!
you will have to stay onsite and take advantage of the transport

 

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

theres only one thing for it!
you will have to stay onsite and take advantage of the transport

Its looking that way!
I'd be 19 for my prospective trip, so still two years short on driving over there. Understandable though I suppose, just a pain for trying to shed a couple of pennies haha.

Well, for 2 adults with flights + onsite hotel I'm looking at a minimum of £1000 again so better get saving!! Tough for a student!

(Wonder if my NUS card will knock that price down )

 

[Claire L]

Its looking that way!
I'd be 19 for my prospective trip, so still two years short on driving over there. Understandable though I suppose, just a pain for trying to shed a couple of pennies haha.

Well, for 2 adults with flights + onsite hotel I'm looking at a minimum of £1000 again so better get saving!! Tough for a student!

(Wonder if my NUS card will knock that price down )

Is the other person you are travelling with aged 21 or over? I am sure I read on the US boards that to check into a WDW hotel you needed to have someone over 21 in the group, I know alot of other hotels have this rule as well.

Claire

 

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

Is the other person you are travelling with aged 21 or over? I am sure I read on the US boards that to check into a WDW hotel you needed to have someone over 21 in the group, I know alot of other hotels have this rule as well.

Claire

Thanks Claire, I didn't know this Love Disboards

Anyway, my then DBF from my previous trip, who is now my DBF once more (complicated relationships!) is over 21 so luckily we'd be ok. However, this time we've decided we're going to save and book when (and if) we definately know we won't be cancelling

That also solves the problem of my younger cousin who is begging me to take her on our own little trip next year, at least now I can say no to her without it being my fault, Its Disneys fault!