Is it too early to book for April - rental car?

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
I'm back! It's time to start looking for codes for April. However, this is the first time NH school break falls on Easter week so I'm not expecting much.

Anyone find anything yet?

 

[goofy4tink]

I booked months ago and it's gone up about 25% since then. About all you can do is keep watching and jump on it when you see a rate you can live with. That's prime time down there, so not much need to offer really good rates.

 

[Orlando Vic]

April is high season in Orlando, so don't delay.

Try Thrifty, using the Orlando Magicard corporate # 004M001010 to get good rates. You may print out your Orlando Magicard here: http://www.orlandoinfo.com/magicard

 

[4formickey]

I booked for my july trip back in Oct. Back then we where able to book a full size suv for $189 a week. Book as soon as you can, you can alway change your rate if you find something cheaper.

 

[MarthaJr.]

My advice is book NOW! You can always re-book if rates drop!

 

[n2mm]

You should be watching often. Of course this board is a great source of keeping an eye out for a good deal too. I booked my May 2-14 reservation already with National. I got $159 a week base rate before discounts and coupons (full size guaranteed Exec Aisle). I believe my total is $318 with no coupon applied yet. I am certain that I got a good rate because my rental is 13 days. I crunched the numbers for my daughter who is only there a week and her price is double what mine is and mine is for a week longer...

 

[goofy4tink]

I looked at what it would cost me if I had booked Budget today for my 11 day stay and it was about $651!!!! For a Ford Focus no less. My standing reservation is $323..I think I'll stick with that one.

 

[Tara]

I looked at what it would cost me if I had booked Budget today for my 11 day stay and it was about $651!!!! For a Ford Focus no less. My standing reservation is $323..I think I'll stick with that one.

Wow! I have an SUV for 4/12-4/20 for $440! I was feeling pretty bitter about that until today when I looked for rates for a friend's family who is joining us 4/13-4/17 - yowza, it isn't much better. I only rent from Alamo/National, so if I try them, the best I can get right now is $350 for a fullsize through Alamo but $270 through Budget.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I'm thinking of cancelling our trip. Last year, I got a minivan for 8 days for the same week but Easter did not fall on it for $300. I just got quoted $1600. We'll take the SW credit and go another time.

 

[MinnieForMe]

April is high season in Orlando, so don't delay.

Try Thrifty, using the Orlando Magicard corporate # 004M001010 to get good rates. You may print out your Orlando Magicard here: http://www.orlandoinfo.com/magicard

Thanks. It brought the price down to $600+ with taxes which is better than $1678. I'll continue to look but I reserved it for now. That will officially be the most I've ever paid. Do you know if a second driver is included with Thrifty? I didn't notice it on the reservation.

Michelle

 

[Orlando Vic]

Thanks. It brought the price down to $600+ with taxes which is better than $1678. I'll continue to look but I reserved it for now. That will officially be the most I've ever paid. Do you know if a second driver is included with Thrifty? I didn't notice it on the reservation.

Michelle

Don't forget, April is high season for visitors to Orlando. As demand increases, so do rates.

I "think" a spouse is included free, but I'm not 100% positive.

One other tip: Sign up for Thrifty's Blue Chip (loyalty) program. It's free, there is no downside of which I am aware and it is a timesaver. When you collect your baggage at MCO, do not go to the rental car counter. Instead, go out the door, across the small street and directly into the parking structure where the Thrifty and other rental cars are located. Show the attendant your Blue Chip card and he/she will direct you to your car which is usually parked up front. Then just drive off. If there are a lot of arrivals that night, it could save you as much as one hour by not waiting in line at the rental car counter.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Don't forget, April is high season for visitors to Orlando. As demand increases, so do rates.

I "think" a spouse is included free, but I'm not 100% positive.

One other tip: Sign up for Thrifty's Blue Chip (loyalty) program. It's free, there is no downside of which I am aware and it is a timesaver. When you collect your baggage at MCO, do not go to the rental car counter. Instead, go out the door, across the small street and directly into the parking structure where the Thrifty and other rental cars are located. Show the attendant your Blue Chip card and he/she will direct you to your car which is usually parked up front. Then just drive off. If there are a lot of arrivals that night, it could save you as much as one hour by not waiting in line at the rental car counter.

Thank you! Thank you! That is what we do with Alamo/National. It's great to know we can do it also with Thrifty. Now, I need to figure out how to get my father on as an additional driver.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Once again, I see that Budget code X474200 still floating around. I have NEVER used it and have always been nervous about who it's made for. I did type it in and the rate is $500 which is so much less than anyone else. I just can't bring myself to use it. Any opinions?

 

[relspeak]

Just tried the Budget code X474200 tonite. Got $195 for 6 days starting April 8. All the companies were close to $400 before fees. I mostly use Dollar or National, but my daughter has had great luck with Budget. She get sent discount coupons, some for 25% after first rental.

 

[Luv_Disney]

I was wondering about that Budget code too. It's gets me a much better rate than I found anywhere else on a minivan but I'm not sure where the code came from or who is allowed to use it. Anyone know? Or use did anyone just use it?