Is Natl E.A. worth $60 more than Dollar?

[Mainebound]

We have really liked using National Emerald Reserve the last two years (we needed a larger car than an intermediate so could not use Emerald Aisle). We love walking straight to the car, getting in and going.

This year, the lowest rate for a National intermediate (E.A.) we can find is $279 for 9 days.

We can get a Dollar rental of the same size car for $60 less.

Am I crazy to be thinking that avoiding a potential line at the Dollar rental desk is worth $60?

opinions, anyone??? Thanks!

 

[keishashadow]

Ever since we waited over an hour in Alamo's line @ MCO several years ago in February, i have vowed to NEVER subject myself to that again.

IMO, my sanity is worth the extra $.

 

[calgarygary]

You can join Dollar Express to reduce the wait in line.

 

[Snowysmom]

I usually rent from National but Dollar is more than $100 less for our 8 day rental. I joined Dollar Express to help keep down the wait. I think the $100 is worth it but I will keep looking at National to see what the rates are and if they get close to Dollar's rate, I may change to National.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

IMO, its worth the $60 to select your own vehicle, have a chance for a good upgrade and skip the lines....

 

[Mainebound]

Ok, made the National res., kept the Dollar, too. I'll keep trying to get the National to go lower. We are getting in late -- like 9:00pm on a weekday -- so maybe lines won't be an issue.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[riaesq]

Another thing to keep in mind is that spouses drive free with National EA- I don't think they can with Dollar. That alone is worth over $60. My DH does virtually all the driving but I like knowing that if I want or need to, it's not a problem.

Keep checking back because rates have dropped significantly at National the past few days. They were up to the 1000 mark for intermediates for our 12 days over Pres Week and just dropped back below 600. And keep checking for new codes and coupons as well.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

YES, a HUGE one at that. In fact, in December we paid an extra $80 for our ten night stay to do just that. We had an SUV booked with Thrifty, but then got Alamo for $80 more for a minivan. Not National (it was just as fast though), but just being at a rental place AT the airport made it worth it. I wasn't worried about the day we got there, so much as the day we left. I knew being at an offsite center would just make things stressful the day we left.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

Ok, made the National res., kept the Dollar, too. I'll keep trying to get the National to go lower. We are getting in late -- like 9:00pm on a weekday -- so maybe lines won't be an issue.

Thanks for the replies!

We arrived at 1AM two years ago and waited in line for over an hour at Alamo! So, don't think 9pm will make for a line free waits. Hold onto both ressies for now and do watch National, especially the two weeks prior to going. Go see what they offer for last minute ressies, they are usually pretty good.

 

[hercamore]

Did you use the $30 copuon that's on the mousesavers site.

hrec.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

You know, I didn't realize that Dollar was ONsite at MCO, I thought it was off. Due to that, I would just go with them, over National. Join their club, for express check in, and it is pretty much the same after that. You just go pick a car and leave.

 

[Mainebound]

Did you use the $30 copuon that's on the mousesavers site.

hrec.

Well, I just got the National ressie down to $263, which is now pretty close to the Dollar. I used the Amex gas card promotion, so I should also get a $25 gas card (although if it takes 8 weeks to get it, it won't be useful at WDW) which makes it about even with the Dollar rate.