mini van and luggage

[the4fishes]

Debating on whether a minivan will be big enough for 2 families- 4 adults and 3 boys (11, 12 and 13). I know it will hold all of us just fine, it's the luggage I worry about. We used to have a Grand Caravan, but it was the extended version and had lots of storage. Anyone know how many suitcases the rental mini vans will hold? Last time we went, we had 2 cars but went everywhere together, so it was a waste of gas and extra parking and toll expenses. Currently havery a van via Budget and hoping for a van via National.

 

[Alesia]

Unless you pack very lightly, you won't all fit with the luggage.

Are you staying onsite or offsite?

 

[the4fishes]

Unless you pack very lightly, you won't all fit with the luggage.

Are you staying onsite or offsite?

Offsite. how many suitcases do you think we can get in the very back? I know we could put some of the smaller stuff in the stow and go.

 

[4under4]

Skip the luggage and pack in plastic totes. They fit perfectly, waste less room than suitcases, and can be organized by what you need during the drive vs once you get there. You will still be able to fit a number of smaller bags/duffles at the edges for things like electronics, purses, etc.

We are a family of 6, so only one less than you are considering, and have no problem fitting all our luggage in our Honda minivan without blocking the rear window by using totes. Took a 3 week road trip last summer and had enough room for one entire tote of snacks.

 

[disney is my life]

There are 4 of us in our family and we always rent a mini-van. We usually bring 4 large suitcases, 4 carry-on suitcases, and 2 backpacks. We usually fold down the back row of seats and even then everything is squished in. I would say the max amount of suitcases you could fit with all of you in the car would be 3 Large ones (maybe, most likely 2 depending how deep the trunk is) and 3 carry-ons (2 of which would have to be under people feet). Personally I would either make two trips back and fourth from the airport to get you and all your stuff to the resort or rent another van. JMO. Good luck!

 

[Alesia]

Offsite. how many suitcases do you think we can get in the very back? I know we could put some of the smaller stuff in the stow and go.

Maybe 3.

Are you driving down in the rental or flying and getting the rental at the airport?

 

[4under4]

Hmmm, I assumed you were driving, but as the other responses have pointed out you could be flying. If so, some could go in a cab (or car service) while luggage and a couple adults go in the mini van. Would still be cheaper than renting a second van, and you wouldn't need to stress over packing light.

 

[bumbershoot]

I know we could put some of the smaller stuff in the stow and go.

That's assuming you get a minivan with that option. We end up with minivans quite often using Executive Aisle through National, and we've never gotten one with that. We do get them with 3 rows sometimes, but to use that third row cuts down on the luggage storage options.

 

[xlxo]

Make sure it's a minivan..... some rentals blind side customers with a 7 passenger Dodge Journey.

Love my 8 passenger Ford Expedition Max and Yukon XL rentals. They swallowed the luggage well on a recent 2 family trip. More fuel efficient than 2 ford Escorts was the old slogan.

 

[the4fishes]

Thanks for all the responses. We are flying into Tampa and driving to Orlando. May need to rent 2 cars with all out stuff. The van we owned have tons of space, but sounds like that is not the norm with rental mini vans :-( Think I'll keep a backup reservation just in case.

 

[Junebugwv]

The rental sites say the vans will hold 4 large suitcases. With 7 people, I would say that is accurate because that is about how much our Sienna holds.

 

[Yellowjj]

If you rent a 8 seater Sienna you will have enough space. Fold the single seat down in the back for additional luggage room. Have 3 people sit in the middle and the last 2 in the back seat. We've done this countless times. I have fit about 7/8 large suitcases with a few smaller ones and also used the stow and go to put small carry-on underneath the seat.