Minivan or Full size car???

[Nutz4Goofy]

For you rental experts out there...I need help since this is the first time renting a car with 2 kids!!

My family consists of 2 adults, a 4 year old and a 1 year old. Not sure if I should rent a full size car or minivan? I have a full size reserved with Alamo for $472.97 for 9 days. I also reserved a minivan with Budget for $480.72 for the same 9 days. I mean, for the extra $8 should I just go with the minivan? I want to be sure I have enough room. I'll have 3 large bags, 3 small carry on bags and a stroller (little larger than an umbrella stroller).

Thanks in advance!

 

[sam_gordon]

There is no reason I know of that you can't fit in a full size car. My family (2 adults, 1 teen, 1 7yo, and 1 5yo) all fit in my full size car to get to the airport. We had three checked bags, and all of us had carryons. No stroller though.

Keep in mind, a minivan will be more of a "gas hog" than a full size.

Also, I'd try mousesavers.com and find some discount codes. $50/day for a full size seems a little high to me.

 

[SondraC]

For you rental experts out there...I need help since this is the first time renting a car with 2 kids!!

My family consists of 2 adults, a 4 year old and a 1 year old. Not sure if I should rent a full size car or minivan? I have a full size reserved with Alamo for $472.97 for 9 days. I also reserved a minivan with Budget for $480.72 for the same 9 days. I mean, for the extra $8 should I just go with the minivan? I want to be sure I have enough room. I'll have 3 large bags, 3 small carry on bags and a stroller (little larger than an umbrella stroller).

Thanks in advance!

When are you going?

 

[Nutz4Goofy]

I'm going Sept 26 - Oct 5. Picking up in MCO and dropping off at RSW (Ft. Myers).

 

[Nutz4Goofy]

There is no reason I know of that you can't fit in a full size car. My family (2 adults, 1 teen, 1 7yo, and 1 5yo) all fit in my full size car to get to the airport. We had three checked bags, and all of us had carryons. No stroller though.

Keep in mind, a minivan will be more of a "gas hog" than a full size.

Also, I'd try mousesavers.com and find some discount codes. $50/day for a full size seems a little high to me.

Thanks for the tips. I agree...I think it is very high for a full size! I also used a BJ's code for that. The minivan is a Travelocity code. I am picking up in MCO and dropping off in RSW. Also renting a car seat. Not sure if that is why it is higher than normal. UGH! I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and try Priceline.

 

[Disneyfanatic108]

I would probably use Almo with the full size vehicle. At least you will get to pick your own vehicle. I think you would have plenty of room in the Impala which is alamos full size vehicle.

 

[mieuxmew]

I travel with 2 small children and that same assortment of gear. The minivan is definately the easier way to go. For $8 more, I would definately take the minivan.

Keep checking as prices may come down before your trip. Rates for October have doubled since a few weeks ago.

Another option to consider. Rent a smaller vehicle. Ship one or two suitcases Fedex ground a few days in advance and ship them back when you check out. It costs a little more than checking your bag on the flight (assuming your airline charges), but the cost savings in getting a mid-sized or compact car over a full size or minivan can be substantial and you don't have to lug all that stuff and your small children through the airport. No oversized or overweight bag fees either on Fedex!

We need 2 car seats, so we check ours onto the flight, which is usually free. I don't care for the rental car seats and rather bring my own.

Check with your hotel. Most hotels do not charge for accepting a package/suitcase and will hold it for you. Some hotels to charge, though.

Hope it helps! Have great trip!

 

[4forMe]

For you rental experts out there...I need help since this is the first time renting a car with 2 kids!!

My family consists of 2 adults, a 4 year old and a 1 year old. Not sure if I should rent a full size car or minivan? I have a full size reserved with Alamo for $472.97 for 9 days. I also reserved a minivan with Budget for $480.72 for the same 9 days. I mean, for the extra $8 should I just go with the minivan? I want to be sure I have enough room. I'll have 3 large bags, 3 small carry on bags and a stroller (little larger than an umbrella stroller).

Thanks in advance!

I would definitely stay with the minivan as you will appreciate the extra room.

I would also suggest you try making another reservation through Budget using the following codes: BCD code X474200 and coupon code MUWZ029. The first code is a public code through travelocity and most people using it have gotten the minivan for under $300. Also, the coupon code will deduct an additional $30 when you return the car (it won't show as deducted on your initial reservation). In addition, if you sign up to become a Fastbreak member on their website (no fee required), you can go straight to the garage area to pick up your car and bypass the lines in the airport terminal. We've used Budget before with no problems.

 

[4forMe]

I just realized after re-reading your first post that you're dropping off in Ft. Myers rather than returning to MCO. The Budget code I had suggested may not work then. However, it's still worth a try.

I would still keep the minivan for the extra room and cargo space.

 

[feezle]

Minivan all the way. Strollers take up a lot of luggage space and it will be much easier to get them in and out of a van than a trunk when you are at the parks.

Also, don't rent a car seat. Take yours with you. For the price of a one day car seat rental, you can get a car seat bag that you can check (often for free). On our last trip we were able to squeeze a car seat and an infant carrier into one bag.

 

[kamanda]

Also, car seats from the rental companies are disgusting. It's better to bring your own.

Another option, there's prob. a walmart or a target close by where you could even buy one for cheaper than the rental. We've done this before where my husband went to buy it and I stayed with the kids at the airport until he came back.

 

[jessica29]

MInivan. We used a full size leaving the airport to port canavaral and could hardly fit our stuff without a stoller,The kids were squished with 3 bags and 3 carry ons. Then we also had an suv and it was smaller than the car for space! You just can't beat the space of a mini-van with young kids belongings!