National Car Rental Emerald Isle

[vincev33]

What are the chances of getting a Minivan in the emerald isle? We need a mini-van, but do not want to pay the $900 for our rental period of 10 days. The Mid-size rental rate is half. I rent for work from National quite frequently and there are often Mini-vans in the aisle in major cities, but I would assume Orlando is different. Would like to save the $500 if possible.
Thoughts? Personal experiences?

 

[DebbieB]

What are the chances of getting a Minivan in the emerald isle? We need a mini-van, but do not want to pay the $900 for our rental period of 10 days. The Mid-size rental rate is half. I rent for work from National quite frequently and there are often Mini-vans in the aisle in major cities, but I would assume Orlando is different. Would like to save the $500 if possible.
Thoughts? Personal experiences?

I've rented from EA many times in Orlando and in my experience it's very rare to see a van. Mostly full size sedans.

 

[mmmgood]

It depends when you are renting. Based on the prices you quote I would guess sometime between now and labor day. If this is true I would estimate your chance of finding a minivan at less than 5%, the later your dates the better your chances. National and Alamo seem to be sold out of minivans completely until August 15th. I would assume that those vehicles will also sell out within the next month.

I did find a minivan for $645 including taxes and fees for 10 days here:
http://www.carrentalsavers.com/florida-car-rental.html

 

[n2mm]

I would never rent from the EA if I needed a bigger car. You should only rent from them if a mid-size car will fit your needs. I rented 6 trips from MCO last year and never saw anything larger than a mid-size car in the EA and a full size car in the Executive Aisle. This year the pickings remain slim again. I'm rented 3 times from MCO already and did see a minivan in the EA during my March trip. During my May trip, only mid-size cars on both the A side and B side of the terminal. Lucky for us, we did find a Ford explorer on the Executive Aisle, Side A, but the EA had nothing but mid-size. It's pretty much a Murphy's law, if you absolutely have to have a bigger car you will not find it. When it's only 2 of us, that is when we see vehicles bigger than a full size. If you go during a holiday or busy time, forget it.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

What are the chances of getting a Minivan in the emerald isle? We need a mini-van, but do not want to pay the $900 for our rental period of 10 days. The Mid-size rental rate is half. I rent for work from National quite frequently and there are often Mini-vans in the aisle in major cities, but I would assume Orlando is different. Would like to save the $500 if possible.
Thoughts? Personal experiences?

Do you travel to mostly tourist locations on business? If not that can be part of the explanation. Tourist locations will less likely have minivans and larger vehicles on the EA.

 

[vincev33]

We are arriving in Orlando the last week of August. Should be a very slow time and that is why I am considering chancing it. Even if it is not available in the EA, I bet they have some to rent. Maybe I should make two reservations and cancel the minivan if I do not need it. I don't think they charge a penalty.

 

[DisneyForLife]

I rented from them last year in October in Orlando and there were two mini vans in the aisle. I grabbed one but I know I just got very lucky that day. That is the first time that has happened but I have scored a premium a few times also. I really think that is out of the norm though.

 

[DebbieB]

We are arriving in Orlando the last week of August. Should be a very slow time and that is why I am considering chancing it. Even if it is not available in the EA, I bet they have some to rent. Maybe I should make two reservations and cancel the minivan if I do not need it. I don't think they charge a penalty.

They do charge a penalty on a mini-van reservation if not cancelled with 24 hours notice. It is considered a specialty vehicle.

https://www.nationalcar.com/itemDetails.do?HelpItemID=NOS

No Show


In the case of a "no show" of a customer, the reservation will be canceled. National charges a fee on the renters credit card for vehicles that are reserved but not rented, if the reservation was not canceled within 24 hours of the anticipated arrival.

Cancellations are accepted up to one calendar day before reservation date. If the reservation is not cancelled, a No Show Fee of $50.00 (plus applicable taxes, surcharges, and lessor fees) will be charged to the credit card on the Guaranteed Reservation.

Guaranteed Reservations are required on all specialty vehicles, such as minivan, 4-wheel drive, and convertible car classes at all Corporate locations and at participating licensee locations.

The following credit cards are accepted for Guaranteed Reservations:

•American Express
•Diners Club
•Discover
•Carte Blanche
•MasterCard
•Visa

 

[vincev33]

Thanks everyone! That is good to know DebbieB