National EA, A side vs B Side

[dudspizza]

I realize National has two different lots since there are the A and B sides of the terminal.

#1 Has anyone noticed one of the sides being better than the other? We will be using the B side.

#2 Has anyone had the garage call the other side to check the EA selection if the selection on your side is not that good? I know I could walk to the other side, but I will have DD 8 and 5 with me, so I really don't want to do that.

Thanks.

Paul

 

[zulaya]

I don't think I even know which side I have been on. How do you tell?

(BTW, Hi fellow Minnesotan)

There's been more intermediate size cars on the EA lately and fewer specials. Although last two times I got a Jeep Liberty and Pontiac Aztec, respectively.

This next trip we are doing a Minivan so we have to go Emerald Reserve.

 

[dudspizza]

Hi back at you fellow Minnesotan!

We are hoping for a Liberty, Axtec, or Rondezvous.

Anyone have any comments on having the garage call the other side to check on the EA selection?

 

[3PRINCESSMOM]

Last December we arrived late, and there was slim pickins' on the A side. The attendant noticed me walking up and down a few times so he approached me. I said that I had hoped to get something other than an intermediate. He immediately said that only intermediates were available; that the EA never carries anything but intermediates and that all I would find in the other terminal were intermediates, too. I thanked him, and high-tailed it over to the B side where I found a few alternatives to regular intermediates, (small SUV's, full size SUV's, and even a few pick-ups). I drove off in a Saturn Vue that had 7 miles on it. Of course I put about 18 miles on it attempting to get back over to the A side to pick-up my family.

All that being said, I really think it would depend on the attendant as to whether he/she would make that call. In my example, I am sure he would not. I have not read here about anyone having experience with this. Perhaps nobody had thought of it... I don't know.

I do not believe my example is indicative of B having better selection. It was just on that particular evening. I have read people having varied experiences on both sides of the terminal. It is just luck...who has had more/better vehicles returned and serviced.

Have I been any help at all...??? Good Luck.

 

[dudspizza]

Hey 3PRINCESSMOM, see you at WDW. We are leaving in 69 days... your countdown timer says 74 days! I am just hoping for some nice rates at National for then!

Duds

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

How long of a walk is it to the other side? Can family stay by 1st choice on A side and hold a car while I run to other side to see if anything else is better? I'll use the cell or our 2 ways to let them know to keep or drop it if I find a better. Anyone ever do that? Am I just crazy or what? It would be fun to drive something different than I have or would ever have.
Thanks, YO

 

[lawgs]

not crazy

we do it all the time

check what is on the A side first and if there is nothing there that we think "suitable" for that trip, we then proceed over to B side

we do not usually take our luggage to the A side until we have checked it out ( they wait in the lounges near the car rental counters ) while i check out the A side

if nothing is there, i will go to the B side

B side seems to have a better selection for some reason ( at least that is what we have found ) but it does not hurt to check the A side first

the time of day may affect what you find too

happy car "hunting"

smilawgs

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

lawgs,
Thanks for not thinking I'm . How long will it take to walk from 1 to the other? 10 minute or so? I'm driving DW nuts with all this. Thanks, YO

 

[lawgs]

not any more than 10 minutes...but that depends upon how many you are "trailing" in your group

you just have to cross the area in the "terminals" where the hotel is located...you might have to use escalators or elevators to go "up" levels to get to the main area though

on Side A i think national is on the second level of the car garage and on side B it is on the ground level as you enter the garage

sometimes i have them get the luggage while i do a quick look on side A when we arrive and then go back to meet them but the time saved is not that significant