National EA - Wow!

[GeminiMom]

How much easier can they make renting a car?! And to think, I was worrying about all the details involved in renting my first car (yes, I am a rental car virgin! )

Just got back & every aspect of renting from National's EA was a pleasant one. After collecting our luggage, it was a short trip downstairs to the garages. We actually passed up the walkway across the street to the garage but asked an airport employee who happily retraced our few steps back for us. National is right next to the escalator/elevators in the garage, so luggage transfer wasn't any problem. (Besides, that's why they make them with wheels & as I tell people....another reason why I had kids!)

Walked right onto the aisle, loaded up the luggage into the PT Cruiser that DH & kids had already decided they simply MUST have, drove to the booth, sat behind 2 cars (each of them taking probably 2-3 minutes tops to process), then it was our turn! Handed over reservation, driver's licenses, ENT coupon, and ENT card & wham we were done & they were kicking us out of the garage to go enjoy our vacation! I had my National EA number ready in case they needed it (they didn't) & a printout from the Priceless site (didn't ask for that either). We had no problems exiting the airport & getting on the road to Universal, all routes clearly marked.

Returning the car was just as easy. Followed signs for Terminal A, then rental car returns, National signs very clearly marked, pulled back in the garage and while DH was unloading the luggage, a National employee had already scanned the car & printed out my receipt. Exactly the price I had reserved under ($112.60 for the week). The car was clean when we left with it, DH only had to put $10 in gas in the night before we returned to the airport & we weren't charged any additional cost for gas.

National gets an A+ in my book & will continue to be the rental car choice for my family if every experience is as good as this one was! I'm sure there may be other rental car companies who's service is as good as National's, just wanted to share my experience for those of you who may have 1st time reservations with them. As my DD stated as we were leaving the EA "This rocks!" ITA'd

 

[Tink03477]

Excellent!! I had the very same experience too! I was another "rental virgin" as you put it. I was very nervous as well and National was totally awesome and easy, just like you described. I'm glad yours was just as wonderful and simple!

 

[airhead]

....Budget rental experience is as good as your national !!

 

[Tinkbell]

Thanks for the very detailed report! I will be trying this for the first time in a few weeks.

 

[3AmigosMom]

We also had a great experience with National two weeks ago. Have to give "props" to Gail and all the others who posted about using different codes, coupons, etc.. Taught me to think a little differently and not just go with our good old standby, Dollar (which we've never had a problem with) and come up with a great deal and such a wonderful process (esp. with a 2,4, and 5 yo)
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge
Robin

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have always had great National?EA experiences too. Great, glad to hear it.

 

[robinb]

Aren't PT Cruisers great?!?! We got one off the EA lot last Christmas. My BIL liked it so much he bought one for himself about 2 months ago. Very cute car .

 

[bubbasmom99]

We have such a pleasant experience with the Emerald Aisle that any other companies aren't really even a consideration. With the coupon and code stacking, the rate is usually just as good if not better. What a great way to start a vacation by being in charge of your own destiny (i.e. not waiting for a shuttle, not letting someone else choose your car, etc)

 

[lovetotravel1974]

We ONLY use National EA. You can't beat the quickness of it, and being on-site at MCO is an added bonus.

 

[PavelB]

What is National EA? We are going to Orlando in July and we were just about the get the car. My husband was happy with an Avis rate of $4oo fo the week. Obviously I need help. What are these codes you are talking about?

Wheredo you get this entertainment book that some are talking about?
Thanks

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by PavelB
What is National EA? We are going to Orlando in July and we were just about the get the car. My husband was happy with an Avis rate of $4oo fo the week. Obviously I need help. What are these codes you are talking about?

Wheredo you get this entertainment book that some are talking about?
Thanks

For the National Emerald Aisle, the information is on the National website.
The codes can be found at www.mousesavers.com along with a link to join Emerald Club ( you need to join in order to use the Emerald Aisle).
The Entertainment book is also discussed on the mousesavers site.