National or Alamo

[lsh]

Hello,
We need a rental car for the first portion of our trip prior to checking in at WDW. We would need to pick up the car at MCO Friday, April 16th around 12:30 PM and would like to drop it off at the Disney Car Care Center on Sunday, April 18th after we check into CBR (we are hoping for early check in around 1:00 PM). Would you recommend Alamo or National? We have never had to rent a car before so this piece is all new to us. I am currently leaning toward National from what I've researched. I have run the numbers with and without codes and there is not that much difference in their prices. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting the $50.00 Emerald Aisle membership waived? I've read it's possible, but not sure if any of the option apply to me. Is is worth the $50.00 if I have to pay it?
Thanks for your help.
LSH

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

It really does not matter in the grand scheme of things as both Alamo and National share cars, they are sister companies.
You can join EA for free by following the link on www.mousesavers.com
Personally, I would go for the least expensive rental.

 

[inkkognito]

As Gail said, they are basically the same. We get Alamo a lot via Priceline, and the only difference I've ever noticed is that the line at the National counter tends to be shorter. But you will be choosing from the same cars, so go with the one that is cheapest. We've also noticed that they tend to be out of the cheapest car class on Friday nights, so we often get upgraded.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

I usually do Alamo, I just seemed to hit the best rates with them.

The line for Alamo is usually a bit longer but last time I was there the National side was also helping the Alamo side. So we were out pretty quickly.

They now also share the express line. Both Quicksilver & Emerald club can do the same line. At least it was that way in October.

 

[BrittnTylersMom]

Oh wow!...Am I reading this right??
When renting from Alamo...we'll be able to walk out onto the lot(s) and have the choice of what National & Alamo has to offer for cars/vans??

 

[DebbieB]

If you don't join Emerald Club for National, you can use their quick rent service and skip the counter (as long as you don't have coupons). You just head out to the garage and pick from the size row you reserved. With Emerald Club, you also have the option to pick out of the Emerald Aisle row, which often has upgrades.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by BrittnTylersMom
Oh wow!...Am I reading this right??
When renting from Alamo...we'll be able to walk out onto the lot(s) and have the choice of what National & Alamo has to offer for cars/vans??

You will have the choice of vehicle from the class you have rented.
IE: rent a fullsize, go to the full size row and select the one you want.