National or Dollar Rental Cars

[gduvall]

I am trying to decide which rental car agency to rent from on my next trip to WDW. Dec26-Jan5. I know there both in the terminal, but trying to find out which one is easier or quicker to get checked out and back in. Any experiences!

 

[hercamore]

both car rental agencies are on the same floor of the airport and the cars are right out the back door in the parking garage. Take the cheapest rate!

 

[barbliny]

We've rented with Dollar many times -- both in Orlando and at other airports. We've never had anything other than good experiences. The one caveat is that last time we were at Disney we got a flat tire on the car the second night. We had to bring the car back to the airport or wait for them to bring a new car out the next day. Of course we weren't going to miss anytime with Mickey, so we took the ride to the airport to change the car. Meanwhile, I believe that National is onsite at WDW. So if anything like that happens, you can do the trade right there.

Our checkins at Dollar have always been very quick. I notice while we're checking-in, the National desk right next store always has a very long line since it is WDW's official car rental agency and a large number of Orlando airline pasengers rent through them. I have also always found the rates to be less at Dollar. We are renting an intermediate car in Sept for 4 days at $22.99/day. I checked the site everyday and this rate popped up one day and was gone the next. If you see a car rental deal jump on it right away -- ask questions later. Unlike airline reservations, you are not paying for your car rental upfront -- so, they are extremely easy to cancel and change.

Returning the car at Dollar has never taken more than a few minutes.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

The only problem I have with Dollar is the "hold" they put on your credit card.
It is the cost of the rental plus 15% (min 200.00). While it is a small amount and certainly not an issue for me, it just disturbs me when others don't hold or charge anything but the cost of the rental.
As for their reputation, it is excellent.

 

[janiejo]

I've used both companies in the Orlando airport and don't see a difference in their service. I am an EA member with National and a FL member with Dollar. Dollar does have you come to the counter but FL members go to the front of the line. Check in is a breeze with both as well. Therefore, I always say go with the better price. If you need a minivan for the space, Dollar more often than not beats the price of National. Good Luck!

 

[BWVPam]

We rented with Dollar our first trip to WDW and the one thing that I think that National has them beat on is that National does not charge for the additional spouse driving the car. If both husband and wife want to be able to drive, Dollar charges an additional $5 per day. That can really add up over 10-14 days. I have since always had good luck with national and they continue to be my agency of choice. I have always been able to get very competitive rates with National by watching and checking on the rates to go down.

Pam

 

[lionqueen]

If you join Dollar's Silver Dollar Club, there is no charge for another driver. Membership is free by signing up at their website.