National Rental in MCO

[chip1]

We've faithfully rented a car in MCO from Dollar for as long as I can remember. For our trip in November, however, I am not getting the rates I am used to even using codes from Mousesavers. I am wondering about National. They seem to have good rates, but I know nothing about their credibility. Are they on site like Dollar? What, if anything, can you tell me about your experience with National.

A BIG THANK YOU!!

 

[mad4themouse]

I prefer to use National when I can.

I'm a member of their Emerald Aisle Club (got it free thru the Disney Club), so I don't even need to stop at the counter. I just head over to the garage across from baggage claim and choose my car from the EA. They process my paperwork at the gate and I'm on my way in no time.

I like the fact that all additional surcharges are listed right on their website when I make my ressie and they have a multitude of ways to combine codes and coupons to bring down the cost. And as an EA member, I can add my DH as an additional driver for free.

The cars have always been new, clean and in good working order. I wouldn't hesitate to rent from them if they have the best price.

 

[SB in KY]

National is on site at MCO. If you can get a better rate with them go for it...we have used them several times there without problem. They do not charge for an extra driver lke Dollar does (if the driver is over 25). The Emerald Aisle thing is handy too...you can by pass the counter and go pick out any car in that section that you want and be on your way in a couple of minutes...sometimes the rates aren't as good thru that program though...just play around with the various #'s from Mousesavers.com and see what you can come up with.

 

[chip1]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies. You've given me the confidence of parting ways with Dollar and trying out National!! Why spend more if I don't have to, right?

BTW, I am a DC member. How do I join the Emerald Aisle program? THANK YOU!!!!!!!

 

[chip1]

Just wondering how to join the Emerald Club for free! I see there is a $50 charge. Any suggestions?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by chip1
Just wondering how to join the Emerald Club for free! I see there is a $50 charge. Any suggestions?

Yep, there is a way. http://www.mousesavers.com/groundtrans.html#national please, read the entire page re: National.

 

[chip1]

Thanks. . . but unfortunately the link to Turner Travel isn't working. I will keep searching.

 

[Tigger Fans!]

You can get a free membership if you are an American Express Platinum cardholder. Just check out the AMEX website!

TTFN!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by chip1
Thanks. . . but unfortunately the link to Turner Travel isn't working. I will keep searching.

Try this one, it worked for me.

http://www.turnertravel.com/corporate.htm

 

[chip1]

Thanks to all. I called National and they are going to fax me an application to the Emerald Club and I will fill it out and fax it back. The fee is free!!! Thanks for all your help!

 

[DebbieB]

I've had a free Emerald Club membership since 1998 and they've never tried to charge me for the annual fee. I've used them probably 10 times and never had a problem.

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

I had a terrible experience with National at MCO and WILL NEVER use them again - even if the car was free!!

 

[DMRick]

I have always been 100% happy with National. Last week we picked a Oldsmobile Silhouette from the Aisle. 8 days for $143 total!! What a blessing when my daughter and grands joined us. We walk over, pick it out, go through the booth (about 2 minutes) and we are on our way. Car was clean, ran like a charm, and we really enjoyed it.

The only hint of a problem I had, was when we realized after being at Disney the seatbell I used was loaded with perfume form the previous person. With my asthma, that wasn't good..so we exchanged it in Disney and at the end was overcharged an extra day. No problem. I called National, and they fixed it immediatel (credited my account, since I paid it at the time). I foudn them very eager to please.

We've used others when the prices were less, but are always very happy when National prices are within a few dollars, and pick them first.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by DMRick
I have always been 100% happy with National. Last week we picked a Oldsmobile Silhouette from the Aisle. 8 days for $143 total!! What a blessing when my daughter and grands joined us. We walk over, pick it out, go through the booth (about 2 minutes) and we are on our way. Car was clean, ran like a charm, and we really enjoyed it.

The only hint of a problem I had, was when we realized after being at Disney the seatbell I used was loaded with perfume form the previous person. With my asthma, that wasn't good..so we exchanged it in Disney and at the end was overcharged an extra day. No problem. I called National, and they fixed it immediatel (credited my account, since I paid it at the time). I foudn them very eager to please.

We've used others when the prices were less, but are always very happy when National prices are within a few dollars, and pick them first.

Yes, they sure are eager to please. We had a bit of a problem with the financial end of our last rental, it took a bit of time, but, they did fix it. Everyone makes mistakes, it is how it is handled that makes the difference.

 

[buzz2400]

Last July we used the emerald isle. Picked out a car. Drove out. Didn't think we would have problems. Find out later on that the one of the tires was almost flat. Didn't seem like a problem but couldn't find a gas station with air. Then when we brought the car back, it wasn't in the computer. I stood there for almost 45 minutes while they tried to figure out what went wrong. For some reason it was never entered into the computer that I took the car. I still might try it again but with precaution. Really depends on who is cheaper, National or Dollar. Just a friendly reminder to look at the tires before you leave the garage.