National vs. Dollar - which is better?

[Belle612]

Hello!

Although I have visited WDW many times, I have only rented a car once, on our last trip, from National. We were extremely happy with the service, and currently have them booked again for our Feb 2015 trip. However, the rate seems to be a bit high - $316 for Feb 12-17 midsize. I decided to check other on-airport rental locations, and found that Dollar has the same dates and vehicle for $200, including all fees and taxes.

For anyone who has had experience with Dollar, I was just wondering the following:
-How are the lines to pick up your car? (we land at 11:30PM)
-Do they have kiosks where you can skip the line altogether and check in yourself like National does?
-Can you select your own car or do they assign it to you?
-Do they charge for a second driver? (National does not)

Any other insights, tips, reviews would be extremely helpful, Thanks!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Dollar is cheaper. Especially if you click the "city special" button you can find some great rates.
Yes you can select your own car. No the second drive is no free but if you find the right code it could be.

And if you are looking for car rentals now for Feb the rates will be sky high. They get cheaper the closer your trip is. I always book my car the Tue before my trip because that is the day the "last minutes" rates are released. I have never spend more that $130 for a weekly rental of a mid size car during the past several trips to WDW>.

 

[mieuxmew]

I like National better, but for $100 savings, I would rent from Dollar. Join the Dollar Express program. It is free. Your car will be selected and waiting for you when you arrive (no need to stop at the desk - head straight to garage). If you don't like the car chosen for you you can choose other car. I have always been issued the best car available in the class (newer, lower mileage). There is an $11-13 per day charge for additional driver, so decide if you really need to have an extra driver.

I agree to keep watching -prices may drop closer to your dates. I usually see Dollar drop 4-6 weeks ahead.

 

[Judyat]

National is better. Dollar is cheaper.

 

[rwdavis2]

We use both and it depends on the price. If you join the KLM airlines rewards program you get access to a discount code for National. We saved about 50% on a Mustang convertible while in California last week. But the code is not always accepted. I think it depends on demand.

Also, if National accepts the KLM code then all the various insurance options are included at no cost.

Always join either companies programs where you can bypass the counter or use an exclusive line. They will need driver's license and credit card info to sign up.