Need Rental Car Help

[Cyndiu]

This year Dh & I & 4 children (2 of ours and 2 cousins) are flying to WDW instead of driving like years before. As such, we've got to rent a car. Unfortunately, this is not something I've done a heck of a lot before (only for work).

I just went through all the web sights for the biggies and got basic rates for a full size car (I don't have any memberships or codes) and it seems that Thrifty is cheapest @ $276.99 for the 8 days, followed by Enterprise @ $282.71. Next was Budget at $283.79 and Alamo @ $330.94.

My questions are: Does anyone have any advice of any of these companies that we should stay away from? Are there codes available anywhere to drive these rates down a little? Is there a company that we haven't thought of that usually has better rates than these?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Check mousesavers.com for codes.

I don't know why, but rental car rates have gone up a bit in the past few weeks, so other than codes, I'm not sure you're going to be able to get a base rate much lower than you've got.

Those are all pretty reputable companies that you mentioned, and most have had more good reviews than bad ones.

I would HIGHLY caution you about insurance. When you get to the rental counter, they may use some pretty underhanded tactics to get you to take the insurance. DON'T TAKE IT! Chances are that your regular car insurance covers it, and whatever isn't covered will be picked up by whichever credit card you use. They may very well ask "Would you like basic coverage, or the premium?" Just tell them you don't want ANY coverage.

Watch what you're signing like a HAWK!!!! They may have you initial something for you to accept the insurance when you have already declined it!!!!

 

[dgaston]

This doesn't always work, but I got a compact car for $ 15 per day by bidding on Priceline. A website that gives excellent info is www.biddingfortravel.com Just be aware, Sheryl is tough on people who don't read her FAQs. I have found it to give me the courage to bid on hotels for travel and have won some great bargains.

 

[sgtdisney]

Be very careful when reserving a full size car if that is how you decide to go. Many if not most rental agencies use full size cars which only seat 5 people. Also, in vehicles that do actually have 6 passenger capability, one of those children will need to sit in the front seat. I don't know the age of the kids you are travelling with but do they need car seats? You may need to rent a minivan if the kids are smaller and you are unable to put them in the front seat.

Thrifty and Enterprise are located off of the airport and will require you to take a tram to reach the rental location. Budget, Alamo, National, Dollar, Avis and a few others I think are located at the airport and you will just have to walk across the street from the terminal to pick up your car. I have had exceptional luck with both National and Dollar. As the others mentioned, try looking at www.mousesavers.com for rental company codes. With them you should be able to save some on the cost. I know I have seen Minivans with Dollar for 199 or 229 a week. Full sizes would be lower, but again, many full size cars come with only 5 seats.

 

[Cyndiu]

Thank you all for such great advice!

 

[Cyndiu]

Just booked a minivan through Dollar, using a code I found on www.mousesavers.com (KISS3) for $229.99.

I am so happy!

Thanks!