New Thread - What have you seen on the EA?

[lisareniff]

Just returned from Orlando yesterday. We signed up and used the Emerald Reserve- Full Sized service. I was slightly confused when we got to the National lot (and I still am). I thought there would be an Emerald Full sized row labeled in addition to the emerald Isle. I stepped inside the booth and the attendant said to pick anything off the "second row on the right" (Emerald Isle) and that I could have a van if we wanted.

So on the Isle there were a handful of minivans and a couple intermediate sized cars and one Astec (sp?). We chose the Astec which fit us perfectly. For a family of 4 with a bit of luggage it was nice.

Is there an actual Emerald Reserve full sized row?

 

[beattyfamily]

Is there an actual Emerald Reserve full sized row?

Yes, there is. I've rented full sizes before. It is RIGHT next to the Emearld Aisle to the right of it.

 

[Sandyincanada]

Just returned from Orlando yesterday. We signed up and used the Emerald Reserve- Full Sized service. I was slightly confused when we got to the National lot (and I still am). I thought there would be an Emerald Full sized row labeled in addition to the emerald Isle. I stepped inside the booth and the attendant said to pick anything off the "second row on the right" (Emerald Isle) and that I could have a van if we wanted.

So on the Isle there were a handful of minivans and a couple intermediate sized cars and one Astec (sp?). We chose the Astec which fit us perfectly. For a family of 4 with a bit of luggage it was nice.

Is there an actual Emerald Reserve full sized row?

We couldn't find it either, Lisa and had to ask...maybe they need bigger signs, lol. But asking worked out for us too and we got a new Blazer. I may just ask next time even if I do find it,

 

[n2mm]

The last time we used Emerald Reserve Full size we had to walk down the aisle, past the Emerald Aisle, closer to the kiosk to find the full size. We saw it right away, because it was empty. We were then told to choose a FULL size from executive aisle. Let me say the attendant came with us to make sure we ONLY choose a full size and nothing bigger. We were a tad disappointed that we could not really make our selection since we were inconvenienced to arriving to an empty lot. There was only one car on EA and was an intermediate. But since we reserve Full Size we were not going to go down a level. Luckily for us, in January we moved up to Executive Aisle, so have a year of great selections and guaranteed a full size at an intermediate price. We rented in january and choose a SUV/Aztec and it was nice, still had the new car smell. When we get there in late April, we'll see what they have for us but are so much more relieved that we are in Ex. Aisle club now. Now all I have to do is make sure I get my 40 rental days again this year to stay there for 2006.

 

[lisareniff]

OK, so maybe I didn't read all the signs correctly. I was very tired. If the Emerald Reserve was next to the Emerald Isle with the same type of sign I could have misread the signs. Maybe that was why the vans were there as well?? Next time I'll get it down.

 

[beattyfamily]

OK, so maybe I didn't read all the signs correctly. I was very tired. If the Emerald Reserve was next to the Emerald Isle with the same type of sign I could have misread the signs. Maybe that was why the vans were there as well?? Next time I'll get it down.

Yes, the signs are the same; one says "Emerald Aisle", one to the left says "Executive Aisle", one to the right of it says "Full Size", then I think SUV then Luxury, Economy, Compact, etc...but there is no sign that says Emearld Reserve. If you booked Emerald Reserve service, you just head to the aisle of the size you booked and they are all marked but it can be confusing when your tired or in a hurry to start your vacation.

 

[lawgs]

Emerald Reserve is not an actual aisle but a name connected to a particular size of car.....

thus if you have Emerald Reserve for full size....you would "usually" go to the Full Size aisle....saying usually since it seem "Mileage may vary" depending on whom you speak to once you get the the National Alamo section of the garages at Orlando....

 

[Nik's Mom]

What's the difference in trunk space between intermediate and full size? We will bring 2 suitcases and 3 carry on's with us, but the carry on's can fit in the car with us. It will be 2 adults and 2 children. Do you think an intermediate is big enough? I have a full size emerald reserve booked now, but like the idea of having a chance for something different if I book emerald aisle.

 

[lisareniff]

Thanks guys!

I think I finally got it through my little brain. I had it in my head that there would be a green "Emerald Reserve Full Size" sign some where near the Emerald Isle. So, you just go to the normal full size row and take one. Do you need to ask in the booth or just go?

There were some good cars on the Emerald Isle then. About 4 minivans and the Aztec along with about two smaller cars.

 

[starwood]

Anyone have any experience with Emerald Aisle out of Tampa? We are arriving around 8:00 pm into Tampa.

 

[lampy]

I have been to TPA EA, but maybe you should start a new thread. This one is about EA on MCO.

 

[disfamily2]

If you have Emerald Reserve reserved for full size and see something you like on EA, will they let you take it ? Just wondering if Jeep Cherokees are ever on the full size aisle? I reserved full size Emerald Reserve but sometimes it sounds like there are some cool cars on EA like the PT Cruiser....

Jo Ann

 

[beattyfamily]

If you have Emerald Reserve reserved for full size and see something you like on EA, will they let you take it ? Just wondering if Jeep Cherokees are ever on the full size aisle? I reserved full size Emerald Reserve but sometimes it sounds like there are some cool cars on EA like the PT Cruiser....

Jo Ann

As far as I know, no they won't unless there is NOTHING on the Full size aisle.

 

[bjakmom]

disfamily2 - I can't speak for their 'policy', but at the end of Jan we had a full size reserved because in Dec the EA was practically empty when we were there - anyway, there were only 3 cars on the full aisle, all of them Malibus and the EA was loaded with SUVs. I walked back to the service booth and asked if I could take an SUV off of EA instead of a full and she said "sure" - didn't do any paperwork and everything was fine at the check out booth when we pulled up in a Jeep - that was our experience and we were very happy!

 

[lovingthemouse]

ok, just got home from a trip to WDW last week, we had a Pontiac Vibe, have never seen or heard of them before but we loved it! Seats 4 comfortably, almost reminds me a small SUV wagon. Easy to drive and comfy too. Caroline

 

[mkymouse4ever]

For the ? about just taking a car or just "go" = There is usually attendants in the national garage. Sometimes when busy (day time hrs) they will ask you where you are going, or want to look at your paper work quickly to be sure your in the right place etc.... , BUT for the most part: It is set up to walk to the garage go to your designated ailse and pick out your own car. I usually just tell the guy when he say "do you need help, let me see your paper work?" I just say "I am national club, EA" and he points to the row. If no one is around and you have a question, look at the counter in the garage, if no one is there, walk over to where they are checking in cars, Someone is ALWAYS there.

Mky

 

[cwnhokie]

Sorry, now I need help understanding. I booked a full size car with emerald reserve. My DH feels we need the full size for all of our luggage. So, therefore, all I can get is a full size, no chance at a SUV or Van?

I wonder if I should change to an intermediate and take the chance? I will be arriving Sat. May 7th.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

yes, that's the way I interupted it. Even thou the other poster said he had permission to take from EA, with his full size ressie. I could of gotten a full size upgrade for about only $20.00 / more for the whole time BUT I would rather take chance a something on aisle (just in case). Figuring our fall back position is the Lacrosse or Impala, or Pontiac's. We are only 2 people BUT going for 3 weeks (with a cruise) means alot of luggage. Even with washing clothes.

The rules read: what line you reserve you go to. So if you reserve compact go to compact. etc.. ... . Unless they empty then they tell you what to do. They might let you "upgrade"..

Mky

 

[beattyfamily]

Sorry, now I need help understanding. I booked a full size car with emerald reserve. My DH feels we need the full size for all of our luggage. So, therefore, all I can get is a full size, no chance at a SUV or Van?

I wonder if I should change to an intermediate and take the chance? I will be arriving Sat. May 7th.

Yep, the EA, Emerald Aisle, is for those who have booked an Intermediate. All other sizes report to their size aisle. There have been only a handful of reports that if their size aisle was completely empty they were lucky enough to get an upgrade but many times, they just end up with a Full size that was sitting in the EA. It all depends on who helps you 'if' your aisle is empty.

I book EA with the hopes of an upgrade because we can fit into an Intermediate if we have to. Just about every time I went I got an Intermediate; only last time I got a mini SUV which I'll bet was still considered an Intermediate.

If they let all the Full size rentals take from the EA, then that wouldn't be fair to those us like me who always book the EA service, IMHO.

 

[Lynn]

HI -

There will be five (adults) of us arriving this Sat night! Have reserved an intermediate on EA. Probably be at the car rental around 7ish. Any sense of how many cars might be around on a Saturday night? Also, if the emerald aisle intermediates are just too small - can you pay to upgrade to a bigger car? Two of our traveling companions are notorious overpackers and I am concerned about the amount of luggage. Thanks!