Newbie National Rental Questions

[momoftwins]

We most likely will be renting a car for our April 15 - 26 trip. I started to read through the National thread - yikes! So, rather than spend the next three days reading a thread here are my questions:

1. Can one still join the Emerald Club for free through the Mousesavers link?

2. If I reserve a full-size, will there be one there at MCO for me?

3. Has there ever been no cars available? What does National do?

4. I understand you can go to the parking area if you are an Emerald
club member, is there a long checkout?

5. Are the cars non-smoking?

6. I saw there was an Entertainment book coupon. Do you have to present
the coupon at checkout? What is a "Priceless" coupon/code?

7. Is "EA" the parking area where the car pickup is? Do you return the car to
the same place?

8. Do you all think that National is the most economical choice for WDW?

Thanks for your help!

 

[lkc0538]

I'll do my best to answer the ones I can:



2. If I reserve a full-size, will there be one there at MCO for me?
We reserved a full size thru emerald reserve. Same idea as the Emerald Aisle, but it's specifically a full size. There were about 8-10 to choose from at side A of the MCO.


4. I understand you can go to the parking area if you are an Emerald
club member, is there a long checkout?
This was very easy, follow signs to leave after you get in your car. There were 3 "booths", they reminded me of toll booths. They take all your information- it took us less than 5 minutes.

5. Are the cars non-smoking?
Yes, there are cars that are specifically non-smoking. This was a preference when I signed up for Emerald Club.

6. I saw there was an Entertainment book coupon. Do you have to present
the coupon at checkout? What is a "Priceless" coupon/code?
Yes.

7. Is "EA" the parking area where the car pickup is? Do you return the car to
the same place?
Yes, you go to the EA area, this is where you pick your car and you get in, load your luggage, then drive out. The car return is in the same area, and well marked as you enter the airport. Go to your terminal (A or B) and follow signs for rental car return. You will eventually see signs for National car return.

8. Do you all think that National is the most economical choice for WDW?
It is comparable to others, but probably if you really dig for a discount you can find something cheaper. But, when you take the convenience and ease with price, I believe it to be a good value!

Thanks for your help

 

[dudspizza]

We most likely will be renting a car for our April 15 - 26 trip. I started to read through the National thread - yikes! So, rather than spend the next three days reading a thread here are my questions:

1. Can one still join the Emerald Club for free through the Mousesavers link? Yes. It works great!

2. If I reserve a full-size, will there be one there at MCO for me? Yes. You would use what is called Emerald Reserve. You would simply walk out to the Full Size aisle, pick the full size you want, and drive to the gate. Show your info there and you are off.

3. Has there ever been no cars available? What does National do? National and Alamo are owned by the same company. They will have cars. At times the EA is out of cars, you just choose from the intermediate aisle or some folks have been given an upgrade, depends on the workers there.

4. I understand you can go to the parking area if you are an Emerald
club member, is there a long checkout? Nope... usually out of the lot in a few minutes... sometimes the longest wait is trying to decide which car you are going to take!

5. Are the cars non-smoking? I beleive they are, but having the luxury of chosing your car, you can check if it smells... if it does, grab another......

6. I saw there was an Entertainment book coupon. Do you have to present
the coupon at checkout? What is a "Priceless" coupon/code? Yes, you have to present coupons when you leave. You can search some of the national threads here... one of them has a link to print out the $20 off ent. coupon. The priceless code is a CONTRACT ID that is associated with Priceless Vacations. Anyone can use it. The contract ID is 6600330. You can combine that contract ID with a coupon like the $20 off ent. coupon (10009123 for 2005). You get some nice discounts.

7. Is "EA" the parking area where the car pickup is? Do you return the car to
the same place? All rental cars are located in the parking garage. The different size car aisles are listed very clearly. The EA is the Emerald Aisle and it is also very clearly marked and easy to find. Follow the signs when you come back to the airport for returning your car.... it is very easy.

8. Do you all think that National is the most economical choice for WDW?
National isn't always the most economical. Using the right combination of contract id's and coupon codes, you can get a good deal. If you are looking at $$ as the only factor, use orbitz or travelocity to search all of the car rental companies. Also use mousesavers.com for great ways to save money. Many people love National because you are able to chose your car and sometimes can get an upgrade (larger than intermediate) on the EA. We will only use National now... we love it.

Thanks for your help!You are welcome!

 

[momoftwins]

What is the latest that I can cancel a reservation without penalty.

Is there a limit on how many coupon codes I can use? For example, if I should find a paper coupon that I did not have at time of reservation, can I bring it with me to the checkout?

Forgot one, I printed out the $20 off coupon, I guess was from the National site. It had coupon code 10009123 like everyone said, but it had contract 5066914. I used a different contract #, but the same coupon code. Is that ok?

Thank you all so much for your input. Happy Holidays!

 

[DebbieB]

What is the latest that I can cancel a reservation without penalty.

National's rules say 24 hours but I've heard they only charge a penalty on vehicles larger than full size.

Is there a limit on how many coupon codes I can use? For example, if I should find a paper coupon that I did not have at time of reservation, can I bring it with me to the checkout?

You can use one contract code and one coupon.

Forgot one, I printed out the $20 off coupon, I guess was from the National site. It had coupon code 10009123 like everyone said, but it had contract 5066914. I used a different contract #, but the same coupon code. Is that ok?

You can use contract and coupon codes from different sources. I used the priceless vacation contract code with the $20 entertainment coupon with no problem.

Have a great trip! Happy Holidays to you also!