Okay, so tell me about Budget

[Gina]

Even though I am staying at the Radisson, and it would be so convenient to go with Avis, several people have pointed out that I could save a lot of money by going with Budget. Thank you for that, because I didn't know they even had a location down there!

So now I'm wondering: Just how big of a pain is it going to be to leave the Radisson and drive to the Budget drop-off location? It's just me and DS and a whole lotta luggage. How far exactly is it? How quick is the shuttle service to the terminal? And how is the general service picking up the car at MCO?

Thanks so much for any help anyone can give me -- it really is a lot cheaper, but if it's a huge hassle then it's not so worth it, you know? Just want to make the best choice!

-gina-

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Budget is about three blocks down the road from the Radisson. As for shuttles, many cruisers have reported spotting Budget and Hertz shuttles while waiting for the Avis shuttle. If it's "a lot cheaper", I'd give them a try.

 

[Gina]

About $25 cheaper, for the 2-day period. I can buy a few more Malibu Coladas with that.

Thanks for the info, Dave!

-gina-

 

[idontknow]

We have a Sears card and it gets us discounts for 3 day rentals from Avis. (1 day free on a 3 day rental) If you have any credit cards, you might look at their websites and see what kind of discounts you can get thru them. Just a thought.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by idontknow

We have a Sears card and it gets us discounts for 3 day rentals from Avis.

That surprises me. I thought Sears was affiliated in some way with Budget.

 

[pbans]

We had a terrible experience with Budget.
Our cruise was November 2001....they had one small (maybe 10 passenger) van to run shuttle from the port...we ended up giving the Avis guy a very healthy tip and begging him to drop us off at Budget. When we arrived at the office, they had ONE check in clerk (granted, it was Thanksgiving...but HELLO....there are 2500 people on just ONE ship). It took FOREVER to get our car....when we finally got the keys and went out to our car, it was filthy....not just dirty...but french fries, spilled coke, cigarette ashes. I went back in to complain and was told they were busy and didn't have time to detail the cars. I asked for another car and was told it was the only thing available.
I wrote a letter when we got home and got a form letter apology and a coupon for a free upgrade on our next rental....yeah, that'll happen.
If the difference is relatively small, I certainly wouldn't take a chance with them again.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

pbans, I had been steering folks away from Budget for a while based on your past reports about your experience. I've since had several other reports that indicated they had none of the problems you experienced. Sorry you had such a bad experience... and I think Avis is still more convenient... but given the more recent trip reports indicating that your problems were an anomaly, if the savings is significant, I think it's worth the "risk" to try them.

 

[pbans]

Originally posted by Dave_from_Marietta
pbans, I had been steering folks away from Budget for a while based on your past reports about your experience. I've since had several other reports that indicated they had none of the problems you experienced. Sorry you had such a bad experience... and I think Avis is still more convenient... but given the more recent trip reports indicating that your problems were an anomaly, if the savings is significant, I think it's worth the "risk" to try them.

And truthfully, if the savings were 'significant' (which of course, means something different to each of us) I may try them again. I think our experience came from the fact it was a holiday and they probably wanted to give as many folks as possible a day off....nice in theory, but the practical application comes with a cost!! Glad to hear that others have had better luck....and geez, Paige it was over a year ago....GET OVER IT (she says as she smacks herself upside the head)