Rental car conundrum

[Nicks2001]

Need some help on rental cars - I currently have a trip for six (five adults, and a four year old) booked for January. We're flying into MCO, and I currently have a Chrysler Pacifica minivan booked as our rental, but I'm concerned about the luggage space for 6 people. I've been reviewing other options, namely a Chevy Suburban and a Ford Transit 12 passenger van. We would only really need the luggage space to and from the airport and hotel. Also, we'll be renting a stroller, so we won't have that with in the mix, but we may have a fold up wheelchair. Any advice or real experience would be greatly appreciated. I know it's possible to send people via Magical Express with the luggage, but I would prefer not to split our party up. Thanks in advance.

Alex

 

[bumbershoot]

Have you considered magical express to and from Disney, and renting more locally to Wdw so you never have to accommodate luggage? Alamo and National are at the car care center near MK and also at the swan and dolphin. There are others in the Disney Springs area.

 

[jeff_h]

If the only time when the van will be packed fully is between airport and hotel, it shouldn't be an issue with 6 people unless everyone are over-packers. Since you have 6 and the van seats 7, you can probably fit a bag or two in the open seat. In addition to that, you can have large bags go in the back and smaller hand-carry items (such as backpacks, laptops, purses, etc) be held by passengers as you drive. It may not be comfortable but if it's just between airport and hotel, then no big deal.

 

[FCDub]

A 12-passenger van feels like massive overkill.

Are you sure you need a rental car at all? What would you be using it for?

 

[Nicks2001]

Have you considered magical express to and from Disney, and renting more locally to Wdw so you never have to accommodate luggage? Alamo and National are at the car care center near MK and also at the swan and dolphin. There are others in the Disney Springs area.

Currently I'm booked with Budget, as I can get a reasonable discount through my job for Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. Budget was the cheapest out of the three. So it looks like an airport rental for me.

Alex

 

[Nicks2001]

If the only time when the van will be packed fully is between airport and hotel, it shouldn't be an issue with 6 people unless everyone are over-packers. Since you have 6 and the van seats 7, you can probably fit a bag or two in the open seat. In addition to that, you can have large bags go in the back and smaller hand-carry items (such as backpacks, laptops, purses, etc) be held by passengers as you drive. It may not be comfortable but if it's just between airport and hotel, then no big deal.

I think I'm going to have to get creative with the luggage arrangements in the van, I always was a fan of Tetris, haha. But fingers crossed, hopefully we'll be good!

Alex

 

[Nicks2001]

A 12-passenger van feels like massive overkill.

Are you sure you need a rental car at all? What would you be using it for?

In terms of passenger space, absolutely it's overkill. I was just thinking of the luggage space. In terms of the extra cost for a larger van, I'm not sure it's worth it, really.

We do plan on going to Universal for a day, as well as a few other days of off property activities, so having a rental will make it a bit easier for us.

Alex

 

[kaytieeldr]

Send some people and all the luggage on Magical Express.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Make everyone hold the smaller bags and you should have room for the big luggage in the back. You will have room on the floor by peoples feet to place bags if need be.

 

[goofy4tink]

There is a Budget counter at the Doubltree in Disney Springs. You could all use DME to get to your resort. Then head to DS and over to the Doubltree...you could either walk from DS or Uber from your resort. Rent your car, do what you need to do. When it's time to return to the airport, if you are flying on a participating airline, you can check all your bags at the resort vs taking them back to the airport with you. You can then either have returned the car to the Doubletree prior to departing from WDW, or you can return the car to Budget at MCO.

 

[monorailsilver]

I would either send some people on DME or all take DME and rent from one of the on-site Disney places and then return the car there and take DME back to the airport.

But on the Pacifica, not sure how much space there is. We have a dodge caravan and have rented a caravan. We had 6 of us (3 kids, dh, myself and my mother), we each had 2 bags and fit just fine. Our suitcases were the size that fit overhead on the plane. The only time we felt stuffed was when they upgraded us to a traverse. The back was small so no backpacks fit back there.

We have rented a Yukon xl and there is tons of space but if it was 6 of us, I would not rent it. We had between 7-8 for that and it was a beach vacation and it made putting the chairs and all out beach stuff it in less like a jigsaw puzzle.

Oh and we are renting a car this August but for one day. We need some groceries and water and my dh would rather pick it out then use a delivery service. So we are taking DME, he is picking up the car at the dolphin (we are staying at the BC) at around 2 and then he will return in the next day.

 

[NH-to-FL]

We have a Pacifica and I think you will have enough of room. There is a fair amount of space behind the rear seat and there are the storage tubs in the floor that the three seats retract into. If you are willing to squeeze two adults and the 4 year old into the rear bench seat for the trip to/from the airport then you could stow one of the middle seats and have a lot of luggage space. Once you unload the luggage you can pop up the seat and have plenty of seating space to travel around Disney. I suggest visiting the Chrysler web site and take a look at the Pacifica page and you will see all of the seating and storage options. The seats are easy to stow though you will probably want to study the Chrysler web site to see how it is done.

 

[Rich M]

I had the same problem on my last trip. We had 5 people and one infant. We opted for the Chevy Suburban which seats 8 and has a huge back area. We had a lot of luggage plus a stroller. We got the car seat from the rental place. For us it worked out great. When we drove and didn't have the luggage it was overkill but we really liked having it. You can't guarantee what brand van your going to get from a rental car place. Most times they do have a decent enough space but it is space that has to be stacked high. If everyone has one bag then you should be ok. If everyone has 2 then it will start to get a little sketchy. I know that it can be a huge price difference between the two then I would go with the van and just make it work for the small ride but if you can afford the Suburban I would go for it.

 

[drwadadli]

Why not sign up for DME and send all the luggage that way and the people stay together for the rental car. Nothing says a guest has to travel on the DME with the luggage especially since the checked luggage doesn't go with the DME anyhow. The luggage arrives on a different vehicle instead of the DME. I have heard and read from a lot of people that they have other plans immediately after landing and have signed up for DME but don't take it to or from MCO. It would be an easy answer for the luggage and not splitting up the group.

 

[writerguyfl]

...a Ford Transit 12 passenger van.

It sounds like you are no longer considering this option. But if you are, make sure to check out your insurance. A 12 passenger van may not be considered to be a "normal" rental vehicle that is covered.

 

[nkereina]

Depending on how many places you're planning to go, it may behoove you to contact Tony Hinds for a price quote. He has a 12 passenger van that can accommodate all of you (plus luggage if necessary). You could book him for round-trip airport transfers or just take DME. But he will take you to and from Universal and any other places within the greater Orlando area. Multiple trips with him may very well be equal to or cheaper than the cost of a large rental car and on-site parking fees.

 

[eeyoreali]

I'm planning a trip in late 2019 with similar logistics as the original poster. We will have 4 adults & 2 children. I've been questioning what would be the best type of vehicle to rent as well. More than likely, we will be offsite for accommodations.

Who is Tony Hinds? Will he transport from airport to where we're staying? Maybe he would be an option to not worry about the luggage & then we would just need a 6 person vehicle for getting around while we're there. Thoughts?