Rental Car Help!

[DrMomof3]

We've become regulars at Disney since 2008. The first few trips we used DME but after having a negative experience last August (long wait to board bus, last drop-off), my DH has preferred to use a car service. We've also been somewhat frustrated with some (not all!) of our bus experiences when heading to the theme parks. I started thinking that if we're going to spend $150 (with tip) for a car service, maybe we should just rent a car so we can avoid the Disney bus system, too.
Our party consists of 2 adults and 3 young children. At home my older 2 use booster seats and my youngest a car seat. Will we need an SUV or minivan? How much is a good price to pay for a week-long car rental? We're traveling 8/27-9/3. It seems to me that car seat rentals are pretty expensive. How difficult is it to travel with seats? Does anyone know what the car seat laws are in Florida? My youngest will be 3.5 and over 40 lbs. Could he use a booster seat in Florida?
My 1st glance at car rentals made me think that it might be too expensive to be worth it but I really think we'd be happier if we didn't lug 2 strollers and the gear on the bus every day. And we could keep the strollers in the trunk at night and not take up precious space in the room....
What am I not thinking about with regards to rental cars??? I haven't rented a car since my honeymoon in 2000!!!

Amanda

 

[jacdolfin]

Hi Amanda.. I just booked a minivan through Budget using these codes BCD code X474200 and coupon code MUGZ029 ($30 off at time of return). I looked up your dates at MCO and the total comes to the same as mine $225 with tax = $298 with $30 back at time of return if the van is in good shape clean no gum etc. You can go to www.budget.com click on car types, high occupancy, minivan. Type in your dates times and these codes and you get your grand total. SOme minivans have been runnin over $500 at some sights so I think this is a reallly good rate.

As for car seats here goes. Go to this sight http://sheriff.org/safety/carseat.cfm
This is what it says " Florida law requires children under 5 years of age to be properly restrained no matter where they are seated in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier (child safety seat) or in a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children ages 4 - 5, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. If a safety belt does not fit the child correctly, a booster set should be used to correctly position the lap and shoulder belts once they outgrow forward facing child safety seats (generally at about 40 pounds and 4 years old). Children from approximately 40-80 pounds and under 4'9" in height should ride in a booster seat.

You will notice key words such as should instead of must. So its saying that your youngest can ride in a regular seat belt if you wish. This is what i suggest. I have flown with m youngest at the time was 3. I took her carseat on the plane it has to be FAA approved and your seat should have a sticker on it saying if its flight approved. Yes its a pain in the butt to put on the plane, strap it in, unstrap it, carry thru the airport etc, but you know your child is safe and you have your own. As for your older kids if they stil ride in boosters (I have done this) you can check a large suitcase with the booster seats w/o the back in your luggage and have them when you get into the car. The other option is to rent carseats from teh car company but that adds up in a hurry.

I hope this helps you . We are flying this year and putting the boosters in our checked bag so we have it when we get there. Just so we feel safer

Have a great trip Jaclyn

 

[Swimmergirl]

I wanted to tag onto the previous response - keep in mind that you can check the booster seats for free. Car seats and booster seats usually do not count toward your baggage allowance and fly with you for free. Your youngest could probably use a backless booster as well (check the seat's guidelines since they vary). In that case you could most likely fit 3 kiddos in the backseat all in boosters. It will be a tight squeeze, but you won't be spending tons of time in the car!

 

[DrMomof3]

Thank you both!!! Very helpful!!!
I reserved a minivan with Budget for $302, including tax. Much cheaper than what I had found on my own. My DH will never agree to bringing a car seat on the plane (we travel with 2 strollers) but we'll check the boosters (and maybe car seat - I'll see if I trust him enough for a booster when the date is nearer). We would do a grocery stop with the car service so this will be easy.

Amanda

 

[jacdolfin]

You are very welcome, glad you found a good rate. Have a great trip

 

[mommy23]

I just booked a minivan through Budget using these codes BCD code X474200 and coupon code MUGZ029 ($30 off at time of return).

Do you need to show the coupon? If so, where can I find it? TIA

 

[jacdolfin]

I found the coupon online from a fellow poster. As far as I know you do NOT have to show any coupons etc when you pickup the car. They just automatically do the coupon as long as you return the car in good condition as far as i know. If i hear any other news Ill let you know.

 

[WicketsMom]

We used DME for the first time last year and while the trip from the airport to the resort was fine, we ended up at the airport nearly three hours ahead of our early morning flight. We will be renting a car this time as we have done on previous visits.

My son is four and we always carry his carseat, and our full-size stroller on the plane. I don't trust the rental carseats, and I would not feel safe with him in a booster seat. It is a bit of a hassle to get through the airport, but worth it to have him secured in the plane, and it raises him up so that he can see out the window too.