Rental car question .... Help

[NicholeB630]

So we've rented cars every time we go to Orlando. Different companies different wait times. I always forget. We need a rental car for July trip. Which have you found to be the quickest and easiest to get? I know some offer a no counter stop and you go right to your car but I forgot which. Obviously times vary and it can be more crowded certain days but just curious. Thanks!!!

 

[ilikecarrentals]

There are three main companies who own the 8 major brands:

Enterprise Holdings:
Enterprise - Last time I checked they had kiosks where you can skip the counter but they like to walk you around the car and give a more hands on experience.
Alamo - you can use online check in and skip the counter. Pick your car from the assigned aisle and checkout at the gate. No membership required.
National - Join Emerald Club to skip the counter and pick your car. You will get you a slightly better selection when booking a mid size car.

Avis/Budget:
Join frequent renter clubs, Budget Fastbreak and Avis Preferred to skip the counter and go directly to the garage. You are assigned a car but can request another one if you don't like it.

Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty:
Join their frequent renter clubs and skip the counter and pick your car. With Hertz Gold you should get a slightly better selection when booking a mid size car.

So essentially all the major rental agencies have a way to skip the counter at MCO. I would use any of them excluding Enterprise if you want to get in and out quickly.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Alamo - you can use online check in and skip the counter. Pick your car from the assigned aisle and checkout at the gate. No membership required.

However, anybody is absolutely welcome and able to join Alamo Insider (and not worry about checking in online.)

 

[gharter]

We have used Alamo for the last 4 years. We reserve online. Walk to the isle with the type of car we reserved, pick our car and drive to the check out area. Under 10 minutes from when we chose our car till when we are leaving the parking ramp.

 

[ilikecarrentals]

However, anybody is absolutely welcome and able to join Alamo Insider (and not worry about checking in online.)

Technically you still have to check in - even if you are an insider. Insider is different from other programs as it does not include a master rental agreement.

 

[NicholeB630]

There are three main companies who own the 8 major brands:

Enterprise Holdings:
Enterprise - Last time I checked they had kiosks where you can skip the counter but they like to walk you around the car and give a more hands on experience.
Alamo - you can use online check in and skip the counter. Pick your car from the assigned aisle and checkout at the gate. No membership required.
National - Join Emerald Club to skip the counter and pick your car. You will get you a slightly better selection when booking a mid size car.

Avis/Budget:
Join frequent renter clubs, Budget Fastbreak and Avis Preferred to skip the counter and go directly to the garage. You are assigned a car but can request another one if you don't like it.

Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty:
Join their frequent renter clubs and skip the counter and pick your car. With Hertz Gold you should get a slightly better selection when booking a mid size car.

So essentially all the major rental agencies have a way to skip the counter at MCO. I would use any of them excluding Enterprise if you want to get in and out quickly.

Thank you for this break down!!!

 

[rg35]

Not sure if it's still the case, but when I joined the Avis Preferred (which was probably around 5-6 years ago now), they still make you go to the counter the first time. You can only skip the counter on subsequent rentals. This may not be the case anymore but it's worth noting. Make sure you are familiar w/ the terms of each program so your expectations are set properly.

 

[NicholeB630]

We have used Alamo for the last 4 years. We reserve online. Walk to the isle with the type of car we reserved, pick our car and drive to the check out area. Under 10 minutes from when we chose our car till when we are leaving the parking ramp.

I think we'll go with them!

 

[Brer Chump]

Not sure if it's still the case, but when I joined the Avis Preferred (which was probably around 5-6 years ago now), they still make you go to the counter the first time. You can only skip the counter on subsequent rentals. This may not be the case anymore but it's worth noting. Make sure you are familiar w/ the terms of each program so your expectations are set properly.

A year or so ago I signed up for Hertz’s program. They also require you to use the counter on your first rental. I was told it was to confirm your drivers license information. I was also told I could go to my local Hertz counter before vacation to complete the confirmation and I would be able to skip the counter on my first rental. Prices dropped and I wound up switching to Alamo so I never tried going to my local Hertz. You may be able to do this for Avis.

 

[ilikecarrentals]

At MCO, Avis have an Avis Preferred Kiosk in the garage. Just head to the garage, scan your license and credit card and you are on your way.

 

[`OhanaHare]

We've always used Enterprise/National but on our last trip we used Alamo for the first time and now they are our fave to rent from.

Alamo at MCO was super easy, and if you have to return it (one way to WDW) there's a few Alamo's on property you can easily drop it with.

 

[Darklord77]

As long as Alamo is in the price ballpark I will use them. Skip the counter is the greatest thing ever. I travel often and I have never had a bad experience with Alamo. I will never use Avis/Budget again.

 

[bumbershoot]

Alamo at MCO was super easy, and if you have to return it (one way to WDW) there's a few Alamo's on property you can easily drop it with

Though that needs to be arranged in advance, or you might end up with a nasty rate change.

 

[NH-to-FL]

So we've rented cars every time we go to Orlando. Different companies different wait times. I always forget. We need a rental car for July trip. Which have you found to be the quickest and easiest to get? I know some offer a no counter stop and you go right to your car but I forgot which. Obviously times vary and it can be more crowded certain days but just curious. Thanks!!!

It has been a few years but I always had good success with Hertz Gold. Walked right to the garage and the car was always waiting. Returning the car was equally quick. Booked direct from Hertz but got a good price on a mid size with a corporate rate from my old job.

Walking thorough the on site rental car area it looked like all of the major companies have similar "direct to your car" options.

When you sign up for one of the loyalty programs check to see if you will need to stop at the counter at your first "loyalty" rental so they can verify all of your information.

 

[sponica]

Not sure if it's still the case, but when I joined the Avis Preferred (which was probably around 5-6 years ago now), they still make you go to the counter the first time. You can only skip the counter on subsequent rentals. This may not be the case anymore but it's worth noting. Make sure you are familiar w/ the terms of each program so your expectations are set properly.

I can't remember if I had to go to the counter the first time I used Avis Preferred. My name was already on the board with a car assignment, so I don't think I had to?

 

[`OhanaHare]

Though that needs to be arranged in advance, or you might end up with a nasty rate change.

We set it up to be rented that way from the start. We do it all the time and no problems.