Rental car ?: What size for family of 5?

[missypie]

We are going to rent a car during our WDW trip, even though we are staying on site. (I am way hyper about arriving early; waiting for busses would age me.) We are a family of 5 and will only use the car to get to and from the airport, shop for groceries and move from the resort to the parks. We usually rent a mini-van, but for the short trips we going to make, I don't think we need that much room. What class of car should we rent? "Standard"? "Intermediate"?

 

[ripleysmom]

You might do better to ask this question on the Transportation Board. The people there may have a better idea of what your needs are.

 

[Annette_VA]

With 5 people, I would say at least a full size. Sure, you'll only be using it for short trips around the parks, but you also have to consider that you have to get 5 people PLUS their luggage to the hotel.

We're a family of 4 & we're getting a full size.

 

[lucky_bunni]

A minivan would probably be the most comfortable unless someone is will to sit in the middle.... Try priceline for car rentals

 

[monarchsfan16]

Full size at the smallest. And that's if people are willing to sit in the middle. Also look at what the rental companies have for cars in their fleet. Go with a company that will have cars with bigger trunks as their full sized. You'll need it. We are a family of 5 and the rental car is always a concern.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

When my DH and son went to Texas they rented a Premium for the two of them plus his parents. All the luggage fit in without a problem, but his mom brings a LOT of stuff. I would think that for 5 people you would need at least a full-size (he'd originally reserved a full-size, but his parents insisted on a larger car). And that is only if you are not overpacking.

How long will you be there? What time of the year? If you won't be there long or will be williing to do a couple loads of laundry that will help with the space. Also if you are going during warms months the clothes will take up less space.

T&B

 

[buzzlady]

We rented a luxury for 3 adults and 2 kids. Both kids are large as are 2 of the adults. We fit all of our luggage and carry on bags in with no problem. We used Alamo and we took the Cadillac. I can't remember what the other car choice was. If you decide on a mini van, I'm not sure that you will fit all of the luggage in the back. You may have to put some of it in the seating area.

 

[missypie]

Just FYI, when I checked the type of vehicle and capacity for standard sized vehicles on Expedia, it said that Avis offers a Buick Century or similar, and that it seats 6 adults and fits 5 large suitcases. On the Avis website, they said that the same car seats 5-6 adults and holds 2 large and 2 small suitcases. Quite a difference between the two websites in the amount of luggage they hold. (BTW, I reserved a standard through AVIS. Of the 5 rate codes for them on Mousesavers.com, three yielded the same rate as I got on the internet without a code; the other two yielded a $25 savings.) I don't have a problem with having three kids sit in the back...one is very skinny and another is pretty small and the trips will be very short.

 

[Duchie]

We got a full-size for our trip, and there will be 5 of us. I think it will be enough interior room, but I'm more concerned about luggage space.