Rental Car - what size?

[mieuxmew]

We are staying off property for 1st time end of March. Rental car prices for minivans for the ten days is $440-640. I can rent 2 midsize cars for $227 each or a full size for about $308. This is with extensive hours of using many, many discount codes. Guess its spring break time!

There are four of us - 2 adults and two 6 year old with booster seats. We have a double stroller and 3 normal size suitcases. Anyone with experience renting cars have advice which size vechicle to rent? Obviously a minivan would be fine, but do you think I could get by with a full size or a midsize? Seems kind of ridiculous that a minivan costs almost as much as renting 2 midsizes.

Also, does anyone have any experience shipping packages to and from the resort? If it wasn't too expensive or inconvient to ship, perhaps I could pack a box and need to take less on the plane and need a smaller vehicle.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RainbowsMist]

Just wondering if you happen to try BCD X474200 and coupon MUGZ029 ($30coupon will be applied AFTER pick up) through Budget for a Mini Van? I found that to be the cheapest. Also, check out Alamo for Full SUV using Contract I.D. 430710. For some strange reason they are cheaper than their Mini Van prices as well as their other SUV prices.

I'm in the same boat needing a Mini Van/Large SUV and find it ridiculous you can rent 2 cars cheaper. Unfortunately that's not an option for us. I'm not sure if we'll see rates come down...I'm not giving up hope though

Good Luck!

 

[Lewisc]

You didn't tell us which off site resort you're staying at. Makes it impossible to tell you about any possible package acceptance charge, or even if the resort will even accept packages. You could go to a store and buy things you'll just need for your trip. Health/Beauty Aids. Sun tan lotion.

Bring less stuff. Do wash.

Can you stack the suitcases on the back seat either next to or between your kids? NO. Put the other adult and both kids in the back seat. Stack luggage on the front seat. The adult may be cramped in the back seat but the drive is only 30 minutes or so.

I have no idea what's a "normal" sized suitcase. 3 suitcases will probably fit in the trunk. My point is you can be inconvenienced for the half hour it takes to drive from MCO to your resort. The problem comes when you have 5 people in your family.

Go with the full sized car. It should work.

 

[azdizzymom]

If you are a member of Costco have you tried the codes/coupons offered on the website. I have found for April the codes there have given the best rate. Using the Costco Budget code I can get a full size (this is in Arizona) for 8 days for $248 less the $30 coupon so a total of $218. I tried the code mentioned a couple above and found the rated to be $285 less the $30 coupon so a total of $255 or $37 MORE than the Costco code. It takes lots of time playing a trying different combos. Sometimes codes that work well for some don't work well for other times or rentals. I will keep checking weekly and trying different codes. They tend to go down closer to rental (last year I booked/canceled/rebooked so many times and sometimes multiple times in a day). Make a reservation if you find a rate you like...you can always cancel and rebook.

Each week I automatically check my flights for time changes and rental cars for price changes. Just take a few minutes and you might save stress on the airline time change and $$$$ on the car rental price change!

 

[keishashadow]

OP u could sign up for national's EA program & hope to find something bigger on the aisle for mid-size price

 

[mieuxmew]

The Budget codes previously listed are the ones I used. Got a 10 day minivan rental for $472 minus $30 coupon. I tried those other codes mentioned. No luck getting anything cheaper. Thank you for helping.

We are staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, so I believe there is no charge for packages.

Our suitcases are med-large. The ones allowed on the airlines without an oversize surcharge.

I have no problem sitting with my two kids in the back seat for 30 minutes to and from the airport.

Do you think we could do with a full size or get the minivan and be safe than sorry.

Thanks!

 

[Lewisc]

Our suitcases are med-large. The ones allowed on the airlines without an oversize surcharge.

I have no problem sitting with my two kids in the back seat for 30 minutes to and from the airport.

Do you think we could do with a full size or get the minivan and be safe than sorry.

Thanks!

The suitcases may be too big for the trunk but it won't matter. Whatever won't fit in the trunk gets stacked in the front seat. You'll be fine. You might not be able to do a grocery stop until you check in and get rid of your luggage at your resort.