Rented Minivan from Dollar

[LisaR]

Corvair,
No, we did not need a coupon. I booked a minivan. The upgrade was to a "luxary" mini van for $5 per day. HTH

Lisa

 

[n2mm]

We rented a minivan in January because we needed the space for the luggage. 4 adults and 1 child. Barely fit all of the luggage in with folding down the middle seat and piling it on that. Yes we had the 2 child seats in ours too. We didn't use them because grandson is 7, but he found them. I thought that was a great money saver. I've always had good service from Dollar. My friend went in March and reserved a compact, but was upgraded to a minivan, no extra charge, because there were no compacts available.

 

[neilybealy]

does anyone know if the integrated car seats in some of the vans are suitable for a 7 month old baby?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I have a Dollar Minivan reserved, and I would love a Town & Country (do not want a regular Caravan). Could Dollar guarentee the "luxury minivan" in advance? I'm more than happy to pay the extra $5/day.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreaming
I have a Dollar Minivan reserved, and I would love a Town & Country (do not want a regular Caravan). Could Dollar guarentee the "luxury minivan" in advance? I'm more than happy to pay the extra $5/day.

I emailed Dollar about this. I had concerns about getting a regular Caravan when I really need the extended (Grand Caravan) version. Dollar has always had the extended version vans when I have used them in years past. Now, it seems according to the email) that they have a mix of regular and extended length minivans. They told me in the email that I could request a Grand Caravan and that they don't charge extra for the Extended over the regular length. This is of course in contradiction to what everyone is saying here. Frankly it doesn't surprise me that they would try to charge more. They also told me via the email that I could reserve an 8 passenger van via the phone ressie system, but not on-line. If you really want a Town and Country I would call them and ask about it. They may actually be able to reserve one for you.

For me, I think I will end up having a backup reservation because we have 4 adults 3 kids and luggage, and unless they will let me strap things to the roof, we need an extended length model. The Dollar website says that their vans carry 7 people and 23 cubic feet of cargo space. Well, that is false if you are getting the regular length van since those only have 14 cubic feet of cargo space when carrying 7 people, so I guess I will see what happens.

 

[3kidsdisney]

First, I want to thank everyone for all the great info on dollar rent a car. I just called and used the FVG rate to get a mini van at 219.99 a week. What a great rate. They put me down for a grand caravan but cannot guarantee it ,same for the town and country. They said MOST have the 2 car seats but again can not guarantee. so i will be lugging around 3 car seats, but the rate was great. Thanks again. Ann -----they also said the rate was the same for the grand or regular caravan

 

[disneymom3]

neilybealy--No, the integrated carseats don't work for a 7 month old baby. A baby at this age is supposed to be rear facing and the integrated seats face forward

 

[kristikae]

I drive a Windstar at home and really like having a van. i booked an economy because we don't really need anything bigger for this trip (myself and 2 14 year olds) but a van would be great!!

 

[neilybealy]

Originally posted by disneymom3
neilybealy--No, the integrated carseats don't work for a 7 month old baby. A baby at this age is supposed to be rear facing and the integrated seats face forward

ah right ok

it's not me with a baby btw it's a member of the group i'm going with !!

 

[Gillian]

neilybealy - we know that you would know that if it were your baby A 7 month old is usually still in one of those infant carriers you see people lugging around. They just click into a base in the car. They're great, and I'm sure your friend will want to bring it for the trip. My son loved his

 

[pattyT]

FYI
I just reserved a mini van from dollar rental for ten days in October. I tried the kiss code and the FVG code and got a better rate with the FVG. I didn't bother trying FISH though! With all taxes and other fees it is $422
Is that a good rate? Sounded good to me! We were considering only renting 7 days (only $272) but the pain of dropping the car back off and shuttles back to the airport aren't worth it!
I'm glad to hear you have all had good experiences with Dollar as I am nervous because I know someone who had a 2 hour process to get their car from a competitor!