Strategies for National (Emerald Club) Rentals

[Wes]

We only make it to WDW every 2 years. So I forget what we did last time and need help with the strategy for renting from National. I do have the Emerald Club.

Last time, we arrived late (about 11PM) on Sunday, and for some reason (which I would like to know -- I think it was partly due to having the Emerald Club membership) they allowed us to pick whatever vehicle we wanted -- and still pay only the rate at which we had booked.

Since it was late Sunday night, there were a LOT of vehicles from which to choose. So we picked a nice mini-van and paid the rate for a full-sized car -- which made me wish we had reserved a sub-compact, since if we had then we apparently could have had the mini-van for the price of the subcompact.

We are thinking of arriving early Sunday evening this time (about 5PM). So will we be able to count on the upgrade again? (of course even if we do, we cannot count on a mini-van being available again, but if we can get the upgrade, then it seems that we should reserve the smallest car that will handle us -- and hope for better when we arrive).

What think ye all?

 

[Ned Land]

To have your choice of car, you must book at least an intermediate. However, the full size cars are the same price as the intermediate cars. Don't count on getting that minivan again. From what I hear, you have a better chance of winning the lottery.

 

[DebbieB]

Don't count on it happening again. Normally with Emerald Club you have the choice of the Emerald Aisle, which is only guaranteed to be intermediates but sometimes larger or the row you reserved. As Ned Land said, with Emerald Club you must book intermediate or full size. If you book a subcompact, it will not be Emerald Club and you will probably end up with a subcompact. You were probably lucky, others have reported no or few cars being available late at night. 5pm on a Sunday is a more busy time.

 

[sgtdisney]

As another poster I think you need to reserve an intermediate to get the emerald aisle service.. My suggestion would be to reserve what you need and hope for something better, but don't count on it.