Thrifty or Dollar

[hellooothere]

Hi guys,
I am able to secure incredibly low rates for both Dollar and Thrifty for Dec.6-14. Which one do you think I should use taking into account one being off site, the service of the companies etc. With Dollar I will have to pay an additional $45 because we will share the driving (Thrifty doesn't charge extra for spouse)


My totals are Dollar $179.71 + $45.00 = 224.71

Thrifty $183.33

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!


I CAN'T BELIEVE WE WILL BE IN FLORIDA IN 10 DAYS!!!!!!!

 

[hellooothere]

Any opinions?!

 

[Costumesaremylife]

I haven't used Dollar in Orlando, but I have used Thrifty and never had a problem. The only thing you have to remember is to keep saying no to the insurance (unless you need it) they just keep on asking. The bus comes fairly quickly and I've never had to wait in a terribly long line. Last time we booked a compact, but we ended up with a huge buick with only 8 miles on it.

 

[hellooothere]

I'd heard that about the insurance. Good to know the shuttle is quick. I was wondering about that with the six of us.

Thanks for the info!

 

[cruise-o-matic]

For that big a difference, go with Thrify. If it were $10 or so less, then probably Dollar since they are on site.

 

[hellooothere]

Thanks Guys!! Love the new look!!

 

[robinb]

Go with Thrifty. I rented from them in August and they were great .

 

[hellooothere]

Perfect!! Thanks for the info

 

[Sandyincanada]

I'm voting opposite. We've used Thrifty a few times and although, we had no real problems, we found it took at least an hour to an hour and a half by the time we caught the shuttle (first shuttle was packed and we had to wait for the next one), all the luggage was loaded on, drove there (10-15 min, I think ?), unloaded all the luggage again and got our car. The first time was packed and we had to wait for a car and the second time, although faster still seemed to take too long so we are trying National onsite this time and hope its abit faster.

 

[inkkognito]

We've never used Dollar, but we've had great luck with Thrifty. So far, we've never encountered a full shuttle or a big crowd, but we recently signed up for Blue Chip so we can use the "express" line for our next rental (we're using them over Christmas again, so I'll post a report). It probably depends on the time of day, but in multiple uses, I've found them to be quick, smooth, and painless (with the exception of one very pushy agent who got offended when I asked him not to bother with the insurance spiel because I do not want it).
Barb

 

[WillCAD]

I've rented from both Thrifty and Dollar at MCO and didn't think either one was any better or worse than the other. If the prices were within $20 or so I'd most definitely go with Dollar to save myself the time and trouble of the shuttle bus ride to Thrifty's off-airport facility. Otherwise I'd go with the cheaper one.

Whichever one you choose, joint it's frequent renters club. Thrifty has Blue Chip, and Dollar has Fastlane. Both are free and you can join them from thier respective web sites. Both allow you to fill out a standard rental contract ahead of time and keep it on file, making it possible to pick up your car with nothing more than showing your ID, paying the bill, and signing. No more hard sells for insurance, no more of the rental agent "accidentally" checking the wrong box and overcharging (never happened to me at Thrifty or Dollar but did with Alamo once), and no more spending 15 minutes filling out a rental contract because it's already on file.

I'm not entirely sure, but I think a Fastlane membership will get that pesky additional driver fee waived. You should call Dollar and ask about that.

And check MouseSavers.com for a bunch of discount codes for Dollar (code MAG from the Orlando Magicard works great for early December!)

 

[hellooothere]

Great advice! I didn't realise that about the driver fee. I will call them today and see what I can find out. From info on the boards I joined the Blue Chip program but I would rather go Dollar as that means no schlepping of 6 people and their stuff to shuttle etc.

Thanks again!

 

[mmks]

We just got back yesterday, we used Thrifty. Had a full-size reservation for 9 days, but when we got there they asked how many of us there were, told them five, and they gave us a Grand Caravan! Same price! There was a little wait for the shuttle, but it did seem like all the planes came in at around 10pm. Once we got to Thrifty it was only 10 minutes till we drove away, and we hadn't joined the Blue Chip. We were very happy!

 

[javaj]

How did you get no additional driver fee for spouses at Thrifty? I called and they said they charged a fee.

 

[hellooothere]

Hi,
It said it online when I was booking that there was no charge. I just called because of your post and confirmed no charge. At first he wanted to know my reservation number (I guess depending on how much I paid they were going to make me pay the extra - not sure). I just said I just want to know do you charge or not? and they don't. Has to be your spouse and they must have their licence on them.

 

[hellooothere]

Because I like a paper trail I asked for confirmation of this Thrifty policy in writing. I received the following

"As per manager Carlos, our Orlando International Airport location, does not charge for the renters spouse"

 

[javaj]

Thanks for the info, do you have the local MCO Thrifty phone#? I called the main 800#. BTW, just in case you are eligible, we have a military rate with Dollar that doesn't charge the fee for additional drivers. On their website, it is under "Programs" then "Government"

Hi,
It said it online when I was booking that there was no charge. I just called because of your post and confirmed no charge. At first he wanted to know my reservation number (I guess depending on how much I paid they were going to make me pay the extra - not sure). I just said I just want to know do you charge or not? and they don't. Has to be your spouse and they must have their licence on them.

 

[DemoBri1]

Hi,
It said it online when I was booking that there was no charge. I just called because of your post and confirmed no charge. At first he wanted to know my reservation number (I guess depending on how much I paid they were going to make me pay the extra - not sure). I just said I just want to know do you charge or not? and they don't. Has to be your spouse and they must have their licence on them.

According to Dollar's policy, spouses are not required to pay an additional fee. I'd really check into that if I were you. I've used Dollar the last two trips and didn't have any problems with them. I'm a Fastlane member, and both times I drove out of there with like new Grand Caravans. Plus the fact that they are onsite is a great benefit.

Brian

 

[hellooothere]

Hi,
My husband works for the Government.....of Canada. So I don't think we would be eligible.
The number for Thrifty at Orlando Airport is 407 380 1002.

Also the rate just dropped for me at Thrifty by another $1. I think I will just stick with them. I emailed Dollar to find out what their policy is on the additional driver but they haven't gotten back to me.

Thanks everyone!

 

[hellooothere]

Dollar sent me an email stating. "We are sorry but yes there is a $5/per day charge for spouse" so I am sticking with Thrifty.
Hope this helps!
Thanks