Virgin / Dollar advice please

[Peebee]

Ok, we've been back for less than one week and i'm thinking about fine details for next years trip already

Everything is organised, DVC accommodation reserved at the Boardwalk, Virgin fly-drive using the Natwest car insurance that we purchased for this year's trip to give a total of 26 days cover for £75!

Right - this is where it gets complicated We've paid for an intermediate-level car which the frequent virgin club bumps up to a full-size at no extra charge (nice!). However, given the amount of luggage we always seem to take with us, plus the fact that my mum is coming on this trip as well, i'm wondering if a 7-seater minivan might not be a bad idea.

If I play around with the numbers on the Virgin website it seems this will cost me an extra £155 for the 12 days of our trip. However, looking at the Dollar site directly the increase seems to be a much more reasonable $62 (or £37 at today's exchange rate).

So, should I sit tight with what i've got then work out a deal at the desk on arrival ? It may be that rates change between now and next year I guess, but I'm not sure they'll go up enough to make the Virgin price seem like a good deal.

Does anyone have experience of doing anything similar or any advice ?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[signtalker]

Well you can either do one of two things, go via dollar and get what you want(done and dusted before you go!!).

Or wait untill you get to Orlando(dont look too eager), and wangle a nice upgrade at the desk!!!, they always try to sell this to everybody, so play it cool, and you could end up with a suitable upgrade for cheaper than youve been quoted via the website!.
Were trying this on our Vegas trip In May, have prebooked a minivan, but ideally want a 4x4 jeep, .
Jules

 

[Peebee]

Thanks Jules. I guess the best way to bargain is always to feel you can stick with what you've got. So long as we know we can pack everything into the car we're allocated (albeit with bits sticking into ears, etc for the drive to the resort) then we'll be ok.

Hope you get your 4x4 - fingers crossed for you!

Paul