What have you seen on the EA? (running thread)

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by FoodLover
She gave me back my card and informed me that I could take cars only from the RIGHT side of the Aisle.

I looked around and noticed the LEFT side was now marked Executive -- and that side had all the larger vehicles, such as SUVs and full size cars, plus all of the PT Cruisers.

The right side was all Intermediates. There was one small SUV (a Chevy Tracker) and the rest were sedans. I took a Pontiac Grand Am, which was about the biggest car available.

If this continues, I'm really not seeing the value of EA.

When I saw the changes to the Emerald Club I had a feeling it wouldn't be good. What happened to you is what I was afraid of.

 

[djh96]

When I signed up, they e-mailed me a card which I printed out

 

[rafikimom]

I did receive an email from them that included my EC# but was not in the form af a card. It was just a basic letter. I did save it though, I'm guessing I could always print that out!

 

[kda]

The PT Cruisers and small size SUVs WERE on the left side of the aisle yesterday ---- I didn't look for any specific signs. Just looked at the row that was EA when we arrived on 4/17. We weren't close to the right side of the aisle, so I really can't say what was on that side.

 

[scratchboat]

bump

 

[klynn]

Last night (Friday ) around 9:30pm there was only 1 car on the EA which was a PT Cruiser. This was on the A side of the terminal. The guy at the National booth told us to take anything we wanted from either the Aisle or the Executive Aisle. On the Excecutive Aisle there was a good selection of full size cars including Malibus, Grand Prix, Impalas, etc., one Blazer, one Aztec, one Vue, and one Rendezvous. We took the Rendezvous and really like it!

 

[lawgs]

looks like people may luck out, if they have trouble keeping cars on the aisle now, so all is not lost beatty family...

but it will still be a crap shoot

we usually check side A first to see what is there , then go to side B if we do not find anything to our liking.....B seems to have a fuller compliment of cars most times we are there

 

[cindyfan]

We have rented from National every time we have been to WDW.....and I am trying to picture the garage as we picked up the cars.......
But.....I just can't figure out what every one is talking about when they say "A" side or "B" side????
Can someone explain what you are referring to?

ps....we fly in on Continental if that makes a difference.

 

[scratchboat]

What does it take to get from one side to the other - just a long walk through the rental car garage?

 

[DebbieB]

Here's a map of the terminal:

http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/ops/term.htm

To switch from A to B (or vice versa), you have to go back up to level 3 of the terminal building and go across the main floor where the trams come in from the gates to the other side. It would be a hike with luggage. You can't cross from level 1 (ground level where the counters & garages are) or level 2 (baggage claim), you have to go up to level 3.

Continental is on A side.

 

[scratchboat]

Thanks for the explanation of moving 'tween A & B at MCO. I think I'm coming in to "A" next week with too much luggage and too few hands to bother checking both sides - I'll live with whatever's available in A. Just hoping to get an Impala or anything other than a Grand Am - even an Aztec! I've had very good luck with Emerald Aisle 'til now - keep my fingers crossed!

 

[cindyfan]

Thanks for the explanation.

I'm thinking to just keep our ressie for Emerald Reserve for a full size and forget about the EA.
An SUV would be nice, but it just doesn't seem like there will be many choices on the A side for us.

For the ER for full size it is only $18 more.....really can't beat the price of $209 for a full size for 10 days!!!

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

cindyfan,
what codes did you use? I'm EA now but may move to ER for a full if it is close in $'s.

Thanks, YO

 

[cindyfan]

I used the Priceless Vacations code 6600330 (anyone can use).
and the Entertainment $20 off coupon ID 10008615 (you will have to show the coupon when you get the car)

Then for 10 days, p/u and d/o at Orlando Airport....
$209 including tax, etc.

 

[DebbieB]

Arrived tonight at about 7:00pm, pickings were very sparse. On the EA there was a van, p/u, 2 grand am's, an impala and a Jeep SUV. The executive EA had 2 large SUV's (not sure model). I took the Impala (thought of you, Gail!). Not too much on the intermediate aisle either. Didn't checkout full size but the garage looked pretty empty. About 5 people were picking cars at the same time, when those were gone I don't know if there was anything left. I was behind one of the grand am's on 417, I knew because it had a Missouri plate. Someone was loading the Jeep when I left.

 

[scratchboat]

Bump

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by DebbieB
Arrived tonight at about 7:00pm, pickings were very sparse. On the EA there was a van, p/u, 2 grand am's, an impala and a Jeep SUV. The executive EA had 2 large SUV's (not sure model). I took the Impala (thought of you, Gail!). Not too much on the intermediate aisle either. Didn't checkout full size but the garage looked pretty empty. About 5 people were picking cars at the same time, when those were gone I don't know if there was anything left. I was behind one of the grand am's on 417, I knew because it had a Missouri plate. Someone was loading the Jeep when I left.

Well, that's good to hear though that the EA still had a van and a JEEP SUV....maybe they will still throw us a bone from time to time? If not, I think they should get rid of EA if there will only be Intermediates on it...what would be the point?

 

[DebbieB]

The advantage would be skipping the counter, including reservations with coupons. After having to stand in line a couple of weeks ago to add a second driver, that's a big advantage.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by DebbieB
The advantage would be skipping the counter, including reservations with coupons. After having to stand in line a couple of weeks ago to add a second driver, that's a big advantage.

If you are replying to me...

I'm talking about the Emerald Aisle, not Emerald Club. I see no advantage to EA now if it's only going to be intermediates on that aisle from now on, with the new changes to the Emerald Club.

I can still bypass the counter as an EC member by booking Emerald Reserve for the size I want and use coupons too.

If EA will only be intermediates from now on, what is the benefit now of the EA? If upgrades will only be for Executive level members who go to the Executive aisle, I see NO benefit to continue the EA... Just get rid of it and call that aisle the intermediate aisle.

Of course, I'm still 'hopeful' that the EA will sometimes have an upgrade or a PT cruiser, but time will tell.

Does that make any sense??

 

[scratchboat]

bump