What if we don't fit?

[ktate82]

Is it wise to have two separate car rental reservations when you only need one vehicle? Isn't there some sort of penalty for having a reservation but being a no show? If you are a member of whatever the "frequent renter" program is called, don't they have your credit card info? Won't you be charged something for not showing up?

We never have been. You don't have a "rental agreement" when you reserve a car. It's similar to making a reservation to eat and not showing up. If they are going to charge you a no show fee, it must be disclosed and a method of securing that fee entered.

 

[ktate82]

If it fit in the Malibu it will fit in the Impala. Yes, you can cancel the reservation, assuming it is Alamo, if you don't fit with no penalty. BUT, if you don't fit, I would speak to someone in the booth before I would trek up to another agency. They just might price match, which I have seen done many, many times.
I am the "expert" referred to in some very snarky comments.

Sorry you are getting grief for attempting to help.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

If it fit in the Malibu it will fit in the Impala. Yes, you can cancel the reservation, assuming it is Alamo, if you don't fit with no penalty. BUT, if you don't fit, I would speak to someone in the booth before I would trek up to another agency. They just might price match, which I have seen done many, many times.
I am the "expert" referred to in some very snarky comments.

Unfortunately I apparently have never seen you at National in Orlando and my last few experiences have had some man screaming at customers that 'you can't use the executive aisle' even when the customers are executive or accusing me of trying to take cars I was not entitled to ( I reserved a premium and this man told me I could not have one because 'you can't upgrade' ). National at MCO also tried to charge me $300 a day for a car on the Executive Aisle for reasons known only to the agent. ( even the manager could not figure out where he found that rate)

So while if you are there you might work with the customers if you get Mr Grumpy I wish the customer luck. (When I was waiting to find out where the premium aisle was he was berating another customer for not having all her reservation details printed out for him. )

 

[lauradis]

Alamo, Enterprise and National employees are not supposed to accept tips. If the customer insists, then they are allowed to take them, however anything 20.00 or over is supposed to be handed over to a manager.
National Emerald Club is free for anyone to sign up. They have not charged for that in years. Emerald Club guarantees a least a mid size car or above. There is no guarantee that you will find anything larger, although there is usually a full size car on the aisle. sometimes a mini van or suv, but, I would not bank on it.
Tip: rent the size you need.

That's funny because 20 bucks got me next class upgrade in miami, fl and a thank you. And that 20 went right in the pocket..

OP Get mini van if you can. Keep looking at the prices they go up and down all the time.

 

[ktate82]

This has gotten quite off topic and arguemenitive

 

[ktate82]

This has gotten quite off topic and full of arguments about car rentals when all was asked is if the car they rented would be big enough. OP, I would do what ever you feel the most comfortable with. Go with your gut and keep watching prices too.

 

[gmeh1]

Unfortunately I apparently have never seen you at National in Orlando and my last few experiences have had some man screaming at customers that 'you can't use the executive aisle' even when the customers are executive or accusing me of trying to take cars I was not entitled to ( I reserved a premium and this man told me I could not have one because 'you can't upgrade' ). National at MCO also tried to charge me $300 a day for a car on the Executive Aisle for reasons known only to the agent. ( even the manager could not figure out where he found that rate)

So while if you are there you might work with the customers if you get Mr Grumpy I wish the customer luck. (When I was waiting to find out where the premium aisle was he was berating another customer for not having all her reservation details printed out for him. )

I suggest if you run across Mr.Grumpy again, you get his name and complain about his lack of customer service. Complaining here does little or no good.
I never challenged a customer, if they told me they had a certain car reserved, I directed them to the row. If they were trying to scam me, the exit agent handled it, they know what was reserved, what a customer can upgrade to, etc. If they were unsure, I looked it up on the computer. Very simple. If someone came to me and said that they would not fit into the car they reserved, I referred them to a manager OR if I had been told at the beginning of my shift what I could upgrade someone to (EC customers), I helped them out.
It does help to have your confirmation printed out, but, there is no reason for the agent to get hostile towards a customer if they did not do this. Not only does it help direct the customer to the correct car, it also helps if some rate comes up that has no explaination. They will honor your printout/confirmation. One hopes, with your vast travel experiences, that you do print out your travel documentation, being prepared does eliminate problems.
It is amazing that you always find something to complain about, it seems like you are one of the very few that has problems with National and Alamo and Enterprise. Perhaps it is not just the attitude of the employess of these 3 companies that causes your problems.
BTW, I no longer work at MCO and there was never a "might" about my giving excellent customer service as the letters of praise are evidenced in my personell folder.

 

[gmeh1]

We never have been. You don't have a "rental agreement" when you reserve a car. It's similar to making a reservation to eat and not showing up. If they are going to charge you a no show fee, it must be disclosed and a method of securing that fee entered.

You are correct, Ktate, and it is disclosed in the National Emerald Club member contract.

 

[gmeh1]

Sorry you are getting grief for attempting to help.

No worries, Tkate. I have had worse. But, thank you for caring.

 

[gmeh1]

That's funny because 20 bucks got me next class upgrade in miami, fl and a thank you. And that 20 went right in the pocket..

OP Get mini van if you can. Keep looking at the prices they go up and down all the time.

Good for you, might work in Miami or in Orlando, but, I would not want to get caught taking it. They can get fired for that. I have received tips, told the manager and they have told me to keep it, but, at least I covered my "assets". I at first refused, they insisted, I took it and at 20.00 or over, I reported it. I follow rules.

 

[gmeh1]

This has gotten quite off topic and full of arguments about car rentals when all was asked is if the car they rented would be big enough. OP, I would do what ever you feel the most comfortable with. Go with your gut and keep watching prices too.

I definitely agree with that.

 

[jack'smom]

Thanks for those trying to help me with me situation. I am definitely going to watch prices, but nearly $400 for a minivan rental is driving me nuts.

I'm pretty sure we could fit in an Impala or Taurus. Our family is pretty easy going and don't mind cramming into a smaller space for a couple of rides. That extra $150 could go towards Halloween party tickets, or trading pins, or anything...

 

[gigi1313]

Have you tried www.rentalcarsavers.com?

 

[Tara]

You know, not the easiest solution, but you could do a combination of Magical Express and car rental. Tag some or all of your luggage with the ME yellow tags (except the car seats or of course anything you're carrying on or gate checking). Keep the Impala rental, arrive at MCO and head to the rental counter or kiosk (or garage if you check in online). Get the car seats and 1-2 of the kids settled in the rental with either you or your spouse as the driver. Whichever of you isn't taking the rental should take the other kid back in and head to the ME counter to get on the bus.

On the way back...assuming you're flying an airline that participates in Resort Airline Check-in...check your luggage at the resort so that you don't have to worry about getting it all in the car on the way back to the airport.

Not ideal, but a possible alternative to avoid being stressed about not fitting.

(Maybe there's something crucial I'm missing here and this won't work...I don't think I'm missing anything, but I'm in bed on meds thanks to a kidney infection, so I'm not all there. )

 

[maxiesmom]

What would bother me most would be the time wasted if you don't fit. The hassle of having to see if another bigger car is available, or of cancelling that reservation and using the mini van reservation.

Yes the money can go towards other things, but the time you waste if you can't fit into the first rental you will never get back. In the normal scheme of life $150 is enough money to give me pause. During a Disney trip it is a very small chunk of what I am spending. Very small. Won't even buy you 2 party tickets small.

I'd go with the rental van and be secure in knowing that I wouldn't be wasting a lot of time messing around, stashing the luggage into the car like it is some giant puzzle, or having to switch cars or rental companies.

 

[goofy4tink]

This has gotten quite off topic and arguemenitive

Seriously! A poster asks for help and we get other posters arguing with someone who worked in that field, at the appropriate airport. Really not the kind of thing that is welcome on this board.

People...we have some very good and knowledgable people on this board. We have current WDW transportation CMs, we have former CMs, we have some former FAs, and we have current and former rental car employees. They have good and trustworthy info to share.
I find it a bit sorry when those without nearly as much experience come along and argue with them....not sure why someone who rents cars, every so often (or even frequently) feels they know more about renting cars at MCO than someone who worked there, for a long time.

With that in mind...either get back on topic and stop badgering others or just move on to another thread.

And to the OP? No one here is going to be able to tell you if your particular family, with whatever bags they choose to carry, are going to fit into any particular car. There is no easy way to figure it out. So, either
1.pack fewer bags,
2. use DME for luggage transfer and have some ride the bus or
3. take your chances and either book the smaller, cheaper car or pay the addtl for a larger car.

 

[gigi1313]

DME won't work (it was my immediate thought too) as the OP is going to the beach for three days prior to WDW.
I agree with those who say just go w/the minivan at the onset!

 

[laughinplace199]

OP, sorry if I missed this, but when is your trip?

I have been looking forever for a good rate on a minivan for our trip at the end of August. Just yesterday I finally found a good deal.

So, if you still have some time until your trip, just keep checking the rates and trying different codes. I bet you'll come across something good by the time you go.

 

[jack'smom]

OP, sorry if I missed this, but when is your trip?

I have been looking forever for a good rate on a minivan for our trip at the end of August. Just yesterday I finally found a good deal.

So, if you still have some time until your trip, just keep checking the rates and trying different codes. I bet you'll come across something good by the time you go.

Mid-September.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the rate that you found?

We go every year in September, and I have never paid this much for a rental!

 

[laughinplace199]

Mid-September.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the rate that you found?

We go every year in September, and I have never paid this much for a rental!

$180 for 6 days through Hertz (w/BJ's code & coupon).