When is the best time to rent a car?

[themollendorns]

So, we are in the beginning stages of planning our Wedding and Disney trip. We live in Ohio and will be getting married in the mountains in Tennessee and then taking our family to Disney for a week.

My question is does anyone know when the best time to rent a car is? I randomly look at the cost of renting a minivan for a week and it is over $500 and I am hoping to catch a deal. Is it better to rent a long time in advance or closer to the departure date?

We have an SUV but would love to save some money on gas, and mileage on our truck. If we have to take it, we will, but I am sure the kids would appreciate a minivan quite a bit.

Thank you for any help!!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Because there are a lot of families travelling to WDW/Florida, the mini-van category is one of the most requested and expensive categories at the car rental places. You don't say how long you are renting for, what car rental agency you are looking at, how many people will be with your party or if you are using any discount coupons, etc.

My first suggestion would be to check all car rental companies for the best rates.

Second, sign up for their frequent renter program, even if you don't think you'll ever need to use it ... it can often save you some $$ and time at check-in.

Thirdly, look for discount codes and coupons which will also help save you some $$. Mousesavers.com is great website for checking what coupons are available to use for a certain rental agency.

And lastly, once you've found a rate you can live with, book it, then keep checking for rate decreases. Unlike airlines, you can book, cancel and rebook without any penalties.

Bonny