Which Is Better Alamo or Thrifty? HELP

[DonaldsGrl103]

Hey guys
I was lookig up both rental companies and realized that I have never rented a car before. We are coming down with 4 us but we will need a minivan since once person is in a wheelchair and we need the space since the wheelchair does not fold. So we were able to get about the same price for 8 days for both companies so my question is which company is the quickest when you get there? We need this since my brother who is disabled will get alittle cranky. Also which minivan is better for space? The chevy venture from Alamo or the dodge caravan from thrifty? We need a van that has the back seat able to go down. Also which companies are the nicest and right at the airport? Any help is greatly appreciated
THANKS

 

[hannahryan]

From Mousesavers.com

At Orlando International Airport (MCO) the in-terminal rental car agencies are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, National and L&M. All others are off-site at the airport, so you will have to take a shuttle. In addition, there are Alamo/National locations on-site at Walt Disney World, which is very convenient should you wish to keep your car for only part of the trip.

 

[DonaldsGrl103]

bumping for more responses- pleaseeeeeee

 

[LeftCoaster]

I've generally been renting with Thrifty since I've been getting much better rates from them. Usually over $100 difference from anyone else. However, if the rates were about the same, I'd go with an onsite rental car.
Now, to throw a wrench into this. The one time I rented from Alamo (march '03), I waited almost an hour in line for my car. I'd make sure that you enroll in any "rapid rent" type program they have. I've often heard about Alamo having horrendous lines but, haven't paid attention in the past few months.

 

[inkkognito]

We too have encountered some really long waits with Alamo, although onsite is nice and it's nice to be able to pick your vehicle, especially if you have specific needs. Thrifty's shuttle is painless and we've never encountered a long line with them. But sometimes Alamo has no line either...you never know!
Barb

 

[leebee]

I'm a little confused about the wheelchair in the back end. If the wheelchair doesn't fold, how are you going to get it into the back end of a minivan? I have a Plymouth Grand Voyager, which is the same as a Dodge Grand Caravan...both have more rear cargo space than the non-Grand version, and I know that my sister's wheelchair doesn't fit in the rear of my van unless we fold it up. Can you get the rental agency to remove the back seat for you? Don't know about Alamo or Thrifty, but just read that L&M will remove the rear seat of their minivans only for a medical reason, which you obviously have. Also, if you use Thrifty you'll need to take a shuttle to get the van. I suggest that whoever is the renter/driver go directly to the shuttle pick-up point (let others get your luggage) and go get the vehicle, then return to the airport to get the rest of your party. In my experience, wheelchairs and shuttle busses are ofter a no-no. If we were travelling with my sister, I'd rent from an in-terminal company and call them ahead of time to make sure they will be willing to remove the rear seat so the wheelchair will fit in...the regular length (non-grand) versions have almost no rear storage space.

 

[DonaldsGrl103]

Lee I just figured it fit since in my cousins nissan quest when the seat is folded down his wheelchair fits laying on its side and in our nissan pathfinder with half of the back seat folded down his wheelchair fits on its side. I appreciate your help again. THANKS everyone