Xmas Rates

[bz8bls]

First time @ WDW during Xmas holidays; will be arrive 12/19 and leaving 12-31 (12 days); anyhow, the rates that I am getting on mid-size car (will have 4 adults and 1 toddler) start anywhere from $900 - $1,000+. Are these the usual rates from most car rentals during this time period?

 

[CarolA]

I don't know if it is usual but it is very expensive that time of year. Since the week between Christmas and New Years is the single busiest week for Orlando tourism demand is high. Last year I wound up renting a car and parking it while I was on a cruise since it was dramatically cheaper then waiting until 12/19 to pick up.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by bz8bls
First time @ WDW during Xmas holidays; will be arrive 12/19 and leaving 12-31 (12 days); anyhow, the rates that I am getting on mid-size car (will have 4 adults and 1 toddler) start anywhere from $900 - $1,000+. Are these the usual rates from most car rentals during this time period?

Christmas is always very, very expensive, but those rates seem worse than usual! FWIW, I don't think a midsized would be big enough for 4 adults, a child and all your luggage.

You may be able to call Thrifty to book you a minivan for $169 per week and $35 per extra day by using the AU02 (that's a zero) rate. The rate is good for 5-10 days, so you would have to split your rental and go back to the airport to switch contracts. Ideally, you would want to book for a 7 day week and a 5 day "week", but I couldn't get the website to do that . The web site will let me put in 12/21-1/31 or 12/22-1/31 and will also allow me to book a minivan for 12/19-12/23 or 12/19-12/26 BUT it won't let me book a minivan starting 12/23 or after . I would call Thrifty and see if they can book the 2 rental periods for you. If not, you'll still save a boatload of money by booking the overlapping rentals, but that may mean you'll have to return to the airport twice.

You may want to also check for good codes: http://www.mousesavers.com/rentalcar.html .

A Fullsize at National using code "5125601" is $412 including all taxes.

Good luck!

 

[gduvall]

Is Thrifty in the terminal or off. Has anyone had any problems with Thrifty. And last where is the AU02 code from.

 

[dvc guy]

As posted Xmas is one the busiest times of the year. We have been in Orlando the past 6 years, but alwyas have book cars very early. The rates you got seem high even for Xmas. You may want try Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity. Keep hunting if you see somethign in the 300/400 per week range jump on it.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by dvc guy
Keep hunting if you see somethign in the 300/400 per week range jump on it.

Why not jump on the code I posted? $167 per week for a mid-size and $189 per week for a full size is a lot cheaper than $300!

gduvall:

Thrifty is off-terminal. I used them in August with no problems. The bus was very prompt both ways and the driver courteous and helpful. It takes about 10-15 minutes to drive to the location, but it's right off the Bee-Line for easy access to the Orlando area.

ETA: The AU02 code is from www.mousesavers.com. I think it's a Wall*Mart code. Do a search and you'll see that others have used it successfully.