Yikes! Car rental freak out in progress~

[mapa2smjn]

On our Dec trip(2nd-10th) we will need 2 mini vans (morning pick up - evening drop off at Sanford airport). We have 4 kids and my parents have a 'scooter' wheelchair and an O2 tank so a car will NOT work for us.
The problem is the cost seems HUGE!
I think the problem is because it is over a week. I have AAA and my parents have AARP. But we are so confused by what company to use (on-site is preferable due to wheel chair and such) and how to get the least expensive deal.
Any thoughts????


K

 

[jjan]

I would try using National with the priceless code Contract ID 6600330 and a coupon and renting a Paxvan which seats 15. Right now I have a quote for $568 with just the priceless code... it won't allow the Entertainment coupon for that class of vehicle so I'm sure that you could search mousesavers and find something else that would work. I would just make a ressie and then check everyday for the rate to go down which it probably will.

 

[Deesknee]

mousesavers.com has some great info on contract Id codes.
I got a minivan for 1 week 2days for $346. I was hoping for a better rate myself, but this is starting to look good.

 

[mjh8955]

I used the code KW18 and found a mini van weekly rate through Thrifty (off-site at MCO) for $152.77. The code was on the Mousesaver's website, with an Orlando Magicard which you can print off directly from the Orlando Magicard website.

 

[CarolA]

I think part of your problem is Sanford. Just less competetion out there.
What about one car and one mini van? Would that work.

What I would do is go to mousesavers and try everything she has. Then book the lowest. Periodically keep checking, Rates change daily!

 

[Lewisc]

Paying the extra money to fly into MCO makes the most sense.

There is a shuttle bus service that goes from Sanford, I think it's Coach USA. You might consider booking it for your parents. After they book they should contact the company regarding the scooter and O2 tank. Mears used to just supply a private van, at the shuttle pricing. It was cheaper for Mears to do that than to have accessible buses. Post on the Disabilities Board and see what the company has to do under ADA.

You could then just rent one mini-van or even a full size car for the rest of you.

Be careful if you follow previous posters suggest regarding a 15 pax van. I'm not sure if your credit card or personal auto policy will cover it.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I agree that the price problem may be that it's Sanford rather than MCO.

Another thought for the configuration might be some of you in a car, the rest on Mears. This past April, we got sticker shock on the Minivans too, so we put DW and wheelchair-bound DS (7 yrs old) on the Mears wheelchair van, and the rest of us (DM, DF, DD, DNiece and I) piled into a full-size car along with our luggage It worked great and was quite cost effective. Next itme of course, we'll be using DME from MCO.

Good luck!

 

[Jade's Mom]

I didn't know Mears had shuttles from Sanford to WDW resorts. My in-laws and nephew are flying into Sanford and I've been struggling to find them transportation to and from the airport. Where can I get additional information?