Yikes....cars just before Christmas ..

[lisaviolet]

Any insights? Any past experiences for this week? They are very high right now for December 17-22. Very high. I guess that's the norm, eh????

Would appreciate any help with this....

Thanks,

Lisa

 

[lovesmurfs]

Yes. Average (full-size) has been about $330 for 9 days. I reserved right before prices went WAY up, and have Budget for $275 (including taxes, not including $15 coupon) -- we're USAA members and got a good deal.

....not that I don't check every couple of days or so....Disney-inspired OCD!

 

[lisaviolet]

Thanks so much for that information. I appreciate it. Good rate.

It was a shock to me. These rates. Another DISer just let me know about what she/he got at Dollar after finding nothing less than $400. Even compact prices were unbelievable.

So for all you out there travelling the same week and haven't booked. If you are okay with picking up the car at a DD hotel and taking ME in well....

Without codes....putting MCOS01 in the location code.....it is coming up $167 base rate (190 something) for a fullsize car for a week!!!! And I was okay with compact!

I love this board. Thanks for the help. Good luck to everyone. I'm so happy. Yeah!

 

[Devil_Dog99]

Only think I can tell you is to keep looking. From my experience (8 Christmas trips) you'll find your best rates for airport pickups in about a month. There is no set timetable, the rates just appear. Plus every now and then you will stumble upon a deal.

Another option (alluded to by another poster) is to take ME and go to a DTD hotel. There are many satelite offices of car rental agencies that sometimes will have much lower rates. And most (if not all) will come and get you and bring you back. Go to Orbitz and enter your hotel's address. Last year I got a deal with National renting from their desk at the Swan (or was it Dolphin??). Word of caution - many close at 5 or 6 - make sure you call ahead.

This year I got a great deal at a Hertz office on 192 - $260 for two weeks (Dec 17-28)!! Of course I booked it back in February.

Just keep digging and good luck - you will find a deal.

 

[adisneynut]

Only think I can tell you is to keep looking. From my experience (8 Christmas trips) you'll find your best rates for airport pickups in about a month. There is no set timetable, the rates just appear. Plus every now and then you will stumble upon a deal.

I sure hope so. I am in the same boat, need a rental from 12/22-12/30. However we will be renting in Savannah, Ga and all coupons at mousesavers expire 12/15/06.

Since you have been many times during this time do they offer coupons after 12/15/?

Thanks,
Amy

 

[Devil_Dog99]

I have never used a coupon. I have tried, but I think since the end of December is a high volume period, they don't need to have coupons to get people to rent cars. They will issue sale rates, but you need to look for them. Here's another tip - if you see a rate lower than what you have seen, grab it. Make a reservation. Then keep looking. If you find a lower rate you can always grab that one and then cancel the first. But be careful teh first reservation doesnt have any cancellation fees.

 

[adisneynut]

Thanks for the advice. We need a SUV do to my neice's packing issue. So I will keep my eyes opened. I curently have some reservations.

I appreicate your help.

 

[Joan S.]

Thanks so much for that information. I appreciate it. Good rate.

It was a shock to me. These rates. Another DISer just let me know about what she/he got at Dollar after finding nothing less than $400. Even compact prices were unbelievable.

So for all you out there travelling the same week and haven't booked. If you are okay with picking up the car at a DD hotel and taking ME in well....

Without codes....putting MCOS01 in the location code.....it is coming up $167 base rate (190 something) for a fullsize car for a week!!!! And I was okay with compact!

I love this board. Thanks for the help. Good luck to everyone. I'm so happy. Yeah!

Hi -SO GLAD you posted this info! I have been looking for a rental also (Dec.17-22) and the rates were SO HIGH! I reserved at the Grosvenor Resort(near DTD) like you suggested and got a great rate also! Just wondering HOW will you get to the Grosvenor Resort?? We will be at the GF and I am thinking the QUICKEST way will be a taxi?? Thanks again!!! Joan

 

[tmt martins]

Hi -SO GLAD you posted this info! I have been looking for a rental also (Dec.17-22) and the rates were SO HIGH! I reserved at the Grosvenor Resort(near DTD) like you suggested and got a great rate also! Just wondering HOW will you get to the Grosvenor Resort?? We will be at the GF and I am thinking the QUICKEST way will be a taxi?? Thanks again!!! Joan

Take the Bus to DTD get off the first stop Marketplace . Walk up to the corner (1/2 block) it's hotel plaza blvd . Walk across the street and the first hotel entrance you come to is the Grosvenor . When you return there is a gas station right across from DTD as well so just fill there and don't get the prepaid .

Lisaviolet It's a HE but thanks.

 

[HappyCamperToo]

I booked a minivan for 2 weeks this Christmas at $219/week back in March ($550 after taxes).

Now that we have our flights booked (finally--SWA), I called to adjust the pick-up time. I was afraid to do it online, because the going rate for a minivan for our dates is more than double what we have, and I didn't want to screw anything up.

The operator at Dollar told me prices are based on demand. The more people making ressies, the higher the price goes. The demand/number of ressies for December back in March must not have been too high. Apparently it's off the charts now!

I think demand will only go up, so I suggest making a reservation NOW. But keep checking, and sign up for rental car company e-mail newsletters. You can always cancel if, hopefully, a better deal comes along.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I just rebooked at Thrifty using corporate code 004M001010. Price for 9 day rental from MCO (12/14-12/23), including tax and fees, is $237.23.

I did go down from a Full Size to a Standard (Dodge Stratus 4-door), but I think it'll be okay for the 4 of us.

 

[Devil_Dog99]

Be careful with Thrifty - I rented from them a few years ago, was 20 minutes late for my return time and they nailed me with extra charges. I know a contract is a contract, but 20 minutes?? They tried to give me a story about they could have rented the car. yeah right - they had no line and a lot full of cars. And they can clean it in 20 minutes??

 

[Joan S.]

I just rebooked at Thrifty using corporate code 004M001010. Price for 9 day rental from MCO (12/14-12/23), including tax and fees, is $237.23.

I did go down from a Full Size to a Standard (Dodge Stratus 4-door), but I think it'll be okay for the 4 of us.

Hi What is this "CORPORATE" code?? And can anyone use it?? Thanks, Joan

 

[lovesmurfs]

I got the code from Mousesavers.com -- its from the Orlando Magicard.

http://www.mousesavers.com/thrifty.html

 

[lovesmurfs]

Be careful with Thrifty - I rented from them a few years ago, was 20 minutes late for my return time and they nailed me with extra charges. I know a contract is a contract, but 20 minutes?? They tried to give me a story about they could have rented the car. yeah right - they had no line and a lot full of cars. And they can clean it in 20 minutes??

Thanks for the warning. We'll check it out and possibly re-reserve (at this point, when we get to MCO, I'll be lucky to figure out WHAT car rental place I ultimately used!). I was hoping that they'd have an hourly rate or something if we're late.