Any experiences with Dollar or National rental car? About This Page:

[lilprincess]

I am looking into the whole renting of the car for our trip in July. I was able to come up with some good rates for both Dollar and National and was wondering what past experiences people have had with either one of these. Also, when they say they are located on airport property, how do you get there? Do they still shuttle you over to where the cars are? I haven't rented in a LONG time, we usually hire a car service (TTC). Thanks for any help or suggestions on this! Also, I am trying to decide about an intermediate car (it says Grand Am). Can this car accommodate 2 adults and 2 small kids (ages 7 and 3) comfortably? Is the trunk a good size? I'm looking at taking 1 big suitcase, 1 medium suitcase, a rolling carry-on, and a stroller. Thanks!

[Fortissimo]

Hi,

I have rented from National several times without a problem. They are located in the terminal and no shuttle is required.

You may want to check out the Rental Cars thread I have over at "Getting There and Back."

Also, I'm going to move this to "Getting There and Back" where I think you will get more feedback.

[catsaway]

We have used National on several occasions due to good discounts found on the internet. If it says on airport property it is near the terminal. If it says off airport property they will shuttle you to it. How it has worked the last couple of times we rented was the cars are lined up in categories. You find your category and pick the one in line you would like. We usually sit inside them first to see if they smell like smoke and choose the least smelly one with the biggest trunk space. After you choose your car you load up your stuff and drive to leave. There will be a station booth on your way out and he checks your documents and varifies into the system then you are on your way.

[lilprincess]

Thanks! I did read the thread and it was helpful. I was wondering about first-hand reports because sometimes what they say and what you think are 2 different things! I don't want to have to pay extra for a bigger car if we really don't need it.

[lilprincess]

Thanks catsaway! I was thinking about using them because they had the best price so far! We'll have to remember to sit in the car first to check for the no-smoking air! Thanks for that suggestion!

[Teddysmom]

I drove a grand am for 10 years and that should be plenty of room for you. I drove to Maine from my home south of Boston with 4 adults and 1 child and had quite a few pieces of luggage in the trunk.(It wasn't exceptionaly comfortable for the back seat crew but...) The trunks are surprisingly roomy in them.

I booked great rates for a friend traveling this past weekend with Dollar in Orlando Airport. They were easy to deal with online and she said there was no wait at the desk and she was pleased with the service. I have also heard very good things about National and would probably choose them myself if the rates were close. Their reputation just edges out Dollar on the travel boards I frequent. Good luck finding your rate.

[lilprincess]

Thanks Michele! You've made my mind up...I'm going to book with National right now!!

[Colexis Mom]

Chris, we booked with National last year and had no problems. We had a Mitsubishi (can't remember the name, I think it was a Diamante) but comparable to a Grand Am (which I use to drive myself). We fit 2 kids, 2 car seats, 2 strollers, and 2 large suitcases, and stopped for groceries too. The car was full, but we managed. Once you get all the stuff out, you should be fine. We're renting with National again this time, we got the best rate with them

[MickeyMAC]

Chris
We rented from Dollar in March. We got a great rate using a code I found at Mousesaver--a mini van for 10 days--$309. I booked on line. We had no trouble, the desk is in the airport--service was quick and then you go across the street and they give you the keys to the car...returning it was very fast and easy also. I would definitely use them again, I was very pleased.
Linda

[lilprincess]

Thanks Marnie and Linda! I did book with National yesterday. It was the best rate I could find for now. I'm going to keep checking because most of the discount codes expire before I go in July. If I find a better price I will definitely change the ressie!! We need the car for 13 days so it has gotten a little expensive!! I am paying $385 but hoping (maybe) that I might be able to get it cheaper before July.

[Colexis Mom]

The rates should come down the closer you get. We have it for 10 days, started out at over $300, then down to $282, now holding at $241. I'm hoping it will drop a few bucks more

[Kiaras Mom]

Also if you are a member of BJ's they have some decent coupons and stuff BJ's Car Coupons, I have gotten some decent rates through them also keep checking Mousesavers.

[stonewall]

I have used my BJ's discount with Dollar and secured fantastic rates for a minivan. You can check out Dollar's website and become a member of their preferred club(can't find my card with the exact name of it) at no cost. This does speed up the check-in and out process a bit, but do make sure to double=check any renatl raates before you leave on your trip to avoid unexpected surprises(one time they had forgotten to apply my BJ's discount, but it was corrected). You have to exit the terminal at MCO and walk across to the garage(no bug deal) and then locate your car. That doesn't sound difficult, but I have certainly been glad that I was proficient in Spanish, because the last 2 times there was no one in Dollar's area in the garage who spoke English!! Please PAY ATTENTION to the airport exits when leaving and driving to WDW- ask for a map at the rental counter- there are several ways to exit and several ways to get to WDW( toll road or no-toll; I find the toll road faster). The Grand-Am will give you plenty of room for your family. Have a great trip

[lilprincess]

Thanks everyone! I am hoping the rates will drop down some more. I am a compulsive planner so I will be checking daily!!! That's also good to know about Dollar. I think whoever gives me the best rate will be the winner in the end!

[wdwlovers]

Just wanted to agree with the opinions on National. We have always used them and gotten good rates. We've always had great service and usually don't have to wait in a long line (but don't know if that's just because of the times we fly or what). Good luck with getting a good rate! Just keep your eyes peeled for cheaper rates and/or discounts!