| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 38.1 | " ? " | USMFG::GHIGGINS | Oh Nellie !! Your Here At Last... | Thu Mar 02 1989 12:40 | 9 |
|
I'm not sure just how Value ranks with the other agencies but given
the competitiveness for the tourists dollar in the Orlando area,
they are probably as good as the next guy.
George
P.S. I used Superior last year and was quite happy with their
service....
|
| 38.2 | Some good, some not so good... | AUGGIE::FEELEY | Surely you jest | Thu Mar 02 1989 16:41 | 28 |
|
There seem to be 2 tiers of car rentals in Orlando. Those with booths in the
airport, and those without. I think Dollar may have a booth.
The cheaper rates come with those that aren't located right at the airport.
Instead you have to take a shuttle to their office. There are a couple of
things you should be aware of with these rental companies (General and Alamo are
the biggest and they're right next to each other). They will charge you a
gasoline fee (about $11 or $12) and you are supposed to return it empty. Also,
if you don't take their extra insurance (and this is where they make their
money), you have to put up a $300 deposit (cash or credit card). And then, if
you're lucky, you can find their office when you go to return the car.
The well-known national rental car companies all have booths at the airport,
don't charge a gas fee (unless you return it not-full), and don't require a
deposit if you don't take their insurance. I have found that competition has
driven down the prices at Orlando so that it probably is worthwhile to rent from
one of the well-known companies. I usually use Budget.
Once I used Hertz when they were having a special. After waiting for half an
hour in line, I was told that, because I was keeping the car for more than a
week, I was supposed to go to their "other" location (which was on the airport
grounds, but I had to take a shuttle). I was supposed to return it there, too,
but I forgot and brought it right back to the airport. But now I remember and I
won't use Hertz again.
--Jay
|
| 38.3 | | DSSDEV::GIANATASSIO | | Fri Mar 03 1989 07:40 | 3 |
| Thank you. I will check into the more well known companies.
Mike
|
| 38.4 | consider National | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Fri Mar 03 1989 07:49 | 14 |
| Mike,
If you plan to look into National, remember that Dec does have a
corporate discount with them (recap # 5202017), and National being the
official car rental co. of WDW is the only car rental co. on the
premises (Car Care Center just after the tolls to the MK.) I had used
them on my last trip and got the Corp. discount since it was better
than the MKC discount. So if you happen to develop any problem with
the car, they won't be far away from the Day's inn you mentioned in the
other note, not all the car rental agencies seemed to have a site on
192 in Kissemee as I remember back in '87 (seemed to remember just
Avis, Budget and a couple others)
Claude
|
| 38.5 | | MUNKAD::VINZENZ | RAINBOW-100 continued | Tue Mar 21 1989 08:27 | 19 |
| I'm going to Florida/WDW this summer and intend to rent a car from
Budget. Last time I picked up the car at the Orlando airport and
turned it in at Ft.Lauderdale airport. They charged me $48/week
plus insurance for a subcompact (but then they gave me a bigger
car for the same price, since they had run out of subcompacts that
day, and we had reservations for a subcompact). This was two years
ago, so I'm expecting the price to be a little higher this year.
Does anybody happen to know the current price? And does anybody
know, if the same low price applies if the car is being picked up
at Ft.Myers airport instead of Orlando? Maybe only Orlando pick ups
get those low prices, since the majority of tourists seems to be
flying into Orlando.
Any answer is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Vinzenz
|
| 38.6 | Spring rate is $95 | AUGGIE::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Tue Mar 21 1989 14:33 | 11 |
| >>> Does anybody happen to know the current price? And does anybody
>>> know, if the same low price applies if the car is being picked up
>>> at Ft.Myers airport instead of Orlando?
I'm renting a subcompact from Budget in April for $95/wk (they advertised $99
but quoted me $95). As far as I know, this is a FLORIDA price, but it may be
only for certain cities. The best prices usually come when you make your
reservation more than 30 days in advance.
--Jay
|
| 38.7 | on insurance | BOOKIE::EPPES | Of a fictitious nature | Tue Mar 21 1989 17:48 | 10 |
| RE < Note 38.5 by MUNKAD::VINZENZ "RAINBOW-100 continued" >
> They charged me $48/week
> plus insurance for a subcompact
Check the insurance policy on your own car and see whether it covers
rental cars (mine does). If so, you don't need to take the insurance
from the rental agency and you'll save money...
-- Nina
|
| 38.8 | | DSSDEV::GIANATASSIO | | Wed Mar 22 1989 07:34 | 5 |
| I am renting a car from National Car Rental in May for $89/wk. I forget
the car size, but I remember that Chevy Cavalier was one of the types
of cars they said I would get.
Mike
|
| 38.9 | | AYNRND::REILLY | Get outta here, you hockey puck! | Wed Mar 22 1989 07:51 | 16 |
|
� Check the insurance policy on your own car and see whether it covers
� rental cars (mine does). If so, you don't need to take the insurance
� from the rental agency and you'll save money...
Actually, if you get "basic" insurance (ie. not getting just collision
on your old junker or something), you're probably covered. The
rental agencies tend to make a big deal ("Are you *sure* you're
covered," "We have $2000 deductables, y'know" etc.) out of it because
they make so much money off of it. I never get the rental insurance.
My advice - Alamo. Why? Unlimited mileage. We rented a Berreta from
Logan and drove it to WDW and back (9 day rental) for about $190 total
(2 years ago, but still a bargain).
SEAN/BEER=LABATTS
|
| 38.10 | AVIS too | WMOIS::C_JALBERT | | Wed Mar 22 1989 12:25 | 12 |
| You may also want to consider AVIS. Because Digital has an agreement
with them, WE can also take advantage of this. Recently, while
looking into renting a van, (mini-type van-seats 7) most places
charged $45 per day plus X no of miles free and X # of cents after
that. With AVIS, and our corporate rate it was $35.00 per day,
unlimited miles and ... I think, insurance included!
Also, if you are a Magic Kingdom Club member, I believe with
NATIONAL you get some type of a discount.
Carla
|
| 38.11 | Digital discount #'s | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Wed Mar 22 1989 12:37 | 11 |
| Last I knew these were the #'s for getting the Digital discount when
renting from Avis and National in the US,
Avis - A/B 126200
National - Recap # 5202017
As .10 stated National does have a discount for MKC members, but in '87
it turned out cheaper for me to use the Digital # when I rented a Buick
Century at the Car Care Center at WDW.
Claude
|
| 38.12 | Never General again!~ | RATTLE::TLAPOINTE | | Fri Mar 24 1989 09:40 | 11 |
| I used "General" in the past. It was part of an Eastern package.
I had paid an additional fee to the Travel Agent for a larger car.
What I got was a Chevy Cavalier wagon.
Basically I learned my lesson.... Use a major rental company and
never use Eastern. For what I paid for a lousy Chevy I could have
gotten a much larger vehicle for less money thru National, Avis
or any of the other "Big" names. A friend went down 6 months after
I did and did just that.
Tony
|
| 38.13 | Alamo Experience | USMFG::GHIGGINS | Oh Nellie !! Your Here At Last... | Thu Apr 06 1989 15:19 | 23 |
|
Just got back from California, and rented from Alamo. When I made
the reservation, I was assured a Pontiac Grand AM, Chevy Beretta
or equivalent. All was fine until I told them I didn't want the
insurance. He was ready to give me a Suburu that looked like it
had been run through the mill. As I had walked into the place, I
noticed at least 4 unused '89 Grand Am's. I told him no way, I want
the Grand AM. He started giving me a speal about how the cars weren't
checked out yet and they had to be brought in the back for service.
I told him fine, " I'll wait till you service one ". He walked
around the place like he was lost. I guess he figured I'd take the
Suburu. A couple minutes later he walked back with the keys for
an '89 Grand AM. They really hassle you when you don't buy the extra
insurance (which was $150 for the 2 weeks I rented the car). I've
got a lot better things to do with $150 bucks than waste it on
insurance. Alamo was the only agent in San Fran to offer free mileage,
and with the 2000+ miles I drove, it was worth it.
George
|
| 38.14 | | AYNRND::REILLY | Get outta here, you hockey puck! | Thu Apr 06 1989 16:31 | 15 |
|
Hmmmmm......
Our expereince with Alamo was a little better. We had booked a
Toyota Tercel. When we got there the lady told us that we could
have a Grand AM/Beretta for just a little bit more (and it was
really just a little bit more).
I said Great! This was before Berettas were even being sold to
the general public (must have test-marketed them with the rental
agency), so it was great driving down to Disney in a unique, slick car.
And we didn't get insurance either.
SEAN/BEER=LABATTS
|
| 38.15 | | ESASE::BENO | But I bought the last round! | Fri Apr 07 1989 05:23 | 38 |
| Here are some special weekly rates that were quoted to me for MAY 1989.
The reply to a memo I sent to Carol Surabian (VTX Travel) stated that even
for these special weekly rates for AVIS (I.E. the company contract is a
35% discount on DAILY rates) you can waive the CDW as long as AVIS knows
its a Digital reservations.
AVIS Hertz National Alamo Thrifty Budget
Sub-compact(week rate) $109 $99 $80 $85 $130 $109
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compact(week rate) $139 $129 $130 $110 $140 $129
(Toyota Corolla size)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDW(week rate) $ 77 $ 77 $ 70 $ 77 $ 70 $ 70
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free miles unlimited.......................................
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced booking(in days) 30 3 14 7 -- 7
From: ZONULE::SURABIAN 31-MAR-1989 20:22:33.16
To: ESASE::BENO
CC:
Subj: AVIS RATES
Yes, you are right, CDW can be waived on AVIS rentals in the US for business
and personal travel. You also can waive it on special rates that may be
offered not only on the DEC daily rate. Be sure to identify reservations
as Digital when making your arrangements. If you send me your mailstop I
will send you a brochure on AVIS rates and rules. Regards Carol
|
| 38.16 | CDW on Avis ? | CLEGG::BELL | | Fri Apr 07 1989 07:17 | 7 |
| Do I read you correctly that you can waive CDW even on a personal
hire from Avis. I have an Avis charge card for business use but
thought that DEC wouldn't cover you for CDW on a private hire. Can
someone give an 'Official' line on this as I wouldn't want to get
saddled with a bill for damage should the unfortunate happen.
Richard Bell
|
| 38.17 | Not on private hire. | CLEGG::BELL | | Fri Apr 07 1989 07:58 | 5 |
| To answer my own question I called the travel people in the UK who
said that I must take the insurance for a private hire. DEC don't
cover you except when on business travel. It figures I guess.
Richard Bell
|
| 38.18 | check your auto policy | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Fri Apr 07 1989 08:41 | 7 |
| Richard,
Check your own auto policy, I did that and found out I was covered
through mine and decline the CDW on a National rental, using the DEC
discount, while renting from the Car Care Center at WDW and no hassle.
Claude
|
| 38.19 | Only in the US | ESASE::BENO | But I bought the last round! | Fri Apr 07 1989 10:25 | 8 |
| The rules are not the same in Europe for AVIS rentals. Here even
for business travel when you waive the CDW, your cost centre must
pay. But it is my understanding in the US that the contract between
DEC and AVIS is such that no CDW is needed for either business or
personal travel as long as the car is booked as a DIGITAL reservation.
Carol Surabian runs the VTX travel server and has given me that reply.
Please contact her as she should be the "OFFICIAL" DEC voice on this
issue for US AVIS rentals. ZONULE::SURABIAN
|
| 38.20 | Soft copy of a Hard copy | ESASE::BENO | But I bought the last round! | Mon Apr 10 1989 11:03 | 77 |
| Carol Surabian who is the travel supervisor in the corporate
Finance and administration group in Maynard sent me a hardcopy
of the high points of the contract between AVIS and Digital.
I'll type in a few pages and any further information can be
obtained from Carol on Zonule::surabian.
The CDW is "FREE" by contract on "Digital Reservations" for both
business and personal rentals. Using this should be better than
having "your" personal insurance for cover as in case of an
accident, your personal insurance annual rates should not be
increased.
D I G I T A L
Digital travel services
AVIS CAR RENTAL
ID # A126200
TELEPHONE: 800-331-1212
Car Rental Profile Information
o Payment for rental by:
ACTO
DEC Credit Card
Personal Credit Card (Personal Travel Only)
o Rental Age: 18 years and older unless restricted by law.
o Personal Use- Digitals Corporate rates may be used for
personal travel.
o PAI should be considered on personal travel only.
o For rentals within the United States and Puerto Rico.
CDW is provided by contract at participating Avis
locations and should be declined on business and
personal rentals.
o At non-participating AVIS locations and on international
rentals, CDW is not provided but should be declined
because the cost to Digital exceeds the cost of car
damages. If damage to a vehicle occurs, the travellers
cost centre will be charged.
o Accidents- If accidents involve bodily injury notify
DEC's Risk Management Group at 617-264-6360(DTN
244-6360). Complete Avis accident report and send
copy to Risk Management if injury is involved.
o Car rental companies assess high fuel surcharges on
autos returned without full gas tanks. Refuel rental cars
prior to return to avoid premium charges.
o Compact size cars should be used unless there is a
business reason to do otherwise.
o When possible return cars to pick up point. One way
rentals cost more.
o Review rental agreement for accuracy.
o Use the Approved Travel Vendor under contract to
make car rental reservations.
In the information that Carol sent me is a list of Non-Participating
cites. These look like small cites or cites that don't have a major
airport with AVIS on site. Orlando is definitely OK to waive the CDW.
|
| 38.21 | What about National Contract? | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Mon Apr 10 1989 11:30 | 0 |
| 38.22 | National is covered too | AUGGIE::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Mon Apr 10 1989 12:11 | 10 |
| >>> -< What about National Contract? >-
When I talked to Carol, she told me that the same thing that goes for Avis goes
for National.
And I also found out that National offers a 10% discount on its WEEKLY rates for
AAA members (maybe for ALA, too).
--Jay, 6 days and counting...
|
| 38.23 | There must be a catch somewhere.... | ASABET::YEE_WONG | | Mon Apr 10 1989 13:58 | 16 |
| I am very surprised by the fact a DEC employee can waive the CDW
if he/she booked a rental (for strictly personal use) from one of the
national outfits that have contracts with DEC. Is DEC paying for
this or are the rental companies absorbing this cost?
BTW...does anyone have the DEC recap # for National? I had made
reservations with National using the MKC recap number...but if
I can change it to DEC, I will be saving some money there if I don't
have to buy the insurance.
Jean
P.S. There must be a catch somewhere...I can't believe that any
DEC employee can call up one of the national rental agencies, give
the DEC recap number, and waive the CDW if the car is for personal
use. If this is the case it's a very nice surprise.
|
| 38.24 | The catch is "good business" | AUGGIE::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Mon Apr 10 1989 14:07 | 11 |
| >> P.S. There must be a catch somewhere...I can't believe that any
>> DEC employee can call up one of the national rental agencies, give
>> the DEC recap number, and waive the CDW if the car is for personal use.
If all DEC employees use National or Avis rather than Hertz because of this
policy, then it starts to make sense. In the past I've used Budget and have
been very happy with them, but now I'm going to try to use either Avis or
National.
--Jay
|
| 38.25 | see .11 for DEC's rental contract #'s | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Mon Apr 10 1989 14:09 | 15 |
| rep to <<< Note 38.23 by ASABET::YEE_WONG >>>
> I am very surprised by the fact a DEC employee can waive the CDW
> if he/she booked a rental (for strictly personal use) from one of the
> national outfits that have contracts with DEC. Is DEC paying for
> this or are the rental companies absorbing this cost?
BTW, I saw on the news about a month or so, Hertz is starting to
eliminate the CDW from their contracts in certain states, and in a few
years all contracts will not have this. Of course the rental rate will
go up somewhat, but not the full diference of the CDW, since some
states I believe were/are considering laws against this since it wasn't
insurance in the pure sense, but another means to make big profits.
Claude
|
| 38.26 | Going National, thanks for advice. | CLEGG::BELL | | Tue Apr 11 1989 05:51 | 12 |
| Looks like I stirred up something here with my original question
re CDW. Just for your interest I checked out the various deals
available to me for pre-booking in the UK and ended up with National.
By pre-paying here I've got a Compact for �88.20 ($147.30)/week
CDW included. Even on the AVIS A126200 deal I would have paid $162.50
/week. BTW thanks to everyone who responded to my queries re Florida
and WDW etc, I've got my MGM/Studio 4-day passes,got my flight tickets,
got my Dollars, USA here we come.
Richard Bell
12 days and counting
|
| 38.27 | Just to give you a warmer feeling! | ESASE::BENO | But I bought the last round! | Tue Apr 11 1989 09:57 | 14 |
| <<< DELNI::WORK$01:[NOTES$LIBRARY]ON_THE_ROAD.NOTE;1 >>>
-< Business travel >-
================================================================================
Note 87.38 Rental Mentals 38 of 38
ROGER::GAUDET "Ski Nautique" 6 lines 10-APR-1989 12:45
-< Recent personal experience >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yup, it's just like .-1 said. I just did it this morning. I need a
car for personal travel this coming weekend. I called corporate travel
and booked a car, they gave me the corporate rate, told me to decline
CDW, and gave me a confirmation number all in about 5 minutes.
...Roger...
|
| 38.28 | value was ok | NSSG::ALFORD | another fine mess.... | Wed Apr 12 1989 17:27 | 12 |
| I used Value --- they adverise the $78/wk...
I got a Ford Escort. It was clean, had a full tank of gas, and
ran well (only had maybe 2000 miles on it.)
The price actually worked out to about $90 / week, once they
add tax, gas charge, etc. No CDW--charged it, and the MC covers
it...
No hassles from them....but they were SLOW during the rental
process...getting the car, and all. NO other complaints tho...
they pick you up at the airport, and return you there.
deb
|
| 38.29 | Waiving CDW through DEC not always best to do | DSSDEV::GIANATASSIO | | Thu Apr 13 1989 13:26 | 13 |
| RE: .27
Waiving CDW through DECs corporate travel agreement with National and Avis may
not always be the best thing to do ...
I just talked with National Car Rental to add the DEC corporate ID to my
reservation so I could waive CDW. They said in order to do that I would have to
take the corporate rate. The corporate rate for the car I am renting was
$192/week (economy size) or $32/day. The non-corporate rate I received was
$99/week or $23/day. Even if I paid the CDW rate of $70 per week, I would still
come out ahead of the corporate rate. I'll look at my auto insurance policy or
credit card benifits instead.
|
| 38.30 | Unlimited mileage? | CSSE32::DUTKO | Nestor Dutko, VMS/VAXclusters CSSE | Sat Apr 15 1989 08:32 | 9 |
| Does anyone happen to know if the unlimited mileage policy changes if
the rental return is not as te same place of pickup (Actually, its in
another state...)?
I called National, and they claimed the unlimited mileage was only in
effect for local pickup/dropoff.
Thanks in advance,
-- Nestor
|
| 38.31 | What Exactly Is CDW??? | MUNKAD::VINZENZ | RAINBOW-100 continued | Thu Apr 20 1989 07:05 | 22 |
| I have been following the discussion about rental cars and CDW very
closely, since I am about to make reservations for my trip now.
Since this CDW thingy isn't very clear to me, maybe somebody in
the know wouldn't mind explaining it to an ignorant foreigner.
o From the discussion I have the impression, that it's not a question
of taking/not taking CDW. The question seems to be, if you need
to buy CDW from the rental car company or if you have it from
somewhere else (like own insurance or company) and that covers
the rental as well. This would imply, that having CDW is a MUST.
o What exactly is CDW? What's covered/not covered if I have/do
not have CDW?
Thanks in advance for any information.
Vinzenz Esser
Munich, Germany
49 days and counting....
|
| 38.32 | Try AVIS | ESASE::BENO | But I bought the last round! | Thu Apr 20 1989 07:24 | 12 |
| Yes, National may be a problem. I just received from Carol Surabian in
corporate travel the Car Rental Profile Information booklet for National
and right at the end of the booklet is the following:
NOTE: CDW and other contract benefits may not apply to special promotional rates
I did not see the same disclaimer on the AVIS contract and a girl from our
office just booked an AVIS compact car in Orlando for a weekly rate of $115.
She then mentioned that she wanted this booked as a Digital Reservation
(not Digital rate) and ask if the CDW was then free. AVIS then said that
it was. Please contact Carol Surabian Witnes::Surabian if you have problems
with AVIS not honouring the FREE CDW.
|
| 38.33 | Are you feeling lucky today? | ESASE::BENO | But I bought the last round! | Thu Apr 20 1989 09:41 | 9 |
| re. (.31)
CDW stands for Collision Damage Waiver. Essentially if you do not take this
coverage and can't get it free through DEC, your insurance or credit cards
like the American Express Gold card, then you may be liable for the entire
cost of the car. I guess taking it or not depends on how lucky you feel.
But you get the definite impression when renting a car and declining it that
the car rental person is about to say "OK punk make my day".
|
| 38.34 | | HBO::MADDEN | Keep your face to the sunshine | Thu Apr 20 1989 11:35 | 12 |
|
RE: .31 and .33
You can also get it for free now with either of the American Express
cards - gold or green.
I also believe most credit card companies are going to start picking
up this practice from what I hear. I think I remember getting some-
thing in the mail from Citibank that they will also cover the CDW
when you use their Visa or Mastercard, but I'd check on that before
I'd bank on it - just to be sure.
|
| 38.35 | Avis pays! | ESASE::BENO | But I bought the last round! | Mon Apr 24 1989 13:22 | 34 |
| Note: Mike is the one who actually negotiated the contracts with National and
Avis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: NAME: MIKE POIRIER
FUNC: CORP. PURCH./TRAVEL
TEL: 279-3167 <POIRIER.MIKE AT A1 at WITNES at PKO>
In the case of National, CDW is inclusive only in the Digital contract rate. If
a lower promotional rate is selected then the rentor is subject to the
provisions and restrictions that come with the particular rate.
In the case of Avis, all contract provisions, including CDW, remain in force
regardless of the rate selected.
1. At participating Avis locations in the U.S.A. CDW is included in the rate for
business and personal rentals. Avis is RESPONSIBLE for the COST OF DAMAGE to the
vehicle.
2. At non participating locations CDW is not included in the rate.
a) For business rentals we recommend waiving CDW coverage. If damage occurs to
the vehicle, Avis will charge the employee and the employee will be
reimbursed by submitting an expense voucher.
b) For personal rentals, CDW is a individual decision. The person renting the
car will be responsible for damage to the vehicle up to a maximum of $3000.
There is no reimbursment by Digital. You should check your personal auto
insurance and credit card program to see if collision damage is provided by
either of these. If so, you could waive CDW. If not, you may wish to
purchase CDW from Avis.
Regards,
Mike
|
| 38.36 | New Corporate Car Rental Agreements | INDMKT::GOLDBERG | Len Goldberg...WDW-120 | Wed Jul 19 1989 18:21 | 119 |
| The following is from Livewire, 7-Jul-89:
New car rental rates for Avis and National
New car rental rates in the U. S. for both Avis and National will be
in effect July 1, 1989, through December 31, 1990. Although there has
been a reduction in some of the rates, a mileage cap has been put in
effect with both Avis and National. The following is information
regarding the rates and insurance applicable to each agreement.
Under the Avis and National agreements, Collision Damage Waiver is
provided free and should be declined for both business and personal
rentals at all locations. Digital employees should also decline
Personal Accident Insurance on business rentals because the company
provides adequate medical coverage. However, Personal Accident
Insurance may be considered on personal rentals.
National now provides $1 million Liability Insurance coverage at all
locations. Avis provides $1 million Liability Insurance coverage at
most locations.
Employees who are retirees renting vehicles for personal use will now
be offered the rates, terms, and conditions of both the Avis and
National agreements.
The age requirement for employees who rent vehicles from both Avis and
National is eighteen (18) years of age. However, National will rent
to employees between the age of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) only
if they are on Digital business.
Under the National Agreement, in order to obtain the free Collision
Damage Waiver and $1 million Liability Insurance, renters must pay the
Digital contracted rates.
AVIS -- Corp. I. D. #A126200
DAILY WEEKLY MONTHLY
CAR GROUP RATE RATE RATE
A - Sub-compact $30.00 $150.00 $540.00
B - Compact 32.00 160.00 576.00
C - Intermediate 33.00 165.00 594.00
D - Full size (2-door) 34.50 172.50 621.00
E - Full size (4-door) 34.50 172.50 621.00
F - Wagon 39.50 197.50 711.00
G - Premium 48.50 242.50 873.00
* Mileage in excess of 125 free miles per day will be charged at
$.20 per mile.
* For inter-city (one-way) rentals, a mileage charge of $.20 per
mile will be added to the daily rate.
* One-way mileage fees do not apply to rentals between the
following locations:
Boston/Greater Maynard,MA/Southern New Hampshire
Denver/Colorado Springs,CO
San Francisco/San Jose, CA
* There will be an additional $6.00 per day surcharge at the
following rental locations:
Manhattan, NY
JFK Airport
LaGuardia Airport
Newark, NJ Airport
* In Alaska, a 10% discount to normal time and mileage rates apply.
National -- Corp. I.D. #5202000
DAILY WEEKLY MONTHLY
CAR GROUP RATE RATE RATE
E - Economy $31.00 $155.00 $558.00
M - Mid-size 33.00 165.00 594.00
F - Full-size 35.00 175.00 630.00
P - Premium 41.00 205.00 738.00
Y - Mini Van 41.00 205.00 738.00
* Mileage in excess of 100 free miles per day will be charged at
$.20 per mile.
* For inter-city (one-way) rentals, a mileage charge of $.20 per
mile will be added to the daily rate. Drop-off charges will be
waived when the inter-city rental is authorized at the time of
rental. For unauthorized inter-city rentals, a drop-off charge
of $.25 per mile (to the renting location) or $35.00, whichever
is less, shall apply.
* One-way mileage fees do not apply to rentals between the
following locations:
Boston, MA/Worcester, MA/Manchester, NH
San Francisco, CA/San Jose/CA
* There will be an additional $8.00 per day surcharge at the
following rental locations:
Manhattan, NY LaGuardia Airport
JFK Airport Newark, NJ Airport
* Discounted DEC rates are available to employees in Florida and
Hawaii.
* While promotional rates may be available at some National
rental locations, Digital's terms and conditions only apply to
the Digital rate. Therefore, leisure travelers must pay the
Digital rate in order to have Collision Damage Waiver and $1
million Liability Insurance coverage.
If you have any questions, please contact Beverly Habeeb at DTN 234-4142.
|
| 38.37 | National rental on WDW property | CECV03::BOISVERT | | Wed Jul 26 1989 13:56 | 15 |
| I'm going down to WDW for the first two weeks in October. I was
wondering if anyone has rented from National on the Disney property.
I'm only going to be needing a car for 1 or 2 days. Do you need
to make reservations in advance? If you do, how far in advance?
Also, is there a bus or something to take you to the rental agency
from the Disney hotels?
I'd appreciate any info anyone has.
Thanks,
Donna
67 days and counting!
|
| 38.38 | | WEDOIT::BERUBE | Claude G. Berube | Wed Jul 26 1989 14:16 | 9 |
|
Yes, I beleive you need to make reservations in advance. I didn't seem
to see to many car at the car care center when I went to pick up mine.
The MKC will be able to make the reservation for you or you can call
National.
Note that in '87 DEC's discount was better than the MKC discount.
Claude
|
| 38.39 | transportation to/from car care center? | TLE::KARAM | | Mon Aug 21 1989 10:03 | 6 |
| I have the same question as .37, is there any transportation to/from
the Car Care Center from the hotels on Disney? I can probably get this
information from the National 800 number, but would be interested in
first hand experiences.
thanks - peter
|
| 38.40 | | INDMKT::GOLDBERG | Len --> �o� & ��� in 87 days | Mon Aug 21 1989 21:49 | 6 |
| re: <<< Note 38.39 by TLE::KARAM >>>
-< transportation to/from car care center? >-
Yes, National has, (had in '87 anyway), a van that will pick you up at
your hotel. You just have to call the car care center and ask them to
come fetch you.
|
| 38.41 | quick and simple for me | CGOS01::DMARLOWE | Now serving #18. You have #73. | Wed Aug 23 1989 01:59 | 6 |
| We were down there in July. Stayed at the Caribean Beach Resort.
No problem. They try to get as close as they can to the time that
you request although they may be a couple of minutes behind depending
on where the shuttle bus is.
dmm
|
| 38.42 | Car Renting in Orlando | DROPIT::BENHAM | | Thu Oct 12 1989 10:36 | 7 |
| Has anyone gotten any cheap car rentals in Orlando? If so, from what
company? I have called the 800 numbers for Budget, Avis, Hertz and
have received some out of sight prices (ranging from 149 to 194 for a
compact car). Would I get a cheaper rate if I called directly to
Orlando? I need the car from Nov 21 thru 28.
Thanks
|
| 38.43 | | CHET::BEAUCHESNE | | Thu Oct 12 1989 14:17 | 9 |
|
You may want to check out note 38 and its replies. Our family
will be travelling down in Mid-December and the best rate we
found was with National using the Magic Kingdom Card. I
believe we have to pay in full two weeks before renting. The
price was around $69/week for a Chevy Cavalier. You may have
to pay more because it'll be Thanksgiving week.
Moe (55 days and counting!)
|
| 38.44 | | ATE012::BERUBE | Claude G. Berube | Thu Oct 12 1989 14:38 | 4 |
| Title has been changed to better reflect the subject matter, as well as
aid directory searches.
CLaude
|
| 38.45 | Auto Rental Question | AKOV12::DOLAN | | Tue Oct 17 1989 12:42 | 8 |
| My husband, 4 year old daughter and I are planning to drive to WDW with
a pop up trailer in about a year from now and are curious if anyone out
there knew of any rental company that would rent a vehicle with a
trailer hitch. We've called around and can't find anyone who does.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
|
| 38.46 | Value Rent A Car | USCTR2::TOMYL | Joel R. Tomyl DTN 297-4282 | Sat Oct 28 1989 22:51 | 98 |
| Here is my experience with Value Rent A Car during my trip, October
14 - 23, 1989.
I have used this agency before and they have always been reasonable
with the cars and rates. One one trip they didn't have a chevy
sprint and I ended up with an IROC Z-28 during spring break week.
Same price of $69 for the week and unlimited mileage.
Summary: In Orlando, Value Rent a Car was bad. Do not use them.
The staff was not efficent and they were rude and unresponsive to
my problems. I will be writing a letter to them and when I receive
my repsonse from them, I will post it and change my recommendation if
they make good.
The Events:
The courtesy van from the airport took the better part of half an hour
to get to the terminal. After pick up at terminal A, the driver
procedded to terminal B. He had calls from base asking him if he had
passangers. The driver responded Yes. The question and answers went
back and forth like this for 3 times. Finally I told him to respond
10-4. The driver did and he was then chastised from base for having
passangers and then proceeding to terminal B instead of base. The
driver then proceeded to base.
When the van arrived, there were about 8 groups of people wating
in the building. They had run out of cars. Great! So they drove
us to our hotels. This was delayed due to the driver not knowing
where hotels were located and people having the wrong names of the
hotels. I arrived about 9:30 and didn't get into the hotel until
12:30am.
The next morning I called at 9:00am to have them pick me up. They told
me 45 minutes to an hour. Ok. At 10:15 I called back asking where the
van was. They told me that one would be they in about 30 minutes. At
11:00 I called back again since no van showed up. They told me that the
van stopped at my hotel, went to the front desk and that the hotel
didn't have me as a guest. I told them that they had gone to tthe
wrong hotel because I was waiting in the lobby the whole time and the
van never showed. They said that they would send one out immediately.
I was finally picked up at noon.
When I got to the agency, I asked them how they would compensate
me for the fact that they didn't have car and that I effectively
had lost 2 days. The agent said, "Nothing, you're getting a car
for 8 days." I said, "But that's the rest of the time I'm here,
that's no discount." "But sir, you're getting a $175 car for $88
for a weeks rate" "Wait a second, my written confirmation shows
$62.95 for a weekly rate" "Sir, the computer show $88" "It's wrong."
"Sorry sir, I can't change the computer." "Can I speak to the
Manager?" "He's not in." "Can I speak to the person in charge?"
"I'm the assistant manager," "I don't believe this, my garanteed
rate says $62.95" "Excuse me."
The assistant manager disappeared into the office and re-emerged
several minutes later. He then asked for the next person in line
and started to help another customer. At this point I was really
pissed off. I tapped my fingers on the counter and said, "What
am I , chopped liver?" The person who was at the next station started
to wait on me. I asked about some sort of compensation for all
of the hassles and them not having the car ready when I arrived.
He said that the assistant manager would have to handle that.
I told him to just get me a car and tell me where I could make a
complaint. He gave me the toll number for the company's main office
in Deerfield Beach, Florida. I asked him for the name of the assistant
manager who wasn't wearing any sort of name tag to denote his name
or rank with the company. The person told me and I asked him for
his name and the store number. He gave me that information.
I finally got my car. A blue Ford Escort XL with massive scratches
on the hood and a ding in the rear passanger side door. I then
went back into the building and tried to get a person but had to
get back in line behind several people. When I got the the counter
the new girl told me not to worry. I said, "With the way my vacation
had been going so far, I wanted it noted on my contract." She put
it on my contract. The one positive aspect is that they didn't
give me a hard time about declining insurance. It's now after 1
and I finally am on the road.
Cut to October 23, return day. I arrive at the agency 1 hour and
15 minutes before my flight leaves. I get in line and get to the
counter. But, before I get there, the guy who took my car comes
in and announces that there's a dent in the car. Great. I get
to the counter and tell the agent that it's noted on my contract.
Good thing I insisted on the damage being put on the contract.
I get all of that squared away and then again, I wait for a van.
I was dopped off at my terminal 25 minutes before my flight is due
to leave.
What an expereince this trip turned out to be.
Overall, this experience was bad. I am currently working with my
travel agency (who appologized numerous times for the problems and
will be giving me $39 credit on my next trip for the inconvenience
and will make up the difference of the contracted amount and actual
amount.) to resolve the rent a car problems. I will also be writing
to Value to find out why I received such poor service and no
compensation when they caused my problems.
|
| 38.47 | The Latest? | SSDEVO::RENNICK | | Sun Oct 29 1989 16:36 | 15 |
| Called the 1-800-CAR-RENT number given on the MKC card. "Torrie"
answered. Gave her these particulars: want the car at WDW early
morning, want to drop it off at Ft. Myers 5 days later,tell me
which is my lowest rate - Digital Corporate ID #5202000, AAA,
MKC, other.
Answer was - Digital $28/day unlimited mileage, no dropoff charge,
all insurance covered under Digital contract. To be picked up
at Disney Inn and taken to the car at the Disney Car Care Center,
just call 824-3470.
Sound right?
Bob
|
| 38.48 | Small claims court? | SIMUL::WIEDEMAN | | Mon Oct 30 1989 09:56 | 14 |
| reply to 38.36
I got steamed just reading your note...
Is it possible to file in the Orlnado small calims court?
Also, I have always had good luck in contacting the
state attorney general's office with these type of problems.
Maybe it would help to write a letter to the Florida
state attorney general's office and the state tourist bureau.
Sometimes they have legal action pending on these types
of bait and switch scams.
|
| 38.49 | | SIMUL::WIEDEMAN | | Mon Oct 30 1989 10:00 | 1 |
| The previous reply was for 38.46, not .36.
|
| 38.50 | Alamo, almost as bad! | USCTR2::HEDE | | Tue Oct 31 1989 18:51 | 14 |
|
Let's blast another car rental agency!
While Joel was having fun with Value, I was over fighting with Alamo.
They were almost as bad. It took four bus-loads of people before
they took us out of the airport to their headquarters. I wound
up in line for about an hour and a half. Total time spent renting
a car, over three hours! Some hassle about not taking the 12.95
a day CDW. I dropped it off three hours early, just to be sure!
They hassled me for being late even though I was a day early!
VERY VERY rude people!
Next time - NO rental car! It's not worth the hassle!
|
| 38.51 | Info on MAJOR | SHRBIZ::NELSON | Tryin to keep the customer satisfied | Thu Jan 04 1990 15:02 | 9 |
|
Anybody had any dealing(s) with MAJOR car rental ???
I called the American Express Travel folks (DEC's Travel
Agency I guess), and the lady I spoke with recommended MAJOR
for the best weekly rate, and she chose them over a few other
agencies at the Orlando airport.
Feedback anyone ???????
|
| 38.52 | Major seems competitive... | EBISVX::BATOR | | Thu Jan 04 1990 17:31 | 11 |
| I have reserved a car for 10 days in March. I was going with
Major until I found a lower rate. There are about 15 companies
renting cars. The lowest rate AT the airport was
Superior $88/wk + 21/day == $152 10 days
The best rates OFF airport are:
Major $146 10 days
Rent Right $136 10 days (I chose this on the basis of $)
my .02
|
| 38.53 | Car rental companies at the AMTRAK station? | SIMUL::WIEDEMAN | | Fri Jan 12 1990 09:29 | 6 |
| Does anyone know what car rental companies are located at, or service the
Amtrak station in Orlando?
thanks,
Doug
|
| 38.54 | I NEED IT BAD........ | NEST::DABY | | Thu Feb 01 1990 13:52 | 5 |
| I AM TRAVELING TO ORLANDO IN MARCH, AND I HAVE A CAR RESERVED WITH
SUPERIOR. I UNDERSTAND THEIR OFFICE IS NOT AT THE AIRPORT, AND
YOU HAVE TO TAKE A SHUTTLE TO THE LOCATION. HAS ANYONE USED SUPERIOR
IN THE PAST AND WAS THERE ANY PROBLEMS,EX. HOW LONG TO WAIT FOR
SHUTTLE, ANY HASSLES GETTING YOUR CAR, ECT......
|
| 38.55 | Just How Bad ????? | WJOUSM::HIGGINS | | Fri Feb 02 1990 11:23 | 11 |
|
Re: .54
The last couple of times I've rented, I have rented from agencies
that are off site. Most major agencies have shuttles that run between
the airport and their lots. The frequency is generally every 10-15
minutes. I haven't yet had a problem with one of them and would use
one again if they had the cheapest rate. For your own sake I would
call Superior to check out their shuttle schedule.
George
|
| 38.56 | Superior at Airport | ASABET::KUMPEL | If you first fail,follow instructions | Fri Feb 02 1990 12:57 | 6 |
| Re:54
On my last trip in August Superior was at the airport. Their drop off
was right next to National in the parking garage.
Bill Kumpel
|
| 38.57 | VALUE services AMTRAK | USMFG::MOUELLETTE | | Wed Feb 28 1990 08:39 | 12 |
|
Re: - .53
I took AMTARK a while back and used VALUE rent a car. I called a
number when I arrived in Orlando and someone from VALUE came and
got us. They brought us to their office where I got the car. They
also brought us back to the station when we left.
Hope this late response helps.
Mike
|
| 38.58 | Car seat questions | MVCAD3::CERRONE | | Wed Apr 25 1990 23:36 | 6 |
| Does anyone know the details of the child restraint law in Florida.
My son is 2 1/2 and weighs 36 lbs. Does he need a car seat or can he
use the adult seat belts?
Thanks,
Judy
|
| 38.59 | Car seats | WOTVAX::KAYR | | Thu Apr 26 1990 05:37 | 4 |
| I have just returned from Florida with my 2 year old. You definitely need
a car seat.
Robin Kay@OLO
|
| 38.60 | | TLE::FELDMAN | Digital Designs with PDF | Fri May 04 1990 14:08 | 16 |
| This is really in response to notes 30.48-30.58, but it doesn't make sense
to hide car rental info under First Timer note, when there's a perfectly
good car rental note.
The first time I called Avis I was given a quote of $311 for a Cavalier for
10 days. This is actually out of West Palm Beach, but I suspect the rates
are essentially the same throughout Florida. I called again, and gave my
DEC ID, and was given a rate of $264, with 125 free miles/day (total of 1250
free miles). This is consistent with the numbers for the DEC contract as
posted in VTX.
Do I need to keep trying to get a cheaper rate? Given that my reaction to
the $311 price was to say goodbye, I don't understand why they'd even bother
quoting high rates instead of low rates; they'll just lose customers.
Gary
|
| 38.61 | Keep Calling | SENIOR::GOLDBERG | Len --> �o� & ��� in 204 days | Fri May 04 1990 14:19 | 15 |
| When we went last November I also rented from Avis in West Palm. I was
originally quoted an OK rate for a mid-size. Not the cheapest, but
better that National and Hertz. (I only trust the major majors when it
comes to car rental.)
Since none of the rental outfits confirm rates way in advance I called
Avis a few weeks before the trip to make sure the rate I had been
quoted was still valid. The agent said, "Well Mr. Goldberg, I see a
cheaper rate, so I'll confirm that for you."
The moral is to keep calling, and see if they can do better the the
original quote.
BTW, the large companies do not usually impose one-way charges within
Florida.
|
| 38.62 | | RUTILE::WYNFORD | Captain Loon: Stardate Gibble | Mon May 07 1990 09:07 | 16 |
| Re: .60
>DEC ID, and was given a rate of $264, with 125 free miles/day (total of 1250
I would suspect that those "free" miles would get eaten up pretty quickly
in the Orlando area.
Last year I rented from General. Low rates and unlimited mileage. They're
off-airport, but the shuttle service is rapid and frequent. I had no problems
with the car, either. You might try Thrifty as well.
In general, if travelling for pleasure, I avoid Avis and Hertz; their rates,
even with discounts, are geared to corporate expense accounts not Joe Public's
wallet.
Gavin
|
| 38.63 | You gotta play the game!!! | TALLIS::JOHNSON | Phil Johnson DTN 226-6509 | Mon May 07 1990 11:25 | 16 |
| I am in Florida many times throughout the year and I consider myself
almost an expert at the "rental car game", and it is a game. I never
use the major car rental companies (Hertz and Avis). They are aimed at
the corporate user and are quite expensive. Value is consistantly the
best price wise, followed by Alamo. With summer comming up the rates
will drop radically. I was done in the Orlando area 2 weeks ago and
got Escort 4 door (from Value), unlimited mileage for $84 /week. After
memorial day the same car will usually drop to the $50 /week range.
If anyone is interested in how to play the "game" I'll be happy to fill
you in.
Phil
P.S. I have never gotten stung by any car rental company, big or small.
Inconvenienced maybe (the worst was Avis) but never stung....
|
| 38.64 | | TLE::FELDMAN | Digital Designs with PDF | Mon May 07 1990 13:00 | 42 |
| re: .63
Be careful comparing prices. The $264 I quoted was for a "compact," as opposed
to the subcompact class that includes Ford Escorts. The price difference,
at least at the big chains, between subcompacts and compacts is substatial. I'm
also hurt by my 10-day rental requirement. I get 7 days at the weekly rate, but
then have to pay for 3 days at the daily rate, which is significantly higer.
I still expect the big three to be more expensive, but not as dramatically.
If I really wanted to play the game, I wouldn't even bother with Value. The
best deals and best service are from the independents. My most pleasurable
renting experience, and cheapest, was from a private company in West Palm
Beach that was able to rent me a reliable, well-designed car (a 4-door Nissan
Sentra), instead of the junk that passes for engineering at the chains
(i. e., any compact made by a U. S. manufacturer). Give me a car where I can
direct the air conditioning where I want it, where the controls aren't
disguised, and where even the compacts have remote trunk releases. Give me
personal service, where someone from the rental company meets me at the baggage
claim area; no waiting for a limo to take me to an office where I have to
wait again on line.
But for reasons beyond my control, I'm limiting myself to agencies that have
counters and lots at the airport, which means Avis, National, and maybe
Budget (I don't care for Hertz). Maybe next time.
Don't even mention Alamo to me. Their rates are a come-on, and they have the
worst customer satisfaction ratings (according to Consumer Reports) in the
business, although they're trying to clean up their act. All that nonsense
about how you have to buy a half-tank of gas from them (no choice), and you get
no credit for any gas left in the car when you return it. The one time I rented
from them (before I knew their reputation), the agent tried three times to talk
me into a bigger car, saying that the economy-priced car didn't have power
steering. She couldn't seem to understand that my own car didn't have power
steering, so it wasn't a hardship for me.
re: .62
That was 125 miles/day, not 125 miles total. Let's see, if it's about
6 miles from the CBR to the MK, I could make about ten round trips before
using up my mileage. I'm not worried.
Gary
|
| 38.65 | But then again,...... | FDCV06::GRUBBS | | Mon May 07 1990 23:15 | 37 |
|
let me add a new twist, as concerns age.....
Being only a meager 23, I can get socked in two ways. One, some
companies I can't EVEN think about renting a car, gotta be 25 or some
$1500 credit line to put down on the car when you rent. TWO, I get
charged at most places for being in the male, 21-25 range from extra 6
- 10 dollars a day.
I'd say based on the hassle I have to go through without the
Digital rate, it provides me the best umbrella to get a decent Avis
rate, be ABLE to rent a car, and get some CDW thrown in....
I'm still a little skeptical of credit card CDW coverages that say
in the small print, something about having to get a temporary credit
hike because the rental company puts the charge on the card till the
matter is settled. As for my own personal insurance, God forbid something
happens that causes me to have to make a claim on it! I could just see
myself bump right on up to a high risk category, with my head still
spinning, And all to save $60 on renting a vacation car......
I think in my case the one chance that something will happen (and
the associated after costs..) dictates the need for CDW. The Digital
Avis rate just so happens to allow me to get it at best cost, with no
age charges tacked on.
Circumstances seem to dictate how you play the game. My Dad has
been renting thinking he's covered becasue of credit card on his
business trips. After doing a little checking he's back to getting the
insurance. Here again if it's a no fault type CDW (it's the rental
companies problem as long as you bought insurance) that may make the
cost worthwhile to some folks.
Oh, DAD works for a University so they don't have a negotiated
rate. No reason for him to have to skimp on covering himself.
|
| 38.66 | Rent Right == Wrong Choice! | EDSAIC::BATOR | | Thu May 10 1990 21:06 | 10 |
| (better late than....) WHen I arrived in Orlando in March and
called up Rent-Right, I was informed by the person answering
the phone, that they had gone out of business a few days earlier!
The on-airport agencies were (1) expensive, (2) out of cars; so
I started calling and had good luck with Value. They have a
free van that goes from airport to agency and back. They are only
5 minutes away. (as are others). I got an Escort for $84 a week
with no advance reservation. They seemed to have lots of cars.
|
| 38.67 | MAJOR was a bust | SHRBIZ::NELSON | Tryin to keep the customer satisfied | Fri Jun 08 1990 16:35 | 22 |
|
In reply to my own entry at .51
I did reserve a mini-van from Major for our stay
(7 days) over the Memorial Day week. Big Mistake !!!
This was the only gliche we encountered in our entire
week in Florida. Upon arrival, and baggage claim, I went
to the phone table for Car rental agencies expecting to
ring Major's shuttle and go pick up the car. There was no
number for Major, so I picked up the phone book and called
all three of their Orlando numbers, along with a fourth the
information operator gave me, all 'temporarily disconnected'.
At this point, one of the skycaps mentioned he thought Major
was no longer in business in the Orlando area.
We ended up at Payless right at the airport, and got a
mini-van from them for $15 additional for the week... and
I was not given any grief about not taking the Collision
Insurance.
|
| 38.68 | rental help needed | FDCV07::CAMPBELL | | Mon Jul 09 1990 15:10 | 10 |
| Has anyone rented or reserved a car recently at Orlando airport?
I want a compact or midsize car for 19 days. In calling Avis they
wanted $410.00. National wants $169 minus 10% off for MKC or AAA
discount per week so about $153.00. These seem high for a weekly
rate. I know last year I got a great deal for $160.00 for two weeks.
I want to rent from an agency with a booth in the airport, so I know
that leaves out a bunch of the cheaper ones. Any information would
be appreicated.
|
| 38.69 | | TECRUS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Fri Jul 13 1990 00:21 | 12 |
| During my trip to WDW in June/July, I used AVIS when renting a
car. I called all the major companies and the best price I
could get for a 6 passenger car was from AVIS using the AAA
rate of $111/week. Using the DEC recap number adds free CDW.
They did not have any 6 passenger mid size calls available so
I got a free upgrade to a full sized Oldsmobile Cutlass Cierra
with full power accessories. I was happy with the car and the
price.
/Jim Pappas
|
| 38.70 | SUPERIOR CAR RENTAL 800# | PARITY::DASCOLI | | Mon Jul 23 1990 13:36 | 3 |
|
DOES ANYONE KNOW THE 800 # FOR SUPERIOR CAR RENTAL.
|
| 38.71 | | MAMTS3::JAMES | | Mon Jul 23 1990 14:03 | 3 |
| re.70
try calling the 800# operator at 1-800-555-1212
|
| 38.72 | Florida raises Car rental tax | SIMUL::WIEDEMAN | | Wed Aug 01 1990 14:30 | 3 |
| The state of Fla has raised it's rental car tax from $.50/day to
$2.00/day eff in July 90. Nothing like a 400% increase! Love those
politicians.
|
| 38.73 | Fall of 1990 prices | HPSTEK::RITCHIE | Elaine Kokernak Ritchie | Mon Sep 17 1990 14:01 | 25 |
| My husband and I are going to be in the Orlando/St. Cloud area over
Columbus Day weekend this year, so I've been reading this topic to see
what we should do about rental cars. All I can say is the rates must
be cheaper in the Fall. Most weekly rates quoted are between $85 and
$99, with the cheapest being Value at $68.
That new $2 tax makes quite a difference in the rental. $14 a week.
A bit of advice: when you call to check rental rates, be sure to ask
for the additional charges. All the agencies add this $2 surcharge,
and all seem to add 6% sales tax. Some also add an "airport access
charge". The ones I've called are either 6% or 8%. Be sure to
compare the total charges and not just the quoted weekly rate. A lower
fare with this extra fee might not be your best rate.
We are flying into Melbourne, but I'm not sure if that makes much
difference. The reasons for choosing that airport make a long story.
Oh, and we always rent one size smaller than we really want. We are
frequently upgraded one or two classes, especially in a busy rental market
like Orlando.
Thanks for all your advice.
Elaine
|
| 38.74 | Nix on Superior | HPSTEK::RITCHIE | Elaine Kokernak Ritchie | Thu Sep 20 1990 10:01 | 6 |
| re: .70 and .71
I just called. There is no 800 number for Superior Car Rental. Does
anyone know a local Florida number for them?
Elaine
|
| 38.76 | been there; done that! | XNOGOV::KAREN | when you wish upon a star... | Thu Oct 11 1990 11:46 | 12 |
| I sympathise with you! We experienced Lindo's in Orlando both ways
when we were there earlier this year. And it's certainly not an
experience to be recommended!
It took us a very long time to deposit the car and get back to the
airport and we were sweating a bit I can tell you. The bus we were on
was only about a twelve seater and it was a nightmare getting onto it.
I did notice the plastic bucket and the notice :-)
Regards,
Karen
|
| 38.77 | Stir, stir... | EICMFG::WJONES | Ghengis Loon (PR As You Conquer) | Tue Oct 23 1990 14:42 | 7 |
| Re: .75
You've obviously not seen Ron Glover's memo... :-)
Don't worry, the mods'll get you.
Gavin
|
| 38.75 | Lindo's rent a car | AIMHI::JUTRAS | | Thu Oct 25 1990 16:03 | 62 |
| ================================================================================
Note 38.75 Car Rental Agencies - Orlando 75 of 77
AIMHI::JUTRAS 56 lines 11-OCT-1990 10:03
-< Down with LINDO"S rent a car!!! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let me relate to you all a very bad experience I recently had
with Lindo's rent a car in Orlando. I have rented many a cars on
trips to various places and never have I encountered anyting like this
in my life. We flew into Ft. Myers and were met at the airport by
someone from the agency. He brought us to the rental office a few
miles away and we were given a chevy minivan as a rental. Other than
having to leave a $650 deposit on my credit card and having to sign
about four /five waiver forms to intimidate me into taking the
collision damage waiver everything went smooth. The thing with the
credit card though is that you have to have that much credit available
and then this eats up $650 of your available credit. I used my
American Express to avoid this. Now to get to the Orlando nightmare.
We spent the first part of our trip in Sanibel/Captiva islands and
eventually headed to Disneyworld (Trip report in the works). When all
was over and it was time to return the car we headed for the Lindo's
office. When we approached what appreared to be a bus terminal it was
actually the rental office. Now when we picked up the car in Ft. Myers
the office was in a Ramada Inn hotel and there were only two counter
people. The office in Orlando much have had at least 200 employees and
the most confusion I have every encountered. When you pull the car in
there are 4 people waiting to literally pull you out of the car along
with your luggage. All if which is then deposited in the parking lot
and you are on your own. Now you are about 4 miles from the airport
and you are hot, confused and starting to get a little bit P.O.'d.
All the people who are returning cars and are waiting for a lift to the
airport stand in front of the building and get this, wait for a bus
similar to a greyhound bus, but a 1950's version to take you to the
airport. Now picture this. Here are 100's of hot tired and angry
people with all their luggage waiting to jump on the first available
bus. Have any of you every been on a Boston or NY subway at rush hour.
This was a similar experience. My wife and I had all we could do to
keep our luggage together and not lose each other. We litterally had
to fight our way onto the bus. Once on the bus the driver hears me say
something about getting to the airport on time (we had figured that
dropping the car of at least 1 hour before our flight would give us
plenty of time). We had already wasting 40 of them trying to figure
out how to get out of that mass confusion. The driver looks at me and
says,"I ain't going to the airport." Well not I am about ready to
explode with anger. Then he laughs and says, "I am only kidding!"
Oh! I forgot to mention that noone in the return office is willing to
help you either. Once your drop the car off they don't care. When I
consistently asked how I got to the airport from the office I was
verrry rudely told to wait out side for a ride. Getting back to
the bus ride to the airport. The bus has no airconditioning. It
rattles all the way to the airport. When the driver has to shift the
gears after excrutiating sound from gears being grinded it finally pops
into place and the bus shakes so that you thing the transmission is
about to fall out. All you keep thinking is "Is this bucket of bolts
going to make it to the airport in one piece?" Well we finally do
with out 10 minutes to check our bags and board the plane. The icing
on the cake was the plastic basket taped to the dash. It had a sign
stating that tipping is customary in the U.S.! I was thankful that I
was only dropping of my car there. If I had to begin my vacation with
an episode like that it would have taken the first few days just to
recover from the experience.
|
| 38.78 | there has to be a way | HPSTEK::RHUFF | | Fri Oct 26 1990 09:50 | 9 |
| There has to be a way to report bad rental agencies to each other
without going against Ron Glover's memo. I found that information
very useful as I am about to make my first trip to Florida and might
have chosen L*ndo if it wasn't for that great advice. Maybe we'll
have to start adding notes which state bad rental agency, call me
if interested.
Rodney Huff
|
| 38.79 | a moderators reply | ATE012::BERUBE | Calling Dick Tracy... | Fri Oct 26 1990 10:44 | 28 |
| Rep to <<< Note 38.78 by HPSTEK::RHUFF >>>
> There has to be a way to report bad rental agencies to each other
> without going against Ron Glover's memo.
Rodney,
Obviously you are referring to the updated reply in .75 and the new
policy I placed yesterday in 1.4. If you look closely at the new .75,
you'll notice that only the first 2 sentences which basicly was
advocating a BOYCOTT type of action, was removed and rephrased with a
Let me relate a bad experience...
The rest of the reply was unchanged.
The only problem we mod's had with it was the first 2 sentences, the
rest we felt comfortable with since it related a personal experience
and stuck to the facts.
As I stated in 1.4, we the mods don't mind reviews as long as they
state the FACTS based on a firsthand personal experience and don't
advocate any actions against said individual/business, don't contain
libelious statements etc. We haven't outlawed bad reviews all
together, just those that selicite an action against said
individual/business or contain language in a manner that may bring the
author/Digital/Moderators into a legal action.
Claude
|
| 38.80 | | EICMFG::WJONES | Ghengis Loon (PR As You Conquer) | Fri Oct 26 1990 13:02 | 27 |
| As the person who may have triggered Claude's action, and a mod of another
conference, let me throw this in...
> There has to be a way to report bad rental agencies to each other
> without going against Ron Glover's memo.
A bad experience as reported in the offending note is a one-off. There is no
way of knowing if the circumstances were normal or exceptional. To relate the
bad experience, even without comment, could be detrimental. It might be, for
example, that there was a staff shortage on the day concerned and the noter
happened to get there at the end of a very tiring shift for the rental
company's employees. As a mod, I would still be unhappy with such notes.
I have a note in this same topic concerning Dollar; the information in there is
from an external source and is not complimentary to Dollar. However, the
distinction between the two notes is that mine reports a factual situation
(Dollar holds the renter 100% responsible for the car and the renter can end
up with a big bill in the event of a write-off) whereas the other note reports
a subjective situation (the rental agency was in chaos). Obviously, I stand by
my note... :-)
Personally, I would prefer *recommendations* of agencies, hotels etc.. The
Orlando area has such a large selection at all prices that it is easier, and
nicer, to select from companies that have given good service than to simply
eliminate companies from a list because of a one-off bad experience.
Gavin
|
| 38.81 | A suggestion for entries | IAMOK::BANCROFT | | Fri Oct 26 1990 13:48 | 9 |
| The difference between SLANDER and expressing a personal opinion and
experience, seems to be in the phrasing.
Preface "It is my personal opinion that ----- is unacceptable"
Body "This is my personal experience, and I cannot say if it is a
general situation or an unusual happening"
THEN it 10 people reply with similar stories, we can draw OUR OWN
conclusions about the reliability of the company.
HOW DOES THAT SOUND? Phil
|
| 38.82 | | ATE012::BERUBE | Calling Dick Tracy... | Fri Oct 26 1990 14:30 | 25 |
| MODERATOR HAT ON
OK folks, One last comment on this strimg, then it time to put this
string to bed, and get back to the topic Please, that is reviews,
questions etc on Car Rental Agencies.
We are not puting a stop to negative reviews, just asking you to be
careful as to what you type, suggest etc., Look at the policy in 1.4
it's pretty flexible as far as being able to place a review which
expresses your own bad experience. As long as you relate your personal
experience and don't advocate an action which can be deemed detrimental
to that individual/business, than by all means us other noters will
have something to base our decisions when we plan our next vacation.
If someone should ask for info on a individual/business and you have
nothing good to say about said individual/business, all we ask is that
you convey that info as suggested in the above paragraph or find some
other way to let the author know (like a phone).
MODERATOR HAT OFF
Now let get back to the topic of Car Rental Agencies, I need to plan my
next trip ;^)
Claude
|
| 38.83 | | NITMOI::WITHERS | Another Hallmark Moment. -Al Bundy | Fri Nov 02 1990 12:29 | 22 |
| RE: .80
>There is no
>way of knowing if the circumstances were normal or exceptional.
I have to agree with this, a personal experience:
I was in Florida and flying out early on Sunday (7:25 take-off). I
asked my hotel if they could send someone for our bags early (5:45) and
they said fine...just call twenty minutes before. I called thirty
minutes before on the Sunday and waited...and waited...we moved all our
bags to the parking lot and locked the room with the keys inside
(express check-out)...and waited... At 6:20 when no one showed I made
my way to a public phone at a laundry room and called and someone came
down to get us. Twice buses had stopped and refused to drop us where
our limo was going to pick us up. So we arrived at 6:35 to catch a
6:00 limo and the company at fault?
None other than Walt Disney World's own Caribean Beach Resort.
George
|
| 38.84 | no shuttles please | RELOS2::DEMBA | | Mon Jan 14 1991 13:27 | 8 |
| Do you need to take a shuttle to get and drop off vehicles for
AVIS or NATIONAL at Orlando airport?
I am interested in a rental agency that has vehicles close enough to the
airport that there is no need to take a shuttle ride to and from the
vehicle.
thanks.
|
| 38.85 | No shuttle for Avis | LAVETA::J_PARSONS | George Stark: Not A Very Nice Guy | Mon Jan 14 1991 14:38 | 2 |
| Can't say for sure about National, but no shuttle is necessary for
Avis.
|
| 38.86 | 2 Questions? | RHODES::NEWFELL | | Wed Jan 16 1991 11:30 | 9 |
| I am going down to WDW in April. I have 2 questions. First, I
am renting from National part of my WDW Travel Plan, do I have to
take the extra waiver insurance that so many rental car places make
you take? Also, is National right in the airport terminal, so I
can avoid taking a shuttle bus to the rental place.
Thanks
CR (Who has only 14 weeks to go!)
|
| 38.87 | National is at the terminal | TARKIN::BOUTOTTE | | Thu Jan 17 1991 08:54 | 3 |
| National is right at the airport terminal and there is no need
for a shuttle bus to get you to or from your car.
|
| 38.88 | Getting to the Rental Counters | BIZNIS::ABELOW | DAVID | Thu Jan 17 1991 14:15 | 4 |
| Whatever you do at the airport, DON'T TAKE THE ESCALATORS TO GET TO THE
RENTAL COUNTERS. These escalators seem to go one level lower than
where the rental counters are. The only way I could seem to get to the
level where the counters are was via the elevators!
|
| 38.89 | | HEURIS::DEMBA | | Mon Jan 28 1991 09:53 | 4 |
| I found that Budget and Payless also share the space in the rental car
garage with Avis and National. The previous noter is correct about
the elevators being the only means to get from the ground level back
to the rental counters.
|
| 38.90 | Avis Only for Digital Rentals | FDCV06::GOLDBERG | Len, I'm a friend of Walt D. | Mon Mar 04 1991 09:59 | 39 |
| [It appears that while National is still the offical car rental company
of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, it is no longer an offical car
rental company of Digital. The following is from Livewire.]
AVIS now exclusive car rental supplier to Digital in U.S.
Effective Friday, 01-March 1991, AVIS Rent A Car will be the exclusive car
rental supplier to Digital in the U.S. No other car rental company should
be used. National Car Rental rates and One Trip Travel Orders will become
invalid as of 01-March.
The new cost savings features of the car rental program include:
* UNLIMITED MILEAGE RATE OF $31.00 per day on rentals picked up and dropped
off at same location.
* LOSS DAMAGE WAIVER (previously Collision Damage Waiver) included on all
AVIS rates (busines or personal). Do not accept Loss Damage Waiver --
this is not reimburseable.
* PREFERRRED RENTER PROGRAM will be made available to Digital Corporate
Card Holders (American Express or Diners Club). This is a significant
service enhancement for travelers, and the $50.00 annual Preferred Renter
fee has been waived for Digital Corporate Card Travelers.
* UNLIMITED MILEAGE RATES DO APPLY on ONE WAY RENTALS between the following
cities:
o Boston/Southern New Hampshire and suburbs within the Greater Maynard-
Marlboro areas;
o San Francisco and San Jose;
o Denver and Colorado Springs.
All car reservations must be made by the American Express office (or other
designated travel agency) servicing your facility to guarantee that the
lowest AVIS rate is applied to your rental. Your support of Digital's
car rental program will reduce the company's business travel expenditures.
Access VTX TRAVEL for further rate information and program details.
|
| 38.91 | Collision Damage Waiver | TECRUS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Thu Jul 04 1991 21:21 | 56 |
| Here are some personal observations on Collision Damage
Waiver:
First, it is extremely expensive (often a 50% price increase
over the rental). However, if you do some advance checking
and/or planning, there should be almost no reason to buy
optional CDW.
If you are a Mass resident and you get your insurance through
Metpay, then your personal automobile insurance carries over
to your rental providing your normally covered automobile is
not being used at home by anyone else. Currently, the
comprehensive does not transfer over to the rental and this
could be a real problem if your rental car is vandalized,
stolen, or catches fire. However, effective August 10, 1991
(in Massachusetts w/ Metpay) the comprehensive will carry over
and this will no longer be a problem. I would recommend
checking with your insurance agent to check the amount of your
coverage prior to your trip. I'm sure that other states and
other insurance companies offer similar service but check your
specific policy to be sure.
Many credit cards (especially gold cards) provide free CDW
providing you charge the entire rental to the card. However
there are a few things to watch out for. First of all, AMEX
does cover CDW but if you have a AMEX "Corporate" card through
DEC, they do not provide free CDW. Secondly, check your
credit card contract if you are renting anything but a plain
car. For example for all of my cards, minivans are explicitly
excluded except for Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, Mazda
MPV, or VW Vanagon. I guess the other minivans are considered
trucks which are not covered. You could find yourself in
trouble if you rent a minivan, get a Ford Aerostar, and waive
the CDW thinking that your Gold Visa will cover it. The same
holds if you rent other types of vehicles such as trucks,
campers, classic cars, or expensive cars such as Mercedes,
Jaguar, Corvette etc.
You currently get free CDW through AVIS for personal rentals
provided the corporate number (A126200) is listed in the
contract. Avis is providing the coverage, not DEC. Check
this prior to your trip since the DEC/AVIS contract is
re-negotiated periodically. You supposedly could use any
rate available (even promotional rates) and still get the free
CDW providing that you list the corporate number in the
agreement. In practice, I have been unable to get a
reservation clerk to give me a promotional rate AND list the
corporate number in the contract. Since I use the free CDW
from my credit card, I really haven't tried to hard.
Finally I have heard of people who buy the optional CDW even
though they are covered by other means. They feel that they
are doubly covered (which has no real value). However, the
credit card contracts that I have seen do not provide CDW
unless you decline the CDW offered by the rental companies.
|
| 38.93 | .....I THINK I need a van | SCOAYR::LBOYD | | Thu Jul 11 1991 12:43 | 18 |
|
I am coming from Scotland to Florida in late September. This will be
the fourth year in a row that I have holidayed in Orlando. On my visits
previously I have twice hired a G.M. Cavalier(?) booked here with Alamo
before I left home and once had a Mitsubishi (compact) from Lindos which
I booked when I arrived in Orlando. I have had no problems with either of
the companies that I used.
On both occassions the car was used by my wife and myself, when we come
over this year we will be travelling with two other couples. My
question is, would one of those "spacecruiser" APV type vans be the
best thing to hire for six people. If so any ideas on how much, which
company to rent from, is the CDW more expensive on these vehicles? If
not what *is* our best plan ?
thanks in advance,
Lindsay
|
| 38.94 | | PAPPAS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Thu Jul 11 1991 15:03 | 65 |
| Lindsay,
> when we come over this year we will be travelling with two
> other couples. My question is, would one of those
> "spacecruiser" APV type vans be the best thing to hire for six
> people. If so any ideas on how much, which company to rent
> from, is the CDW more expensive on these vehicles? If not
> what *is* our best plan ?
I am assuming that all 6 adults have the same itinerary and
that you will want a single car (or minivan) vs. multiple
vehicles.
For 6 adults, I think that a mini-van ("spacecruiser") is
better than getting a full sized car since they have 3 rows of
seats and therefore you only need to sit two people across
which is more comfortable than having 3 people across each
row.
However, the price of a minivan is much higher than a regular
car. For example, we are thinking of renting a minivan when
we go to WDW next month. The best rate I have been able to
confirm so far is with Avis using the AAA (an auto club)
discount. The rate is $185.25/week. By contrast, I could
get a full sized, 6 passenger, 4 door car with full power
accessories for about $118/week. If you rent with Avis, then
you should be able to get free CDW by having them include the
DEC number on the contract (A126200 if I remember right).
I have been checking about 12 car companies and the price
range for minivans seems to range from $185 - $225 per week
using their best rates. In my experience, the major car
rental companies are the best priced, typically less than
$200. Most of the higher priced rates are from the 2nd tier
companies that have poorer reputations. I don't know how they
stay in business. They must have real low ball come-on rates
for the sub-compacts because on any sized car that I would
ever rent, they are generally more expensive.
According to the report in note 48.55, the DEC contracted rate
with Avis is about $240/week for a minivan and that definitely
covers CDW. This would be the maximum that you would have to
pay to get a minivan and the insurance.
Note that all car rentals in Florida have a $2.00/day
surcharge and then there is an additional 6% tax. This is
really independent of type of car or rental company.
The fun starts when some of the companies start adding in
extra charges such as a 9% airport access fee. Usually, only
the second tier places add this type of fee, but not all of
them do. On a two week rental, this airport access fee could
add $36 or more. Also some of the second tier places pull
tricks with gas, selling you a half tank of gas (at $2.00/gal)
and then expecting you to return the car with an empty tank,
and not giving any credit for any gas remaining in the tank.
This kind of stuff bothers me, which is why I choose to stay
with one of the major companies. When you add it all up, they
are almost always the cheapest, and usually the most pleasant
to deal with as well. They are also the most convenient. They
are located in terminal, and the baggage porters will load
your luggage off the turnstiles bring it downstairs, and put
it right into the trunk of your car.
|
| 38.95 | AAA and AVIS special in Florida thru December | BROKE::LUND | | Fri Jul 12 1991 10:50 | 18 |
|
I recently received my July/August issue of AAA World; in there
they have a special $69.00 rate in Florida for AAA members.
It's for a 2-door subcompact; unlimited mileage from Jun 15th -
December 17th...
More details: Limited availability at these rates; Ask for
Rate code KA; You MUST have your AAA membership card
with you to receive this rate. They also have daily and weekend
rates under this special. The ad also mentiones there may be a
maximum rental period restriction.
Anyhow; if you have AAA; check out the ad opposite P14
of your July/August issue...
- Annie
(P.S. They also have special rates for Hawaii; Calif/ Ariz)
|
| 38.96 | Toll free numbers | TECRUS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Sat Jul 13 1991 17:28 | 25 |
| The following is best list I could find of car rental
companies in Orlando:
Avis (800) 831-8000
Hertz (800) 654-3080
National (800) 227-7368
Budget (800) 527-0700
Dollar (800) 800-4000
Thrifty (800) 367-2277
Value (800) 327-2501
Superior (800) 237-8106
General (800) 327-7607
Alamo (800) 327-9633
Lindos (800) 423-4704
Payless (800) 237-2804
Air-Rail (800) 228-8024
American-Int (800) 527-0202
Avon (800) 331-0777
Enterprise (800) 325-8007
Exchange (800) 327-2836
Inter-American (800) 327-1278
Wheels (800) 413-0764
Snappy (800) 669-5252
Ugly Duckling (800) 843-3825
USA (800) 872-2277
|
| 38.97 | | TECRUS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Sat Jul 13 1991 19:53 | 72 |
| So far, my experience with car rentals is that the best rates
are with the AAA auto club and their contracted companies
(Avis and Hertz). Usually, Avis seems to be a little cheaper
than Hertz, but not always. It depends upon the length of
rental and the car class.
According to AAA, their agreement with Avis and Hertz will
guarantee you the lowest car rental rates available from those
companies, and if either company ever offers a better
promotional rate, then you will get the lowest available.
In my experience, these rates are better than those of the 2nd
tier companies, plus, Avis and Hertz are easy to deal with and
don't generally charge the hidden charges that are common in
the industry. Don't forget to bring your AAA card with you
because they do require that you show it at the time of rental.
Here are some of the things to watch for with car rental
companies (especially the 2nd tier companies):
When obtaining quotes, I would recommend asking for
the total charges including all fees. All companies
will charge a $2.00/day Florida surcharge, and all
will charge 6% state tax. Usually the 1st tier
companies will not have any other mandatory fees.
Other fees I have heard of include "airport access
fees" if you rent at the airport, or "shuttle fees" if
you take the company supplied shuttle to the rental
site.
Collision Damage Waver or Loss Damage Wavers - This
can be expensive, but even if you decline, some
companies will require a cash deposit or a large
amount of your credit to be reserved for security.
Mandatory fuel charges. The best companies will
provide you with a full tank, and will only charge you
for gas if you do not return it with a full tank.
Other companies will have a mandatory charge for gas
they put into the car (usually at an outrageous fee)
and then expect you to return the car empty, giving no
credit for any fuel in the tank.
Extra drivers. Some companies will charge extra if
anyone other than the primary renter will be driving
the car.
Most companies use a 24 hour clock in determining the
rental rates. For example, if you rent the car from
noon on Friday, till noon the following Friday, you
will be charged for 1 week. Other companies will
charge for 8 days for this same period since you had
the car for 8 (full or partial) days.
My experience with the above is very limited since I have
never rented with anyone other than Avis, Hertz, and National.
I have only heard about these problems second hand. Also,
with the major companies, I have experienced a liberal "free
upgrade" policy when they were temporarily out of stock on the
class of car which I had reserved. I have ended up with
convertibles, Lincoln Town Cars, and Cadillacs while paying
for compact or mid sized cars. Of course you cannot count on
getting such an upgrade, it is more luck of the draw.
Of course, both Avis and Hertz have on-site locations at the
Orlando airport. I think that the on-site car rental is
especially well implemented here. You do not have to take a
shuttle to get to/from the cars and they have luggage porters
who will take your luggage down to the car and put it into the
trunk. For the off-site locations, it is the usual van
service to the car rental location.
|
| 38.98 | Looking For AAA Info | UFRCS1::VINZENZ | Vinzenz Esser, CS M�nchen | Mon Jul 15 1991 05:51 | 16 |
| According to the previous few replies it's worth being a AAA member
when it comes to renting a car. Since I'll be visiting Florida (and
Colorado) this summer from Germany and I am currently checking into
rental car rates, I wonder if anybody can post some details about the
AAA membership. How much is it per year? What does it include? Does
the AAA card cover CDW on a rental car? Can I join AAA on the spot at
any AAA outlet in the States or do I have to apply and then wait a
couple of weeks for my membership card?
I'd really appreciate any information about AAA either here as a reply
or as mail to UFRCS1::VINZENZ.
Thanks in advance,
Vinzenz [46 days 'til arriving at the CBR and
49 days 'til departing on the Premier Cruise 8-)]
|
| 38.99 | | PAPPAS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Mon Jul 15 1991 17:40 | 39 |
| RE:-1
AAA does not cover CDW, but here in the US, usually your CDW
is covered by
1) your private auto insurance.
2) charging the rental to your credit card.
However, you must explicitly check the above. In my case, my
auto insurance company was covering me for collision and
liability, but not fire and theft (fire and theft will be
covered effective 8/10/91). Therefore, I ordered a no-fee
AT&T gold Mastercard which offers free CDW if the rental is
charged to that card.
I do not know if AAA is a constant price nationwide, or if it
varies by area. In my area, it costs $39 for the first year
and it is slightly lower (I think $33) after that. They are
often running specials to sign up. AAA is geared to the
family traveler and provides many services, but I usually only
use:
- Free maps, free tourbooks (with good ratings) etc.
- discount lodging.
- emergency road service
- discount auto rentals
- free travelers checks
- discount tickets (ie: cheapest Universal Studios tickets
I've seen)
You could join on the spot, but that won't do you much good
since you will need to have your card prior to renting your
car, but will need your car prior to getting to a AAA office.
You can also join the German Auto Club which is affiliated
with AAA. You could then use any AAA office for any of the
above. I do not have any idea what it costs to join the
German Auto Club.
|
| 38.100 | Getting An AVIS Car | UFRCS1::VINZENZ | Vinzenz Esser, CS M�nchen | Tue Jul 16 1991 08:58 | 19 |
| <<< Note 38.99 by PAPPAS::JIM "Jim Pappas" >>>
Thanks for the reply with the info about AAA. I just made my
reservation with AVIS. They have a 'Supervalue USA` rate, which they
offer outside the States for people travelling to the States. I've
reserved the smallest category X (Geo Metro) for $159/week, to be
picked up in Tampa and dropped of in Orlando. This rate already
INCLUDES CDW, only 6% tax and $2/day will be added.
Does that sound like a reasonable rate? Unfortunatley, no credit card
issued here in Germany covers CDW on rental cars. Neither does the
personal auto insurance over here. That means I'll have to buy it from
the rental company.
Vinzenz [42 days 'til arriving at the CBR and
45 days 'til departing on the Premier Cruise 8-)]
I H A R D L Y C A N W A I T
|
| 38.101 | | PAPPAS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Tue Jul 16 1991 11:34 | 32 |
| > Thanks for the reply with the info about AAA. I just made my
> reservation with AVIS. They have a 'Supervalue USA` rate, which they
> offer outside the States for people travelling to the States. I've
> reserved the smallest category X (Geo Metro) for $159/week, to be
> picked up in Tampa and dropped of in Orlando. This rate already
> INCLUDES CDW, only 6% tax and $2/day will be added.
That rate sounds high to me.
You should be able to rent a car from Avis using the DEC discount. Our
discount number is A126200. The rates are as follows and include free
CDW (provided by Avis, not DEC). It is ok to use these for personal
travel.
A V I S
CORP. I. D. # A126200
WEEKLY MONTHLY
DAILY RATE RATE
CAR GROUP RATE (5 x Daily) (18 x Daily)
--------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
A - Sub-compact $29.50 147.50 531.00
B - Compact 31.00 155.00 558.00
C - Intermediate 32.50 162.50 585.00
D - Full size (2-door) 34.00 170.00 612.00
E - Full size (4-door) 35.00 175.00 630.00
F - Wagon 39.00 195.00 702.00
G - Premium 48.00 240.00 864.00
|
| 38.102 | | PAPPAS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Tue Jul 16 1991 12:42 | 5 |
| Sorry,
I just noticed you were picking up the car in Tampa and dropping it off
in Orlando. The rate I quoted in the last reply require pickup and
drop-off at the same location.
|
| 38.103 | Corporate Rates are Higher | SALEM::PAGLIARULO_G | Reality is a cosmic hunch | Tue Jul 16 1991 13:23 | 10 |
| I've been looking into renting a car in Fort Lauderdale and dropping it
off in Orlando. I called National and Avis. Neither charge a drop off
fee and both had rates that were cheaper than the DEC discount rate.
The people I spoke to said that the corporate rates aren't really
geared to Florida. Since Florida is one of the most competitive markets
anyway the regular rates are cheaper. Unfortunately, I don't have the
rates they quoted with me. I can enter them tonight if you're
interested.
George
|
| 38.104 | Please Post The Rates | UFRCS1::VINZENZ | Vinzenz Esser, CS M�nchen | Wed Jul 17 1991 05:57 | 16 |
| <<< Note 38.103 by SALEM::PAGLIARULO_G "Reality is a cosmic hunch" >>>
>> Since Florida is one of the most competitive markets
>> anyway the regular rates are cheaper. Unfortunately, I don't have the
>> rates they quoted with me. I can enter them tonight if you're
>> interested.
Yes, I'd be interested in the rates. If I can find anything lower than
$159/week incl. CDW, I can always cancel that reservation, since I
didn't have to prepay anything.
Any buck saved on the rental car is an extra buck to be spent at WDW.
Vinzenz [44 days 'til arriving at the CBR and
47 days 'til departing on the Premier Cruise 8-)]
|
| 38.105 | Avis Orlando rate are always cheaper | CLADA::BENO | | Wed Jul 17 1991 08:15 | 9 |
| I always rent from AVIS in Orlando and they ALWAYS have had special
weekly (one time a special 10 day rate- but I had to ask for it) rates.
These rates were much cheaper than the Digital contract rates, but by
our contract you can still get free CDW by having them reserve the car
using the DEC #. If you can call the AVIS (800) number in the USA and
ask them about any special rates they might have or if you can not do
this from your DTN have someone in the USA call for you. Somehow, I
don't think calling the local Germany office will get you the lowest
rate.
|
| 38.106 | One-way rental vs. Airport Shuttle | NEWVAX::DOYLE | A monk, a clone, and a Ferrengi.... | Mon Aug 12 1991 22:21 | 16 |
| I recently discovered that you can return National Rental Cars to
the Swan or Dolphin hotels in addition to the Car Care Center. There
is no drop-off charge for renting at the airport and dropping off at
Disney. The rates are such that it's actually less expensive to rent a
car at the airport, drive to Disney, and drop it at the hotels than to
use the Mears shuttle. The daily rates we were quoted are:
$22.95 from Airport to Disney
$30.58 from Disney to Airport
(This includes 10% MKC discount, 6% Florida tax and $2/day
surcharge. Of course, they wouldn't guarantee this rate, so all
normal disclaimers apply, and your mileage may vary...)
And this allows us to hit Goodings and pick up munchies on the
way, as well as keep our luggage in the car after we check out. Not
a bad deal!
|
| 38.107 | National Rates Skyrocketing... | NEWVAX::DOYLE | A monk, a clone, and a Ferrengi.... | Mon Aug 26 1991 14:15 | 10 |
| Am I sorry I ever thought about one-way rental! National Rental
Car has been jacking up the rates daily, so they are now approx. $30
each way. But I wouldn't bet on them holding if the past two weeks are
any indication. I finally gave up and found that Hertz gives USAir
Frequent Flyers 5% off the best rate (which during September is
5% off 79.00/week). Avis is also running a similar special. All the
"little" agencies (Value, Dollar, etc.) are also running specials but
by the time you add in all the fees (on-airport, off-airport, extra
driver, shuttle pickup fee) you might just as well rent with the
big agencies at the great September rates...
|
| 38.108 | american international | CGVAX2::HARE | | Fri Aug 30 1991 17:33 | 8 |
| Has anyone had any experience with American International as a rental
agency? I am heading to Orlando in 10 days and my travel agent booked
this car agency stating they were excellent. Does anyone have any
information?
Thanks for the help.
Mike
|
| 38.109 | Mine, too | TYGER::GIBSON | | Wed Sep 04 1991 11:00 | 4 |
| My travel agent also recommendad them. We found a cheaper rate at
National.
Linda
|
| 38.110 | | CSC32::J_HANLON | Back in the High Life, Again | Sat Sep 07 1991 02:21 | 14 |
| We've used that rental agency in Chicago several times and found their service
there to be excellent. We did find that even when we rented sub-compacts we
always seemed to be given a mid-size type car. The years of the automobiles
we rented also tended to be older than the top of the line rental agencies,
but the automobiles were very clean and in good working condition. Location
might be a factor... I don't remember seeing them in the Orlando airport. In
Chicago they are not located in the airport, or even immediately outside
the airport, but some distance away. The distance was not inconvenient as they
did run courtesy busses, but I know distance from the airport is often
important. The first time I used them it was because they were the cheapest
I could find, but I was so impressed with the friendliness and concern they
showed me (I was by myself that trip with a newborn) that my husband and I
have continued to use them on subsequent trips. I don't know how they would
compare in Orlando but we were pleased with them in Chicago.
|
| 38.111 | Lindo's - one year on | KERNEL::WATTERSON | VENI VIDI VISA | Thu Oct 10 1991 13:08 | 33 |
|
Re .75 & .76
In defence of Lindo's....
I recently holidayed in Orlando/ St Petersburg Beach and the holiday
included a 'free' hire car. Me, my wife and four year old daughter
landed at Orlando airport mid-morning after an 8� flight from the UK.
We didn't know which hire company our car was from until we got to
Orlando when we were directed to a Lindo's bus.... 'oh sh*t - not
Lindo's' I thought, having spent most of the last six months reading
this notesfile,.
But to give them credit, everything was very easy and they seemed very
well organised - we arrived at the Lindo's depot with about three
hundred other tired Brits and were directed into a very quickly moving
queue (line ?). This took less than five minutes to queue and for them
to check my driving license and fill in the paper work, in a coolish
room. Next I was given a token and directed to a number of runners, one
of whom collected my car, explained what was what and loaded my
luggage - so within 15 minutes of leaving the airport we were hitting
the mean streets of Orlando.....
On the way back, I had to drive from St Pete's via the Tampa rush hour,
this took a couple of hours and I was a bit tired when I got to
Lindo's. At the depot they had plenty of people to empty your luggage
next to the coach pick-up. Handing the car back took about 30 seconds,
there was a seperate office to get the paper work checked and then it
was out to the coach - the coach driver loaded all our luggage on, so
we just got onto the 'oldish', but air conditioned coach and were back
at the airport with 10 minutes - no problems at all.
paul
|
| 38.112 | Hire car prices for February break | WECROW::HILL | Peter | Tue Jan 14 1992 22:26 | 22 |
| With 31days to go I am looking for a hire car.
I'm getting a little confused , but that's not unusual.
I phoned a few of the bigger companies ashing about a mid-sized car.
The AVIS AAA rate is $171 for 9 days , CW extra.
The AVIS DEC rate is $227.50 Including collision.
Alamo is 106.99 /week plus 25.99 /day pluss 8% airport pickup. $230ish?
Hertz is 200.99 less 5% AAA discount.
National is 187.96 MKC rate plus collision.
National also have a special for WDW/EPCOT visitors including free
parking and collision @ $217, but as we are staying on site it's no
advantage to get free parking.
I think I may go with the AVIS AAA rate and make sure I use a Credit
Card with the insurance coverage. Actually when I asked about the DEC
rate the booking person suggested uising a card that covers the
insurence, which is a little different from the pressure I've herad
about in Florida.
PS sorry about all the typos it's hard to correct them on my PC.
|
| 38.113 | | TECRUS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Tue Jan 14 1992 22:54 | 13 |
| Peter,
It sounds like the Avis AAA rate is the best. That has been my
experience during my last few trips, but things are always changing,
and it doesn't hurt to check around.
As far as waiving CDW, I posted a bunch of my observations in 38.91.
Check with your insurance agent, you may be covered by your normal
automobile policy. Also, I understand that some of the credit card
companies are dropping the free CDW. It is worthwile to check prior to
your trip.
Have a good trip.
|
| 38.114 | | TOKLAS::feldman | Larix decidua, var. decify | Tue Jan 14 1992 23:13 | 21 |
| Also, don't forget to include the $2.05/day surtax charged by the State of
Florida on all car rentals in the state. This is the same for all rental
companies, so it shouldn't matter in the comparisons, unless some
companies quote you prices with the surtax and other (the majority) without.
The Avis agent I first spoke to was kind enough to volunteer the information.
I think only one other agent volunteered the information; not even the Avis
agent I spoke to when I actually booked it (although perhaps I was asking
different questions then).
I have a AAA coupon good for a free upgrade with Avis. The catch is
that Avis puts a line of 2-door full size cars in between the mid-sized
and 4-door
full size cars, and it starts with mid-sized cars (you can't upgrade a
compact to a mid-size). If there are only two of you, so that you
don't care about
it being a 2-door car, you may want to check this out. (I want it mostly
so that I can get cruise control, since I'll be driving between Orlando
and south Florida.)
Gary
|
| 38.115 | AAA/AVIS Special of $69/weekly thru 3/31/92 | BROKE::LUND | | Wed Jan 15 1992 09:39 | 15 |
|
Peter,
I'd suggest calling the AAA AVIS number again. I don't have it in
my office today; but there is a special offered to AAA members
thru March 31, 1992. The RATE advertised in the latest AAA magazine
is $69/weekly. The code in the AAA magazine
was KA. For the time in March we are going they said they didn't
have anymore of the $69/weekly specials. We could get a $89/weekly
rate, with each additional day at $9.
I'll bring the magazine in tomorrow for more info if you need it.
- Annie
|
| 38.116 | I chose the AAA Avis rate. | WECROW::HILL | Peter | Thu Jan 16 1992 08:23 | 16 |
| I booked the AAA Avis rate later that evening. I had to stop procrastinating.
re .113 yes I agree, I'll check my credit cards and insurance, Although I
think my insurance only insures a rental if I'm renting it to replace a car
being repaired, I'd like to be surprised.
re .114, thanks for the warning on the surcharge, and although we are a family
of 4, a 2 door would be fine as both our cars are 2 doors.
re .115 I think the $69/week rate is for a compact and expires just before we
leave, I've found very little is cheap during the school break. I think a
compact would be a bit small anyway, especially if it's the metro in the add.
Thanks for all the advice, I'd be lost without this conference.
Peter (leaving 4 weeks from tomorrow)
|
| 38.117 | | TOKLAS::feldman | Larix decidua, var. decify | Thu Jan 16 1992 09:01 | 26 |
| By the way, on a slightly different car rental subject:
GM, in cooperation with Avis, AAA, and the City of Orlando, is running a
consumer test of a computer navigation system called TravTek during 1992.
The cars are all 2-door Olds Toranodoes, the weekly rate is $149 (which
is about
normal for a car in this class), and you have to agree to fill out
appropriate survey forms.
The navigation system has a database of maps, restaurants, and attractions
in Orlando, covering about a 1200 square mile area. You can look up a
restaurant, have the car phone autodial them so you can make reservations, and
then have the map system display the route. You can choose the fastest
route (in its opinion), or you can exclude interstates or toll roads. As
you drive, it shows you the next turn you need to make; after you make the
turn, it automatically moves on to the next segment of the route. If you
make a wrong turn, you can ask it to replot a route.
I have no idea how well this works, but we'll find out, as I'm already
confirmed for our trip to MagiCon around Labor Day (and we don't even
have hotel reservations yet).
If you're interested, contact your local AAA office. I'm not sure, but I think
it's restricted to AAA members.
Gary
|
| 38.118 | Full size large enough? | STAR::DCARR | Guru: a 4-letter word to Amiga owners | Tue Apr 28 1992 23:37 | 19 |
| Am curious what size vehicle larger families rent (actually am more
interested in trunk space). I've booked a full size car for our family
of 5 which also equates to 5 pieces of luggage. A full size car from
Avis (from whom we're renting) is a Grand Prix. Ditto for National,
though they also rent Chevy Luminas and in some instances, Dodge Dynastys.
Budget claims Ford Taurus.
I've been to the local Pontiac dealer to size up the trunk. Doesn't
look all that huge, and even though we'll only have 2 trips to and
from the airport with all the luggage, I don't think the kids will
relish the thought of riding with suitcases on their laps should it
not all fit in the trunk. What's the largest for trunk space for the
above vehicles? I may just make another trip to the dealer with
luggage in hand, but thought I'd ask anyway.
BTW, prices from all three (Avis & Budget w/ DEC discount and National
with MKC discount) were similar for 7 days - ~$129.
-Dom
|
| 38.119 | Easy for me to say; Dad paid the rental... | SWAM1::STERN_TO | Tom Stern -- Have TK, Will Travel | Wed Apr 29 1992 19:49 | 18 |
| re: -.1
When our family went in January there we five full-grown adults
(two of whom are skinny, and to of whom [including me] are definitely
NOT), and a small (for her age) teenage girl (my niece). So there was
lots of luggage.
My father decided, wisely enough, to go with two cars (even though
we all packed into a Grand Prix for the day trip to NASA), figuring
despite the luggage, that many people, not staying on property, there
might be a problem getting a concensus as to when to leave, what to
see, where to go; so it saved a whole bunch of ego to have a second
car.
As it was, I still dropped them off at the hotel and went back a
coupleo of times.
tom
|
| 38.120 | | TECRUS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Wed Apr 29 1992 20:15 | 14 |
| When we rent a car, we usually get a full size for my family of 5.
Three are kids, but we usually go down for 2 weeks or longer so we
bring a fair amount of luggage. We each have a duffel bag (big ones)
and plus we usually pack an extra big suitcase (3 suiter), plus a
carry-on bag and a camcorder case.
The only way we get by is because of the duffel bags. They can squeeze
into every little nook and cranny. However, it still does not all fit
and the kids end up with something under their feet and my wife usually
has something up front with her.
You might want to consider getting a minivan. It will cost extra but
will give you plenty of space. Last summer, the cheapest rate that I
could find was about $185/week. See .94 for more details.
|
| 38.121 | A minivan should do it... | STAR::DCARR | Guru: a 4-letter word to Amiga owners | Wed Apr 29 1992 22:04 | 14 |
| Re: -.1, -.2
A trip to the local Pontiac dealer with our two largest pieces of
luggage in hand confirmed that not even those two pieces would fit
in the trunk of the Grand Prix! (The family would have been *real*
pleased with me, I'm sure :-) I think the sales person was as
surprised as I was. So, after a few calls to other rental companies
for larger vehicles, we're now renting a minivan (Pontiac TransSport
or Chevy Lumina APV) with National. For those interested, the price
is $155 for their "Green Lot Special", which includes "preferential"
free parking at WDW. There's a difference in pennies between this and
the MKC discounted rate.
-Dom
|
| 38.122 | Seven in party - multiple drivers | VOGON::KAPPLER | Spontaneity is fine in it's place.... | Mon Jun 01 1992 06:41 | 12 |
| a follow-on question to the previous, from another questioner!
Can you get seven people in these Vans (5 adults and 2 kids)?
If not, what would be best for that size of party?
And also, my eldest son is 21. Would he be allowed to drive a rental in
the US?
Tnks,
JK
|
| 38.123 | | SALEM::BERUBE_C | Where do you think you are? WDW!! | Mon Jun 01 1992 07:58 | 23 |
| Rep to <<< Note 38.122 by VOGON::KAPPLER "Spontaneity is fine in it's place...." >>>
> Can you get seven people in these Vans (5 adults and 2 kids)?
Yes most Mini-Van can accomadate 7-8 people, their luggage however is
another story. If it's an Extended version most of the luggage will
probably fit behind the back bench seat, with the rest under the back
seat is on the soft side.
> If not, what would be best for that size of party?
2 car's ;^( or a large station wagon might do though it could get
cramped. Not sure if they rent large vans, didn't notice any at the
Alamo lot while stuck in the traffic jam.
> And also, my eldest son is 21. Would he be allowed to drive a rental in
> the US?
You must be 25 years or older to rent from the major companies.
Spouse's are usually free while non imediate family members was an
extra $10 for Avis if I remember correctly.
Claude
|
| 38.124 | No Rent, but can he Drive it? | VOGON::KAPPLER | Spontaneity is fine in it's place.... | Thu Jun 04 1992 04:26 | 8 |
| Thanks Claude.
I understand you need to be 25 to rent, but would a 21 year old be
allowed to drive on my rental?
(I suspect the bad news, but would like a definitive answer.)
JK
|
| 38.125 | I think you need to be 25 to drive | BUSY::TBUTLER | | Thu Jun 04 1992 09:16 | 3 |
| My understanding is that you have to be 25 to drive the cars also.
Tom
|
| 38.126 | check out the Avis DEC rate. | SALEM::BERUBE_C | Where do you think you are? WDW!! | Thu Jun 04 1992 09:32 | 13 |
| Rep to <<< Note 38.124 by VOGON::KAPPLER "Spontaneity is fine in it's place...." >>>
> I understand you need to be 25 to rent, but would a 21 year old be
> allowed to drive on my rental?
typicaly rent/Drive is the same 25 years, but hmmm I got to thinking
and did a VTX TRAVEL and checked the AVIS contract and loo and behold
Employees must be 18 or older to rent using the corporate rate. So
maybe if you use Avis your son might be able to drive as well. Maybe a
phone call/letter to Avis will confirm? go into VTX TRAVEL and check
it out for addresses/tel # for Avis and Budget..
Claude
|
| 38.127 | Under 25 is an insurance risk | UTOPIA::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Thu Jun 04 1992 16:18 | 7 |
| RE: .124
� I understand you need to be 25 to rent, but would a 21 year old be
� allowed to drive on my rental?
I believe that under-25 people can drive, at extra cost.
|
| 38.128 | Problem solved.... | VOGON::KAPPLER | Spontaneity is fine in it's place.... | Fri Jun 05 1992 04:58 | 16 |
| Tnks for all the info and advice. For reference I checked with Avis
and:
If my spouse is under 25 (I should be so ...!), they can drive on the
Digital Contract. But my son can't. I'm still not certain this is
absolute, but gave up pushing it when I found out .....
As my son is a member of an auto club (the Royal Automobile Club to be
exact) who also have a contract with Avis allowing drivers 18 and
upwards, he can show his membership card and will be allowed to be an
additional driver on my (Digital) agreement).
I can just imagine trying to explain all this when I collect the car
from the Agent in Orlando!!
JK
|
| 38.129 | Refused Alt Driver | FSOA::HLEINONEN | | Thu Jun 11 1992 11:25 | 17 |
|
Just a word of caution ... something else to check in to...
Last year my girlfriend and I went to Orlando and rented
an Avis car. The car was reserved in her name, under her
credit card. When we asked to have both names put on as
drivers they refused mine cause I didn't have a credit card
with me! I had a valid license, am 25+, and have credit
cards, just didn't bring them. They would only place her
name on as driver and cautioned us against an accident with
me behind the wheel!
You may need to ask a few more questions...
Heidi
|
| 38.130 | RENT A CAR! | CUPMK::JETTE | | Fri Aug 07 1992 16:33 | 14 |
| This was my only mistake in planning this trip.
I SHOULD HAVE RENTED A CAR!
I will NEVER go to WDW again without RENTING A CAR!
It is worth the $125 - $200 you'll pay!
I made HDDR by the skin of my teeth due to the lack of adequate
transportation to FW from the CBR. That's only one example. I have a
few more that will be in my trip report.
Kathy
|
| 38.131 | Car Rental: Necessary?? | CSC32::DUBOIS | Love | Mon Aug 17 1992 18:33 | 16 |
| Is a car rental really necessary?
If we go in April, we will have 2 adults, a 5 year old, and a 6 month old.
We plan to stay onsite at a Disney resort, and not leave except for a
trip (for at least 1 adult) to the Space Center (or whatever it is; you can
tell I'm not the adult who is interested). :-}
I would think that Disney would have a tram/shuttle/transportation from the
airport to the World and back. *Don't* they?
I thought I also read here (somewhere!) about transportation to the
(space center place). Does that exist?
Is a car rental necessary?
Carol (in Colorado)
|
| 38.132 | see earlier replies, and topic 62.* and 87.* | SALEM::BERUBE_C | Where do you think you are? WDW!! | Tue Aug 18 1992 07:54 | 34 |
| Rep to <<< Note 38.131 by CSC32::DUBOIS "Love" >>>
Carol,
>Is a car rental really necessary?
I think I'll leave this one to Kathy jette to answer in her up coming
trip report ;^).
Actually a car is not necessary, as long as you plan yourself around
the fact that you don't have the convenience of a personal car and will
be travelling according to a bus schedule. Depending on which hotel
your staying at and which park you wish to visit a car will take you
there faster than the WDW BUS's/Monorail/Ferry and visa versa.
>I would think that Disney would have a tram/shuttle/transportation from the
>airport to the World and back. *Don't* they?
No Disney does not provide a shuttle, however there is a limo/shuttle
available from the airport to your hotel at WDW see topic 62 for the
latest on this.
>I thought I also read here (somewhere!) about transportation to the
>(space center place). Does that exist?
Hmm not sure, it's posible that a sightseeing co does this from the
Orlando are but if not, you can always rent a National car from the
Care Care Center in WDW and they will pick you up at the hotel lobby.
>Is a car rental necessary?
No, but I would/will be renting on all future trips.
Claude
|
| 38.133 | | SALEM::PAGLIARULO_G | Reality is a cosmic hunch | Tue Aug 18 1992 09:02 | 15 |
| Carol,
We've always rented a car when we go to WDW but then we also always
make trips outside the park to other attractions. We also use it for
shopping since we stay in Fort Wilderness and can cook. I've never
once used the car inside the park (except for last trip to go take a
look at the new outlying hotels). Personally I like riding the in-park
transportation.
I think that if I knew I was going to stay in the park for the whole
time I would not rent a car or maybe rent one at the airport and turn it
in at the park. If you need one to get to Kennedy Space Center you
could always rent one for a day.
George
|
| 38.134 | Kathy & Jim the FLoor is YOurs | VISUAL::SCOPA | I'd rather be in Orlando | Tue Aug 18 1992 11:13 | 15 |
| Carol,
I'm gonna let Kathy tell you WHY she will tell you go with the car
rental.
Maybe Jim can tell you (unless he already has) what he found out about
cars vs WDW transportation.
* * *
I hope we're not sending out mixed messages. Depending upon how long
you stay, your plans, where you stay, and other factors...you may very
well not need a car.
Mike
|
| 38.135 | I haven't needed a car | FDCV14::YOUNG | Steve Young DDD/M16 DTN 264-4335 | Tue Aug 18 1992 11:44 | 24 |
| Carol,
The last 3 times I have gone down it has been in my own car. The first time
we used the car to go off-site to places like Sea World, Cypress Gardens,
Kennedy Space Center, shopping, etc.
The second time we used it once to pick up some neighbors at the airport and
drive them to the Contemporary. (They were going to use the Mears shuttle, but
we offered to pick them up. In return they watched our kids one night so Kathy
and I could go out. Now I remember, that was the second time we used it that trip.
Kathy and I went to Rosi O'Grady's in downtown Orlando.)
The third time was this last April. The car didn't move from the time we arrived
until we left. I had intended to use the car to get to some of the remote areas,
and also to check out the handicapped parking situation for a trip we are
planning in November, but the WDW bus transportation was just so convenient, we
couldn't pass it up. Also decided that we will probably use the bus
transportation in November when we will have two wheelchairs to worry about.
If you don't plan on going off property for anything other than the space center,
I wouldn't bother getting a car for the entire time. Just rent one for the day to
go to Kennedy.
Steve 78_days_to_go_to_my_second_trip_this_year
|
| 38.136 | convenient YES - time effective ??? | SALEM::BERUBE_C | Where do you think you are? WDW!! | Tue Aug 18 1992 12:36 | 7 |
| Oh I'm not saying that the WDW Bus's aren't convenient or cost
effective, I'm just saying that in some instances determined on where
your staying/going, using the Bus's may not be the most effective use
of your vacation time and using your car/rental is. (I'll let Kathy's
trip report elaborate more on this)
Claude
|
| 38.137 | Depends...... | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Tue Aug 18 1992 14:15 | 22 |
|
The other point to consider is that if you are staying somewhere like
the CBR, driving to MGM and EPCOT and getting to gate usually
takes less time than it takes for the bus to get to the bus stop (at
least this is how we experienced it).
Also, with a resort id, parking is free so no big deal to use it.
We found that coming out of a park at closing time produced horrible
bus waits, and with our own car we could be back to the room in
just a few minutes.
The only thing that has ever REALLY peeved me about Disney World
parking is when you move from one lot to the other in the early evening
and they insist on waving you into a far out parking space, when there
are open spaces up front........! I know Disney has it's reasons,
and maybe there is even a way around this that I haven't paid attention
to.
Anyway, for us we like having a car, but have done without on REALLY
tight budgeted trips where the $130 could be better spent.
--Bert (returning to the World mid May 93)
|
| 38.138 | To rent or Not to rent | IMTDEV::GULLIKSEN | Longing to be at WDW | Thu Aug 20 1992 17:54 | 26 |
| To rent a car or not...
In 1989, I stayed at the CBR. I was travelling with two children
(ages 7 and 9). We tried the bus and decided to take the car.
When you ride the bus at peak times, it may be standing room only.
I think the kids were a little uncomfortable with standing up and
all the strangers.
Last year, I stayed at the PO. We rode the bus most of the time.
The waits were generally not very long. Also everyone I was
travelling with was an adult. There is one major drawback to
using the buses. If you are going to the theme parks, everything
is great. The buses stop at the hotels (this may mean multiple
stops) and then goes straight to the theme parks. However, if
you need to travel between hotels, then you will have to transfer.
We went to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Polynesian Revue which are
not at a theme park. Also the trip was in the fall so the Magic
Kingdom was closed. In order to get the PO, we had to take the bus
to Pleasure Island and then wait for the PO bus. The wait at PI
was always much longer than the wait to get to the parks.
Will I use the bus transportation again? Yes. My next trip will
probably be in 1998. (I just had a baby and want to wait until
he is older.) I'm not planning on renting a car. But alot can
happen in six years.
|
| 38.139 | Get the car.... | PHDVAX::JMCGLINCHEY | | Thu Aug 20 1992 19:11 | 13 |
| Florida is probably the cheapest place to rent a car. I have stayed at
almost every resort now and the bus transportation is good, but...
There is nothing like going where you want to, when you want to.
Especially when you want to get from one resort to the other without
going either to TTC or PI or some other transfer site. If you stay in
a place with a kitchen (like FW trailers, which are great, or the
villas) then it's a great experience to go outside WDW to see what is
around. If you have small (under 3 years) kids, then the car can be a
blessing late at night. Also, if you are staying on property and want
to just sneak over to MK to see the fireworks or the parade, then drive
over to the Contemporary, park there and walk right over to the main
gate. No monorail, no buses. I've never been hassled when I do this,
but I have heard of other who got questioned.
|
| 38.143 | HOW DID YOU FIND IT.....DRIVING I MEAN | PEKING::BAREFIELDA | JACK CHARLTON IS DESPICABLE | Mon Nov 16 1992 13:22 | 9 |
|
How do most of you non-Americans find driving on the other
side of the road in Florida, do you find that you take straight
to it or do did you find it a nightmare. I'm going on the 28th
of may for three weeks and would like some info on what you
thought.....
Andy..B
|
| 38.144 | DRIVING ON THE RIGHT'S OK....BUT... | TRUCKS::EVANS_W | Spread a little happiness..... | Mon Nov 16 1992 14:09 | 43 |
| RE : -< HOW DID YOU FIND IT.....DRIVING I MEAN >-
Driving on the "right" side of the road was no problem. It takes about five
minutes to adjust.
H O W E V E R !
We must have spent about 6 hours in total either on the wrong highway, or going
in the wrong direction, or totally lost!
1. The road signs don't always give you a lot of time to change lanes and you
can easily end up on the exit road when you don't want to be, or vice versa.
2. The roads run either North/South or East/West which should be easy except
where roads cross! e.g. in England, you are driving along a road and, say,
Rhubabrb Street is on your left and Blah-blah Street is on your right...
...therefore you know which way you are going in relation to the map.
In Florida, you are driving along say, International Drive, and Orange Blossom
Trail is both on your left AND on your right...therefore you know where you are
but you have no idea which way you are going!!
3. Once you realise you're on the wrong road or going the wrong way, it ain't
always easy to get off. There are no over-the-motorway roundabouts to enable
you to turn in the other direction. Sometimes you panic to get off a road
and the exit leads you to yet another Interstate you didn't want to be on...
I advise you to take a compass and follow your noses. At one point, we had to
use the position of the sun to establish if we were going East or West!!!
The good thing is that you can do U-turns on the town roads - this got us out
of a lot of trouble.
By the way, I'm not criticising the U.S. road system - you have MANY excellent
driving advantages over there - I'm just highlighting the problems we had!
Any advice on the above will be appreciated for my next visit....which, I hope,
will not be too long.
May I take this opportunity to say that America was the most wonderful place
I've ever been. We felt so welcome there that the Caribbean Cruise we took
afterwards was a bit of a let-down!
Wendy
x
|
| 38.140 | Car prices..on Rentals. | JUPITR::MJUBINVILLE | | Mon Nov 16 1992 15:31 | 16 |
|
Car Rentals
Two notes before this one saying that car rental is about 120.00 a week
for a subcompact, is this correct? I asked for prices when I called the
airport where I got my tickets and they said 200.00 for subcompact and
275.00 for sports car. Is it cheaper to get a car down in florida as
soon as you get there? I do not want to wait in line for hours, and do
you get a selection of cars to choose from? I am getting a sports car
and I would not mind paying cheaper if I can.
Can anyone help on these prices? or is there a phone number I can call
down in florida to reserve a car that I want and cheaper than what I
already reserved?
Mike
|
| 38.141 | | KAOOA::LAVIGNE | | Mon Nov 16 1992 15:51 | 15 |
| When you say sports car what exactly do you mean. I paid about 270
per/week a few years back for a convertible. As for 200 for a
subcompact you are definately better off renting down there. Typical
prices for subcompacts are under 100 to about 120. Unless you are
going in Peak season then I wouldn't worry too much about waiting. I
have always gone off season and have never spent more than 15 minutes
at the rental office.
regards,
JP.
A sports car sounds nice, my wife rented me a Miata for my last Birthday
and it was a blast driving around all day with the top down.
|
| 38.145 | Why IS that guy waving his fist? | SHAWB2::BATTYM | Der Machinen Goin Floomy Floomy! | Tue Nov 17 1992 04:25 | 28 |
| Re .60, .61
I agree, it takes only a few minutes to adjust to driving on the other
side of the road (having the steering wheel on the other side almost
forces you into it automatically).
There are some things however that you do need more time to get used
to.
Filter Right On Red. A great idea, and one which we could usefully
adopt.
Signs and Lights suspended over the lanes, not at the side of the road.
Tossing change with your left hand at Toll Booths.
Fortunately, from the airport into Orlando and WDW, you have a good
stretch of 'Motorway' to get used to driving on the right with an
automatic and air conditioning controls to adjust.
Final Warnings. Make careful note of where you park and what you are
driving. Once, after a shop at Goodings, it took 10 minutes to find our
car amongst all the other white, rental, Chevy Cavaliers.
Also, when you crawl into the car for an early start and find someone's
nicked the steering wheel - DON'T PANIC - just get out and try the
other side!!!
Mike B.
|
| 38.146 | | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Wed Nov 18 1992 11:16 | 15 |
| I found that car prices have gone up quite a bit. I've been to FL
4 times this year (3 at WDW) and found that at least with full size
cars. I had to REALLY shop around. I expected about a 119/week rate
and most were in the 190/week range...up to 220. I finally (after
about 20 calls...using every discount possible) found a 119 rate
through Alamo using the Orlando Magicard (sent to me by the visitors
bureas).
It must be the state of the ecconomy or something :-(
-Jay
PS: get a car...I use both the WDW transportation and the car depending
on what we are doing.
|
| 38.142 | | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Wed Nov 18 1992 11:36 | 12 |
| I just entered a note in the disney transportation note regarding this
topic...if I get a chance later I will xpost it.
the best price that I could find for a full size car was with the
orlando magiccard ...using the discount number BY254026 thru
Alamo...this is after about 20+ calls (some of couse multiple calls to
the same vendor...using different discounts).
I did not not have to show the car when I got to Alamo.
-Jay
|
| 38.147 | Prices have escalated! | NC1701::JOHNSON | Phil Johnson DTN 293-5125 | Wed Nov 18 1992 12:44 | 10 |
| I don't know what's going on Florida as far as rental cars go, but I
have been watching the prices skyrocket for the past 5 months. Last
year you could pick up an economy car in 'off season' for as little as
$50 to $70, and winter rates were $75 to $99.
This year, 'off season' was $75 to $90, and right now, economy
(the cheapest) cars are $119 to $150. This is in the second string
companies like Value, Alamo, Dollar etc... The first string companies
(Avis, Hertz etc) want real gold or your first born...
Phil
|
| 38.148 | Car Rental Prices W/Extras | WFOV12::CERVONE | | Wed Nov 18 1992 13:01 | 12 |
| Yeh I agree this year I went down in August and at Alamo it cost me
$117.00 for a compact with a full tank of gas. Which reminds me I have
benn down to WDW three times now and the first time I didnt get a car I
used the shuttles. Even though we spent all our time at WDW it would
have been cheaper to rent a car.
One other question when you rent a car how do you handle all the extras
they want to pawn off on you like Ins., Upgrade for just $20.00 or more,
the full tank of gas. The only think I've ever gone for is the full
tank of gas.
Frank
|
| 38.149 | Alamo rental re: .146 | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Wed Nov 18 1992 23:30 | 12 |
| re: my note in .146
the Orlando Card that I wrote about is from:
Official Visitor Information Center
8445 International Dr.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-5874
The exact current rate for a full size car is 119.96/wk +27.20 /extra
day.
|
| 38.150 | | WONDER::REILLY | Sean Reilly DTN 293-5983 | Thu Nov 19 1992 10:41 | 15 |
|
Prices are indeed skyrocketing.
We always drive to WDW from Mass. and we always rent a car to do it (so
we can keep the wear/miles off our car and get a/c). When we went this
year, we were shocked!
There was a pretty good article in Business Week about the reasons.
Basically, because the Big 3 auto makers are doing so bad, the perks
and discounts and stuff they've been giving to their respective rental
agencies (each rental agency is tied to a certain manufacturer) have
been less; thus the rental agencies are passing on the cost of doing
business to the consumer.
- Sean
|
| 38.151 | Renting to Drive | AUDIBL::SCOPA | I'd rather be in Orlando | Thu Nov 19 1992 11:31 | 6 |
| Sean,
Do you mind if I ask how much it cost you to rent a car to drive down
to Orlando? How long did you hod the car and what kind of car was it?
Mike
|
| 38.152 | | WONDER::REILLY | Sean Reilly DTN 293-5983 | Sat Nov 21 1992 22:57 | 32 |
|
re. Mike:
Well, the best deals I could find with the "brand names" were in the
$180/week (Hertz) to $189/week range for a midrange car (Cavalier,
Tempo, etc.) If you needed it for any extra days over even weeks, it
was about $47/day. These were with AAA discounts and included
unlimited mileage but did not include collision/damage waivers.
Compacts were about $10/week less. I used the car for 2 weeks even.
I used to be able to swing deals that ended up costing me on the
order of $13/day for my entire trip rather than $25/day. I believe
there are "specials" that go on, but apparantly not when I went this
year. Sometimes I've finagled upgrades due to unavailability (got
a Grand Am when we rented a Prism). This year I managed a Thunderbird
for $1/day extra when I rented a Tempo (they didn't have the Tempo
cleaned).
One thing I've noticed is that years ago the Alamo's and Enterprise's
were giving the best rates. They are not now, not by a long shot.
Enterprise is not even offering unlimited mileage (obviously a must
for us :^) ) anymore. You might also want to consider their policy
on travelling out of state. I use the ignore method: I don't ask
them if I can go out of state, and they don't ask me if I'm going.
Contract fine-print might state something about it, but I just take
my chances. So far, no one has questioned me about an inordinate
amount of mileage for two weeks...
I think there are plenty of locally-owned rental places that are giving
better rates, also, but, like I said, I wasn't looking at these.
- Sean
|
| 38.153 | FL Rental Companies Do Background Checks on Drivers | LJOHUB::GOLDBERG | Len, I Own a Piece of the Magic | Fri Dec 04 1992 15:56 | 59 |
|
MIAMI (UPI) -- Florida rental car companies are doing background
checks on drivers and anyone with a suspended or revoked license won't
be able to lease a vehicle.
Hertz Rent A Car has been the most aggressive company so far, the
Miami Herald reported Friday. It now runs a computer check on the
license of any Floridian before renting a car to that person.
The company does a more extensive check of the driving records of New
Yorkers, both at home and when they visit Florida, the newspaper
reported.
Through a company called TML Information Services it can access more
information on New York drivers than merely a listing of licenses that
have been suspended or revoked.
If the New York record shows a recent drunken driving conviction or a
rash of accidents, Hertz will deny the rental.
National Car Rental also is using the program and Avis and other
rental companies are expected to follow suit.
The companies will do more complete background checks on Florida
drivers, similar to ones done for New Yorkers, when the computer
technology becomes available from the Florida Department of Highway
Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The state agency was expected to decide Monday whether to proceed
with the updated system under a contract with TML.
``The new system would provide them with a full driver history -- all
the accidents, convictions and speeding tickets for the last three years
or the last seven years,'' said Randy Esser of the state department.
The cost of the service is $2 for a three-year history or $3 for a
seven-year history.
While rental companies contend the background check system will help
rid the roads of bad drivers there is also a financial consideration.
Each year rental companies pay millions of dollars to settle lawsuits
under vicarious liability laws, which state the owner of a car is
legally responsible for whatever damage is done by the car's driver.
Florida and New York are among a number of states that have such laws.
Under a vicarious law an accident victim can sue a rental company if
the driver of a rental car caused the accident.
In Florida one such accident occured on Alligator Alley. Two British
sailors were killed and a third was injured when their Alamo rental car
crashed. The family sued Alamo Rent A Car and in 1989 won a $7.7 million
verdict.
Rental car companies said their biggest problems come in New York and
Hertz officials said in 1988, 1989 and 1990 the company's liability in
New York alone cost more than $70 million.
Hertz reported it has rejected about 10 percent of drivers who
undergo the driving history check. Accidents involving the company's
rental cars in New York have declined 50 percent.
``It's amazing how many people are out there without valid driver's
licenses,'' said Michael Olsen of National.
Jerry Cheske, spokesman for the American Automobile Association, said
the travel agency does not challenge the right of rental companies to
make the background checks.
Cheske said, however, consumers should be fully informed on the
criteria used to refuse a rental.
``Then they don't get caught in a situation where they go to rent the
car and are refused because of something they considered minor,'' Cheske
said. ``To get a turndown when you're not expecting it can create a
difficult situation.''
|
| 38.154 | Have rates gone UP?! | QETOO::SCARDIGNO | God is my refuge | Mon Jan 04 1993 08:47 | 6 |
| Anyone renting a car in February? I just called Budget, which
had a rate of ~$51 per week last April for a sub-compact, and
now their rate was $173/week! She told me the rates haven't
been the same since hurricane Andrew. Anyone else heard this?
Steve
|
| 38.155 | Been mentioned recently | CADSYS::FLEECE::RITCHIE | Elaine Kokernak Ritchie | Mon Jan 04 1993 15:22 | 6 |
| re: .154
Go back and read .150. It doesn't really have to do with Hurricane Andrew, but
mostly the American automobile industry.
Elaine, who is not looking forward to such a rental charge in March.
|
| 38.156 | Who's the cheapest? | QETOO::SCARDIGNO | God is my refuge | Mon Jan 04 1993 15:52 | 20 |
| re: .150
> There was a pretty good article in Business Week about the reasons.
> Basically, because the Big 3 auto makers are doing so bad, the perks
> and discounts and stuff they've been giving to their respective rental
> agencies (each rental agency is tied to a certain manufacturer) have
> been less; thus the rental agencies are passing on the cost of doing
> business to the consumer.
So, what agencies are NOT tied to a Big 3 automaker?
Any tied to foreign automakers?
Whose got the best rate?
I called National, also. They wanted $148.95/week
($36.95/day) for subcompact, and you can get a 10% MKC
discount, too.
Steve
|
| 38.157 | I went with National | ILUVIT::GOLDMAN | Lifetime Piling Up | Tue Jan 05 1993 10:49 | 8 |
| I'm renting one this week (tomorrow actually - yay!), and went
with National. I had checked Avis and Hertz as well. I reserved
it a few weeks ago, don't remember now what the exact rate was,
but it sounds like it's close to what you found. A week before it
had been slightly cheaper, but I didn't reserve it (dumb, dumb!)
cuz I wasn't *positive* about the plans.
amy
|
| 38.158 | might as well go Digital | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Tue Jan 05 1993 11:39 | 10 |
|
re:.154
if that price was the best you could do ($173) might as
well go with the Digital weekly rate at Avis and get
the extra insurance thrown in. Check vtx travel for
the Avis rates, good for personal travel if you give
them the corporate account number.
--bert
|
| 38.159 | Yup it's real expensive now. Cars cost $$$$$ | SSDEVO::RMCLEAN | | Tue Jan 05 1993 14:13 | 3 |
| re.-1
Right. I got AVIS $289 for two weeks on DEC corporate rate. Hertz was $400.
|
| 38.160 | Maybe yes, maybe no | CSTEAM::STEINHARDT | | Tue Jan 05 1993 17:34 | 7 |
| The last time that I compared rates I did better with the MKC discount
off of the National quoted rate than I did with the DEC AVIS corproate
discount.
Cheers,
Ken
|
| 38.161 | Best I could do..... | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Wed Jan 06 1993 11:35 | 8 |
|
I made a car reservation for my trip May 29-June 6 and after
7 calls came up with the lowest 8 day rate from Avis using
the Orlando MagicCard..........$147 for a compact. Other quotes
ranged from 200 to 165 for compacts. The Digital rate was
$177 (but it incudes the CDW in the price).
--bert
|
| 38.162 | $177??? | ISEQ::BENO | | Thu Jan 07 1993 08:48 | 20 |
| These are the current rates for AVIS as listed in VTX Travel under car
rentals. I don't understand AVIS quoting $177 for a compact unless
with all the TFSO's the VTX people have not updated the rates.
These rates include free CDW for all personal and business rentals.
Daily Weekly Monthly
Car Group Rate Rate Rate
---------------------- ------ ------- -------
A - Subcompact $29.50 $147.50 $531.00
B - Compact 29.50 147.50 531.00
C - Intermediate 32.50 162.50 585.00
D - Full Size (2-door) 34.00 170.00 612.00
E - Full Size (4-door) 35.00 175.00 630.00
F - Wagons 39.50 197.50 711.00
G - Premium 48.50 242.50 873.00
V - Mini-Van 48.00 240.00 864.00
|
| 38.163 | Why tax the voting locals when you can get the tourists? | SWAM1::STERN_TO | Tom Stern -- Have TK, Will Travel | Thu Jan 07 1993 10:56 | 8 |
| re: -.1
Don't blame the VTX people. The AVIS rates are only cover how much
AVIS will colllect from the renter for the week. I have a feeling the
amount quoted was the final amount which includes Florida's
relatively-high "tourist tariffs".
tom
|
| 38.164 | $177 was the standard digital rate for 8 days.. | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Thu Jan 07 1993 11:32 | 17 |
|
re: -.1, -.2
read my note carefully....I needed 8 days on the rental and I WAS
getting the Digital rate at $177
$147.50/week + $29.50 extra day == $177 for eight days
Unfortunately the HIGH Florida taxes aren't represented in this
price.
I was able to beat this rate with the Orlando MagiCard
discount which offered me a compact rate of $18.50/day over the 8 days
(~$148/week). I think an earlier note in the topic told how to get a
card free by calling or writing, but I can post that info again if needed.
--bert
|
| 38.165 | | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Fri Jan 08 1993 15:59 | 22 |
| re:-.1
Can you post the Orlando Magic card discount number for Alamo.
When I was there in November, I was running into all the same problem that
everyone is talking about.
What I would be interested in is if a similar rate structure is still
in place. I posted this before...but the best deal that I could find for a
*mid size car* from anything '*non-orlando magic card*'...but using
about every other discount under the sun...was between 185.00 and 245.00, I also
had coupons to upgrade this to a full size car.
The orlando magic card *ONLY* at Alamo...got me to something like 119.00 for
the *full size car* rate.
I've been wanting to post the number so that people can get the rates...but
I've seemed to have lost the card and the discount book that goes with it.
Thanks
Jay
|
| 38.166 | MAGICARD INFO | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Fri Jan 08 1993 17:22 | 28 |
|
looks like they are using a 900 number to get the postage fees
out of you.......I got mine indirectly through my Dad who travels
to Orlando all the time. I assume he picked it up there somewhere
because he's not the 900 pay call type.
1-900-89MAGIC (on the brochure claims $2.95 for a 2 minute call)
There is an address it claims is for non-US residents...wouldn't
hurt to try if the $2.95 is too steep for you:
O/OCCVB Orlando Magicard
P.O. Box 690355
Orlando, FLA 32869
O/OCCVB == Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Burea
BTW, you get a whole brochure pack with the card that tells what
kind of hotel, restaurant, transportation discounts you can get and
what numbers to use to get them. There seem to be some pretty good
deals on other stuff in there too, that might make the $2.95 a good
investment.
Happy Bargain Hunting,
--Bert
|
| 38.168 | Try these discount numbers, the Alamo and AVIS prices were easily the best. | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Sat Jan 09 1993 20:22 | 37 |
| Thanks that will be useful to the people but what I meant was the
discount number that they have to get the discount price from Alamo.
I looked today for a while and FINALLY found the book....
Call Alamo and give them a try (as I stated earlier I usually use the
'other companies' but the prices were very high...I called about 20
times...sometime multiple times to the same company (I think I actually
called AVIS 10 times with different discount numbers).
Anyways I jotted down the prices in November for the Orlando Magic Card
Car Size Company Price Comment
----------------------------------------------------
Mid size AVIS 148.91 Discount number B764723
(I had a coupon for full
size upgrade)
Mid Size Hertz 231.98 Disc# CDP-ID 271354
Forget them...
Full Size Alamo 119.96 Disc # BY 254026
27.20 extra days
Each of these were weekly rates. Just call and say you'd like to make
a reservation and have a discount number...quote the number above
and you'll find the rate for the Orlando Magic Card. I didn't even
have to show the card at auto pickup.
Phone #'s:
AVIS - 800-331-1600
Hertz - 800-654-3131
Alamo - 800-354-2322
Have a good time.
-Jay
|
| 38.169 | I missed the point | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Mon Jan 11 1993 11:15 | 9 |
|
oops.......8^)
didn't realize all you wanted were the individual discount numbers.
The discount guide is still good info for 'other' discounts
on hotels and restaurants....
--bert
|
| 38.170 | Well I went window shopping.... | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Mon Jan 11 1993 12:24 | 23 |
| For instance...
I just gave them a call (I was curious)..
told them I'd be arriving Feb 5 and leaving on the 12th:
Using the discount number I gave a few notes ago:
Alamo was for a week:
$87.00 compact
$103.00 mid-size
Probably about $119 for the full size.
It is not located on the airport property (I think only Dollar, Avis
and Hertz are...possible National too). But it is a 5 minute shuttle
bus ride and there are always shuttle buses.
Good luck
-Jay
|
| 38.171 | | JUNCO::ROBROSE | | Mon Jan 11 1993 12:40 | 14 |
| It depends on your feelings with rental places like Alamo. They are
$20 - 30.00 cheaper per week than the on site rental companies but,
Alamo is a big tourist rental company and the lines can be quite long
when you do get to their rental plaza. They will almost always try to
sell you an upgrade and as much additional insurance as they can scare
you into buying. They usually include a refueling charge and tell you
to bring the car back empty! If you have a lot of luggage those
shuttle busses are no fun. I generally find that the $20.00 difference
in price cancels out with being able to return the car at the airport.
I'm glad Alamo is there because it makes the airport rental lines that
much shorter!!!!
|
| 38.172 | $69/week for subcompact, Alamo | QETOO::SCARDIGNO | God is my refuge | Mon Jan 11 1993 12:42 | 11 |
| re: .170
For another instance...
I just got $69/week +$20/day +8% airport tax + whatever other
tax they think of, from Alamo for a SUBCOMPACT (Geo Metro, I
think) at Orlando (shuttle to their location). That's with
RCI discount.
Steve
|
| 38.173 | I agree the low prices make the lines longer... | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Mon Jan 11 1993 18:19 | 37 |
| re:.171
I'm just posting this because my experience was similar in some ways, different
in others or 'status quo'. In my case on a ten day rental I got a better car
from Alamo than I would have received from all other vendors and saved over
$100.00. I guess the extra 30 minutes was worth the money to me.
I usually rent with 'Digital agreements' so I usually rent at the airport.
During this past calandar year I rented three times at the Orlando airport,
once AVIS, once Budget and once Alamo. I would agree that I had to wait
about 10 minutes longer at Alamo but that is about it. Each of the rental
companies 'introduced me' to the new way of refueling (it was not offered
November, 1991) in that you can get a cheap price if you return the car empty...
Since you pay a set price on the capacity of the tank upon return. I refuse
this...because I always return the car full....BTW the refueling charge at
each of these companies are about the same. I also find that Orlando is
a 'unique' airport in that AVIS and BUDGET have their cars right at the airport.
But even then I find the carrying of bags from the luggage return to the
bus to be about the same amount of work as carrying them downstairs to the
AVIS rental desk. (family of 5 with about 10 bags).
I just wanted to separate this out...
I haven't had a problem with Budget or AVIS with them pushing insurance...
because I have 'wizard numbers' that state that I don't want insurance. With
Alamo I did get the request for insurance...which I declined and I would also
state that they asked me how I was covered (which to me is a new question).
Anyone renting a car SHOULD KNOW the benefits of your insurance companies and
credit cards...with me I'm doubly covered by both my normal car insurance and
my credit card (as long as I use if for the rental). Before you travel and
rent a car...check these benefits.
Happy renting...come to think of it they had a 'frequent renter' club...like
the airlines. I wonder if it is free, like the airlines...this enabled you
to skip the line entirely.
-Jay
|
| 38.174 | Alamo looks pretty good | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Tue Jan 12 1993 12:17 | 20 |
| RE: .172
What's the RCI discount?
I booked and Alamo sub-compact on the magicard discount for an 8 day
rate of $90.02
breaks out like this:
$71.00 weekly rate
$22.40 extra day
$ 6.62 8% airport shuttle fee (8% of $83.40, the total rent fee)
------------
$90.02
Looks like Alamo IS the best deal.......I'll take the shuttle ride
and save the extra $60 for an EPCOT Center meal!
--Bert
|
| 38.175 | Anyone ever use Payless? | CADSYS::FLEECE::RITCHIE | Elaine Kokernak Ritchie | Tue Jan 12 1993 16:11 | 20 |
| I called every car rental place I could find Monday night (1/11/93), This
is what I found a compact from and to Orlando, March 14 - 21, 1993.
Weekly Daily 8 days Car Discount used to get price
Thrifty 189.99 29.99 229.98 Shadow
Budget 173.25 24.75 198.00 DEC rate
Hertz 153.89 38.95 192.84 AAA discount, 5%
Budget 161.00 27.00 188.00 Standard rate
National 144.86 35.96 180.82 MKC discount, 10%
Avis 145.79 30.39 176.18 AAA discount
Alamo 146.44 30.99 177.43 Cavalier
Dollar 142.45 26.99 169.44 Shadow
Payless 129.99 29.99 159.98 Escort
Value 130.46 24.26 154.71 2 dr Mirage AAA discount, 10%
Value only has one model per price category. The next category up is a 4 dr
Mirage!
Elaine
|
| 38.176 | How 'bout Florida tax? | QETOO::SCARDIGNO | God is my refuge | Wed Jan 13 1993 15:21 | 12 |
| re: .174
> What's the RCI discount?
It's a Time-sharing exchange club (Resorts Condominiums
Int'l).
Isn't there also a Florida tax on top of all that? Or is that
the airport tax?
Steve
|
| 38.177 | | CADSYS::FLEECE::RITCHIE | Elaine Kokernak Ritchie | Fri Jan 15 1993 15:36 | 16 |
| As soon as I typed in .175, I realized my info is incomplete. I need to call
the agencies back, see if they all charge the airport tax, and see what kind
of cars they each have as compacts. I'll also ask exactly who is at the airport
and who is not.
I ask the indulgence of those of you who are Orlando experts, but this might
save someone else the trouble I've been going through.
Elaine
re: .176
Florida has a 6% sales tax. The airport tax is 8%, and has something to do with
rental agencies having the right to have a lot at the airport, or to send their
shuttle vans to the airport. Then, there is a state rental car fee of $2.05 per
day on all rentals.
|
| 38.178 | Orlando Magic Card? | QETOO::LOMBARD | | Wed Jan 20 1993 15:22 | 7 |
| Can someone please direct me to what topic the Orlando Magic Card
resides in? I would like to understand what it cost, how it's procured,
etc;.
Thanks -
Gary
|
| 38.179 | | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan Rdb/xxx Engineering | Wed Jan 20 1993 16:21 | 9 |
| re:-.1
The orlando magic card is free. I don't think it has had much
discussion outside this note (starting around reply 165). You can call
the 800 number mentioned in note 38.167 to get yours and will give you
the typical types of discounts on area attractions and services.
-Jay
|
| 38.180 | Re: 38.179 | QETOO::LOMBARD | | Thu Jan 21 1993 09:21 | 5 |
| Thanks for the informantion Jay. I looked into it and found out the
800 number has changed, it's now 800-551-0181.
Gary
|
| 38.182 | | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Thu Jan 21 1993 11:46 | 11 |
| I deleted .167 since it apparantly is no longer the right number,
and to spare the 'nursery' any furthur wrong numbers.
I admit my brochure is a little old so it's possible the number
changed, but it's more possible I typoed the number. I'll have
to check it tonight since I entered the number from home and
was handling a lot of 'reservation' calling that day (although
none were for a nursery!).
the 800 number in the last reply worked fine from Colorado ( I called to
get an updated brochure)
|
| 38.183 | 800 Number ?? | QETOO::LOMBARD | | Thu Jan 21 1993 12:39 | 4 |
| Jay, I called the 800 number mentioned in my note from Massachusetts
and it worked. You get the recording asking you for your name, etc;.
Gary
|
| 38.184 | 800 number now works for me | DEWEYD::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Thu Jan 21 1993 13:37 | 5 |
|
I tried again after lunch and it worked. Thanks.
--Jay
|
| 38.186 | more on John Maze's trip report | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Tue May 25 1993 11:38 | 19 |
|
In John's trip report (newest note), I have heard something I
also heard from other folks about Alamo.
Do they give you an option on the gas business? In other words
can you just do like normal rental companies and bring the car back
full? If not, how much do they gouge you for the tank of gas, and
do you get any credit when you return it and the tank is not
empty?
Also, good tips about the upgrade as I have heard from others
that they really pour on the pressure for upgrades, insurance
and associated add ons, to the point where you could nearly
double your daily rental charge!!!
I'll definitely be on my guard when I get there and try to keep
my $90 weekly rate from growing significantly....
--bert
|
| 38.187 | common practice | ILUVNH::BADGER | One Happy camper ;-) | Tue May 25 1993 12:13 | 10 |
| Its not only Alamo that trys the upgrade scam. My wife flew down last
winter and [I think ] national tried it. She stuck to her guns through
a LOT of pressure. They 'gave' her the upgrade in the end as they
didn't want to she her driving such a small car [crock of you know
what!]. I complained to the travel agent about the car rental people,
only so that she could warn others. she in turn got my wife a 10%
discount off her rental bill for the 'overzealous agent'. In the
end she had the upgrade at 10% lower than the 'cheap car'.
ed
|
| 38.188 | I expect it always in FL and have canned answers ready. | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan - DEC Rdb, Worlds Fastest DB Engine | Tue May 25 1993 16:31 | 23 |
| I've had 'pressure' by AVIS, Budget and Alamo on one of the following:
- To buy the 'gas scam option' the idea is that you pay for the tank
of gas once and return it as empty as possible OR the usual we will
fill it for you (at $$$$/gal) OR you can return it full. - I always
take the last option....they try and push you into the first option. I
can't really remember EXACTLY how it works but basically you pay X $'s
right up front (which seems to be a reasonable price for one tank of
gas), and then you don't pay anything for gas when you return. How
they make out on this is that most returns have 1/4-3/4 of a tank of
gas in them when they are returned (and basically you have prepaid them
for some of this). [of course they don't pay for any refills you need]
- Car upgrade of x additional $'s.
- Insurance, I always refuse since my car insurance covers me for
rentals at better...but they seem to pester me each time.
The funny thing is that I have only been run into these problems in
Florida! Never with any rental in anyother location...including Europe.
-jay
|
| 38.189 | | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Tue May 25 1993 17:19 | 12 |
|
yeah, I was hoping the "bring it back full" option was still
available cause I can hear all sorts of problems with the other
ways....and I know they'll gladly refill it for you, at $3.00
a gallon!!
I've rented a lot of cars too, but never had the pressure put
on, that people keep talking about in Florida. Florida must be where
the rental companies make most of their money, so the more
add-ons the more profit == high pressure to sell these optionals.
--bert
|
| 38.190 | Prefer a full tank when I pick it up and return | FREEBE::NEARY | Bob Neary | Tue May 25 1993 23:49 | 38 |
| re: last few
There are more cars rented in Florida than in the rest of the WORLD
I've gotten the line about "it's empty now, return it empty" at Budget,
Alamo,Superior (ha! don't EVER use them). In fact, my first time there
I was told to return it empty and knew instantly that they were trying
to beat me out of whatever gas would be in it when I returned it. I
asked for directions to WDW and left in a huff They told me to take the
first "Beehive" exit - WRONG ,but now I'm on a toll road and there's no
turning back - literally state cops around - I can't do a U-turn across
the grass and - guess what - next exit 56 miles! and I'm on EEEmpty.
Of course I'm on empty - the person who had this car before me was just
as ticked off at this rent-a-car outfit as I am and wasn't going to
leave a dollar's worth of gas in the car. No cops around - U-turn
coming up. At toll booth - Ooops, lost my toll ticket - pay max toll.
Beats running out of gas 30 miles from exit with two kids in car. Nice
way to start a trip, huh ? Since then Hertz or Avis. They treat you
like real people. Car's clean and gas tank is full when you get it.
When I did get packages that included a rent-a-car (like Crimson
Travel,etc), I never paid for an upgrade but always got one. The trick
is to be nice and let others go ahead of you in line. I think the last
agaency I did this with was Superior (ha! again). After letting most of
the people on the shuttle bus go ahead of me, I get up there and
they're giving me the "Are you sure you don't want to upgrade:it's only
$x a day,etc I say "No thanks, I'll take the econo-box." I ALWAYS get a
full size car because EVERYONE gets the package that includes a little
car and there are only so many of those available. Next time you're
there, try it . Worst case: if the clerk starts filling out the
paperwork and you notice them writing GEO Metro,etc on the form, say
you've changed your mind and do want a full size. And boy,don't they
try to intimidate you into buying all that insurance ! "Are you sure?
You'll be held liable... initial here, and here, and.. all these places.
This shows that we explained that you need insurance but are denying
it." I use a Gold charge card for trip: they pay for coverage. There are
a number of these cards out there today that don't charge an annual
fee. If nothing else, get one and just use it for trips. (Mine's with
Fidelity Investments). Even if the APR is high- so what - I just use it
for rental cars. I pay the bill in full when it comes in - so 0% APR.
|
| 38.191 | option or not, trip reports didn't say either | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Wed May 26 1993 11:35 | 6 |
|
knowone ever answered whether this "bring it back empty" scam is an
option or if it is the only way that they will rent cars?
--bert
|
| 38.192 | | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan - DEC Rdb, Worlds Fastest DB Engine | Wed May 26 1993 21:49 | 5 |
| My experiences with the bring it back empty was with Budget and Alamo,
with both it is an option...that you sign for and is on your contract.
-Jay
|
| 38.185 | Next Several Notes Moved from Topic 227 | CUPMK::SCOPA | | Thu May 27 1993 10:13 | 4 |
| The following notes have been moved from topic 227 because they
specifically deal with car rentals in the Orlando area.
Mike
|
| 38.193 | Not an option at " Superior " | DABEAN::NEARY | Bob Neary | Thu May 27 1993 15:57 | 7 |
| At "Superior rent-a-car", that was how they did it. It was not an
option. I don't think they have refilling ability. (No gas pumps on
premises). So their way around it is to give it to you with whatever
gas is in it. If it has 1/2 tank when returned by previous renter (when
you pick it up), they say return it with 1/2 tank. If full they say
return it full,etc. ...
|
| 38.194 | They try to scam me when I'm not in a suit! | CSTEAM::STEINHARDT | | Thu May 27 1993 16:13 | 15 |
| At National, they offered the "bring it back empty" deal, which of
course I refused, and instead brought our minivan back filled.
re: Last few - The only place that I've ever been offered this deal is
in Orlando, and only when I'm on vacation; they've never offered this
to me when I'm there on business (visually obvious to them that I'm on
business, by the tell-tale suit, tie, and button down white shirt).
Thus, I would suggest that they are trying to scam tourists only, who
are often not as familiar with rental car policies/procedures as are
frequent business travelers.
Cheers,
Ken
|
| 38.195 | It's all over now | SWAM1::STERN_TO | Tom Stern -- Have TK, will travel! | Fri May 28 1993 02:36 | 13 |
| When I rented with Alamo (my first, last, and only time) back in '86,
"bring it back empty" was not an option; it was the only way they did
business. And they spent some hard-sell time trying to get me to
upgrade and buy insurance, until I threatened to leave if they didn't
get me the car I ordered NOW.
As far as other places offering these deals, this week I am on business
in Phoenix, and the Avis here was pushing this "great new deal" where
you only had to pay for the first tankful of gas. But while they may
have been pushing it HARD, it was only an option, which they didn't
argue with when I declined.
tom
|
| 38.196 | Receive / return it full not an option at Superior | DABEAN::NEARY | Bob Neary | Fri May 28 1993 16:56 | 30 |
| re: last few and my previous entries.
When I've encountered this gas tank full/empty "scam", it was never an
option.
For example, at SUPERIOR rent-a-car (the Crimson Travel Agency used
them in their packages deals to WDW) it went like this:
You pick up car - wherever the gas gauge is, they charge you to fill it
up and tell you to return at same level as when you receive it. So,if
when you pick up car with 1/4 tank, they charge you for 3/4 tank of gas
and say return it with 1/4. If you pick it up on 'E', they charge you
for full tank and they say "return it empty".
The price they charge for gas is -- WHO knows - whatever they feel like
charging. How about $1.50 - nice number? Ok pick up Caprice - it's
empty so if 20 gal tank, they charge 20 x $1.50 = $30.00 for gas. THIS
IS BEFORE YOU EVEN LEAVE THE PARKING LOT (I'm getting mad just
retelling this: I was very upset while there). So they charge you $30
and say return it 'empty'. I said to the clerk " I've never driven this
car before and I have to figure it's mileage and project what I'll have
in tank. I'm on vacation,pal. And no I don't want extra insurance,blah,
blah, blah." Now you have a car with an empty gas tank, and your job is
to find a station before you run out of gas. For all I know , they
ciphon any gas that was in the car into their personal cars. How would
you know ? Think about it. They charged $30 for gas. Kept the $3, and
kept the gas. Give it to you empty. Charge you another $30..... They
might be making more in gas sales than they do from renting cars.
So now if you're not going a lot of places you put $5-$10 in car. Do
whatever driving you need to do and if all goes well, you'll return it
with about 1 ounce of gas left in it. Never again. Only Avis or rtz.
|
| 38.197 | | TECRUS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Sun May 30 1993 14:31 | 16 |
| I have never had a problem with Avis, and I hope that Digital never
switches car rental companies. On average, I rent about a car per
week, always Avis. The car is always clean, usually has less than
5,000 miles. Check-out is always fast. Check-in is now instantanious
since they swithced to the new hand-held wireless computers.
They never pressure me to buy extra insurance. They always give you a
full tank of gas, and ask that you return it full. I almost always get
a free one or two class upgrade. On my last trip to Orlando (just my
daughter and I). I reserved a compact, but requested a free upgrade to
a full sized convertable (normally $11 extra/day) and the clerk was
nice enough to honor my request.
Finally, when traveling on vacation, I always shop around for the best
price. During my three last family vacations to Orlando, I have found
Avis to be least expensive option when using AAA discounts.
|
| 38.198 | Alamo worked just fine... | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Tue Jun 08 1993 11:46 | 24 |
|
back from the trip........great time, trip report hopefully done
byu the end of the week
as for rentals, Alamo was just fine. The bus ride takes no more than
5 minutes to get to the Alamo plaza. Whe I walked up to the counter
with gold card and driver's license in hand the attendant was very
professional, non-pressuring. She asked each question only once -
do you want to upgrade? do you want any insurance? do you want to
purchase a tank of gas now? No,No,No, and she never asked again.
Upon arriving at my spot in the parking lot I indeed had been upgraded
for no charge from an economy to I believe a sub-compact....Nissan
Sentra. The tank was full, and I was instucted to return it full.
The only suprise was the bill....the original $94 weekly rate was as
expected but the other $30 worth of airport fees, state taxes, and some
Florida envirnmental tax were a suprise...oh well probably the same
charges at any car rental company (excpet for the airport fee for the
bus ride).
All in all, the rate was excellent, the service was fast and efficient
and I was pleased with the experience, and still pleased with the price
as compared to the other rates I was quoted.
--Bert
|
| 38.199 | Another experience! | AYOV22::TADAIR | Why do I weep? | Thu Jul 22 1993 07:36 | 34 |
| Back from the trip .... great time . Trip reoport when time allows.
Thankfully I had read all of these notes and was aware of what lay ahead of
us.
We arrived at Dollar and were served quite quicky. The guy started into the
do you need an upgrade routine which I refused... we had booked an
intermediate anyway ...and then the insurance part , CDW - OK , Top up
insurance ( I declined because I was covered anyway through holiday
insurance ). This seemed to upset the guy as he gave me the hard sell for
five minutes pointing out that if I...what if...was I aware of the medical
situation etc....he then produced the forms to sign without mentioning the
petrol situation . I noticed that the form had been pre-filled with a
charge of $26 dollars plus tax for the petrol.
I queried this with him and he gave me the " You need to take this line."
I asked if I could return the car full whereby he said if I wanted but they
don't give refunds. He then proceeded to tot up the bill and included
about five separate taxes on the account which gave me a bill of $220 for
the two weeks. I had already pre-paid the car and the upgrade back in the
U.K.
All in all the car was fine , Dodge Sprint , but I felt that the guys from
Dollar were rubbing their hands as people around me were shelling out
$500 and $600 because they were bissfully unaware of the essentials they
needed.
I think tha tthis should be emphasised in travel brochures and not in the
small print on a remote page.
Tony.
|
| 38.200 | p.s. | AYOV22::TADAIR | Why do I weep? | Thu Jul 22 1993 07:39 | 13 |
|
As a p.s. to the last note.
I was reading through the Dollar handout book later in the holiday and I
came across a part that said that the car would take between $12- $15
for a full tank.
That shows how much they make on gas.
P.P.S. I returned the car as empty as possible but there's another story
to be told in that at a later date.
|
| 38.201 | Oct,93 trip anxieties | STUDIO::NDYER | | Mon Aug 23 1993 10:50 | 36 |
| Hi
I am fairly new to this note. I am going to WDW Oct 9 this year
and have requested info here regarding reservations before but
now am just getting a little overwhelmed I guess, since time is
running short.
We have our tickets, hotel and WDW tickets but am concerned about
our car reservation. Who has the best prices with the discount,
for a 4-door with good mileage. We need to rent it for 8 days.
Also, my sister went in December and rented, reserved with Alamo
and when she got there they didn't have any car for her and she
had to wait 24 hrs for one. Does this happen often? Another time
when my father-in-law went to Daytona, they got upgraded with Alamo
and no extra charge, if they wanted it? ???
I thought the only discount we got was Hertz or National and price
is 124./week w/disc and Alamo is 99.00 week. ??
Also, another very important question...regarding tickets to
the park. We are staying in Kissimee the first week and then
we are staying at the Carribbean the next 4 nights. Because we
will be staying (we were told) on the property for 4 nights we
can purchase the "Be our guest" pass for 5 days. So what should
we purchase for the first week. We will want to go a couple of
times anyhow. Or can we pick up our tickets from the CBR the
first week and use the unlimited part of it for Typhoon Lagoon, etc
the first week and the rest when we are on the property? Will they
allow this?
I am at studio::ndyer if needed.
Thanks for any info you can give me.
Nancy Dyer (first timer)
|
| 38.202 | BOG is tricky | WREATH::SCOPA | | Mon Aug 23 1993 11:10 | 10 |
| Nancy,
Check the earlier replies in this note for help regarding car rental
options.
BOG passes are good only for the length of your stay...you may want to
think about a 5-Day Super Duper pass instead....depending upon price
and convenience.
Mike
|
| 38.203 | Super Pass | STUDIO::NDYER | | Mon Aug 23 1993 13:57 | 3 |
| Thanks Mike. Does the Super Pass allow you to use it endlessly?
Nancy
|
| 38.204 | Official 5-Day Super Duper Pass Schpiel | WREATH::SCOPA | | Mon Aug 23 1993 14:43 | 15 |
| No Nancy it doesn't.
The Five-Day Super Duper Pass...
"Includes unlimited admission to the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park,
EPCOT Center and Magic Kingdom Park any five days with no expiration
date. Plus unlimited admission for seven days to Typhoon Lagoon, River
Country, Discovery Island and Pleasure Island (valid for seven days
after first visit to the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, EPCOT Center or
Magic Kingdom Park). It also includes unlimited use of transportation
linking the Parks."
You may want to compare prices (SDP vs BOG).
Mike
|
| 38.205 | don't forget parking charges for the car! | AIDEV::KUNG | | Wed Aug 25 1993 13:05 | 19 |
| Nancy: as an addendum to .197 on Avis, if you've AAA, ask for discount
rates when you make a reservation. Also, if you've American
Express or AT&T Universal, use that and avoid the waiver charges.
You can always pay for the car upon return with another credit
card. We got a sub-compact for the week (end of October 1993)
from Avis for ~ $86.00. Keep in mind that (1) 6% tax and
(2) $2.05 per day surcharge for the car in the state of Florida.
One more possible money drain: check and see if your hotel has
complimentary parking or if they charge per day. There's a parking
charge of $5 or $6 in WDW per day, but you can move your car from
one lot to another (EPCOT to MGM, for example) without re-paying.
As a WDW resort guest, parking is free for the theme parks but
I don't know about the resort hotels since we won't be staying
there.
Hope this helps,
Rae (59 days and counting...!)
|
| 38.206 | Free Parking @ the Hotels | WREATH::SCOPA | | Wed Aug 25 1993 14:09 | 10 |
| >>>As a WDW resort guest, parking is free for the theme parks but
>>>I don't know about the resort hotels since we won't be staying
>>>there.
Never saw a parking feel associated with any hotels. The only
ones that I would expect ever to someday put a fee on parking
would be only those on the monorail and even then I would guess
that resort guests would park free.
Mike
|
| 38.207 | ex | STUDIO::NDYER | | Fri Aug 27 1993 17:29 | 19 |
| Thanks for all the info. It has been real helpful. I found out
by calling MET PAY that as long as you have proper coverage on
your car at home and as long as that car will be unused when you
are renting then you are covered under your own policy when you
are renting a car while on vacation. Good to know but have not
seen it here in 38 although I have been unable to read ALL of 38.
What I have read has been very helpful.
So far we have a Hertz 4-door, compact for 85.00/week for Oct.
This is w/o any discounts. We will get discount when we pay/pickup
I hope. My hubby made the reservation thru our travel agent.
34 days and counting....
Thanks for all the help again to everyone. This notes file has
been great! I will definitely do a trip report in the appropriate
place.
Nancy
|
| 38.208 | | UPROAR::EVANSG | Gwyn Evans @IME (769-8108) | Tue Sep 14 1993 06:10 | 14 |
| This may be a slightly off-topic because we're flying into Miami
rather than Orlando but it's the closest I could see...
My wife & I are booked on a package that involves flying into
Miami, staying one night there then another 13 in Orlando (Sheraton
North) which includes car hire. It's with Dollar and we've been
allocated an E2 (2-door sub-compact) and I'm wondering if anyone would
have an idea how much it'd cost to upgrade to a compact for the
two-weeks. I'm expecting that as it's in the start of October, they're
not very likely to run short & need to upgrade me but if I upgrade over
here in the UK, the charge will be �30 (US$45) for the upgrade + �20
(US$30) for an admin fee.
Can anyone suggest figures?
|
| 38.209 | not a knee jerk reaction, but... | 15724::ILUVNH::BADGER | One Happy camper ;-) | Tue Sep 14 1993 09:00 | 10 |
| Miami is the last place I'd fly into and drive away!
If you do do this, please drive only in the day and rehearse your route
ahead of time.
I'd also upgrade to something that doesn't look like it came from a
rental agency, and it would be nice if it wasn't squecky clean.
you could also make your car look like a normal american car by buying
a bumper sticker or two and applying it to the back of the car.
not an I luv florida one, but maybe a Clinton sucks one.
ed
|
| 38.210 | | UPROAR::EVANSG | Gwyn Evans @IME (769-8108) | Tue Sep 14 1993 11:09 | 8 |
|
Well, we had a choice of 1 week each or (most of) the two weeks in
Orlando, so we went for the latter! I think that the first day is just
arrive, pickup the car, just outside the airport on the east then drive
to the hotel on the north of the airport, then an early start out of town
via the main roads.
I've got a Miami street map which I'll be checking beforehand and we
should be driving around 5-6pm or so, I guess.
|
| 38.211 | map AND directions and LIGHT | 15724::ILUVNH::BADGER | One Happy camper ;-) | Tue Sep 14 1993 12:58 | 19 |
| one of the problems even with a street map is that the roads are poorly
marked. my sister is a cop in a nearby town and she wont even go near
Maimi and she carries a weapon all the time.
I was serious about the bumper stickers.
and, if not too late, how about an air shuttle between Miami and Orlando
since you don't plan on doing anything in orlando.
This morning one English tourist was gunned and killed and one wounded.
I hear they were sleeping in a rest area, not a good thing to do.
My sister still thinks its a good place to live and visit, but extra
attention to details needs to be done. for sure the Miami tourist
bueuro isn't going to help much.
it is gun heaven. anyone I know down there doesn't go out without
a gun on them.
stay in after dark.
ed
|
| 38.212 | | AIMHI::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Tue Sep 14 1993 14:46 | 5 |
| Just for clarification, the European tourists that were gunned down
were in the northern part of Florida, around Tallahassee (sp).
Julie
|
| 38.213 | Further clarification | MAYES::GIBSON | | Tue Sep 14 1993 14:54 | 3 |
| But the German tourist last week was in Miami.
Linda
|
| 38.214 | Problem Areas | WREATH::SCOPA | | Tue Sep 14 1993 15:38 | 12 |
| Yesterday's attack took place in the Nortwestern portion of the state.
Miami is in the Southern portion of the state.
On the one hand these types of things frighten people off and on the
other hand it may cause others to not only stay on the (WDW) property
but never leave the property.
Common sense should be used at all times. Yesterday's victims were
sleeping at a rest area.
Mike
|
| 38.215 | where can I buy bumper stickers? | IOSG::CAMPBELLK | Disney Dreamer | Wed Sep 15 1993 07:42 | 12 |
| Hi,
Where does one buy the bumper stickers? Being a would-be English
tourist, I'm rather worried about visiting...There is advice in the
English press to get bumper stickers, but it doesn't tell you where
to buy them.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Karen
|
| 38.216 | | 15724::ILUVNH::BADGER | One Happy camper ;-) | Wed Sep 15 1993 09:17 | 23 |
| I've never been to your good country, but bumper sticker here are
abundant. They proclaim various messages such as "I never voted for
Clinton", to "Proud grandfather". bumper stickers such as I luv
Florida, or any other tourist trap would further enhance your status as
a tourist. bumper stickers are about 3inches high by 12 inches long.
also make sure your luggage is out of sight. anything that would make
you look like you weren't local.
avoid rest areas, drive during the day. stay only in WDW [;-)]
avoid Miami.
remember, the population of Florida is generally POOR. they thrive on
tourist activities. And is a retirement state.
Tourists on the other hand are viewed as rich/ a ready source of money.
tourists generally don't have guns [residents mostly do]
I don't think that the crime rate in Florida is any
greater than any major area. Tourists may get a disproportionate share
of 'the business'.
Saying all that, I will be still headed south in Febuary in my
motorhome. There is no greater advertisment for being a tourist than
the 34 foot by 8 foot home that I drive.
ed
|
| 38.217 | | IOSG::CAMPBELLK | Disney Dreamer | Wed Sep 15 1993 10:00 | 12 |
| Thanks very much for your advice, Ed. I don't think it's any worse in
Florida than elewhere. My mum had a horrible experience of being
robbed on the French Riviera, so crime is everywhere. It's just that
Florida is popular with the British and the media coverage is very
great everytime an incident happens.
Where will I be able to buy some of the real American bumper stickers
from that you describe?
Thanks
Karen
|
| 38.218 | FLORIDA MURDER/ROBBERIES | MRKTNG::L_MOORE | Linda M Moore @TTB | Wed Sep 15 1993 10:28 | 11 |
| Hello,
As someone who is planning a trip to Disneyworld in the near future, I
am a little concerned about the recent murder/robberies in Florida.
From what I've heard, they are primarily foreign tourists. We will be
tourists with NH license plates. Has anyone heard of US citizens as
targets? Also I think the incidents have been in the Miami area.
Any suggestions/comments?
Linda who is horrified by yet more violence
|
| 38.219 | Keep to the Topic | WREATH::SCOPA | | Wed Sep 15 1993 11:44 | 5 |
| Any further discussion of the recent violence in Florida should take
place in topic 21 "Problems in Paradise". Topic 38 is for information
on Orlando Car Rental Agencies.
Mike_with_his_mod_hat_on
|
| 38.220 | make a new note? | 15724::ILUVNH::BADGER | One Happy camper ;-) | Wed Sep 15 1993 13:04 | 7 |
| I knew you'd get me. I wasn't happy about replying negative here as
there are far too many netagive notefiles. and this isn't really a
problem in paradise- wdw, so perhaps you might want to take all our
rental car- highjacking notes to another topic. I'm sure other noters
can help make a sure fire way to help our foreign guests.
ed
|
| 38.221 | Car rentals near the AMTRAK | ROCCER::KRISHNA | | Fri Oct 15 1993 13:02 | 19 |
| Hi,
This is my first visit to WDW and I travelling by AMTRAK from Boston to
Orlando in Dec.
I wanted to know if there are any car rentals available near the AMTRAK station.
I am also confused by all the additional charges that everybody seems to be
talking about, like damage waiver, taxes, etc.etc.
What is the recommended insurance coverage one should take ? Do i need it if
I can rent a car from AVIS ?
Thanks,
Krishna
|
| 38.222 | re .221 | ECADSR::MIZZOU::WIEDEMAN | | Fri Oct 15 1993 15:07 | 11 |
| We traveled by Amtrack to Orlando in 1988. At that time they did have one
rental car office in the terminal. I forgot which on it was. But, most
of the other rental agencies will pick you up in a bus and take you
to their local offices.
The Orlando terminal is small.
If you rent AVIS as a Digital employee you do not need to pay for
the insurance, it is included.
Doug
|
| 38.223 | You might be covered... | 63184::FEENAN | Jay Feenan - DEC Rdb, Worlds Fastest DB Engine | Wed Oct 20 1993 16:04 | 5 |
| If you currently own a car and it is insured...you might be covered under your
current policy when renting a car. Call your insurance agent...if you got
in an accident then you would be covered the same as your own vehicle.
-Jay
|
| 38.224 | | UPROAR::EVANSG | Gwyn Evans @IME (769-8108) | Thu Oct 21 1993 08:22 | 4 |
| .222�If you rent AVIS as a Digital employee you do not need to pay for
.222�the insurance, it is included.
I thought that that was only if it was for business use?
|
| 38.225 | CDW free with AVIS on ALL rentals (use A126200) | ISEQ::BENO | | Thu Oct 21 1993 11:52 | 9 |
|
From VTX travel
Personal Rentals: Avis provides free CDW and $1 Million Liability
Insurance for personal rentals for both the Digital contracted rates
and other promotional rates. The Digital Corporate ID# A126200 must
be referenced in the rental agreement. Personal Accident Insurance
(medical) may be considered on personal rentals.
Check with personal auto insurance provider for further consulation.
|
| 38.226 | AMTRAK! | FPTWS1::ABRAMS | Curl up with a good CD-ROM | Fri Oct 22 1993 09:35 | 18 |
|
When we went to Disney by train, we arrived at Kissimmee Station and were
picked up by an AVIS van to get our rental. (We did have to wait a half
hour for the van, but I expect that was a rare problem.) When we left,
we went out of Orlando station. AVIS is just around the corner from there.
If you don't like city driving, then go to Kissimmee. If you don't mind,
go to Orlando.
By the way, it is a looong train ride and seats fill up fast these days.
Arrive early, get on the train quickly, so you can get seats together.
Another thing on car rentals -- decline the "prepurchased gas" option. It's
a huge rip-off that even AVIS has started pushing in vacation spots. Fill up
the tank yourself and return it full of gas.
Bill
|
| 38.227 | It's not just for vacation places anymore | SWAM1::STERN_TO | Tom Stern -- Have TK, will travel! | Mon Oct 25 1993 20:45 | 11 |
| re:-.1
>>Another thing on car rentals -- decline the "prepurchased gas" option. It's
>>a huge rip-off that even AVIS has started pushing in vacation spots. Fill up
>>the tank yourself and return it full of gas.
FYI, It's not just vacation areas. In the last three months, I have
rented Avis cars in Seattle, Phoenix, Burbank, and San Jose. ALL of
them are pushing this "deal"
tom
(who travels on the average of every-other week)
|
| 38.228 | AMTRAK to Orlando... | ROCCER::KRISHNA | | Mon Nov 01 1993 14:31 | 22 |
| Hi,
Thanks for the info about car rentals.
Reply 38.226 mentioned about AVIS car rental being close to the Orlando station.
Can I get some more details on that ?
As per my schedule, I am to arrive at Orlando at 4:30 pm. I called up AVIS and
they say that the car rental closes at 5:00 pm. If the train is late, I might
not be able to get the car.
Anybody have any experience of trains being late ?
Regarding seats on the AMTRAK. I have a purchased my tickets well in advance,
but the first leg of my journey to Orlando ie.from Boston to Philadelphia
says '2/UNRESERVED'. I called up AMTRAK and they have assured me that seats
will be available. But what happens if they are not ?
Anycase I am planning to be at the station real early, as suggested, to avoid
any problems.
Thanks,
Krishna
|
| 38.229 | | AAARGH::LOWELL | Grim Grinning Ghosts... | Mon Nov 01 1993 15:16 | 12 |
| I took the train from Boston to Philadelphia over 10 years ago.
The seats were unreserved. The train I took originated in Boston
so it was empty when I boarded. My friend and I had no trouble
finding adjacent seats. We made several stops in Connecticut and
New York to pick up passengers. Those passengers seemed to be
commuters and opted to ride standing up for their leg of the journey.
I suspect your situation will be similar.
I don't know how timely the Boston to Orlando trains are but in my
case the train ran on time - maybe plus or minus 5 minutes.
Ruth
|
| 38.230 | late trains | ECADSR::MIZZOU::WIEDEMAN | | Tue Nov 02 1993 15:45 | 15 |
| When we went down a couple of years ago our train was over an hour
late. To be safe, I would allow 2 hours late if I were you. All kinds of delays
can happen with a train. In our case the train waited at NYC until
they fixed the air cond (about an hour).
We took the train to Philly and changed trains there instead of NYC.
The train was full everyone got a seat but there is a possibility
that you may not sit together on the second leg of the trip.
Doug
PS I have received the latest Amtrak America booklet; in it they
state that starting soon they will be testing new state of the
art high speed European trains (Sweden's X2000), from Boston
to WDC.
|
| 38.231 | Car rentals info at AMTRAK in Orlando. | ROCCER::KRISHNA | | Wed Dec 22 1993 09:41 | 26 |
| Hi all,
Thanks for all your suggestions and advice.
I went to Orlando by AMTRAK on Dec 3rd. The train arrived on time.
I had made reservations with AVIS. None of the car rentals have any office
at the AMTRAK station but many of them offer pick-up service. You need to call
each one and find out. AVIS and Budget provice pick-up service and I had
made reservations with both to make sure.
The AVIS agency is located in the Omni International Hotel located off Rte 4,
and is about 15 minutes drive from the station.
The AVIS pick-up van had already arrived when the train reached the station and
I did not need to call them up from the station.
After all the replies about how car rentals take people for a ride, I was
pleasantly surpised. AVIS people were courteous and never pressurised me for
either the CDW or the prepurchased gas option.
On returning the car, the AVIS agency gave us transportation back to the station.
All in all it was a hassle free experience.
And needless to say, my wife and myself had a great time at the Disney World !
Krishna
|
| 38.232 | | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan - DEC Rdb, Worlds Fastest DB Engine | Thu Dec 23 1993 16:52 | 13 |
| I'm going to Orlando for only a few days (4 days) in January...and
just wanted to post the best daily rate that I could find (probably
will not apply to the weekly rate competitions between these companies)
AVIS (Digital Corporate Rate) midsize - 136.00 [34.00/day]
Alamo (Orlando Magic Card) midsize - 105.76 [26.44]
Budget (Digital Corp) midsize - 138.00 [34.50]
Hertz (AAA) midsize - 99.96 [24.99]
Have a good holidays,
-Jay
|
| 38.233 | Hertz has good car rental rates... | NOVA::NOVA::LUND | | Fri Sep 16 1994 12:18 | 8 |
|
Hertz has really good car rental rates for late sept/early oct in
orlando, originally the rates for this time were about $140/week
they are now $55.xx/week with the universal studios fan club number.
This is for an economy car (like a mazda 323)......
- Annie
|
| 38.234 | Also Good through Thanksgiving | AIMHI::GIARROSSO | | Fri Sep 16 1994 13:29 | 7 |
|
I called this morning and reserved one for Nov 26th..
This is a great price for Thanksgiving weekend. I used my
AAA card number.
Christine
|
| 38.235 | Me too on AAA | ASDG::WATSON | Discover America | Mon Sep 19 1994 13:46 | 7 |
|
I just reserved a Taurus on AAA for $99.55/week. I just phoned Hertz
(and everyone) last week and it wasn't this low. Alamo was my low
price at $113 for a Regal (+ 8.64% airport tax, +sales tax, +$2.05)
Thanks,
Bob
|
| 38.236 | $100 more to spend! | FPTWS1::ABRAMS | Curl up with a good CD-ROM | Fri Sep 30 1994 14:46 | 12 |
|
We have a Hertz reservation for our trip to WDW that starts Oct 13. Called
last night and reduced our total cost from $238 to $126 for one week plus
three days!
Then we looked through the mail and found this week's issue of Travel Weekly
has the headline "Hertz increases prices 10% across the board."
What a crazy game.
Bill A.
|
| 38.237 | Strange but true... | NOVA::R_ANDERSON | Oracle Corporation (603) 881-1935 | Mon Mar 13 1995 20:48 | 9 |
| I have no idea how these rental companies figure their rates. Hertz
quoted me a mid-size rate of $50+/day (10 days). National quoted me
$285 for a full size for 10 days. I called back 10 minutes later to
make the reservations and they quoted be $245 for a full size for 10
days.
Go figure...
Rick
|
| 38.238 | Carfare wars! | VAXUUM::FARINA | | Tue Mar 14 1995 13:43 | 19 |
| I'm not sure, but I think it's similar to airlines and price wars,
except the price wars are often on the local level. Someone probably
came up with a deal, so National is competing.
I know there are people in this notesfile who prefer to do everything
themselves, because they believe they can get better deals that way,
but I disagree. My time is worth a lot, so I have a good travel agent
(you've got to find a good one - I'm related to mine!) who monitors all
that stuff for me and books and rebooks at lower rates, so I just have
to call her. To me, making one call and saying, "This is approximately
when I want to go, this is how much I have to spend, investigate
AAA/AmEx/MKC deals, and I don't want to be penalized because I'm single"
beats the hell out of spending hours calling the car rental agencies to
compare rates; Disney, AAA, MKC, and AmEx to compare room and package
rates; and competing airlines to get the lowest airfares. Just my
$.02!
Susan
|
| 38.239 | Why not use AVIS? | EPS::MATTIA | | Tue Mar 14 1995 14:59 | 10 |
| I just went to Florida last month and used Avis. As Digital Employees
we can call Corporate Travel (Thomas Cook) and they will book you a
rental car. You get Digital rates and can decline the additional
insurance they offer because you are covered. My Intermediate car was
$34/day, or $170.00/week. With all taxes it came to $195.00.
You can access VTX Travel for all the rates for the different size
classes.
Donna
|
| 38.240 | | MKOTS3::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Tue Mar 14 1995 16:30 | 3 |
| I'm going to Florida (April 22-29th). I'm booked with Hertz, with
my AAA discount the weekly rate for a mid-size car is $99.00.
|
| 38.241 | | MPGS::PHILL | In casual pursuit of serenity. | Tue Mar 14 1995 16:51 | 13 |
| I tend to agree with Susan - it's eaiser to get a travel agent to book as they
can compare prices. I even used the travel agent to book the car only after I
booked the train.
I used Avis on my second Disney trip. They are very convenient being right at
the airport. I don't think I used the DEC rate. My credit card gives the same
coverage as the DEC/AVIS deal.
The rental car rates change all the time. Useually there is one company that is
cutting below everyone else. It's nice when it's one of the better companies.
National used to have a deal with Disney that you got prefered parking at the
parks which is nice if they happen to be cheap at the time you want to go.
|
| 38.242 | On line rates? | MIZZOU::WIEDEMAN | | Wed Mar 15 1995 09:57 | 6 |
| Has anyone used any of the online services (ie AOL) to check car
rental rates or airfare rates?
I think you can also make reservations for hotel rooms,etc.
Doug
|
| 38.243 | Special for United Travelers | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Wed Apr 19 1995 12:31 | 12 |
| We are going to Orlando May 13-23. I initially reserved a compact
4 door with Alamo using the Orlando Magicard for $233 for the whole
ten day + tax & airport fee.
Yesterday I called on a whim to see if rates had changed. I got a
better rate than the Magicard because of an Alamo special for
United Airlines fly-ins ...... $197 for ten days + tax + airport fee.
IF your flying in to Orlando on United, call Alamo and ask them about
a special rate for travelers coming on on United Airlines.
--Bert
|
| 38.244 | Can't fake it | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Wed Apr 19 1995 15:03 | 7 |
|
BTW, on the ALAMO special rate for United Airlines travelers you
won't be able to fake it....they expect to see a boarding pass or
return ticket showing you actually flew in on United.
--bert
|
| 38.245 | National Double Car Class Upgrade | MKOTS3::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Wed Apr 19 1995 18:12 | 7 |
| .243 Bert - National has a rate of $195 for 10 days (110.99/week
then 27.99/day). You can get this rate for a sub-compact and then
with Coupon# 5036893 you get a double car Class Upgrade (GrandAm/
Corsica). The coupon came from the Disney Video. Not sure if
you need to present coupon at time of check in.
Julie
|
| 38.246 | | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Wed Apr 19 1995 20:43 | 10 |
|
thanks for the tip Julie.....
>>The coupon came from the Disney Video
which video? The trip planning video? I don't remember seeing
this coupon anywhere. Usually for the class upgrades you
need to give them the coupon.
--bert
|
| 38.247 | | ASABET::EARLY | Lose anything but your sense of humor. | Thu Apr 20 1995 00:00 | 15 |
| B_ I wouldn't rent from Alamo again on a bet. Unless things have
changed in the last couple of years, their lot is WAY out of the way in
comparison to the other car rental companies (like a 15 minute bus
ride?). We rented a compact car from them, took a look at it and said
'no way'. We couldn't have gotten the four of us and our luggage in it.
We ended up doing an upgrade. By the time I paid the extra for the
upgrade, and all the additional taxes and insurance, etc. It would have
been cheaper for me to reserve a car thru Digital's travel agent and
just pay the DEC rate with no 'special deal'.
Don't wanna throw cold water on your trip, but you may want to shop
Avis and Hertz before you land in Orlando.
|
| 38.248 | Thanks for the warning, but... | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Thu Apr 20 1995 01:54 | 22 |
|
I've read (here) negative things about ALAMO, but I've used them on two
previous trips to Orlando and never had any problems. This is the
first time I ever found a rate to beat the Magicard ALAMO rate....
and it turned out to be with ALAMO anyway. The NAtional deal
someone mentioned before sounds good, but you probably need the coupon.
Believe me I've tried every angle, coupon, discount number I can
get my hands on and I still come back to ALAMO.
The bus trip is a little bit of nag, but I can stand a 15 minute
bus ride to save a few bucks....the upside is it ain't hard to find
your way out of the airport, or back in to return the car since you
don't enter/exit the Airport!
I can also see how anybodies compact would be tough on a 4 person family.
Just me and my wife though...hell we could get by on a sub-compact if
we needed to.
--Bert
|
| 38.250 | | MKOTS3::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Thu Apr 20 1995 13:08 | 9 |
| Bert, the coupon came with the Disney Planning Video. There's also a
coupon on the back of Cherrios, the same deal - National Free Double
Car Class upgrade. Also, the coupon is required when you pick up the
car. The cancellation fee is $25.00 and you must pre-pay when you
reserve the car. Are you interested in the coupon, if so I'll mail
it off to you.
Julie
|
| 38.251 | | HDLITE::SCHAFER | Mark Schafer, Alpha Developer's support | Thu Apr 20 1995 16:12 | 6 |
| gotta friend in Orlando? If so, you can be really, REALLY cheap and
ask them to ferry you to the Alamo rental center. If you don't use the
airport bus, they will waive the airport fee. The fee, by the way,
applies to every day of your car rental.
Mark
|
| 38.252 | National deal slightly different | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Thu Apr 20 1995 18:45 | 15 |
|
Hi Julie,
I tried to setup a reservation on the National Double upgrade coupon.
Sounded good, $194 for ten days on a sub-compact - double upgraded to
larger car for free. Since this is the pre-pay rate she took my credit
card info......then went off for about 5 minutes.
When she came back she said you CANNOT use a prepaid rate and the
double upgrade coupon togethor. That throws their rate back up to
something like $240 no matter how you look at it.
Guess ALAMO wins out again....
--Bert
|
| 38.253 | another angle | TPSYS::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Tue Apr 25 1995 17:20 | 26 |
|
Bert, here's another angle to try...
I was just down in Florida for 10 days and I needed a car for 9. Since
we were arriving in Miami late at night, I booked a room at the Howard
Johnson hotel near the airport. When I booked the room through the
HoJo 800 number, they asked me if I needed to rent a car. They said
they had a special deal with Alamo, so I said why not. I already had a
reservation through Alamo (the best rate I could find - it would have
cost about $200 plus taxes for a subcompact). They then transferred me
to Alamo, who quoted me a rate of $90/wk and $18/day for a compact car.
I quickly said yes, then found out that it was a prepaid rate, which I
figure was still worth it. Might be worth a try to make a reservation
at a HoJo, get the Alamo special, pay for it, then cancel the HoJo
reservation.
Note: it might not be in effect, or be the same, for Orlando. My
special rate was for Miami. Since I wanted to pick up the car on Apr.
16 (Easter), it wasn't available. So I reserved a car for one day, to
be dropped off in Ft. Lauderdale. Then I wanted the special on Apr. 17
from Ft. Lauderdale. It was available, but it cost $92/wk and $20/day.
So, it may be different for Orlando, but it is still a lot better than
their regular rates.
--Jay
|
| 38.254 | worked pretty good | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Tue Apr 25 1995 18:15 | 17 |
|
worked like a champ, Jay.
They didn't have any prepaid rates. HoJo transferred me to Alamo
and they quoted me $111.59/week, + 2 days at $22.94 + 1 free day. Total
cost for ten days $157.47 + tax/airport fee. That's a good $40 cheaper
than the best rate I'd found so far!
All they need to see for the car reservation is a United boarding pass.
Nothing needed from HoJo whatsoever....will cancel the HoJo reservation
tomorrow then check on the Alamo reservation in another week to make
sure there was no cross-checking. 8^)
thanks,
--Bert
|
| 38.255 | | NOVA::FEENAN | Jay Feenan - Rdb Engineering | Tue May 02 1995 10:33 | 26 |
| I just wanted to put a good word in for Alamo. First out of the about
6-7 times that I've been down there they ended up being the least
expensive option.
In regards to the car size [someone mentioned that in an earlier reply]
I usually get a midsized car or a full size car. If you rent from
Alamo or Avis they basically use the same car manufacturers and you
have the *exact same* choices for car models [usually GM models].
In regards to the bus ride, yup I agree it is a pain. But on the other
hand I've rented with Hertz and either budget or Avis [can't remember].
A friend of mine was down there last week and he ran into the same
problem as I did one of these times. We arrived at the same time of
night. I took the bus to Alamo and they had plenty of people 'on duty'
and was out of there with little wait. Since they must have had 15
people in this huge complex writting up cars. My friend ended up with
a convenient walk to the Hertz counter but had a long wait due to only
a few stations, manned only by one person.
Another tip with any of the car rentals that I have not seen mentioned
is to drop off the family and luggage at the curb side checkin and then
return the car. Saves a lot of time and work...
Jay
|
| 38.256 | Enterprise? | ASDG::WATSON | Discover America | Fri Jun 30 1995 16:16 | 5 |
|
Has anyone attempted to try Enterprise? From the DCU car
action they seem to have a good vehicle selection available.
But how would they operate? I think I'll give them a call.
|
| 38.257 | Avis or Alamo? | ASDG::WATSON | Discover America | Wed Jul 19 1995 13:33 | 11 |
| re -1
Well, Enterprise was $$$. Actually, everyone seems to be expensive
except...Alamo Here's the choice for a 10 day rental:
Alamo FULL size car: $188 with 8.64% added
Avis MID size car: $204 (but as a WIZARD member I should get
upgraded but I'm not sure if I will)
Avis is on site and no waiting in any line with WIZARD. Seems worth
the extra $16 over 10 days if I get the full size upgrade. This is
not the DEC rate. This is the Sheraton Club rate or WIZARD rate (-30%)
|
| 38.258 | update on best deals in Orlando? | MOVIES::CHANDLEY | | Thu Jan 04 1996 10:38 | 10 |
| I plan to be in Orlando during Easter does anyone know where the best
deals are to be had?
Thanks in advance,
Adrian
(Scotland)
Cross posted in Florida notes file.
|
| 38.259 | Try on-site agencies in Orlando | MEMIT::BATOR | | Thu Jan 04 1996 11:25 | 5 |
| I just booked a car thru Avis for a week in March in Orlando. Avis is
one of the few car rental firms that have their cars at the airport.
The others are "off-site" and you have to take their shuttle bus/van
to get there. ANd, starting this year, you pay for that van
thru a surcharge on the rental. Their rates were competitive.
|
| 38.260 | my upcoming trip | CSC32::B_GRUBBS | | Thu Jan 04 1996 12:27 | 14 |
|
I signed up for Autovantage on AOL, it's kinda like a car club and
they had a 3 month trial for $1.
Using their discount numbers for a mid-size car for 8 days (Jan 13-21):
Avis - $117
Alamo - $116
I'll post the others when I get around to checking them, but I'm
inclined to go Avis since it's right there at the airport.
--bert
|
| 38.261 | with those rates, Avis is cheaper | DAGWUD::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Thu Jan 04 1996 13:55 | 17 |
| re: .60, .59
� Avis - $117
� Alamo - $116
�I'll post the others when I get around to checking them, but I'm
�inclined to go Avis since it's right there at the airport.
Florida imposes a 6% (or higher) shuttle tax at Orlando and other
airports on all rentals where you have to take a shuttle to get to the
rental agency. This makes Avis cheaper than Alamo for the example Bert
gave. This tax has been in effect for many years.
The on-site companies are Avis, Hertz, National, Budget, and
Dollar/General.
--Jay
|
| 38.262 | | HYLNDR::BADGER | Can DO! | Thu Jan 04 1996 14:42 | 9 |
| when we picked up the Hertz, we noticed that all car companies moved
off the airport and shuttle people to them. I don't know if it's true
for Avis, but all the others are off site now. Hertz with Universal
card was cheaper for our period. and since we got picked up at train
station, we didn't have to pay the airport tax. just say you came in
from the train when you get there.
ed
|
| 38.263 | Thanks! | MOVIES::CHANDLEY | | Fri Jan 05 1996 10:23 | 4 |
| Thanks for the info!
Adrian
|
| 38.264 | No shuttle tax on Avis | MEMIT::BATOR | | Fri Jan 05 1996 11:09 | 4 |
| re: .259, .261, .262
After reading this, I called Avis again to confirm that there is
NO shuttle tax on my rental. I *assume* this means they are
still on-site.
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| 38.265 | | MKOTS3::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Fri Jan 05 1996 11:18 | 19 |
| It all depends on the time of year you're down there, how many months
in advance you reserve the car, and what type promotions you're
qualified for (ie Frequent Flyer, Corporte Discount, AAA, Wizard, etc).
Also, there's a $2.05/day for some kind of surcharge, plus a local sales
tax not sure what that is.
For National with MKC discount your can rent a Mid-size car for that
week for $142.49 (plus taxes). To get this rate you have to prepay
and then there would be a $25 cancellation fee. Without discount
it's $191.99.
Avis with Corporate Discount is $170.00, frequent flyer was something
like $229.
Hertz is $225.99 with Corporate Rate. They also charge an 8.64% adder
to this for an Airport Tax/Use of their shuttle.
Have fun,
Julie
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| 38.266 | maybe the shuttle tax no longer applies | DAGWUD::FEELEY | Growing older but not up... | Fri Jan 05 1996 11:23 | 16 |
|
I have always wondered why the off-site shuttle tax was in effect in
Orlando but not in Miami. The only thing I could think of was that if
all the rental agencies are off-site, they don't apply the tax. But if
there are some on-site, then the off-site ones are taxed.
If all the rental agencies have moved off-site in Orlando and the
shuttle tax has been removed, then my guess would hold up.
For a while, we always flew down to DW because we kept getting bumped
and could get free tickets for our next trip. But once that ran out,
we have been driving down -- so we haven't needed to rent a car for a
few years. I guess things have changed quite a bit.
--Jay
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| 38.267 | | CADSYS::RITCHIE | Elaine Kokernak Ritchie, 225-4199 | Fri Jan 05 1996 13:07 | 5 |
| I was just there a couple of weeks ago. Avis is at the airport, as is Budget.
There was one other, too, but I don't remember which. Hertz and Alamo are
definitely off-site.
Elaine
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| 38.268 | my .02 | FABSIX::T_BEAULIEU | Like A steam Locomotive | Fri Jan 05 1996 13:34 | 9 |
|
I rented from Alamo (off-site) in October. I liked having it offsite
it was easier to get to when I was leaving rather than driving to the
Airport. I had a hard time returning a car to National at the airport
the last time I was in Orlando, and liked the offsite option better.
Toby
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| 38.269 | Value, $120/week inc LDW | MOVIES::CHANDLEY | | Mon Jan 08 1996 12:28 | 16 |
| Thanks for all the info, I phoned all the suggested companies and in
the end picked something else!
I booked Value from an agent in the uk.
They are charging �78 ($120) per week for a mid-size this included
LDW and unlimited mileage.
I phoned value when I was last in the US they wanted a lot more and it
didn't include the LDW.
If anyone wants the contact details, please email me.
Thanks for all your help.
Adrian
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| 38.270 | That is strange since it is a BIG $$$ cow | SSDEVO::RMCLEAN | | Mon Jan 08 1996 13:50 | 1 |
| Including LDW is VERY VERY strange. Better double check it.
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| 38.271 | Perhaps its an aide to attract tourists? | CHEFS::WARRENJ | | Tue Jan 16 1996 06:04 | 14 |
| re LDW
After calling a few places direct in the USA and in UK, we used the AMEX
office here in REO to book a vehicle for our trip to Florida next
month. They offered the best deal financially and the price also
included LDW and unlimited mileage.
I think it is common for insurance to be included in the cost of car
hire here - but it is a long time since I've had to do that!
Jackie
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| 38.272 | what the heck is it?? | CNTROL::CHILDS | Washing Machine | Tue Jan 16 1996 09:55 | 4 |
|
LDW????
mike
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| 38.273 | You break it you pay BIG time... | SSDEVO::RMCLEAN | | Tue Jan 16 1996 12:39 | 2 |
| Limited Damage Waver. I.E. You bend the car they don't charge you $25k to
replace it!!!
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| 38.274 | | CNTROL::CHILDS | Washing Machine | Tue Jan 16 1996 12:43 | 1 |
| thanks
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| 38.275 | | MKOTS3::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Wed Mar 20 1996 14:59 | 17 |
| We went with Hertz, only because we had a better deal. 10% discount
with AAA and then I had a "coupon" for a free upgrade. If I had
realized what a pain in the butt getting the car would've been, I would
have used either National/Avis/Budget since they are the only ones at
the airpot. They did not charge me the 8.64% tax they had indicated
when I booked the car, why - I have not idea. The taxes they do charge
you are $2.05/day and the FL state tax of 6%.
Tip: for those of you who do use Hertz. Call Hertz or stop by a Hertz
and pick up an application to be a Hertz #1 Member. Cost you nothing,
what it gets you in Orlando is that the bus drops you at a different
car terminal and you get in and out. We had to wait in a mile long
line (30 valuable disney minutes), I wish I had known this prior to our
vacation.
Julie
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| 38.276 | Avis is a good choice | ESOSRV::BATOR | | Thu Mar 21 1996 10:50 | 8 |
| Just got back from a week in Orlando. Used an Avis car, got it
at airport, no problems. Big waiting lines on Saturdays but they
have extra people to keep it moving. Waited maybe 10 minutes, then
10 minutes more until car appeared across the street in the garage.
Very convenient. Booked it thru CitiTravel, got 42% off, plus
frequent flier mileage since I used a "partner" airline, plus
5% cash back from CitiTravel when all my trip receipts are sent to
them.
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| 38.277 | | SQZBOX::JOCONNOR | | Thu Mar 21 1996 13:37 | 3 |
| What is CitiTravel? I have a car booked with Avis for August, and I am
getting mileage and a discount with American Airlines, but would be
willing to try for a better rate.
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| 38.278 | Cititravel club | ESOSRV::BATOR | | Fri Mar 22 1996 10:40 | 4 |
| re: -1 CitiTravel is the travel club for Citibank credit card
holders. It costs $49 a year.
- dick
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| 38.279 | Drop off fees | GLADYS::HUISH | Life is a Cabernet ... | Fri Mar 22 1996 15:56 | 11 |
|
We are planning on visiting WDW/Orlando and then driving up to Boston.
We have heard of some horrific stories about car drop off fees. Is
there specific companies that do not have those fees? Is there one
copmany who is worse than the others?
thanks,
pete
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| 38.280 | | XTATIC::CHILDS | | Wed Mar 27 1996 16:54 | 13 |
|
Just got back from a trip last week and we used Value. Not too bad at all.
Getting the car was nightmare as we waited about an hour. Cost for a midisze
was 123.00 bucks with unlimited milage. Unfortunately due to size of my family
and the amount of luggage I had I needed an upgrade. The upgrade was an
additional 8 bucks a day for a total of 56 bucks extra but was worth it. Check
out was a breeze as I just pulled into the lot an employee checked out the car
for dings and scratch and to make sure I had refilled the tank and that was
that. The bus was right there to take us over to the airport without a wait.
SO while checkin was tough, checkout was a breeze. I used my cousin's travel
agency so I'm not sure if I got an AAA discount but I can check.
mike
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| 38.281 | National rates | MIZZOU::WIEDEMAN | | Thu Apr 04 1996 12:39 | 15 |
| I called the Disney Vacation Club for the rates for our
July trip:
National Rental Car located at the the airport.
Compact - $134/week - extra days at $29 each.
Intermediate - about $155 - extra days at $31 each.
plus 6% tax - plus $2.05/day.
I am not sure if this is just for Disney Vacation Club members or
not but, it is $35/week cheaper than my travel agent could get.
Doug
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| 38.282 | Help about insurance | ULYSSE::PIALET | Pascale, MCS Valbonne, 828-5691 | Tue Apr 09 1996 05:52 | 8 |
| We are going to Florida from April, 28th until May, 17th.
We don't have booked a car yet.
We have a rate at Avis (120$ a week, without taxes, airport charges,
and insurance).
Any advice about insurance : what to take or avoid ?
Thanks,
Pascale.
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| 38.283 | | HYLNDR::BADGER | Can DO! | Tue Apr 09 1996 09:04 | 22 |
| call your insurance company and see if it covers you for a rental car.
of course you may be subject to your deductable if you are in an
accident.
then be ready for the hard sell. I don't know about Avis, but my
experience at Hertz was bad.
I could repel their threats on my first born, threats of snow, a bad
vacation. But the line that really grabbed me was this:
"if you are in an accident, your insurnace *may* pay us, but you will
be responsible for -loss of use- while the car is being repaired. That
could be 3 weeks or more."
ask yourself how you'd respond to THAT line. I'd like to see comments
on that line from others in this notefile.
don't buy the gas. there are thousands of gas stations you can fill
up at easy.
ed
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| 38.284 | Is there a lawyer in the house? | MIZZOU::WIEDEMAN | | Tue Apr 09 1996 09:38 | 9 |
| Just wondering if anyone has a lawyer buddy or someone
who really knows what these car rental companies can
do to us if we decline their insurance ?
I have a gold Visa and they claim to cover car rental
damages if I charge the rental to their card. Anyone
have any experience with this ?
Doug
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| 38.285 | | ZEKE::CAMILLERI | | Tue Apr 09 1996 15:40 | 7 |
|
just for info, I rented a car from dollar back in February when
I was down there, no hassle, and when they asked me about insurance,
I said NO THANKS, and that was that!
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| 38.286 | Transport options if staing within Disney | VYGER::KIRKPATRICKI | IAN KIRKPATRICK@AYO | Mon Aug 26 1996 05:06 | 38 |
| After a great vacation in Orlando two years ago, I'm considering a
another vacation in Orlando in August 1997. This time staying at the
Disney Caribbean Beach Resort.
I'd also like to re-visit other areas (e.g. Universal, Seaworld, Busch
Gardens), but I don't want or need a rental car for the full two
weeks, but I'd like to compare the costs between full 2 weeks rental
and the other options.
What I'd like to know is the cost and availability of short-term car
rental, bus excursions, and taxicabs from WDW to other areas.
CAR RENTAL
I've contacted WDW, and there is a car rental company (National Car
Rental) with a station on Disney property - anyone had dealings with
them while staying within Disney, and what would the costs be.
TAXICABS
Can anyone supply the cabs rates from Disney Caribbean Beach to say
Universal and Seaworld, and are cabs allowed into WDW to pickup
passengers.
BUS EXCURSIONS
"Disney does not provide transportation to outside properties"
That was the answer to my query of excursion from WDW by Disney.
How can I get to Busch Gardens.
Thanks,
Ian Kirkpatrick.
P.S.
Prices at the Caribbean Beach for the 1997 season will start at $114
and go to $139 per night.
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| 38.287 | | DECWIN::MCCARTNEY | | Mon Aug 26 1996 12:23 | 8 |
| For the rental car, call National and ask. They will gladly give you
rates as they would be now. I'm sure they won't give you rates for
a year from now. Also, rates may vary depending on when you make the
reservations. Be sure to ask for the MKC discount. That's cutting the
cost substantially for us (we're going next week for 3 weeks in Ga and
WDW combined!)
Irene
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| 38.288 | | MKOTS3::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Thu Aug 29 1996 12:17 | 7 |
| .286 - If you're going to reserve a car, I'd do it now. I confirmed
a reservation with Avis back in March for our trip in April 97. Got a
rate of $118.64 for a full size. Now my brother is going the same time
and for a mid-size with Avis it's $203. So book early.
Julie
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| 38.289 | Dollar SALE | ASDG::WATSON | Discover America | Mon Oct 14 1996 08:55 | 13 |
| 38.290 | | WMODEV::OCONNOR_J | | Mon Oct 14 1996 10:34 | 5 |
| 38.291 | I'll know Wed | ASDG::WATSON | Discover America | Tue Oct 15 1996 08:55 | 2 |
| 38.292 | Dollar Deal returns | ASDG::WATSON | Discover America | Mon Dec 02 1996 12:34 | 15 |
| 38.293 | Dollar $189/wk - van | XMAILR::BATOR | | Wed Mar 26 1997 15:25 | 7 |
| Used Dollar two weeks ago. Took 5 minutes from counter to
drive away. (Dollar is one of the 4 agencies that has its
cars in the terminal.) Need a van, so it cost us $189/week
for a 7-passenger Dodge Grand Caravan. No complaints. Even
though Saturday of Spring Break week and Daytona race finals
is usually quite busy, coupled with the 85 degree weather this winter
it was a breeze!!
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