National at MCO, and mini WDW trip report
 

Since I mentioned it in an old thread a few weeks ago, thought I'd give a report...

National car rental was just awful.

We arrived on time, our luggage came out first (CO Priority tags actually worked for both the flight out and the return!) I headed with cart, wife, 2 yr old and 4 yr old in tow to the National counter.

Months ago I had reserved an intermediate car and intended to use a double upgrade coupon as I desperately needed a 4 door for the kids. I confirmed multiple times, up to the night before, and added a child car seat request the day before, as we made a last minute decision not to take ours.

At the counter I'm told they "only have convertibles and minivans". What is the point of the reservation if they don't have any cars. I ask if one of the minivans is a Caravan (which I know has built in child car seats). They do, so I agree to take it at the same price. All done, right?

WRONG. They have "new software" they are just getting used to. The minivan comes up at the minivan price. 15 minutes later they figure out how to manually put in the agreed price, but don't know how to cancel the car seat. 20 minutes later, with my 2 yr old climbing the benches and screaming like a banshee, I finally tell them to charge me whatever the hell comes up and I'll just work it out with American Express and their corporate office. Then we begin the trek down the building, across the street, into the garage, up the elevator, and to the most unfriendly rental staff I have ever met. They toss me the keys and say "A5", as if I had lived in that garage all my life and would just know where it is.

Never, never, never again do I use anyone but Avis or Hertz. I never wait, the car I requested is always ready and you get what you pay for.

The CO trip was uneventful, so nothing major trip report there. MD-80's both ways, the kids meals were ready, the attendants on the flight out had "wings" and a little activity book for the kids. Both flights were mostly on-time. A warning though not to expect to pre-board with small children at MCO, as EVERYONE is boarding with small children, so have your Elite cards handy.

And Disney was Disney…."we have to wait" are the four most spoken words in Orlando. Mickey and Minnie send their regards.

Dave

Just a comment on your National experience -- I have never had any problems with National (it may be because I have not used them in Orlando). I have found them to be courteous and helpful. One thing to consider with them is Emerald Isle -- there are many was to get it for free (credit cards etc...) and it is worth it -- dont wait on line and just go -- pick the car you want from the isle and be done with it.

--Jim

I agree about National, and especially Emerald Aisle. The problem is that if you want anything except the basic car (e.g., the child seat or an upgrade) you have to go to the counter. NJDavid may have had the same problems had he been using Emerald Aisle. I've tried to use upgrades when I return the car and been forced to the counter then - which can be more frustrating than going to the counter when you arrive. Especially if you're in a hurry to catch your outgoing flight.
My guess is that at least Hertz and maybe Avis would have the same problems if you tried to use #1 or the Avis equivalent and needed something special.

When I've used Avis preferred in the past, they take the number from your coupon and make it a part of your reservation. I just go to the car I asked for. My name is on the envelope in it, my contract inside.

I'm still kicking myself for trying to save money on this one. After 1/2 hour at the National counter, I'd have paid the $60 bucks extra to leave.

Hertz#1 Gold USA/Canada in nov/dec-98:

usual NO-counter for extras like:
- navigation system (6$/day)
- equipment for skis
- wife as supplementary driver (automatically allowed in the contract, no extra fee)
- upgrade/promotional code (already entered at reservation time)
- buying gas option (just fill it out and give it to Hertz when you drive out of the parking lot)

there are exceptions: for this trip SEA-TAC-airport (but the extra waiting-line for Gold-members helped)

NJDavid, sorry to hear about your problems with National. I prefer Hertz usually, but at Orlando they are off site, so I use Dollar and have been pretty happy with their service and cars. I just got back from Walt Disney World last night myself and it was crowded. There is a saying around Disney Theme Parks..."Did you go on any good lines today?"

Lines! Lines! More lines at DisneyWorld! I see nothing has changed in the 25 years since I've been there.

Except a lot of new attractions.

I'll get there. Eventually. CATMAN

I've used Hertz twice now in the past few months, both with my free Hertz #1 Club Gold membership from AMEX Platinum.

The first time everything was fine except Hertz took a month to bill my credit card and mail the receipt and I still haven't seen my Marriott Rewards Miles yet.

The second time, Thanksgiving in Chicago, they didn't enter the gas purchase option in the computer, and the promotion code I used for the reservation didn't take and I had to go inside and explain to the counter agent then manager that the code I used did not have a coupon associated with it, and after fifteen minutes they finally gave me the discount I was entitled to.

biggest thing to remember at MCO is that Hertz is off airport, and not on the way if you are coming from WDW.