Cars at MCO
Mar 22, 2021, 8:58 am
#1036
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,480
Pulled a Mustang with 11k on it, smells a bit funky but I can't argue with a soft top in FL for $300 for the week.
Apr 14, 2021, 10:06 am
#1038
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: Mileageplus, SPG
Posts: 1
Looks like availability due to Spring Break and the pandemic have combined to make it nearly impossible to rent a car this week at MCO if you didn't already have a reservation. I have my reservations, plus I'm National Executive Elite, so I can still reserve -- but will that mean it will be slim pickings in the Executive aisle at MCO?
I'm less worried about this April trip and more worried about June when I'll have my family and a stroller / bunch of luggage with me. Normally I just select a full size sedan (cheapest price for the largest car with my group rate) and then assume I'll be able to find an SUV or Minivan when I get there. But with there being no availability now in April, and articles saying this is the car rental apocalypse because demand is outstripping supply - I'm not sure if I'd be able to get an SUV or Minivan. Should I be worried?
I already reserved a backup Minivan reservation and just cancel it if I can find an SUV or Minivan in the Executive aisle I guess - should be no extra charges or fees with doing that right?
I'm less worried about this April trip and more worried about June when I'll have my family and a stroller / bunch of luggage with me. Normally I just select a full size sedan (cheapest price for the largest car with my group rate) and then assume I'll be able to find an SUV or Minivan when I get there. But with there being no availability now in April, and articles saying this is the car rental apocalypse because demand is outstripping supply - I'm not sure if I'd be able to get an SUV or Minivan. Should I be worried?
I already reserved a backup Minivan reservation and just cancel it if I can find an SUV or Minivan in the Executive aisle I guess - should be no extra charges or fees with doing that right?
May 16, 2021, 10:48 pm
#1039
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: Natl Emerald EE, Hertz PC, DL Gold
Posts: 18
Was offered to select from Audi Q5, Cadillac, Volvo or BMW for the luxury reservation ( yes, she didn’t know what models they were and asked me to select the brand.) Turned out to be XT5, S60, 228i. I chose BMW, and I believe I lost. Too hungry to go back though.
Jun 6, 2021, 8:30 pm
#1041
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CLT
Programs: AA ExPlat
Posts: 118
There were 2 vans in Exec section when I was there late Monday night. Only 1 person working exit booth and probably took 40 mins to get checked out. At least 20 cars in line at exit.
Jun 7, 2021, 7:44 am
#1042
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 11
Thanks for checking Spencer! Sounds like alot of fun...not. I'll update inventory when we're there as well and post. appreciate the check...
Jun 23, 2021, 8:57 am
#1044
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 11
National in Orlando is insanely busy right now, possibly in part due to all rental cars being run out of terminal A only (normally its A and B). EE had a decent selection, 2 4-door jeep wranglers, a toyota 4runner, couple mustangs. Minivans are in minivan section way in back right near exit gate but only had dodge or chrysler pacificas. I ended up walking to alamo and grabbing a toyota sienna that worked out great. Agents were being especially stingy with full-size SUVs, taking all keys out and keeping them up at agent booth near entrance. I asked for one but they refused to give me anything without an extra charge. They ended up finding us a new dodge durango with less than 200 miles on it but wife didnt like it. Prepare for craziness and dont be afraid to go to grab the car you want from Alamo or Enterprise and drive over to National because the agents werent especially helpful, likely due to them just being overwhelmed. You could also just wait around as returned cars were being brought up every couple of minutes but you've gotta move fast since you'll be fighting with others for the good ones! We returned van today and the return aisle was just as insane. Rental worked out great though, very happy with National.
Last edited by skippy2k19; Jun 23, 2021 at 9:05 am
Jun 23, 2021, 10:27 am
#1045
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 3
National in Orlando is insanely busy right now, possibly in part due to all rental cars being run out of terminal A only (normally its A and B). EE had a decent selection, 2 4-door jeep wranglers, a toyota 4runner, couple mustangs. Minivans are in minivan section way in back right near exit gate but only had dodge or chrysler pacificas. I ended up walking to alamo and grabbing a toyota sienna that worked out great. Agents were being especially stingy with full-size SUVs, taking all keys out and keeping them up at agent booth near entrance. I asked for one but they refused to give me anything without an extra charge. They ended up finding us a new dodge durango with less than 200 miles on it but wife didnt like it. Prepare for craziness and dont be afraid to go to grab the car you want from Alamo or Enterprise and drive over to National because the agents werent especially helpful, likely due to them just being overwhelmed. You could also just wait around as returned cars were being brought up every couple of minutes but you've gotta move fast since you'll be fighting with others for the good ones! We returned van today and the return aisle was just as insane. Rental worked out great though, very happy with National.
Jun 23, 2021, 12:45 pm
#1046
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
National in Orlando is insanely busy right now, possibly in part due to all rental cars being run out of terminal A only (normally its A and B). EE had a decent selection, 2 4-door jeep wranglers, a toyota 4runner, couple mustangs. Minivans are in minivan section way in back right near exit gate but only had dodge or chrysler pacificas. I ended up walking to alamo and grabbing a toyota sienna that worked out great. Agents were being especially stingy with full-size SUVs, taking all keys out and keeping them up at agent booth near entrance. I asked for one but they refused to give me anything without an extra charge. They ended up finding us a new dodge durango with less than 200 miles on it but wife didnt like it. Prepare for craziness and dont be afraid to go to grab the car you want from Alamo or Enterprise and drive over to National because the agents werent especially helpful, likely due to them just being overwhelmed. You could also just wait around as returned cars were being brought up every couple of minutes but you've gotta move fast since you'll be fighting with others for the good ones! We returned van today and the return aisle was just as insane. Rental worked out great though, very happy with National.
Jun 23, 2021, 9:41 pm
#1047
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,480
To piggyback on this; if you want a minivan then reserve a minivan!
Jun 23, 2021, 9:53 pm
#1048
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
