What is up with the car rental prices? About This Page:

[chicken]

I am SOOOO hoping someone knows the answer to this question: what is up with the car rental prices at MCO? We have rented a car almost every time we have been to a DVC resort or DCL trip and NEVER, I repeat NEVER paid over $150 for a 7-10 day trip IN TOTAL. So when trying to book a car for friends who are going Feb 6-14 I am SHOCKED to see the price is $551 for a compact car. Last year when we went with the same friends, I rented a compact car, got a free upgrade to a standard car and when we arrived at MCO they only had minivans in the standard car section (poor us!!!) and that cost me $125...so what's up with the same time of year, same duration of time, same type of car????????
If anyone knows the answer it would make me look like a hero to my friend...if anyone has any ideas of how to get cheaper transportation for a family of 8, that would also be good. They are staying offsite and would like the use of a car the whole time they are there. Suggestions???
Thanks

[yakamishi]

One word....Hotwire.com

[missminniedreams]

I was actually just online looking for rentals for the week before that and found compact cars around 140-150 for 5 days. I know you're not looking for a compact, but I don't think prices were as high as you are seeing. Maybe check expedia?

[Suzy Q'Disney]

We saw this for the trip we are on right now. I just checked every day until it broke. It did I reserved. Then it went back up. Alamo was lower than anybody else for awhile.

Susan

[Fortissimo]

Check every day. When you find a better price, book it as they can go up again. If the price goes down you can book again and cancel the original reservation.

I have had the best rates booking through Costco.com with Avis. You do not have to be a member unless the car company states on the site you have to show your card when picking up the car.


Good luck!

[nurse_mom]

someone suggested disboards for rentals. I did go a look and got a minivan for almost 300.00 for a week. Not the greatest rate I have ever seen. Did you try priceline and naming your own price?

[disney_duke]

Hotwire and priceline.

I agree though. The prices have skyrocketed over the last few years. There are deals to be had, but you either have to book them about 1 year in advance or wait until 1-2 weeks prior. It's crazy!

I also agree to keep checking every day. Sometimes - just like airlines - there will be a price drop for just 1 day, and then it goes back to normal the next day. So keep at it, the price will likely come down.

Also try using some codes for discounts. MouseSavers.com - Rental Car Discount Info - Car Rental Discounts has a listing of codes. In particular, I remember using the last minute code from Alamo and getting a good deal. Also the Orlando convention and visitors bureau code from Dollar was a good deal too. They're both on that list!

[Jennifer2003]

Keep checking. Look for online coupon codes.

When I booked my rental car for my Sept/Oct 2011 trip it was just under $200.00, but by the time my trip rolled around, I only paid $77.00 for the whole week. The rates kept dropping and I kept finding better coupon codes! Also...don't just check one company...check them all. I changed companies a few times before I ended up with Hertz.

Good luck!!

[Disdadnmi]

I agree. Going Feb 4 - 15th and have been checking every day. Found a rate for an economy car with Advantage for $225 and reserved it, but that's still higher than anything I've ever rented. Hoping it will go down more. Going to keep checking!

Brent

[chicken]

My friends are still wanting to be friends. We both keep checking every day but she did book one for ~$225. Maybe we will get lucky the week before. Thanks so much for all your great advice.

[DrDolphin]

Do either of you have AAA? Sometimes you can get additional rental car discounts with them.

[wdwlovers]

Check the WDW Car Care Center, I've found the prices to be $50-80 less at times. We've got a van for June and with a discount code it is $482 with taxes & everything. I think it's costly, but as I keep checking the prices are only going up.

Good luck!

[Sue M.]

Check renting thru Costco.com and picking up at Disney CCC. You can take DME to your resort, then phone CCC for a pick up. They will come get you at your resort.

[benjiboo25]

Originally Posted by wdwlovers

Check the WDW Car Care Center, I've found the prices to be $50-80 less at times. We've got a van for June and with a discount code it is $482 with taxes & everything. I think it's costly, but as I keep checking the prices are only going up.

Good luck!

This is another thing that is making our family consider driving to WDW instead of flying. We planned to rent a car for the first time this august. We will drive down to Ft Lauderdale to visit family and looked forward to having the vehicle for at least a week. We have 3 kids and are used to a minivan. My DD with ASD needs her "own row." $500 for a van for the week is a bit out of control....

[Disdadnmi]

Just an update on car rental prices. They just dropped! I just reserved a compact car from Alamo Feb 4 - 15 for $202, out the door. Fees included. I am a member of the Alamo insider's club and that helped a bit.

I went ahead and reserved it, but still hoping they drop further . . .

Brent