View Full Version : Minivan hire
Nostromo
20-06-2003, 21:59
Hi everyone!
We are a party of 7 people with kids and seniors among us visiting Orlando for 3 weeks in April-May next year. We will have substantial luggage as well and so I opted to hire a Chevy Astro type 8-seater (rather than the Grand Caravan suggested by the agent). Please tell me if this is a good choice and if I am likely to encounter problems with parking etc.
Probably not- Americans love their SUV's. Have you considered 2 smaller cars?
We have 6 munchkins and have found it is a lot cheaper for us anyway, to rent two smaller cars. We found it gives us options to leave seperately if one of the munchkins need a break, plus we had two trunks then! Just a thought?
sunseeker
20-06-2003, 23:49
Hi Arun
Parking is a doddle in Florida, parking lots are huge with bags of space. Not sure an 8 seater van will be big enough for a party of 7 and lots of luggage. There is very little luggage space and you only have 1 empty seat. Also to bear in mind, there are lots of goodies to buy in Florida, so you will probably be bringing more cases home with you.
Dave
Nostromo
20-06-2003, 23:51
quote:Originally posted by mm69340
Have you considered 2 smaller cars?
2 smaller cars would be ideal since we are splitting up on some days. The BIG problem though is - you guessed it - I am the only driver confident of driving on the "wrong" side of the road!
That's a shame, because it really is a doddle driving in Florida. If you can handle driving in the UK, then Florida is plain sailing!!
There are some 12-seater vans, which would be lovely and big for your party. You'd have enough room for the people and the luggage. They are also very easy to drive and park. Power steering, central locking, nice and high up and comfy seats. You'd be King of the Road!! :D:D
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
21-06-2003, 00:11
We had an Astro van in 1999 when we visited Florida (free upgrade - thanks Alamo :)) and had no problems at all driving or parking it. All parking bays in the US are massive and more than capable of taking a vehicle of this size.
We had an 8 seater minivan last year. There were 7 of us, plenty of room and loads of room for our luggage even after all our Florida purchases. It was great fun all being in the van together singing along to CDs.
Go for it!
Timmy
Nostromo
21-06-2003, 01:19
Thanks people. Sorry Carla, but I think I'll risk sticking with the Astro after what I have heard. We are carrying 1 big (30") suitcase for each of us plus a 'hand luggage' type bag. We may end up with a couple more cases, but I think we can manage that. Moreover it is only on the airport trips that we will have all the people AND the luggage, but for that trip we can hire a taxi if push comes to the shove. My one fear was parking difficulties, but from what you all have told me, it seems we'll be all right.
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
21-06-2003, 01:22
You could almost fit a small bus into the car park spaces at Disney so an 8 seater will be no problem at all :D!
neilandkay
21-06-2003, 03:29
Just watch out for parking spaces at malls etc marked COMPACT - they are generally smaller spaces meant for cars, usually positioned where there is a tree in between the parking spaces.
But don't let this put you off, there are usually loads of spaces for the larger vehicles.
-Kay
Hi I rented a 15 seater last time we were in Orlando and had no problem with driving/parking etc. I was a little scared at first as im only used to driving my little citroen saxo, but after the first day I wes fine. We were a party of 13 and were glad of the 2 empty seats for our luggage, shopping etc