Collecting at MCO

[SandyB]

After a successful California hire here in 2008, it's back to Florida this year and we have already booked our villa through this site. Again, entirely smooth, efficient and friendly. Thank you.

There seems to be some criteria changing going on recently with extra drivers, full tanks, empty tanks, free vehicle choice etc etc.

I'm looking for a 14-day July hire of a 7-seater Minivan with 2 drivers (53 and 25 y.o.) On the Silver package, there's next to no price difference between Budget and Alamo.

Some questions for you regulars from a dummy please.

1. In my circumstances, by upgrading to Gold would the only benefit be a free tank of gas?

2. Do Alamo now allow 2 drivers under Silver?

3. Does the price quoted include/exclude the $12.50 charge. No big thing in itself, just want to be prepared for the situation.

4. What difference vehicle quality-wise between a 7-seater minivan and a 7-seater SUV?

5. Any preferences, and why, between Budget and Alamo?

6. Any advice/tips about queues, pre-registering, pre-paying gas, re-fuelling etc?

Thanks.

[SandyB]

Sorry, people, bad post. Just too many questions, I guess.

[msmiff]

Will try an answer (purely personal opinion !!)
1. Yes... but it ain't 'free'.
2. Yes, 2 drivers.
3. Exclude: The $12.50 applies to rentals from MCO only & are not included.
4. Sorry, no idea...
5. We always use Alamo as they allow you to choose your vehicle from the relevent area in their carpark, Budget give you a key...
6. We usually go 'gold', but tried 'silver' June last. If only 2 drivers, suspect 'silver' slightly cheaper option. Refuelling at a gas station is a pain, most pumps have credit card readers but will ask for a zip code. If from UK, you'll have to pre-pay at counter. We go for $20, usually about 3/4 of a tank. Never (in 20 years) encountered more than an hours queue, but tend to go out of season, so others should be better qualified to give advice !!!

[SandyB]

Thanks for the helpful reply.

Completely take your point about the "free" tank of gas.

Have been so used over the years to returning empty, that finding a gas station close to the airport provides an entirely different challenge.

I also tend towards Alamo and am happy that they will now allow 2 drivers with the Silver option.

Again, thanks for taking the time to reply.

[roger]

I confirm 2 drivers with Alamo on Silver. Our Budget rates include the Orlando CFC charge with Budget.