Renting a Car....Members, I Need Your Help!!!

[Goofette]

I really really need as many suggestions as I can get. We are driving from Missouri to WDW and are going to rent a vehicle. The problem is, we don't know what kind to rent. We want the most comfortable and spacious and are currently looking at either minivan or luxury car. We don't have either, so I'm not sure how either of these ride. If we go with the minivan we're going to try to find one with tv/vcr so that would be a plus. But I'm actually wanting the most comfortable.

Please!!!! I need your help on this. We need to reserve ASAP and time has just gotten away from us.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Goofette

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Get a minivan that has two seats and then a bench in the back. Don't get one with two benches. The seat/bench is a lot more comfortable.

 

[DisneyWorldGuru]

I would go with a Conversion van. A van like the Mark 3 has a tv/vcp in them plus they also have a back seat that becomes a bed. We rented one when we went cross country. It might take you a while to find to rent but look hard they are out there for rent.

 

[s25843]

Go For a Luxury....
I own a 01 Lexus GS300 and love it. They offer much more comfy seating.
If you rent from National a Luxury car, they will most likley give you a Caddy.....

 

[The Mom]

You don't mention how many passengers/stuff you'll be transporting. I have a Mazda MPV with split bench/captain chairs in the 2nd row, bench in the 3rd. I can fit 4 people with tons of stuff with no problem....5 or more would limit storage. This is about the same as in my previous car, a Quest. It depends upon the amount of luggage. We rented a Lincoln once for a trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and really appreciated the wide back seat and extra horsepower.

I have a portable auto VCR (pre DVD) It fastens to the back of the front passenger seat, or between the driver's and passenger's seat. I've been able to use it with both cars, and it has an AC/DC adapter, so you end up having an extra VCR at your hotel/condo.

I also have a 2nd outlet in the back, so can run both the VCR and a cooler.

 

[Goofette]

There will be three of us, but unfortunately, I pack everything but the kitchen sink. I'm really not having very good luck at all. I've been trying to find a luxury vehicle, but so far the largest cars I have been able to find is Buick Lesabre (or something similar) or Ford Windstar (or similar). I can't find anything that has a tv. I'm really starting to stress.

The Lesabre was quoted to us at 431.75 including unlimit. mil and taxes incl. The minivan is 523.69 incl unlimit mil and taxes. I just have no idea which one to go for. I'm checking both of these vehicles online right now. We have to pick the car up in Springfield Missouri and there just isn't a lot of choices. I'm sort of wondering if the Lesabre might be better than the mini van, mainly because I will be in the back seat with my daughter doing games and such through part of the trip.

I was wondering Mom, Did you vehicle come with a TV already then you just got the portable vcr? I could just kick myself for not taking care of this before now.

 

[s25843]

If You Have an Extra $300 or so, check out Ebay for a portable DVD player with a screen.... If you have the extra Money it could save you lots and lots of stress on the trip there

 

[The Mom]

I was wondering Mom, Did you vehicle come with a TV already then you just got the portable vcr? I could just kick myself for not taking care of this before now. [/B]

I purchased the VHS player (no TV) for the older car, then opted not to get the entertainment system on the new one. I also have a small battery operated TV, but without an antenna it isn't very useful. I figured I really didn't want to worry about the "TV" breaking down on my auto, along with other things! However, if you can't find a rental van with one, the portable one is an option. (and can also be used in a luxury sedan)

 

[LoriL]

I have two friends with Windstars that love them, especially the latest model. If you pack a lot, and have a young child (you didn't say how old your daughter is), I'd go with the minivan. I think you can actually walk from the back to the front if you want to change places, and you'll have a lot more storage space. Plus if you have a child young enough to need a diaper change, you can do it right on the floor of the van. If she has to stop often to go to the bathroom, you can take along one of those travel potties and you don't even have to stop (at a dirty restroom) on the road. I drive a Lexus, so i do like luxury cars, but with a child I find myself now longing for the space of a minivan (even with only one kid!). Just my two cents, though.

 

[Goofette]

Originally posted by LoriL
I have two friends with Windstars that love them, especially the latest model. If you pack a lot, and have a young child (you didn't say how old your daughter is), I'd go with the minivan. I think you can actually walk from the back to the front if you want to change places, and you'll have a lot more storage space. Plus if you have a child young enough to need a diaper change, you can do it right on the floor of the van. If she has to stop often to go to the bathroom, you can take along one of those travel potties and you don't even have to stop (at a dirty restroom) on the road. I drive a Lexus, so i do like luxury cars, but with a child I find myself now longing for the space of a minivan (even with only one kid!). Just my two cents, though.

My daughter is 8. I was wondering if your friends have said if the Windstar was comfortable (lots of leg room, smooth ride)? I went ahead and reserved both vehicles (lesabre and windstar) and thought I would try to decide tonight which to go with. I'm very strict about seatbelts while the vehicle is moving (I sound like a CM for a ride "please remain seated while the vehicle is in motion" :lol: anyway, point of that is, I will be just as stationary as she is and want to be able to stretch my legs out.

 

[mkt]

go for a big luxury SUV, like a Navigator or Escalade.. or one of the smaller import ones too. it all depends on how many people you are taking along

 

[DisneyWorldGuru]

Originally posted by Goofette


My daughter is 8. I was wondering if your friends have said if the Windstar was comfortable (lots of leg room, smooth ride)? I went ahead and reserved both vehicles (lesabre and windstar) and thought I would try to decide tonight which to go with. I'm very strict about seatbelts while the vehicle is moving (I sound like a CM for a ride "please remain seated while the vehicle is in motion" :lol: anyway, point of that is, I will be just as stationary as she is and want to be able to stretch my legs out.

If you want to strerch your legs out go with the van. Also, about the TV, either buy a portable DVD/TV player for about $500 at Target or they have a TV/VCR in a backpack like thing that "seatbelts" to the two front seats (about $200-$300).
But go with the van it is a better choice. If you can go with a Pontiac Montaina, they are very nice. National car rental has them. If you get the Birnbaums book they have a coupon in it for a one car class upgrade. Hope this helps make up your mind.

 

[Goofette]

Originally posted by DisneyWorldGuru


If you want to strerch your legs out go with the van. Also, about the TV, either buy a portable DVD/TV player for about $500 at Target or they have a TV/VCR in a backpack like thing that "seatbelts" to the two front seats (about $200-$300).
But go with the van it is a better choice. If you can go with a Pontiac Montaina, they are very nice. National car rental has them. If you get the Birnbaums book they have a coupon in it for a one car class upgrade. Hope this helps make up your mind.

I have the Birnbaum book but didn't look for any coupons. I need to pay attention to those type of details.

Thanks everyone for All of the help you have given me. I guess we are going to go for the minivan. I thought the price we got seemed pretty good also, I think it was 523.00 for 11 days unlimited mileage and taxes. I think it's a good price???? Anyway, Thank you all so much again. I'm going to check on the tv/vcr tomorrow

Paula

 

[Lance]

We always rent from Budget Rent a Car up here..........and the top of the line for me is a Lincoln Town Car..........They are the $hit! Of course it's like $700+ for 10 - 14 days with unlimited mileage.

I would recommend a Taurus or any mid/full size car, if you don't want to spend A LOT!

 

[DisneyWorldGuru]

Originally posted by Goofette


I have the Birnbaum book but didn't look for any coupons. I need to pay attention to those type of details.

Thanks everyone for All of the help you have given me. I guess we are going to go for the minivan. I thought the price we got seemed pretty good also, I think it was 523.00 for 11 days unlimited mileage and taxes. I think it's a good price???? Anyway, Thank you all so much again. I'm going to check on the tv/vcr tomorrow

Paula

Have fun. Tell us all about it when you get back. Don't forget to check out Disney Quest (that place is so much FUN!!!)

 

[LoriL]

I agree to go with the van. There IS a lot of legroom and the ride is very much like any big American car.

Someone told me you might be able to rent a portable DVD at Blockbuster-- you might want to check that out. Also, I've been searching for things to interest my 2 year old on the plane, and while there isn't a lot for a chld his age, I did see a lot of great things in toy stores for children around age 8-- lots of travel games (small magnetic chess sets or Bingo games for $5) and things designed specifically for long car rides. You might want to check out etoys or amazon for some of this stuff, or a good independent toy store near you.

 

[Goofette]

Originally posted by LoriL
I agree to go with the van. There IS a lot of legroom and the ride is very much like any big American car.

Someone told me you might be able to rent a portable DVD at Blockbuster-- you might want to check that out. Also, I've been searching for things to interest my 2 year old on the plane, and while there isn't a lot for a chld his age, I did see a lot of great things in toy stores for children around age 8-- lots of travel games (small magnetic chess sets or Bingo games for $5) and things designed specifically for long car rides. You might want to check out etoys or amazon for some of this stuff, or a good independent toy store near you.

Great idea.....I have about 5 travel books with games and activities but I can't believe I never thought of the small magnetic games. She loves chess/checkers/bingo so that will be fun for her. She's taking her game boy and pixture so she'll have that also. I'm Hoping she'll "Sleep" too. I probably don't have time to order anything since we'll be leaving in about two weeks, but I bet Toys R Us will have travel games. If not, maybe my AAA store. Thanks Loril :sohappy:

 

[LoriL]

Do you have a Learning Express or a Zany Brainy near you? They have lots of this stuff, and Barnes & Noble may also have some things. I bought a small Magna Doodle, those sticker books with reusable stickers (you can also stick them on car windows!), Crayola Wonder markers and paper (the markers only work on the paper), some new books, lacing stuff (with an 8 year old girl, you could try embroidery or making a lanyard with that plastic colored twine, or crocheting, etc) You may also want to visit a hobby and craft store (Michael's or something similar) to find craft projects that you'll probably be able to do in the car. I bought pipe cleaners and beads at a store like that. The other thing that might be fun would be to take a cheap Polaroid camera with you and make a continual scrapbook of your trip. After the pictures develop, you can have a lot of fun cutting out scrapbook borders and pasting them into a book (safety scissors are great for this).

Another thing: lots og regular games have travel versions that you can find at Toys R Us, like Scrabble. they're smaller and have plastic grooves to hold the pieces in place while you are moving. You can also get the old standby travel games-- a deck of cards or a backgammon set.

Have a great time! I'm sure in 2 weeks you'll come up with plenty of stuff.