VS Holidays and Alamo Car Hire at Orlando

Good Morning,

We are traveling to Orlando in early February with Lufthansa via Frankfurt ( Got a great deal with miles travelling Business ) Anyway, we have booked a car through Alamo, I have just noticed that Virgin Holidays use Alamo and our flight arrives in at 18.00, about 1 hour after two VS flights from LGW and MAN. I have a couple of questions that I hope someone will be able to answer.

Will the Alamo lines be really busy or do they manage it well?

Will all the good cars be taken, we have booked a midsize 4*4, or will we get a better vehicle because all the cars have gone and they will have to upgrade us?

Thanks in anticipation of your help.

Steve

[mitchja]

Virgin Holidays get their own dedicated Alamo car hire pick-up desks at MCO in arrivals which are only open during the VS flight arrivals from MAN/LGW/GLA so I would think the regular Alamo car hire desks which are open longer hours should not get too busy during these times.

Alamo also have hundreds of cars available so I don't think you will have any issues choosing the car you want. As you pick your own car once you have filled in the paperwork etc, I've noticed that most people just go for the ones nearest the entrance in the multi-storey car park anyway!

I personally always pick my car up the following morning and stay in a nearby airport hotel for the first night.

As James has just said there will be plenty of cars.

I personally always pick my car up the following morning and stay in a nearby airport hotel for the first night.

we do that too! I always find it's easier to say no to things when you're not tired and grumpy from the flight.

As James has just said there will be plenty of cars.

I personally always pick my car up the following morning and stay in a nearby airport hotel for the first night.

we do that too! I always find it's easier to say no to things when you're not tired and grumpy from the flight.

I've got a slight twist on this method;

Get to Alamo knackered.

Pick any old rubbish due to afore mentioned tiredness/grumpiness.

Moan about the car/SUV on the drive to Davenport/Disney/192 diving Mrs Monster mad.

Drive back to Alamo at MCO the next day to replace.

I think the overnighter at MCO may be an option for future visits...

As James has just said there will be plenty of cars.

I personally always pick my car up the following morning and stay in a nearby airport hotel for the first night.

we do that too! I always find it's easier to say no to things when you're not tired and grumpy from the flight.

I've got a slight twist on this method;

Get to Alamo knackered.

Pick any old rubbish due to afore mentioned tiredness/grumpiness.

Moan about the car/SUV on the drive to Davenport/Disney/192 diving Mrs Monster mad.

Drive back to Alamo at MCO the next day to replace.

I think the overnighter at MCO may be an option for future visits...

What a complete waste of time!

Do your homework and pick the car you need with a platinum package from here in the UK with any of the major hire companies direct.
Get to the desk at MCO and present your paperwork, credit card and license. Do not enter into any conversation regarding upgrades. Walk across the road to the parking lot. Pick out your car. Then drive off and enjoy your holiday. Simples

VH and Alamo do an online check in which we used at IAH this month. It is awesome as you get through immigration and customs and then go straight to your car class and pick the one you like Simples 8D

No queues, no hassle ^)

What a complete waste of time!

Do your homework and pick the car you need with a platinum package from here in the UK with any of the major hire companies direct.
Get to the desk at MCO and present your paperwork, credit card and license. Do not enter into any conversation regarding upgrades. Walk across the road to the parking lot. Pick out your car. Then drive off and enjoy your holiday. Simples

I think it's down to personal preference. Personally, I think staying overnight also means we wake up more refreshed before our drive to the Gulf Coast.

What a complete waste of time!

Do your homework and pick the car you need with a platinum package from here in the UK with any of the major hire companies direct.
Get to the desk at MCO and present your paperwork, credit card and license. Do not enter into any conversation regarding upgrades. Walk across the road to the parking lot. Pick out your car. Then drive off and enjoy your holiday. Simples

I think it's down to personal preference. Personally, I think staying overnight also means we wake up more refreshed before our drive to the Gulf Coast.

Agreed, personal preference is the key. I love getting off the plane, in the car for a drive then sleep like a baby on the first night and be fresh for the first days activities y)

What a complete waste of time!

Do your homework and pick the car you need with a platinum package from here in the UK with any of the major hire companies direct.
Get to the desk at MCO and present your paperwork, credit card and license. Do not enter into any conversation regarding upgrades. Walk across the road to the parking lot. Pick out your car. Then drive off and enjoy your holiday. Simples

I think it's down to personal preference. Personally, I think staying overnight also means we wake up more refreshed before our drive to the Gulf Coast.

Yup, that's us too. y)

Get off the plane collect our luggage, straight into the Hyatt never even leave the airport, straight in the pool (weather permitting) back down to McCoys for a lovely meal then bed time.

Up early next morning collect our car at our leisure, no queues, in fact very few people period.... and off we go all refreshed and happy

dont use alamo but our trick was always -pick up car -drive to tampa have some dinner -bed by 9. up nice and early next day (5.30-6) and be in our home by 9. always worked nicely for us