Orlando International Airport: Gateway To Disney World

what airport does disney world use

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located in the southeast of central Orlando. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in Florida, with around 40 million passengers travelling through its terminals annually. The airport offers a wide range of flight options and potentially more affordable fares. Additionally, Walt Disney World previously had its own small airfield, Lake Buena Vista Airport, which is now a storage lot.

Characteristics Values
Name of the airport Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Other names Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Walt Disney World Airport, Lake Buena Vista Airport, Lake Buena Vista STOLport
Location Southeast of central Orlando, Florida
Distance from Disney World 43-50 minutes drive
Number of passengers 40 million per year
Features Expansive lobby area, convention space, bars, restaurants

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Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World

MCO services several airlines, offering a wider range of flight options and potentially more affordable fares. Guests staying at Walt Disney Resort can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express, a complimentary service that requires a reservation prior to arrival at MCO. This service is only available to guests listed on the room reservation.

If you are staying at a resort near Disney, you can utilise the resort's free transportation to the theme parks and arrange alternative transportation from MCO, such as taxis or pre-arranged transfers. Car hire is also an option, providing you with a vehicle for the duration of your visit.

There are other airports within reach of Disney World, such as Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Melbourne Orlando International Airport, but these are further away and may result in a longer travel day.

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Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a 43-50 minute drive from Disney World

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a great option for those looking to visit Disney World. Although it is not the closest airport to the resort, it is still a convenient option, with a drive time of between 43 and 50 minutes to the Disney Parks. This makes it a good alternative to the closest airport, Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is located in the southeast of central Orlando and is the primary airport used by most guests visiting Disney World.

Orlando Sanford International Airport is located north of Orlando and offers a decent option if you can find a cheap flight. Airlines such as Allegiant, Spirit, Sun Country, and even United fly into this airport. By choosing to fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can take advantage of the potential cost savings without adding too much travel time to your journey.

When considering your travel options, it is worth noting that the drive time from Orlando Sanford International Airport to Disney World is relatively efficient, allowing you to get to your destination promptly. This airport serves as a reminder that, when planning a trip to Disney World, it is beneficial to consider a range of airports in the region. By doing so, you can increase your chances of finding affordable flights and flexible travel dates.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that, while Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest and largest airport to Disney World, it is also one of the busiest airports in Florida, serving around 40 million passengers annually. Therefore, opting for a slightly more distant airport like Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) can sometimes provide a more relaxed travel experience, especially if you are visiting during peak travel seasons.

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Kissimmee Gateway Airport briefly offered passenger service to Disney World

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World. However, Kissimmee Gateway Airport, a public airport in Kissimmee, Florida, also briefly offered passenger service to Disney World.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport is located 30 km southwest of the central business district of Orlando. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Kissimmee and covers an area of 892 acres, featuring two asphalt runways. During World War II, the airport, then known as Kissimmee Army Airfield, was used by the United States Army Air Forces as a tactical combat simulation school. The military use of the airfield ended in July 1945, and it was returned to civilian use by the end of that year.

In terms of its brief passenger service to Disney World, Kissimmee Gateway Airport formerly provided "on-demand" flights to 12 cities through DayJet, a now-defunct company that suspended all operations in September 2008. Today, the airport does not offer scheduled passenger service but hosts various general aviation operations, including a facility for restoring classic military aircraft from World War II.

While Kissimmee Gateway Airport no longer provides direct flights to Disney World, it remains a significant airport in Central Florida, accommodating a range of aviation activities and serving as a convenient option for pilots and aviation enthusiasts in the region.

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Walt Disney World Airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport, is no longer active

The closest airport to Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO), located in the southeast of central Orlando. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in Florida, with around 40 million passengers travelling through its terminals annually.

Orlando International Airport offers a range of amenities, including an expansive lobby area, a convention space, several bars, and restaurants. It also provides a complimentary service called Disney's Magical Express for guests staying at the Walt Disney Resort, although a reservation is required in advance.

Another option for travellers is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), located north of Orlando. This airport is between a 43 and 50-minute drive from the Disney Parks. It is served by airlines like Allegiant, Spirit, Sun Country, and United, offering potentially more affordable fares.

While Walt Disney World once had its own small airfield, known as Walt Disney World Airport or Lake Buena Vista Airport, it is no longer active. This airfield was built in 1971 to serve Walt Disney World guests and employees, accommodating smaller commuter airliners with STOL ("Short Take-Off and Landing") capabilities. However, it has not seen commercial service since the early 1980s and is now used as a storage lot.

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Melbourne Orlando International Airport is another airport option for Disney World visitors

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, but Melbourne Orlando International Airport is another airport option for Disney World visitors. It is one of three airports near Disney World that travellers can fly into, the other two being Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Melbourne Orlando International Airport is more than an hour's drive from Disney World, which could make your travel day longer and more tiring. However, it may be a good option if you can find a cheap flight, as it is serviced by several airlines, including Allegiant, Spirit, Sun Country, and United.

Orlando International Airport, on the other hand, is the closest airport to the Disney Parks and is located in the southeast of central Orlando. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in Florida, with around 40 million passengers travelling through its terminals each year. The airport offers an expansive lobby area, a convention space, several bars, and two restaurants. The easiest way to get from MCO to Disney World is by car, and there are two main routes: the main route, FL-528 E, is the quickest and takes you through the city of Orlando.

If you are staying at the Walt Disney Resort, you can use Disney's Magical Express, a complimentary service that requires a reservation before arrival. Guests staying at resorts near Disney can use the resort's free transportation to the theme parks but will not be able to use Disney's Magical Express.

In addition to the airports mentioned above, there are other airports within reach of the Disney World parks, such as Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is a 43 to 50-minute drive from the parks. There used to be a small airfield called Walt Disney World Airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport, located within Walt Disney World. However, it is no longer an active airport and now serves as a storage lot.

Frequently asked questions

The closest airport to Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO), located in the southeast of central Orlando.

Other nearby airports include Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Kissimmee Gateway Airport, and Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

The easiest way to get from MCO to Disney World is by car. You can catch a taxi, pre-arrange transfers, or hire a car.

There used to be a small airfield owned by The Walt Disney Company called Walt Disney World Airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport. It is no longer a registered active airport and now serves as a storage lot.

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