Jazmin Li
Planning a trip to Disney World? The closest airport to the theme park is Orlando International Airport, followed by Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is about 24 miles further away. You could also try Kissimmee Gateway Airport, which briefly offered passenger service through DayJet until 2008. If you're after a quirky arrival experience, you might want to avoid Walt Disney World Airport—it no longer accommodates flights but once featured a set of grooves on its runway that played When You Wish Upon a Star when driven over at 45 miles per hour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports near Disney World | Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Kissimmee Gateway Airport |
| Closest airport to Disney World | Orlando International Airport (17-20 miles away) |
| Former names of Walt Disney World Airport | Lake Buena Vista Airport, Lake Buena Vista STOLport |
| Unique features | The runway had grooves that played "When You Wish Upon a Star" when driven over at 45 mph |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport
The airport, previously known as Orlando Jetport at McCoy, has been serving Disney World guests since the 1970s. Lake Buena Vista Airport, built in 1971, was originally intended to serve as an airfield for Walt Disney World guests and employees. This small airfield, owned by The Walt Disney Company, offered scheduled passenger flights to Orlando International Airport (then known as Orlando Jetport at McCoy) and Tampa International Airport.
Today, Orlando International Airport remains the primary gateway for most visitors heading to Disney World. It offers a range of transportation options to and from the resort, ensuring a seamless travel experience for guests.
For those travelling to Disney World, Orlando International Airport is the most convenient option. With its proximity and transport connections, it provides easy access to the magical world of Disney. The airport's long-standing association with Disney World ensures that travellers can efficiently transition from their flights to the resort, making it a popular choice for visitors from around the world.
Additionally, the airport itself offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of travellers. With efficient ground transportation options, guests can quickly reach Disney World and begin their magical journey.
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Orlando Sanford International Airport
The airport has a rich history, starting as a Naval Air Station during World War II in 1942. It was commissioned as Naval Air Station Sanford and focused on advanced land-based patrol plane training. The US Navy utilised the base until 1969, after which the City of Sanford took control and renamed it Sanford Airport. For the following twenty-five years, the airport served general aviation and occasionally hosted civilian and military air shows.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the airport underwent renovations and expansions. The oldest Navy buildings were demolished, while structures from the 1950s and 1960s were renovated for civil use. New buildings and hangars were constructed, and the airport evolved with a new control tower and a passenger terminal capable of accommodating jet airliners.
Today, Orlando Sanford International Airport is a commercial, public-use airport. It is Orlando's secondary commercial airport, offering easy access to popular attractions and amusement parks in the area. The airport is known for its convenience and friendly atmosphere, providing a stress-free travel experience with direct flights and efficient baggage handling.
With its central location and proximity to popular destinations, Orlando Sanford International Airport is an excellent choice for travellers heading to Disney World. Its historical background, coupled with modern amenities, ensures a unique and comfortable travel experience.
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Melbourne Orlando International Airport
The airport was previously named Melbourne International Airport, but in 2015, it was renamed Orlando Melbourne International Airport. However, due to a lawsuit, the airport became Melbourne Orlando International Airport in 2021. The name change was intended to brand the airport as a less congested alternative to Orlando's other commercial airports.
In terms of airlines, American Airlines, Continental, Direct Air, and Elite Airways have all operated at the airport, offering flights to various destinations across the United States. The airport also has a history of being used by film productions, with some scenes from the film 'Stranger Than Paradise' being shot at the airport in the early 1980s.
For those travelling to Walt Disney World, the airport provides access to Orlando and its attractions, although it is important to note that it is not the closest airport to the theme park.
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Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Today, the airport is a hub for aviation enthusiasts, with a major facility dedicated to restoring classic military aircraft from World War II to flying condition. The airport also provides easy access to nearby attractions, including Walt Disney World.
For those travelling to Disney World, Kissimmee Gateway Airport can be a convenient option due to its proximity to the theme park. The airport is located just 30km from the heart of Orlando, making it a great choice for those looking for a quick transfer to their accommodation or the Disney World resort.
Whether you're a history buff fascinated by World War II aviation or a family seeking a magical Disney experience, Kissimmee Gateway Airport serves as a strategic gateway to Central Florida and its diverse attractions.
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Lake Buena Vista Airport
The Lake Buena Vista STOLport (STOL stands for Short Take Off and Landing) was a 2,000-foot runway with a small apron that could accommodate four small commuter planes. When it was active, it accommodated smaller commuter airliners such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop, which had STOL capabilities. The airport has not had any commercial service since the early 1980s and is no longer registered as an active airport. As of 2024, most Walt Disney World guests arrive through Orlando International Airport, with some arriving through Orlando Sanford International Airport or Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
The idea for the Lake Buena Vista STOLport came about in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when there was a movement to mitigate the growing traffic problem on America's highways. The plan was to create a network of STOLports across Florida that would connect resorts and downtown areas, easing congestion on highways and at major airports. On June 28, 1971, Disney announced their plan to build a STOLport with a 2,000-foot runway and terminal in time for the October opening of Walt Disney World.
Shawnee and Executive Airlines were chosen to provide connecting flights to major airlines at Orlando McCoy Jetport and Tampa International Airport. However, the STOLport was not ready for operation when Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, and flights did not begin until three weeks later on October 22. Unfortunately, the airlines faced setbacks, including the Air Force's decision to not allow the use of STOL aircraft at Orlando McCoy Jetport due to incompatibility with larger aircraft.
Today, the runway and apron of the former Lake Buena Vista Airport have been converted to storage and parking, visible to motorists travelling along World Drive toward the Transportation and Ticket Center and passengers on the monorail.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando International Airport is the closest airport to Disney World, located 17-20 miles away from the resort.
Orlando Sanford International Airport and Melbourne Orlando International Airport are also options, although they are further away.
The former name of the airport was Orlando Jetport at McCoy.
Yes, Walt Disney World Airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport, was a small airfield located within Disney World. However, it is no longer an active airport and has not been since December 2017.
