Orlando Airport: Gateway To Disney Magic

which airport brings guests to disney

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located in the southeast of Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in the state, with around 40 million passengers travelling through its terminals annually. There are two main routes from MCO to Disney World, with the quickest being the FL-528 E, which takes between 18 and 23 minutes in good traffic. Alternatively, the FL-417 route has tolls and runs around the outside of Orlando, passing by Gatorland. For those visiting Disneyland in Anaheim, California, the closest airport is John Wayne Airport in Orange County, which is about 15 miles away from the park.

Characteristics Values
Closest airport to Disney World Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Other airports serving Disney World Sanford International Airport (SFB), Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Airlines serving Sanford International Airport (SFB) Allegiant, ArkeFly, SST Air
Distance from Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Disney World 35 miles
Transport options from Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Disney World Rental cars, Ubers, taxis, limos
Transport option from MCO to Disney World Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine

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

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, the pay-to-use replacement for the old Disney's Magical Express, is offered by MCO as the only airport in the area. After arrival, guests looking for Mears Connect to get to their hotels should go to the B side of the main building and proceed to the first level.

If you have several hours to kill at MCO, the Hyatt Regency (located inside the airport) offers a limited number of Day Use Rooms at a reasonable charge. These can be handy after a cruise or in case of a delayed flight. You can also find popular souvenir items inside Disney's EarPort and the Magic of Disney stores at the airport, along with maps and Times Guides.

Orlando International Airport is not your only option when flying to Disney World. Other airports serving the area include Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is about 35 miles from Disney World, and Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 80 miles away. However, these airports may be more expensive due to the increased travel costs to get to Walt Disney World.

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MCO offers the most amenities and ground transportation options

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the best airport to fly into when visiting Walt Disney World. Not only is it the closest airport to Disney World, but it also offers the most amenities and ground transportation options.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is a pay-to-use service that replaced Disney's Magical Express and is unique to MCO. After arriving at MCO, guests looking for Mears Connect to get to their hotels should go to the B side of the main building and proceed to the first level. Millions of families fly in and out of MCO every year, so there may be longer delays than expected at the ticket counters and security checkpoints. It is recommended that travellers allow extra time when passing through MCO.

MCO also offers a range of other amenities, including day-use rooms at the Hyatt Regency for travellers with long layovers or delayed flights. The airport also has Disney's EarPort and the Magic of Disney stores, which sell souvenirs, maps, and Times Guides.

In addition to the amenities and transportation options available at MCO, travellers can also consider flying into other nearby airports such as Sanford International Airport (SFB) or Tampa International Airport (TPA). However, these airports are further away from Disney World, and the cost of transportation to and from the parks can be higher. For example, while Mears Connect is not an option from SFB, rental cars, Ubers, taxis, and limos are available.

Overall, MCO is the most convenient and cost-effective airport for guests visiting Disney World, offering a wide range of amenities and ground transportation options.

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Sanford International Airport is further away, so travel to Disney World costs more

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the best airport to fly into when visiting Walt Disney World. It is the closest airport to Disney World and provides travellers with the most amenities and ground transportation options.

However, Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is another option for reaching Disney World. It is approximately 35 miles from Disney World and is served by a few airlines, including Allegiant, ArkeFly, and SST Air. While Sanford International Airport is small and easy to navigate, it is further away from Disney World than MCO, and the cost of transportation to Disney World can be higher.

Rental cars, Ubers, taxis, and limos are available to travel from Sanford International Airport to Disney World, but certain transportation services like Mears Connect are not available from this airport.

Travellers can also consider flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 80 miles from Disney World. This option may be cost-effective if travellers have a rental car or can save significantly on flight costs by choosing this airport.

Therefore, while Sanford International Airport is a viable option for reaching Disney World, its greater distance from the destination does result in higher transportation costs, making MCO a more attractive choice for most travellers.

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Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a popular choice for guests travelling to Disney World, but it is important to note that the airport is approximately 78 to 103 miles from the resort. While there is no direct connection from Tampa International Airport to Disney World, there are several travel options available to make the journey.

The fastest way to get to Disney World from Tampa International Airport is by a pre-booked taxi or minibus. This option offers convenience and speed, especially if you have a large group or prefer a private travel experience. The journey by car typically takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes, making it the quickest way to travel between the two locations.

Alternatively, for those on a budget or looking for a more economical option, taking the bus is the most cost-effective choice. Shared transport options, such as buses, can be more budget-friendly as you share the travel costs with other passengers. However, this option can be time-consuming, with the journey taking approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes, including transfers.

Another possibility is to combine different modes of transportation. For example, you could take a taxi to Downtown Tampa and then walk or take public transportation to the train station. From there, you can board a train to Kissimmee Amtrak Station. After arriving at the station, you would need to walk or take a short taxi ride to reach the line 56 bus stop, which will take you to Topiary Lane and World Drive, located near Disney World. This option offers a mix of travel methods and can be a good choice if you want to explore different parts of the area during your journey.

Considering the distance between Tampa International Airport and Disney World, renting a car is a recommended option. Having a rental car provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to travel at your own pace and explore the surrounding areas. It can also be a more comfortable choice, especially if you are travelling with family or have a significant amount of luggage. By renting a car, you can easily drive directly from the airport to Disney World, making the most of the relatively short travel time of around 1 hour and 24 minutes.

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Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is a pay-to-use service that replaced Disney's Magical Express

Guests visiting Walt Disney World can now use the Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine shuttle service as a paid replacement for Disney's Magical Express, which was discontinued at the start of 2022. Mears Connect is operated by the same company that ran Disney's Magical Express and offers a standard, shared service with monitored wait times and limited stops, as well as an express service. The shuttle service operates between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World resorts, as well as on-site third-party hotels and some off-site options.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine has been described as a "step down" from Disney's Magical Express, with some guests reporting rude staff and an automated check-in process that does not provide a receipt. However, it is still an attractive option for many Walt Disney World fans because of its association with the former free shuttle service.

The Sunshine Flyer, which was another alternative to Disney's Magical Express, has merged with Mears Connect. The Sunshine Flyer was a new service with a fun railroad theme, including staff dressed as 1920s rail conductors and engineers and buses themed around old-fashioned passenger cars and train engines. While the themed costumes and buses have been discontinued, Mears Connect has added "Driven by Sunshine" to its branding.

One feature that guests loved about Disney's Magical Express was its luggage service. Mears Connect has noted that they are exploring luggage service options and will provide an update if and when it becomes available.

Frequently asked questions

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

MCO offers several ground transportation options, including Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, rental cars, Ubers, taxis and limos.

If you are looking to save money, you could consider flying into Sanford International Airport or Tampa International Airport, both of which are further away from Disney World but may work out cheaper if you have a rental car.

Disney's Magical Express has been replaced by Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, which is available at MCO.

If you have a long layover at MCO, you can book a Day Use Room at the Hyatt Regency located inside the airport. You can also shop for souvenirs, gifts and maps at Disney's EarPort and the Magic of Disney stores at the airport.

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