Best Way Through Sandford

[stephensmum]

If no delays we arrive at Sandford at 12.30. Any tips on getting through? We have to collect tickets from Airtours rep & are arranging for a town car to meet us.

 

[AlanUK]

I've not been through Sandford for a few years now so I can't really advise but hopefully soemone will be along shortly who has some better information.

 

[wilma-bride]

Even though ti was only last October, I don't remember an awful lot except how quick and easy it was. I think it only took us 25 minutes from off-plane to stood in queue waiting to see Airtours Rep. It was that point onwards where it seemed to take forever

 

[stephensmum]

Thank you.

 

[crazy_ciara]

is there buses to take to u internation drive or ur hotel!? its gona suck not bein able to drive! only turned 18!ahh!

 

[nbodyhome]

There is no Magical Express from Sanford. You can arrange transportation, it is costlier than from Orlando.

 

[wicket2005]

If no delays we arrive at Sandford at 12.30. Any tips on getting through? We have to collect tickets from Airtours rep & are arranging for a town car to meet us.

You are using the same flight, I suspect, as I have used the last two years from Newcastle, a Monarch one. I would say it is an ideal time to get to Sanford. Both years we have headed to Sea World as soon as we have checked in.

The flight arrival is a good one because it is the only one that arrives at that time or at least this has been the case. There are several planes that arrive in the afternoon all together.

The first year getting through Immigration was relatively quick. The second year not so because we arrived with other planes (because of a two hour delay). There was a huge line but saying that the Americans have it organised really well with loads of Immigration Officers so it went quite quickly. I don't time myself in lines because it can stress you out a bit thinking how long you have been in one so tend to think as soon as I get off the plane it is the start of the holiday and chill.

After immigration you pick up your cases then head through customs. The only tip I can give is to make sure your visa waiver and customs forms are filled in correctly.

As soon as you leave the arrivals lounge, all the reps are about. You just approach the one you need. Then off to pick up your car or find your lift.

We have flown once from Orlando and I would say Sanford is an easier airport to get through, though then you have the 40 minute journey to Orlando afterwards.

 

[stephensmum]

Thanks so much for the info. Can't beat first hand experiences.

 

[wifey]

Getting through Sanford airport is really straight forward. After leaving the plane you exit the walkway down the stairs or escalator into the airport. There you will find Customs and Immigration lines (don't worry there are toilets there for the kiddos or anyone who needs them) ALWAYS wait your turn at the line on the carpet approx 3-4 feet from the desks and approach when asked to step up. Don't worry the staff are friendly answer their qustions sensibly and you get your eye scan and fingers scanned and passports checked etc. From there go right to the Luggage claim carousel and then outside. Leave the building cross at the zebra and head to the building up on your right this is where all the reps desks can be found go through the doors on the left. There are also some vending machines and toilets on the right hand side of the building and just a little further up you will see the car hire desks and the bus shuttles for the hotels Dollar, Alamo,Avis, Hertz(which you need your vouchers for make sure you have your paperwork ready)
From there you can leave the airport from the slip road on to East Lake Mary Boulevard and join the Central Florida Greenway (toll road) typical toll to Kissimmee or WDW approx $4.50 or $3.75 for I-Drive ,you can turn off at various locations close to wher you need to be.A popular route is to come off at the Beeline Expressway route 528 which runs close to Seaworld and I4 if you join I4 you can exit anywhere from exit 68-62 for the WDW resorts or from exit 72 you can go north for I-Drive hotels. You can avoid the toll road by staying on Lake Mary Boulevard for 6 miles until it hits I4 but be aware that the tea time traffic can slow you down considerably.