Experiences flying to Tampa, Driving to WDW

[jjohns]

We've got an upcoming trip in October and are thinking of flying into Tampa instead of Orlando. Looking for people's experiences on that drive...

According to Mapquest, its about 1 1/2 hour drive from TPA to Disney - does that sound about right?

Our flight times are nice, and should give us plenty of drive time - arrive TPA at 5:30 pm, and depart TPA at 11:30 am. So, I'm thinking we should easily be getting checked in by 8 pm and should probably leave the hotel at 8:30 am - does that seem like enough time?

TIA, Jeff

 

[Fºoºz]

Sounds about right. We flew into Tampa and drove straight to what is now Port Orleans-Riverside and arrived within two hours, despite the construction on part of the highway that we ran into. This was back in January 2000. I would probably leave earlier for the flight back because you never know when something unexpected arises ... like an accident or traffic jam, etc. .... or even drive to Tampa the night before and stay overnight just to be sure. Otherwise the drive was no hassle at all. Looking forward to going back for a few days in October also.

 

[abbyndrewmom]

My inlaws live in Tampa so we often do this drive. I think an hour and a half is a pretty good estimate. It is an easy drive, I would also suggest staying in Tampa the night before your departure flight. with the new rules you should be at the airport 3hrs early.

allison

 

[DCinNs]

We flew in & out of Tampa last Feb.,no problems...not a big airport (a very small duty free!!!!!) We were about an 1 1/2 hr to Port Orleans but slower coming back...came upon an accident. Would do it again...we have relatives in Tamp.

 

[jjohns]

abbyndrewmom,

Which 'new rules' are you referring to?? I thought most airports were back to 'normal' pre-flight check-in times, that most of the post-Sep 11 delays have been worked out...

Also (this might make some difference), our flight out of Tampa is a domestic flight to Buffalo. From there, we'll drive into Canada. So, I'm thinking that will make the departure time a bit easier too.

And, for anyone familiar, we're flying Delta in/out of Tampa - any good/bad experiences with that airline in that airport??

Jeff

 

[abbyndrewmom]

I beleive you are still expected to be at the airport early as they are still conducting random searches etc. I haven't flown in a while so i am not sure. Sorry can't help you with Delta I refuse to fly with them. I had an absolutely horrible experience with them while flying alone with an infant, I did get a free trip out of the experience but I ended up giving it away as a present because I refused to fly with them.

Allison

 

[julfre]

I have flown several times since 9/11- all us flights and my experience has been that early morning flights on weekends are still very long lines. Also if you are going to a airline that has all the flights coming in and going out at the same time, you can hit long lines. I usually get there 2 hours early. I have had several flights where I was glad I did and just made it to my flight. I have also had several flights where it took me only 15 minutes to check in and get through security. So you never know!