Flying Alegiant into Sanford

[MickeyP]

What are people doing to get to Disney from the Sanford airport? Is there a Mears bus, or are people using taxis and limos?
It seems there ought to be a cheaper option. I can't tell if it would be better to fly cheap and get a cab (for 3), or fly Delta and get the free ME.

 

[racechick8293]

Especially depending on the number of people that you would be paying for a shuttle service for, I would suggest looking into renting a car for the stay. There are usually some good prices and/or specials if you look around. It would also get you back to the airport for your flight out, and may also come in handy for saving money by picking up food, drinks, and souvenirs, etc. while on the trip.

 

[MickeyP]

Yes, I would consider that option.

 

[Poohbug]

I always rent a car when I fly into Sanford. You can get reasonable rates, and it is usually cheaper than transfers.

 

[mickeys friend]

We flew into that airport once (always fly into Orlando Int.)because the flight was alot cheaper and non stop.The flight was great and the airport is small,but we had rented a SUV (several of us in our party) and drove to POFQ.First we didn't know we were going to have to do a toll booth that didn't have anyone in it and only took correct change,so we were holding up traffic trying to find it.The trip to the resort was longer than we were told.Also we had to check out of our resort (coming home) and stay at a hotel near the airport because of the flight time.The rental place wasn't open when we got there and dropped off the SUV.On our way home,we found out that they charged us several hundred dollars more than they were suppost to.So we had to dispute the charge and show the correct amount that they had sent us in a email before we arrived in Orlando.We had not drove the SUV at all after we got to the resort until it was time to leave,and it was full of gas,etc,like it was suppost to be.For this reason,for us,even paying more for our tickets to MCO is what we've done since then and will only fly into Orlando Int.Of course,I have seen where alot of people like flying into Sanford,just not us.

 

[kristenrice]

Here's a scenario for you...

My sister and I are planning our October trip for our families. We are two families of 4 and the kids will be 11, 9, 6 and 2 (almost 3) when we travel. We both have the SWA Visa cards and we will each be able to cover 3 R/T tickets and one O/W ticket with our points.

So, I was thinking....if the schedules align, we are thinking about sending the guys to Sanford on Allegiant. Then, we would have them rent a car and stop for groceries (we'd have to give them a list) on their way to WDW. That way, DSis and I could fly with the girls and luggage, utilize DME and we would still be able to get groceries without having to use a delivery service.

My thought would be to do a one-way rental and return it to either the Dolphin or Car Care Center the next day. We'd have no use for a small car since there are 8 of us. We wouldn't need to return to the airport because we would get the guys their return tickets on SW with points.

Obviously, this plan is dependent on the flight schedules. I know that Allegiant only flies on certain days of the week and even then, there is only one flight to choose from. Right now, that flight gets to Sanford around 8pm. How late would that get us to AKV? They would not have any bags to claim. My sister thinks that she won't be able to manage "by herself" but I think she would be willing to try it if the price difference was big enough. Right now, Allegiant is about $60 cheaper (even with a carry-on bag factored in) than SWA for the same day. I know that the schedules are not out yet for October, but I figured I would try a comparison. If they split the cost of a small rental car (about $70 total, $35 each) that would still save $25 each AND it would make the groceries cheaper since we wouldn't have to make the minimum or worry about a delivery charge.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

We always fly into Sanford using Allegiant because it is the only nonstop option near us and is much cheaper. The car rental is the most convenient option for us. We do not like the WDW buses and only rarely use them so there is no question about renting or not. There are other things that make having a rental more attractive. We always eat offsite a few times and visit a grocery store for food and drinks in the room. That saves us a few hundred dollars right there. We also like to go to the WDW outlet store at the Orlando Premium Outlets. Sometimes you don't find anything good, but we have bought several things at great prices.

If you do rent a car check the mousesavers website for car rental discount codes. There are usually at least a couple that will bring down the cost of a rental. Don't use the toll route if that bothers you. Depending on the time of your arrival using I-4 might be a fine option and you don't have to deal with the toll booths.

 

[MickeyP]

Great option. Didn't know there was a non-toll route.

 

[Poohbug]

I always take I4 because I don't want to pay the toll. I think the toll road will save you about 15-20 minutes of driving. I always arrive at good times to drive and I don't think I lose much time driving I4 but the toll road may work better if you arrive during rush hours.

There are many stores, restaurants and gas stations before you get to I4. I always stop at a grocery store in Sanford and pick up drinks, snacks and other things I need.

 

[JB2K]

What are people doing to get to Disney from the Sanford airport? Is there a Mears bus, or are people using taxis and limos?

All of the above from Sanford -- you can add rental cars to the mix (a good idea is to rent a car, stop at your favorite store to stock-up on munchies, etc.), drop everything off at the hotel and return the car "on-property"...

 

[TCB in FLA]

I flew Allegiant for my recent marathon trip and had a great experience! So easy in and out, plus I was able to score a great rental car price on Priceline. Bring your GPS or smart phone w you for directions to-from Disney (you can usually program with or without tolls). I did without tolls when I arrived (late at night), with tolls on the way back (4 pm weekday) -- both an easy drive. Save your quarters for the tolls.