Flying into Tampa as opposed to Orlando...?

[debbiebones]

Does anyone have any comments on flying into Tampa instead of Orlando? Does anyone choose to do that due to cheaper flights, fewer crowds...etc? Is it any easier or more difficult?

Also, how much further is it to the Tampa airport from WDW as opposed to MCO?

Thanks,

Deb

 

[fwm]

We have flown into or out of Tampa several times. it is about 70 miles compared to 25. The airport is about the same size as Orlando, but less congested. It is an easy drive as long as you do not hit rush hour in Tampa. You obviously need a car. I would not be hesiant to use Tampa if it will save enough money.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I use it whenever the prices of flights are significantly less than MCO.
It is a much smaller airport than MCO and really easy to get around in.
It ususally takes us about an hour to get to OKW from Tampa.
No tolls and nice ride.

 

[d.kurz]

I can usually get better flight times into TPA. And it's not a bad drive. I recommend TPA!! Go for it!

 

[Gillian]

Flying into Tampa is fine! The drive is direct & usually fast.

I also found last year that there was no additional charge to fly into Tampa & out of MCO. I don't if this is normal. I used Orbitz. Car rentals are not extra either. You can rent in one FL location & return in another (if you book it that way) with no addititional fees.

 

[lacool]

I was just looking into this as my parents live in Sarasota, and Tampa is about halfway between them and Orlando, but I found the car rentals to be more expensive from Tampa than MCO. The flight prices were about the same, but renting a minivan would cost about $100 more out of Tampa. Perhaps it's different if you just need a sedan.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

lacool
Yep, it seems the car rentals are higher in Tampa. Now and then they are lower, but, that is rare.

 

[Niagara2]

lacool we are flying into Tampa for the first time too, very used to MCO but I got a good rate (comparable to MCO) on a minivan with Dollar. Try the code KISS3. Good Luck

 

[Gillian]

Try all of the deals on Mousesavers.com or here. They should work at either airport. I got a full size at National for the same as at MCO. I also did pick up at TPA, return at MCO for the same price. That was using the Disney Club codes & coupon.

 

[mom2of2]

Also try SFB (Sanford) they are about an hour from WDW and a smaller airport. They do have car rentals (National etc) I paid a lot less for there then I would have for MCO or Tampa (I checked) If you use town car services they are about double what they charge from MCO.
Good Luck!

 

[lacool]

Sanford appears to be a great deal if you are anywhere that Southeast flies (my parents are flying from Sanford to Newark in early May). But, unfortunately for me their routes are very limited, and do not include eastern North Carolina. Thanks for the suggestion, though. I am always open to finding better airfare!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Try all of the deals on Mousesavers.com or here. They should work at either airport. I got a full size at National for the same as at MCO. I also did pick up at TPA, return at MCO for the same price. That was using the Disney Club codes & coupon.

I did just that in Feb. and even with all the discount that were available to me, the rate was a good 40.00 over, not enough to offset the savings of the flight.

Like I said, rarely, they are less, but, often you can offset the difference with the airfare, but, not this time for me.

 

[Hawk]

Count me in as the new crowd flying into TPA. Saved over $400.00 between our family of 6. Also we were able to get the exact dates we wanted. Always a little nervous about trying new procedures, but if we can drive from VT to Florida, I am sure we can handle TPA to WDW. We have National from TPA so that we can drop off in WDW. I hope 6 of us can get into a full size vehicle!!!

Hawk.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

but if we can drive from VT to Florida, I am sure we can handle TPA to WDW. We have National from TPA so that we can drop off in WDW. I hope 6 of us can get into a full size vehicle!!!

If you can do the drive from VT to FL, then this will be a total cake walk for you. Just and FYI, the Intrepid will hold six, as will the Impala, and the Regal, lets hope there is one on the EA (if that is your option) or, if you are using counter, just ask for a car that will hold you all.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Hawk]

Thanks for the information Gail.

Hawk

 

[bigsis1970]

I have flown into tampa twice now and its a great airport and its very easy to find the highway . It will lead you straight to disney !
I am all about saving some $$ that is why we have flown there.. Michelle

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Hi,
You are entirely welcome, Hawk.