Opinions please?

[tbrenk]

We are 7 people travelling in November. The flights into MCO are expensive. We can get a flight from La Guardia, NY to Tampa for $243, non stop. Flights into MCO were all over $450. It would mean free bags which is a big saver.

We could rent a minivan that would hold all of us for $286 and split the cost which is cheaper than taking a shuttle or a one way rental. We could park it at the resort and not even use it if we didn't want to.

Is this plan worth the inconvenience of not flying into MCO?

 

[smbowtie]

Sounds like a plan, if you don't mind a hr+ drive both ways.

 

[tbrenk]

Sounds like a plan, if you don't mind a hr+ drive both ways.

Honestly, I am torn as to what to do. Of course we would rather not have the drive. However, I am afraid the prices into MCO won't come down and if we don't book the $243, we will be out of luck and will wind up paying $500 per person.

 

[Disworldluv]

Sounds like a plan, if you don't mind a hr+ drive both ways.

Book Tampa and save a bundle. From Tampa to Disney area is about and hour plus, but easy driving (all major highways) from the Tampa Airport outward and return trip.

 

[txo1474]

I've done the Tampa drive in the past as there were no sears available to fly into Orlando. It is an easy drive.
Another easy drive is from Daytona Beach.

 

[sam_gordon]

I would do it. Although the drive is 90 minutes, you're looking at 30 minutes from MCO, so you "lose" two hours round trip. I would give up two hours in order to save $1100+ ($1400 more to fly into MCO - cost for rental).

 

[PlutoPony]

How much luggage will you have? 7 people in a minivan doesn't leave loads of room for "stuff"

 

[tbrenk]

How much luggage will you have? 7 people in a minivan doesn't leave loads of room for "stuff"

Three are kids and we don't over pack so we will be fine.

 

[goofy4tink]

The drive from Tampa is an easy one....about 75-80 mins. Then, you're at your resort. If you were to take DME from MCO to your resort, it would be about 80 mins, from MCO to your resort. Yes, you have to factor in baggage claim time but that's not a big deal.
I would book the flight into Tampa!

 

[mmbl]

We are 7 people travelling in November. The flights into MCO are expensive. We can get a flight from La Guardia, NY to Tampa for $243, non stop. Flights into MCO were all over $450. It would mean free bags which is a big saver. We could rent a minivan that would hold all of us for $286 and split the cost which is cheaper than taking a shuttle or a one way rental. We could park it at the resort and not even use it if we didn't want to. Is this plan worth the inconvenience of not flying into MCO?

Definitely fly into Tampa and drive to the parks everyday! What you lose in time driving from the airport, you'll more than make up for it by driving to/from the parks each day!

 

[mkarizona]

Fly into Tampa. You almost save enough for another trip.

 

[Greysword]

I vote yes, as well. We frequently use TPA to visit WDW. The airport is less crowded and security flows better at TPA than MCO.

In addition, you will be able to see how the Tampa Bay area looks, in case some day you'd like to make a beach vacation out of it.

You will also appreciate having a car, as you can stop at a grocery store and get some provisions before, during, and after your visit, which will help with food expense. The car can also be helpful for traveling around WDW property, as you may want to have an early morning or late evening dining reservation, resort hop, or just beat the bus crowds and drive from park to resort (in your own private space with air conditioning).

Lots of good options.