Orlando Int'l - How hard is it to navigate

[ely3857]

We have always flown into Sanford and despite the longer drive to Orlando we have always found it convenient and easy to get through security, baggage collection and car pickup.

I have just been browsing flights for Sept 2007 to get a rough idea for Sept 2008 on who would be best and Virgin Atlantic are not much higher in price than the others and as there will be two pre-teens with us we thought the seat back entertainment would make the cost worthwhile.

However, we have never flowm into MCO before and hear it's a bit complicated. We will have 4 newbies with us inc two pre-teen girls who will be very tired and hyped at the same time and are unsure if the comfort zone of Sanford will be best as we know where we are going etc or if I am just dramatising MCO a bit.

We want to be off the plane and in the car asap, although I appreciate that circumstances often dictate how long you are at the airport is MCO difficult to get through and navigate?



Jodie

 

[Minniespal]

Jodie ~ If I has the choice I would always fly into Sanford. The airport is so much smaller and therefore much easier to navigate. MCO is a huge airport and does take longer to get through. That being said it is a lovely airport with easy access to the car hire companies.

 

[jen_uk]

It varies. In 2005 it took us 2 hours to get through the airport as the queues at immigration were so huge, but last year we were through in 40 mins as the place was deserted!! Its not hard to find your way round, it just depends how busy it is, I think in 2005 we were just really unlucky as I dont remember it taking that long on previous trips. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Soprano]

We have always flown into Sanford and despite the longer drive to Orlando we have always found it convenient and easy to get through security, baggage collection and car pickup.

I have just been browsing flights for Sept 2007 to get a rough idea for Sept 2008 on who would be best and Virgin Atlantic are not much higher in price than the others and as there will be two pre-teens with us we thought the seat back entertainment would make the cost worthwhile.

However, we have never flowm into MCO before and hear it's a bit complicated. We will have 4 newbies with us inc two pre-teen girls who will be very tired and hyped at the same time and are unsure if the comfort zone of Sanford will be best as we know where we are going etc or if I am just dramatising MCO a bit.

We want to be off the plane and in the car asap, although I appreciate that circumstances often dictate how long you are at the airport is MCO difficult to get through and navigate?



Jodie

It's not difficult, but its quite big. It can be a bit of a pain, but not stressful I think.

Virgin are GREAT to fly with. Some may say thay have gone downhill, but they are still the best IMHO. They offer the unique DTD luggage suitcase check-in. So on your last day you can drop off the cases early in the morning, then have fun for the rest of the day. Try and get the later Virgin flight 19.55, if you can to make the most of the last day.

It may sound odd, but when we arrive at MCO, and you see the Universal, KSC, Disney shops you just know you have finally arrived!

 

[ely3857]

It's not difficult, but its quite big. It can be a bit of a pain, but not stressful I think.

Virgin are GREAT to fly with. Some may say thay have gone downhill, but they are still the best IMHO. They offer the unique DTD luggage suitcase check-in. So on your last day you can drop off the cases early in the morning, then have fun for the rest of the day. Try and get the later Virgin flight 19.55, if you can to make the most of the last day.

It may sound odd, but when we arrive at MCO, and you see the Universal, KSC, Disney shops you just know you have finally arrived!

Thanks.

The Virgin DTD check-in isnt unique, TCD also offer a free-time check-in service at the Disney outlet store.



Jodie

 

[ely3857]

I think we will try to fly into Sanford and stay in our comfort zone but if the price is right or the deal to good to pass up then MCO here we come.



Jodie

 

[KayleeUK]

We have flown into both Jodie, but will now always choose MCO. It isn't that hard to navigate at all. Its odd that you have to pick up your luggage twice but you get use to it. We always get our car hire before we pick up our luggage finally - that saves time.

Do whatever you are comfortable with

 

[ely3857]

We have flown into both Jodie, but will now always choose MCO. It isn't that hard to navigate at all. Its odd that you have to pick up your luggage twice but you get use to it. We always get our car hire before we pick up our luggage finally - that saves time.

Do whatever you are comfortable with

Cheers Kaylee



Jodie

 

[GarryK]

Hi Jodie

Agree with Kaylee. We used Sanford on our first trip but have used MCO on subsequent trips and much prefer MCO. The girls consider the shuttle train to the main terminal the first ride of the holidays !!.

We'd have to be getting a stand-out deal for me to consider going back to Sanford.

I too deal with the car hire while DW picks up the luggage. The only bit I dislike is the junction as you join the main road just after you leave the car park.

Garry

 

[castanea1985]

Hi Jodie,
Why not try MCO for yourself.. then you can decide yourself!
We have flown into both.. both have their own advantages, but I agree MCO comes out tops with us! You just can't beat a shuttle train..
My mum (late 60's) frequently flies out to Florida on her own and has to change airports every year. Last year she changed at Atlanta and this year is changing at Philadelphia.. I always print her a map of the particular airport out, see where her flights come and in and go out from etc.. so it doesn't feel too strange when she arrives.
Just flying into MCO is a doddle!! Don't worry about it! Have a look at this web page and you can see where Virgin fly into!! If my mum can do it... so can you!!
Good luck in what you decide!
Tracy

http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/images/diagrams/terminal_layout_l.jpg

 

[wayneg]

We just got back from MCO again from the 12th time (I think) only once from Sanford and that was enough it was overcrowded and our TCD flight was delayed about 4 hours. Another thing was a very very pushy sales pitch at Dollar to upgrade, would not take no for an answer, more or less telling me their economy car was not safe to drive on US roads and I needed more protection with a bigger car.
Thankfully never had much of a delay at MCO and Dollar staff have been great even a free upgrade once because I had to wait 10 mins. Yesterday we had a 1 hour delay with Virgin but we got out our laptops and used the free wireless connection and it flew bye.
At present you cant get lost because of upgraded security they more or less usher you out of the terminal when you arrive, they wont let you anywhere but to the baggage collection. also find it very easy to exit the airport usually use South Access rd. Then when we go back to make a change we use 528 Beeline expressway or The old Sand Lake rd/Mcoy rd route (yesterdays route) all well signed.

 

[ely3857]

Hi Jodie,
Why not try MCO for yourself.. then you can decide yourself!

Not as simple as that, We are taking 4 newbies with us next trip and none of them have ever tavelled far and that States is an overwhelming place the first time round so Me & Gavin will be relied upon in the first instance to know where we are and where we are going. If we were alone I wouldnt hesitate in going to an unfamiliar airport but we want the least possible hassle on this trip so our friends love the whole experience as much as we do.



Jodie

 

[CarolynU]

Have just done it. I have never driven in the USA before, and have flown into both Sanford and MCO frequently.

I hired a car through Dollar and left MCO for Orlando (LBV) and it was absolutely fine. It took about 15 mins in a Dollar queue at MCO to get the car and a further 20 mins to get to the hotel on a very well signposted road.

I wouldn't hesitate to fly/drive that route again.

Hope that helps.

Carolyn