Orlando vs. Sanford airports?

[goofy4dvc]

We have always flown into Orlando (MCO) airport, but Allegiant Airlines has recently started operating here. They have a non-stop flight to/from Sanford. (All Orlando flights from here are routed through Dallas/Fort Worth or Atlanta.) Is the non-stop worth the extra drive? I'm not crazy about the return flight as it leaves Sanford at about 7:00 am. But if it is a smaller airport and easier to get through security, it might not be a bad option.

Anyone out there who has flown into or out of both airports? What are your thoughts?

How much farther drive? How does that translate into drive time? Is renting a car easier there? Do they have cars on property or do you have to take a shuttle to car lot?

Thanks!

 

[OlderMan]

I can't speak about the facilities on site at Orlando-Sanford Airport, but I can tell you it is probably 45-50 miles from WDW.

State Road 417--a toll road--is probably your quickest way from Sanford to WDW, but it will cost you around $7.00 or so in tolls. Personally, I wouldn't mind since sometimes I-4 rivals the LIE as the world's biggest parking lot.

Just FYI.....

 

[jberry5]

We flew Allegiant from Toledo to Sanford last December. To me the airport seemed much much smaller than MCO. Sorry I can't be of much assistance otherwise, as we flew back home from MCO, didn't rent a vehicle, and my sis-in-law picked us up and took us to her place vs. going directly to WDW. It seemed like it was probably more like an hour drive to WDW vs. 30 minutes that it would be from MCO.

In December, it did look like they were expanding the airport, so perhaps it has increased quite a bit size-wise now. I was just checking on Expedia, and it looks like they have Enterprise, Dollar, Alamo, and Hertz on-site at the airport. We've used Dollar at MCO and found their prices very good. I would just check the Budget Board on here to see if people have discount codes, and would also sign up for that company's preferred member card if there's no charge. I know I am not charged for Dollar's membership, which generally puts you in a different line with quicker service.

If you would not need a rental car besides getting to WDW, it might be better to fly to MCO though, and take advantage of the free Disney Magical Express. Car rentals in Florida are very pricey.

 

[BevS97]

We fly from the UK and have been through both MCO and Sanford. Sanford is a 45 minute drive from WDW, straight down the 417.

We find it much easier to negotiate than MCO and are usually out of the airport quite quickly. I actually prefer to fly through Sanford as the Immigration side of things is slow at MCO but that won't be a consideration for you.

if the price is right, and you are planning on hiring a car, then I would say give Sanford a try. It's not much good if you are wanting to use Magical Express or towncar.

The car rental is right onsite you just walk outside and across a small road, and there is a building with the rental offices, and then the cars are parked right outside.

My preference is for a non-stop flight, and so that's why we are flying into Sanford on our next trip.

 

[JCLNJ]

We have flown on Alligent air our last 2 trips down to Orlando. We fly from Allentown to Sanford. It is much easier than flying to MCO. There is less time waiting to check in, going through security and baggage claim. The rent a car is right outside. My husband picked up the car and was waiting outside while we picked up the luggage. Took less than 15 minutes and we were on our way to WDW. We also had no flight delays as in bigger airports. Plans took off on time and we actually arrived early.

 

[auntsue]

My sister often uses Sanford. She said it's about an hour drive to WDW. She just booked there for April because airfare from Newark was over $400 pprt. She paid $79 one way plus $10/luggage. For April she just rented a compact car from USaveAuto for $125 a week. By the time you take a towncar from Orlando it's about the same price with a tip and she likes having a car because they will be at Shades. She has no problem using Sanford.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I used to live in the Orlando area. Sanford is not much farther than MCO. I have not flown in or out of Sanford, but, as you know MCO is huge and takes time to navigate. I remember when Orlando airport was not much more than a large hanger and you had to board/deplane from the tarmack. I would definitely take the non stop as long as the flight times were acceptable.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We have never flown into Sanford either, but we take the auto train into Sanford.... It is a short drive to VB (that's were we almost always go) and even a very (very) short trip to WDW. Sanford is very close to WDW.

Sanford is a small town/city and has good and bad areas as any city does, but we find it to be welcoming.

If I had a choice of arriving in Sanford vs. Orlando.... I would choose Sanford.

 

[byoung]

ME only at Orlando (MCO)