Question about Orlando/Sanford airports and resorts

[mickeys friend]

We always fly into Orlando Int. airport and I'd like to hear from anyone who has flown into Olando/Sanford airport.I don't think they do ME,but not sure and would like to know.Also how did you get to the resorts?Most airline that have the cheaper (if there is such a thing) flights seem to fly into Olando?Sanford and not the one we always use.Any help would be great.Also if this needs to be moved,feel free to do it.Thanks.

 

[helenk]

ME is not available from Sanford, only MCO. In order to get to WDW from Sanford you would either rent a car or pay for a town car service.

 

[Steven41782]

We flew into Sanford last year. To get to our resort we took a town car and I think it was 200.00 ish. It is a pretty long drive because you have to stop and pay toll after toll after toll. If you plan to do only disney, remember to factor in that the magical express will pick you up from MCO and take you to your hotel at no charge. We wish we would have flown into MCO as the discount we received with Allegiant Air was not substantial enough to over come the cost of transportation to the resort and the amount of time it adds to your total travel time.

Just my opinion.

 

[rotlex]

We always fly into Sanford from PA. Biggest reason is the air fare is 1/2 for us, and the trip is non stop. (The non stop flight being the biggest advantage)

You are correct that ME does not do Sanford, but that's little bother for us, as frankly, the service leaves a bit to be desired, IMO of course. In general, if we don't rent a car, we usually take a Mears shuttle or taxi, which averages $80 to $100 one way. (usually cheaper on the return trip if we call the same driver).

 

[Sandi]

Sanford is a nice little airport. As the prior poster noted, ME does not serve this airport. When we've used Allegiant to fly to Sanford, we've always rented a car. It's about a 50 minute drive to WDW. It is not a bad drive and there are plenty of signs to get you where you need to go.

When calculating the price of your air, be sure to include the cost of your ground transportation, the baggage fees now charged by many airlines, etc.

 

[ashef]

I have often flown Allegiant Air to Sanford Airport (SFB), which is about a 1 hour drive from WDW. You'll have to arrange your own way to get to Disney -- I have found that a rental car is cheapest and most convenient. The airport is small and nice, and the drive from Sanford to WDW is very easy & direct on a toll road that costs about $5-$6. Check www.mousesavers.com for rental car discounts and coupons and you'll save a lot off the "rack" rental car rates. All the major rental car companies have sites at SFB. There are fairly frequent posts about this on the Transportation Board.

 

[goofy4tink]

Sanford is a very user friendly airport...I loved flying in and out of it. But, you do have to arrange transportation to your resort. That can add to the final costs. And it is nearly an hour away from WDW.

 

[rotlex]

Sanford is a very user friendly airport...I loved flying in and out of it. But, you do have to arrange transportation to your resort. That can add to the final costs. And it is nearly an hour away from WDW.

Something I forgot to add as well. It IS a very user friendly airport. It's small, and in general, you are in and out very quickly. Also, while it is a bit further than Orlando International, and no ME, I actually find we get to WDW quicker due to the ease of getting in and out of the airport itself, and not having to wait for the eh, "Magical Express".

 

[Hedy]

Sanford is a very user friendly airport...I loved flying in and out of it. But, you do have to arrange transportation to your resort. That can add to the final costs. And it is nearly an hour away from WDW.

Not to threadjack, but who flies from the Boston area to Sanford?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a secondary airport in a town north of Orlando. SFB primarily serves international charter flights and domestic discounter Allegiant Air. It's about 48 miles from SFB to Epcot (to pick a specific location within WDW).

Other domestic airlines, including the "cheaper" ones, fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO). It's about 23 miles from MCO to Epcot.

(Actual distance depends on the route you choose.)

If you're renting a car, the major difference is that you'll spend an extra 25 minutes each way if you use SFB. You'll gain back some of that time because SFB is a smaller airport, so you should be able to get in and out more quickly. However, if you plan to rent a car, you'll have fewer choices. For example, Simply Wheelz by Hertz is only at MCO.

As others have noted, DME is not an option at Sanford, and limo/towncar/van/SUV services are quite expensive because of the distance.

In summary, if you plan to rent a car anyway, SFB is a good option if the flights are cheaper. But if you're not planning to rent a car, you have to factor in the greater ground transportation expense -- and flying into SFB may no longer be a bargain.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I believe Horace Horsecollar has summarized the SFB situation quite well. It's definitely a great option for those that were going to rent cars anyway.

The only other thing I will add is something that a number of travelers have posted on other threads that might override transportation cost concerns from SFB to the Attractions area: That is that Allegiant Airlines offers service from their small town airport nonstop into the Orlando area. If you live in Bangor or Rockford or the dozens of other smaller cities that Allegiant serves, that might be the most important factor.

BobK/Orlando

 

[Anc96]

We've flown into Sanford the past 3 visits to WDW. We love it because it's small and convenient, and VERY friendly. And, of course the prices from Allegiant can't be beat. I fly out of Allentown, PA, and it's only about 30 minutes from me, compared to Philly or Newark, both close to 2 hours away.

I didn't think the ride was 50 minutes to Disney... maybe 40 ish. It didn't seem long at all. Maybe I drive fast, I don't know..lol.

We always rent a car, even when we used to fly into MCO, so transportation isn't a problem for us.

 

[Edd]

Car service from Orlando Sanford Airport is no more expensive than car service from Orlando International. Car service from Orlando runs approximately $50.00 for a 22 - 26 mile one way trip to Disney. Car service from Sanford runs approximately $100.00 for a 48 - 55 mile one way trip from that airport. Car rental at the very cheapest I have found is $170.00 per week. Those rates are usually available during the slower weeks of the year. If you have a larger family than you will pay much more for car rental for the week.

Taxi rates have gone up and soon, if not now, the meter rates will run approximately $135.00, one way to Disney. Waiting to get taxi transportation when you get to the Sanford airport is a costly decision, especially when you can find decent prices, in some cases $45.00 less, than a taxi price by utulizing car service.

Car service may still be the best deal from that airport. Most drivers are well experienced and will get you to your destination within an hour after you pick up your luggage. I agree the price may seem high, but trying to find your way from Sanford may be higher.

 

[Anc96]

This is my confirmation from Dollar car rental last year. We were there for 3 weeks.
I didn't like the full size car, and they upgraded me to a Chrysler Pacifica for no charge.
I can't get close to that price right now, I'm at $653. (we're going the same dates this year)... but I know I didn't get the below prices until a little over 3 weeks from our dates so I'm still hoping I can get near this price.



Below are the details of your reservation including your confirmation number.

Confirmation #: XXXXXX
Name: XXXXXX / XXXXXX
Phone: XXXXXXXXX

Pickup Location: Sanford - Sanford Field Airport-SFB/In-terminal/SANFORD, FL
Pickup Location Phone: 866-434-2226
Return Location: Sanford - Sanford Field Airport-SFB/In-terminal/SANFORD, FL
Pickup Date/Time: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007 @ 11:30 AM
Return Date/Time: TUESDAY, JULY 03, 2007 @ 4:00 PM
Vehicle Type: Full Size ( Dodge Charger or similar )
Promotion Code: 744
Currency: U.S. Dollar
Rate Code: RWUW8

YOUR RATE IS: 3 Weeks at $129.17 per week. Unlimited mileage.

Base Rate: $387.51

Taxes, Surcharges And Fees:
APT CONC RECOV FEE: $44.15
FACILITY CHARGE: $5.50
STATE TRANSACT TAX: $42.63
STATE TAX: $33.89
VEHICLE LICENSE FEE: $9.87

=================================
Total Estimated Charges: $523.55


THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING DOLLAR

 

[winterman]

The only other thing I will add is something that a number of travelers have posted on other threads that might override transportation cost concerns from SFB to the Attractions area: That is that Allegiant Airlines offers service from their small town airport nonstop into the Orlando area. If you live in Bangor or Rockford or the dozens of other smaller cities that Allegiant serves, that might be the most important factor.

BobK/Orlando

I couldn't agree more. We are flying out of Bangor on Allegiant in April. We got a decent fare even considering that we spent 40$ extra to reserve emergency exit row seats. But the most important factor was that we get to take a direct flight from the airport that is 25 minutes from our home and we don't have to worry about making a connection.
This trip we will be staying off site but even when we stay on site we always rent a car.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Car service from Orlando Sanford Airport is no more expensive than car service from Orlando International. Car service from Orlando runs approximately $50.00 for a 22 - 26 mile one way trip to Disney. Car service from Sanford runs approximately $100.00 for a 48 - 55 mile one way trip from that airport.

To me, $100 one-way ($200 round-trip) sounds more expensive that $50 one-way ($100 round-trip) -- $100 more expensive.

Sure, it's about the same rate per mile, but it costs twice as much because it's twice as far.

And if a family would have taken Disney's Magical Express ($0) from MCO, then roundtrip car service from Sanford is $200 more expensive.

Although there are some differences in the rental car companies at the two airports, and there may be different rates and promotions in some cases, someone who wants to rent a car anyway is likely to pay a similar price at either airport.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

To me, $100 one-way ($200 round-trip) sounds more expensive that $50 one-way ($100 round-trip) -- $100 more expensive. Sure, it's about the same rate per mile, but it costs twice as much because it's twice as far.

From SFB a car service is probably cheaper than a taxi.
From SFB a rental car for a week is probably cheaper than a car service.
From MCO a taxi is probably cheaper than a car service.

When you add transportation costs in SFB may not be cheaper than flying into MCO however it offers other advantages and for those that were going to rent a car at either airport, transportation costs are basically irrelevant and SFB can offer a large savings.

BobK/Orlando

BTW, I saw in the newspaper yesterday that SFB is gaining its 4th scheduled airline (in addition to the numerous charter airlines that fly there) when Belgian carrier Jetairfly begins nonstop service to Brussels. Unfortunately Allegiant remains the only domestic carrier.

 

[Edd]

There is a domestic carrier in the works scheduled maybe is early 2009, maybe.

 

[goofy4tink]

Not to threadjack, but who flies from the Boston area to Sanford?

Nobody that I know of. I flew PanAm out of Worcester back in '01...only about 20 mins from my house. Wish someone did fly in there now. Allegient used to fly out of NH but not anymore I don't think.

 

[Anc96]

To the OP...

If you wanted to fly into SFB, and use Disney transportation while you're on property, you'd probably do best just by renting a car for 1 day at SFB and dropping at a Disney resort (or Dolphin) drop off. I priced National for 1 day dropping at the Wyndham and it's only $42.00. That's with the visa code that includes the insurance too. You'll have the car for a whole day too so you can pick up essentials and food at regular prices, rather than Disney resort prices.

Just thought it couldn't hurt to price that out.

Good Luck!