Transportation from Sanford

[judaloo]

Hoping a fellow DISer can help me with this one! We were planning on driving this trip because of the budget; however, I found super cheap flights last night on Allegiant, which only flies into Sanford (not MCO where Magic Express can pick me up). After calling Disney, they confirmed that if I can get to MCO, I could take Magic Express. After researching some rates online, it looks as though it's going to cost me $175-$200 round trip to either go to MCO or Disney from Sanford. This flight doesn't get in until 9:30 at night, so I will have to add another hotel night and was thinking somewhere cheaper before we check into Coronado Springs. I'm leaning toward just sticking with my original plan and driving since it seems like all my savings will be out the window, plus...so much for relaxing upon arrival (Oh..add the fact that Allegiant charges for each bag...including carry ons!) Any input is appreciated....just making sure I haven't missed an option here.

 

[Darcy03231]

I haven't flown into Sanford (just because its always been less for me to fly into MCO), but in reading threads where people do fly in there for less expensive fares:

1. They rent a car for the period of time they're there.

2. They do a one way rental for their arrival and departure days. You can rent the car at the Sanford Airport and return it at WDW (just make sure its one of the companies that has on-site return at WDW) and then do the reverse on your departure day.

 

[Siriusblack]

Allegiant does charge for carry on bags, it's a little bit less if you pay when booking. You would have to do the math to see if it's worth it for you. For 200$ I would just take a towncar all the way to your hotel and not bother with MCO.

 

[Poohbug]

I have flown into Sanford many times because the flights are cheaper. I always rent a car. Sanford is a small airport and it is easy to get a rental quickly and be on your way. Unless you need a huge vehicle, you can find good deals for your car rental.

The drive will take around 40-50 minutes to WDW. Since you are arriving late, traffic should not be an issue. I know many people take the toll road but I always just come down I-4 and have never had any problems.

I would not go to MCO and then take ME. You would be spending hours and hours getting to WDW.

There are many hotels right outside the WDW property that you could stay at for the first night and then head over to your on property hotel the next morning.

Add all your costs up and see if it is still worth flying vs. driving.

 

[englishteacha]

We flew into Sanford a few years ago. It was a great experience. We rented a cheap car and still made out ahead of flying into MCO. It's an easy drive to WDW. If you pack light and plan to do laundry midweek it could be pretty cheap even with paying for bags. Or ship a box down.

 

[Maddie2]

We've flown Allegiant to Sanford 3X and each time we have just rented a car. It was less expensive than a towncar and in the end, we appreciated having it. We didn't use it all that much as we were staying on property, but it was nice to have.

All three times, we've rented cars from the chains at the airport. However, I've heard there are some other rental places further into the town of Sanford and they may have better rates.

Yes, there are extra fees with Allegiant, but overall, we still found it less expensive than the other airlines. And, IMO, you can't beat having a direct flight with no layovers. Three hours and we were there, in stead of all-day traveling. We've also flown Allegiant to Las Vegas and Los Angeles.