We flew into Tampa and loved it!

[Aggiegrl]

We just returned and had a great experience flying into Tampa. We normally fly into Orlando and use DME, so this was our first time with a rental car at WDW. The price difference in flights paid for our rental mini van.

The Tampa airport was just EASY compared to MCO. There was a kid's play area in our terminal which was great. It wasn't nearly as busy as MCO and security was a breeze. We have 3 kids under 3 years old, 2 strollers, and all the junk that travels with them (liquids included). We were through security in about 10 minutes.

Because we had strollers, they put us in the wheelchair/special assistance lane. I really appreciated that because it was a straight shot and we didn't have to weave through ropes to get to the front. It was also EMPTY at 10 am on a Saturday. MCO also has a family lane, but that line tends to be very slow due to the sheer numbers of families flying out of Orlando.

The rental cars were right across from baggage claim. We had no problem getting all our stuff over to the car with a rental cart ($3). On the return trip we called a porter who was incredibly helpful and friendly.

The drive to/from Tampa was also very easy on a Saturday. No tolls. We didn't have any traffic and the drive was FAR SHORTER than any of our previous trips on DME. It was also much more relaxing because my children were all strapped down in car seats!

If we want a rental car in the future, I think this may be our preferred airport. MCO feels like Disney to us, but Tampa was just so relaxing!

 

[NC State Tigger]

We just returned and had a great experience flying into Tampa. We normally fly into Orlando and use DME, so this was our first time with a rental car at WDW. The price difference in flights paid for our rental mini van.

The Tampa airport was just EASY compared to MCO. There was a kid's play area in our terminal which was great. It wasn't nearly as busy as MCO and security was a breeze. We have 3 kids under 3 years old, 2 strollers, and all the junk that travels with them (liquids included). We were through security in about 10 minutes.

Because we had strollers, they put us in the wheelchair/special assistance lane. I really appreciated that because it was a straight shot and we didn't have to weave through ropes to get to the front. It was also EMPTY at 10 am on a Saturday. MCO also has a family lane, but that line tends to be very slow due to the sheer numbers of families flying out of Orlando.

The rental cars were right across from baggage claim. We had no problem getting all our stuff over to the car with a rental cart ($3). On the return trip we called a porter who was incredibly helpful and friendly.

The drive to/from Tampa was also very easy on a Saturday. No tolls. We didn't have any traffic and the drive was FAR SHORTER than any of our previous trips on DME. It was also much more relaxing because my children were all strapped down in car seats!

If we want a rental car in the future, I think this may be our preferred airport. MCO feels like Disney to us, but Tampa was just so relaxing!

Glad to hear Tampa was easy!! We are flying into Tampa in December because the fares were so much better. We will continue to WDW for one night and the MVMCP then to Port Canaveral for a cruise the next day. I had planned to get a rental to go from Tampa to WDW then to the port and turn in the car the following morning.

What rental campany did you use? Did you get a good rate or use any special codes? What type of van did they have? We will be 7 total so I think I my need 2 cars, just because we will have more luggage than I think the van would hold.

Sorry for all the questions, just hope flying to Tampa and renting is not going to be a hassle---DH does not do well with travel stress and I have to plan everything.

Thanks

Donna

 

[SaraJayne]

We also loved Tampa and couldn't believe how different it was from MCO. It was truly the least-stressed we've started and ended a WDW vacation.

Picking up the rental car was a breeze, getting to WDW was a breeze, and it was the same in reverse. Dropping off the rental car, I turned to my Mom and said "that's it? That's how easy it is in Tampa?"

Security was amazing in Tampa.

I am a TPA fan.

 

[Aggiegrl]

Glad to hear Tampa was easy!! We are flying into Tampa in December because the fares were so much better. We will continue to WDW for one night and the MVMCP then to Port Canaveral for a cruise the next day. I had planned to get a rental to go from Tampa to WDW then to the port and turn in the car the following morning.

What rental campany did you use? Did you get a good rate or use any special codes? What type of van did they have? We will be 7 total so I think I my need 2 cars, just because we will have more luggage than I think the van would hold.

Sorry for all the questions, just hope flying to Tampa and renting is not going to be a hassle---DH does not do well with travel stress and I have to plan everything.

Thanks

Donna

We used National with the KLM code and a generic web coupon, ended up being $297 for a week rental. There were five or six vans in the garage and all were identical Town & Country's or Caravans. I believe all of them had the same trim package on them with satellite radio, rear view camera, and DVD players.

We had 5 adults and 3 children in carseats, so we rented two vehicles. In our van's cargo area we had 4 large suitcases and an umbrella stroller. This stacked pretty much up to the top of the 3rd row seat. I think you are right in getting two vehicles.

Our second vehicle was mid size SUV (Ford something...edge maybe) and it was $230 for the week.

 

[Greysword]

In general rental car prices are a little higher in Tampa compared to Orlando, but your price may vary depending on coupons.

The downside for TPA is that it is an hour and a half drive to/from WDW, which all things being equal may not make Tampa a great choice. However, we use it a lot due to family in the area and enjoy the airport more than MCO.

A great idea would be to schedule an early morning flight out of TPA and spend the afternoon/evening before in a nearby hotel allowing you to enjoy the beach.