Who has flown into Tampa to save $$$? Is it worth the "hassle?

[hercamore]

Hi all,

Need your opinions here...

Flying from Minnesota into Tampa vs. MCO will save me at least $300 or more next Jan.

However, I need convincing I can do this and remember dh will not be going, so I will be driving. Mom and 2 college age kids.

I am finally used to driving from MCO to Lake Buena Vista and coming on I4 from Tampa sounds nervewracking.

Who has done this and would you do it again?


Thanks, Herc

 

[castmbr]

I would certainly do it again. I almost think I prefer Tampa's airport to Orlando. It seems (probably is) smaller and not as fast paced. We just did it in January from WI. Our savings were only about $100 but it was worth it. The drive in to WDW is simple. Takes about 70 minutes (basically a straight shot) depending on traffic. I guess it can get a little bad during rush hours, so check your schedule. Emerald Aisle for National went very well there. Good luck making your decision! If you have any questions just ask or feel free to pm me.

 

[Poohlovr]

We flew into Tampa in November and had no problems at all. We used Emerald Aisle there and got an Isuzu Trooper (210.00-12 days!)
The drive to the Dolphin took about 75 minutes, but, we stopped at a fast food drive through.

Actually the drive from TPA to WDW, although longer, is actually easier for me than from MCO, because, as stated in the above post, It's a stright shot. No turns, stops or highway changes. You get on it right at Tampa's airport and stay on it till you get to WDW.

For 300.00 savings?? No doubt I'd be flying into Tampa!

 

[Lewisc]

The Tampa airport is (slightly) easier to get out than MCO, it's about 70 miles and many people have made it to Disney in about an hour (it takes about half an hour from MCO). I'm sure you can find something to spend the $300 on. SAVE THE MONEY.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I agree with the other posters. It is a "cake walk".

 

[Ted and Holly]

I like Tampa because it is a smaller airport. The ride to WDW from Tampa took us less than an hour (58 minutes) early in the morning. There are a few things to see along the way. Also, Tampa is close to beaches. We threw in a day at Clearwater beach for our last day and it was just WONDERFUL!!!!!

The drive was simple, and ends up being only about a half hour more than driving from MCO. Well worth $300.

Holly

 

[travelcoupons]

I'll take Tampa over Orlando any day...i've flown into Tampa the last three trips...much better airport.

 

[tonilea]

$300 will fatten up the old wallet for a while (okay, a very little while at Disney ).
But then again, I drive four hours to Kansas City to save $200.......

We flew into Tampa in Dec. and found it very "user friendly"

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We usually don't rent a car and use TTC in--will they come to Tampa, and what is the charge? Our next trip is 9 nights/10 days and I imagine the car rental would be ridiculous.
Robin M.

 

[Ted and Holly]

Rock N Robin,

What we did was rent a car in Tampa and returned it the next day at WDW. On our way back, we picked up the car at DD and returned it when we got to Tampa Airport. There was no extra fee to do this (Florida law). Therefore, we didn't have to pay the rental fee for an entire week. It was about $38 each way after all the fees and taxes. MUCH cheaper than TTC. The drive from Tampa is EASY . Anyone can do it. You just get on I4 and get off when it says "Walt Disney World" piece of cake!

Holly

 

[scootert]

DH and I did this several years ago when we lived in St. Paul and wanted to use frequent flyer miles for tickets. Orlando was not available so the airline suggested Tampa -- no problem getting frequent flier seats at all. The airport was a welcome change from Orlando -- much less congestion and people are not as frantic. Renting the car was a breeze and we were on our way in short order. The drive was very easy.

We came back on a late afternoon flight -- our only problem was a severe thunderstorm as we were driving to Tampa. Fortunately we had allowed some extra time.

Would we do it again -- you bet. Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[hercamore]

All right, I'm convinced!

Flights are SO much cheaper to Tampa (even the nonstops) from Minnesota.

It would also be nice to be in a less congested aiport with all the security problems these days.

Thanks for the tips, guys.


Herc

 

[DisOrBust]

Herc, Did you knwo that Sun Country is offering flights to orlando again? Just an FYI.

 

[Shannon G]

Though I've never flown into Tampa, I agree with the other posters that the drive between WDW and Tampa is a piece of cake. Last year, we stayed with DH's grandmother, who lives in St. Cloud in the winter, and we drove from her house to Tampa one day to go to Busch Gardens. Easy drive on I4. If you can save $300 by flying into Tampa, I'd say go for it!