Flying to Disney World - Tips & Tricks

6/2 | Anna Trosper

So, you have your magical vacation booked (through me I hope). Now it’s time to start looking at flights for the trip! 

 With all that’s happened in the last 2 years, things have changed when it comes to flying. The cost of flying has become more expensive overall, and delays, cancellations, and flight changes have become an ongoing thing. My first big tip for buying your flights is to purchase them directly through the airline, not a third party.  

Getting your flight right from the airline makes it so much easier for you to handle any changes that may arise. When you book through a third party, you must call them to take care of any changes. Even if you are at the airport and your flight gets cancelled you must call whom you bought the ticket through to get help. That could mean a 2 to 7 hour hold time. Disney even stopped booking flights as part of their vacation packages.  

Now, while you can fly into Sanford International Airport to save a bit of cash, it might not be worth it. Orlando Sanford International (SFB) is located about 35 miles from Disney World. Rental cars,  Ubers, taxis and limos are available to travel from Sanford to Disney World, but Mears Connect isn’t an option. 

TIPS for SFB 

• This airport doesn’t have the same amenities that you’d find in a larger airport. There are dining and shopping options available, but they are limited, so be prepared if you are looking to grab something to eat before you board a flight. 

• Make sure you factor in the cost of transportation if you are considering SFB. Sometimes you can save a lot of money on flights, but you may lose that savings paying for a rental car. 

• If you do rent a car, don’t forget to pack change for the toll roads and parking at your resort fee! 

This map shows both airports as well as the most popular attractions in the Orlando area.

With all that said, the best airport to fly into when visiting Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO). At only about 20 miles from Walt Disney World, MCO is the closest airport to the parks. That makes for a short ride to your resort! 

Arrival at MCO 

Upon arrival, visitors take the tram/monorail from their arrival gate to the main terminal. While in the main terminal, guests then retrieve their luggage and find their transportation. MCO is very easy to get around – Once off the Tram you just follow signs and the main crowd to baggage claim. You will see a sign that will tell you where your planes bags come out for you to pick up.  

Ground transportation options 

All transportation options that you’d expect to find in a major airport are available here: ride share companies like Uber and Lyft, rental cars, taxis, shuttles, private car services, etc.  

In addition to all the regular transportation options, MCO is also the only airport in the area that offers Mears Connect, which is the pay-to-use replacement for the old Disney’s Magical Express. I can get this all set up for you! 

After retrieving their luggage, guests looking for Mears Connect to get to their hotels should go to the B side of the main building and proceed to the first level. I make sure my client has all the information they need for when they arrive at MCO and how to find Mears.   

Look for the Mears Sign like this one!  

Departure from MCO 

As you can imagine, millions of families fly in and out of MCO every year. For many of them, it might even be their first flight! 

 The combination of first-time flyers and many families may mean there are longer delays than expected, so be sure to allow for extra time. The later in the day the longer the lines will be. This is where TSA Pre Check can come in handy if you have it. You can also Reserve your security check point time through Clear, though this is only an option if your flight is from 5 am – 11 am. So, this might be a good reason to get that early flight home.  

The TSA checkpoints are one of the biggest stressors for travelers. 

Pre-Check is a great option, but if you don’t have that you can still save some time in a few select cities (including Orlando) by reserving a spot in the checkpoint line. 

You’ll still have to go through all the steps non-Pre-Check travelers do (like removing your shoes), but your wait should be reduced. 

To reserve your spot, follow these steps: 

1. Navigate to the Clear Reserve website up to 72 hours before your flight  

2. Select your city 

3. Enter in your flight details (including number of passengers, which can be up to 10) 

4. Select your time (5 am to 11 am for MCO) 

5. Once confirmed, you will get a QR code that you will scan at the airport. You should also receive a confirmation email with a QR code 

6. When you get to the airport, look for the Reserve Lane (not the CLEAR checkpoint lane, but the RESERVE LANE). You’ll scan your QR code there and enter a (hopefully) shorter line 

AT THE AIRPORT 

Allow plenty of time 

It’s better to have time to waste than it is to be running to your gate. Most airports will have information on their website as to how early they recommend you arrive. 

If you are checking a bag, you’ll need to have your ID ready to show the staff at the counter. 

Use the airport kiosks 

Nearly all airports now have kiosks that allow you to check in, print your boarding passes, and in some instances, upgrade or change your seat selection and check your luggage. Using one can often speed up the entire process and save you time at the counter. 

Buy last minute drinks or snacks 

Once you are through security you are welcome to purchase drinks and food items to take with you. If you brought an empty water bottle, you can fill that up at this time, too. 

Prepare to board 

Most flights begin boarding around 30 minutes or so before departure. 

If you have multiple carry-on bags, you’ll want to get those organized for the flight and make sure everybody has gone to the bathroom one last time before you board. 

Tip: When the airline calls for people with children to board early, consider if this is really the best idea for you. If you need the extra time to get set up, take advantage of the opportunity. However, if you don’t need the extra time, stay off the plane as long as you can to allow little ones to run around and not be confined for any longer than they need to be. 

If you would like to set up a time to talk about your next adventure, I would be happy to. You can reach me at Annat@wishesfamilytravel.com or my Facebook page. Traveling does not have to be stressful – I can help take all the unknowns away and keep the stress level down. I would be honored to be your personal travel planner.  Hope to talk with you soon.