Getting to Orlando:
Your First Step Toward Magical Adventures
So, now that you’ve decided the best time of year and the perfect vacation window, it’s time to turn your plans into action! The first step: booking your transportation to Orlando. Whether you’re heading to the enchanting world of Walt Disney World or the thrilling thrills of Universal Studios, getting there is part of the adventure.
Unless you’re lucky enough to live close to Orlando’s theme parks, you’ll need some form of transportation—whether that’s by air (perhaps in a plane or on a Nimbus 2000) or by land (maybe you’ll catch the Nightbus or the Hogwarts Express). Let’s take a look at a few options to get you to the magic.
Flying to Orlando: Soaring to the Parks
Flying is by far the most common way to travel to Orlando, though the costs can sometimes leave your wallet a little shocked (so be prepared!). The price depends on many factors, including the airline, group size, departure location, and the time of year
We know looking for the best flight deals can be overwhelming.
Our advice? Do your research! We use a comprehensive search tool to find the best prices and dates for your trip to the happiest place on Earth. It’s key to compare various options to get the best value, also look out for when airlines have sales on flights, depending on the time of year you plan on flying there might be some deals to help save a few Mickey Dollars!
When it comes to airports, Orlando International (MCO) is the most popular choice for travellers heading to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios due to its close proximity. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, Tampa International Airport is a solid choice—just 52 extra miles away, perfect if you’re looking to explore the Gulf Coast before your theme park adventures and can sometimes be a cheaper option.
For international travellers, Orlando International is generally the preferred airport, not just for its location but also for its well-organised car rental system, which is a plus if you plan on renting a car for your stay. However, note that many international flights land and depart from Terminal C, which is still adjusting to its role.
Car Rental For more information on Car Rentals click here
If you need help planning your flight or navigating the airport, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks to get you there smoothly.
Driving to Orlando: Heading out on The Open Road for Extra Fun
Driving to Orlando is another popular choice, and it’s a fantastic option for those looking to turn the journey itself into part of the adventure. Whether you’re road-tripping from nearby states or embarking on a multi-day journey, driving gives you the freedom to explore on the way.
To estimate your driving costs, simply use this formula:
(Distance to Orlando / Miles per Gallon of Your Vehicle) x Gas Price per Gallon
= Total Estimated Cost
For example, when we drove from New York to Orlando, we calculated our cost as follows:
(1,098 miles / 33 mpg) x $3.36 (average gas price) = $111.76. The trip took us about three days and 17 hours of driving, but the extra stops along the way made it an exciting part of our vacation.
No matter which way you’re traveling, getting to Orlando is the first step toward creating unforgettable memories at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and beyond.
Let us know if you need help planning this part of your vacation—we’re here to make the journey as smooth as possible so you can focus on the fun ahead!
Whether you’re driving in for Disney magic or Universal thrills, taking the scenic route can add extra excitement to your trip, creating more unique memories to share. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to stop and enjoy local attractions as you go!
2 responses
Hi there, thanks for this planning guide, we have been thinking of taking our first family trip to Florida for some time and reading this guide has really helped out. We have booked our big family vacation for this summer while kids are off school, we ave set our expectations thanks to the information, and have managed to save a little on flights, tickets and car hire thanks to your links. We only cam across your site by chance and it offered a refreshing take on the advice from the other sites we read and honestly was geared more to us also traveling from the UK. Please keep adding more to the site its very helpful, do you have any other outlets or advice? Many thanks.
Hi there Daisy so happy for you and your family, congratulations on your first family trip, I am glad the guide has helped and there are so many exciting new things coming to Disney and Universal this year as well. We also have a family trip booked for the summer. Please if you have any questions feel free to reach out and ask.