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Disney World in Orlando, Florida is served by several airports in the surrounding area. The primary airport closest to Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) away from the Walt Disney World Resort. The bustling Orlando International airport is the largest and busiest airport in the region. The Orlando airport offers numerous domestic and international flights.
Other airports that are relatively close to Disney World include Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) away, and Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is approximately 75 miles (121 kilometers) away. These airports also offer various flight options for travelers heading to Disney World.
Orlando International Airport
Many Walt Disney World guests choose to go through Orlando international airport. Guests use this airport for their vacation as it is the primary airport in Orlando. There are many major airlines for Disney guests to choose from. The different options makes it much more convenient to plan your travel itinerary. You may be surprised to see that even the airport has a Walt Disney Company theme store that rivals shops in the theme parks.
How can I get to Walt Disney World Resort from Orlando International Airport?
There are many transportation options available from Disney World Airport to Orlando International Airport. These include car rental, Lyft, Uber, and Orlando Airport Transfer. One of the most convenient and famous forms of travel was the Magical Express, but has been discontinued. Disney executives could instead go through the Sunshine Flyer Airport Shuttle, also known as Mears Connect.
Mears Connect
The Sunshine Flyer merged with Mears Connect to provide guest transportation from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resorts. The new service is called Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, and it offers enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, greater operational efficiencies, and a hassle-free experience to and from the preferred Walt Disney World Resort. The Sunshine Flyer Shuttle runs very similarly to the Magical Express, with minor differences.
Cost and Availability of Mears Connect
The major difference is that this is a private company in affiliation with Walt Disney World, and is not a free service anymore. The cost is $19.50 per adult and $11 per child each way. Tickets must be booked at least four days ahead of arrival. The service is available 24/7, and it provides express options or private trips to ease guests' minds the minute they step off the plane. The Sunshine Flyer is fully wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant for both standard and express services.
Walt Disney World Airport
The Walt Disney World Airport is commonly known as Lake Buena Vista Airport (BWW: BWY) and Lake Buena Vista International Airport. The Walt Disney World Airport is located on the Walt Disney World Resort in Walt Disney World. When it began to be used it contained smaller commuters such as the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop. The turboprop had STOL capability.
Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a full service airport that serves the Orlando, Florida area. While it is not the closest airport to Walt Disney World Resort, it is an option for travelers who prefer to fly into Tampa or have other reasons for arriving there. TPA is approximately 75 miles (121 kilometers) away from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
If you arrive at Tampa International Airport and plan to travel to Walt Disney World, you have several transportation options:
1. Car Rental:
You can rent a car at Tampa International Airport and drive to Walt Disney World. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
2. Shuttle Services:
There are shuttle services and private transportation companies that offer direct transportation from Tampa International Airport to Walt Disney World resorts. These services may need to be booked in advance.
3. Bus Services:
Some bus companies provide scheduled bus services between Tampa and Orlando, and you can then use local transportation or taxis to get to Walt Disney World from the Orlando bus station.
4. Amtrak:
If you prefer to take a train, you can take Amtrak from Tampa to Orlando, and from there, you can use other forms of transportation to reach Walt Disney World.
5. Shared Ride Services:
Companies like Uber and Lyft operate in the area and can provide transportation from Tampa to Walt Disney World.
Keep in mind that travel times and transportation options may vary, so it's a good idea to check with the specific transportation providers and their schedules, as well as any current COVID-19 related restrictions or guidelines that may be in place at the time of your trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the closest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which offers various transportation options to Disney Resort hotels. These options include car rental, Lyft, Uber, Orlando Airport Shuttle, public bus, and Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. Complimentary transportation is also available between selected Resort hotels and the Parks. It is important to note that Disney's Magical Express, the previous airport shuttle service, has been discontinued and replaced by Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. While the end of Disney's Magical Express has been disappointing to many Walt Disney World visitors, there are still great alternatives available for transportation from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World.
