Tampa is it worth the saving?

[Orlando 2004]

Struggling to remember the last time we flew into MCO. Tampa is a lovely airport and an easy enough drive to Championsgate.

[NewtoOrlando]

100% - really nice airport and a very easy drive to Orlando. Think we were out of the airport and in Orlando after picking the car up in an hour and a bit. We’ve never flown into MCO, only ever done Miami or Tampa.

[cornishfrogboy]

I have been through Tampa a few times, but only on internal flights. I have also had a couple of very long waits at Immigration in MCO. I like Tampa Int.

If staying towards the Western side of the tourist area of Orlando, then the time taken to depart the aircraft, do immigration and security and then drive/get to the accommodation front door becomes rather marginal, whilst the savings of £1200 are considerable. If the prices were identical, then for me, it would probably be Tampa in any case as I would overnight very near to Busch and then do it next morning, saving on travel time later in the vacation for a return journey, also taking advantage of the free parking at the hotel that is dead opposite the BG entrance gate, (Hampton Inn), is also a further saving of a few dollars, as well as rather convenient, probably also representing a saving on the nightly cost of your primary, Orlando accommodation. It comes with complimentary breakfast also.. it is ringed in the bottom left corner of the first image.

I would also consider a few days on the gulf coast as I would already be there! (We always multi base in any case).

[Mazbar]

Someone put it is 65 miles I clocked it at 75 from Disney to bush gardens. The only thing I would say what time is your flight, if you land at 4pm that will be 9pm U.K. time so after a long flight and possibly a early start a almost 2 hour drive might be arduous to the driver so consider that as well.

[jojos]

No brainer, TPA is a great airport we have used it numerous times.

[sunseeker]

Originally Posted by Mazbar

Someone put it is 65 miles I clocked it at 75 from Disney to bush gardens. The only thing I would say what time is your flight, if you land at 4pm that will be 9pm U.K. time so after a long flight and possibly a early start a almost 2 hour drive might be arduous to the driver so consider that as well.

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I have done this journey several times, it is about 65 miles to Champions gate and usually takes about 1hr 10. You will almost certainly be in Champions gate quicker, from landing to villa, than you would from MCO. I can appreciate the time difference, but I for one am never in bed after landing before 10pm ET and I dare say neither are most of us.

Dave

[goofyfave]

Where are you finding these cheap flights to Tampa?! I wouldn't mind at all but for my dates next year they are coming up pretty much the same as MCO. What am I doing wrong?!

[Floridasun]

I would def fly to TPA. We are actually flying into MIA next April as it was so much cheaper. It's a much longer drive but we will have 3 drivers so I'm sure we will cope. It was half the cost when we booked.

[MarkUK]

If prices for MCO and Tampa were the same I’ld pick Tampa every time to be honest

[loldis]

Originally Posted by goofyfave

Where are you finding these cheap flights to Tampa?! I wouldn't mind at all but for my dates next year they are coming up pretty much the same as MCO. What am I doing wrong?!

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It depends on your dates. I never see a huge difference between MCO and TPA (maybe £50 at the most for a Saturday flight - no significant difference mid-week) but I travel off season so not subject to MCO's typical seasonal spike.

When I was pricing August recently, I noticed Tampa coming in much higher than it previously would. I think more people are looking for alternatives to MCO which is driving up the price. But it should still be cheaper, if looking at the same fare code.