Tampa or MCO airport?

[stanboys]

After changing my plans yet again I have a new dilemma of flying to Tampa or Orlando.
I found a great Tampa fly drive and after all the praise for the airport on here thought I had a winner. Then looked and found flights to Orlando for slightly less but with no car.

The downside of Tampa for me is the drive after a long flight, but then we have a car for the whole holiday (must add I might not have been hiring a car at all).
The downside to MCO is of course the airport itself, but the bonus is we can get the magical express and not worry about driving anywhere.

So what would you choose?

Thanks!

[jenn8400]

Personally I would go for MCO as I would have the kids in tow and while MCO is a pain to get through at least once you are out of those doors it’s only 20mins ‘home’ 😉

[tspill]

Tampa every time. It is so much nicer than MCO and generally much quicker to clear which more than makes up for the additional drive.

[duncanb]

From past trips to Tampa 2 hrs from off plane to accommodation this includes car hire pick up.
This time can be done at Mco but could also be double
Take your pick and enjoy.

[coinneach]

Personally I'd go for the flydrive option from Tampa.
Around 75 minutes to Kissimmee from Tampa and also having the car is the deal clincher for me.
Added bonus of no stress when going through security when you return to Tampa.

[lifes2comp]

Always choose Tampa fly drive with BA and Avis Preferred. Always cheapest way to do it when we go, have two young kids, also find it less hassle generally. So easy through airport and pick8ng up the car and I think it’s an easy drive up the I-4. Kids sleep on way to villa, straight out to pick up essentials and dinner and settle in.

Easy drive back and we have nice relaxed last meal at the airport . Used to be TGIs before they cancelled lease when airport renovations going on. Now Hard Rock Cafe there instead.

Definitely my choice. Have done 4 or 5 times now.

[stanboys]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

Hoping I come to a decision soon!

[Burgmeister]

Tampa - every single time.

TPA is large enough to have the facilities you need and small enough to be quite personal. When we fly into TPA we generally stay overnight nearby but the drive from TPA to Kissimmee is not that much longer than MCO to Kissimmee.

Given that it is usually quicker from landing to leaving the airport at TPA than MCO, you will probably take less time to get from aircraft door to you accommodation than you would using MCO.

[Neilyboy]

Re-iterate others - Tampa every time. We did it for the first time last October and couldn't believe how quickly we were out and on the road. Even the immigration people seemed genuinely welcoming to tourists.

Its a bonus on the return journey as well. Due to the fewer numbers of passengers it takes so little time to clear security. They were also investing to enhance and improve facilities.

[anji]

Tampa. Every. Time.