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Should I Drive or Fly to Disney World?

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The Dilemma 

If you live in the Southeast United States and travel to Florida either to visit Disney or for any other reason (Wait?! There are other things to do in Florida??), you’ve probably at one time or another at least entertained the thought of whether you will drive or fly. For some people this is a nonissue, but some of us wrestle with it every time!

Pros and Cons for Flying 

Of course it might seem that flying would be the most desirable way to travel anywhere! But, things aren’t always as they seem. If you live an hour or more from the airport you really need to add up the time it will take to actually get to your resort. When you do, you may discover you’re not actually saving any time. 

Additionally, once you get to the Orlando airport you will need to secure travel to the resort which will cost you! And don’t forget, many of these transportation options will take guests who are staying at different resorts at the same time and you might be the last to be dropped off. Now it’s taking more time than driving? Maybe.

Then there’s the cost of the flight itself. If you are lucky enough to get a cheap flight it becomes a no brainer pretty quickly, but if the flight is $300/person you will definitely be spending more…like a lot more! And don’t forget the shuttle from the airport that you had to pay for! Once you’re at the resort Disney will provide compliant transportation to all of the parks and Disney Springs. You can also take their transportation to another resort for a dining reservation or just to look around, but if you’ve never done that it can be tricky and very time consuming. Food for thought!

So, why would you fly? Number one for me is less stress! Number two? I don’t have to drive! And number three is that it is an adventure you don’t have every day! If you do get that cheap flight it also might be cheaper considering the cost of gas, but I’d definitely run those numbers and make sure that’s true!

Pros and Cons for Driving 

The obvious con for driving is the stress and the fact that you have to drive! Also, like I said before, you’ve got to run the cost of transportation by car and plane to know what will be cheaper. Don’t forget to add in the cost of food and beverages along your route. 

The pros are actually more than you might think! You’ll have a car for one. What’s that? You don’t plan to drive once there? Me either, but it happens! Running late for that dining reservation at another resort? Just drive and you’ll probably make it! Traveling from one resort to another can take up to an hour and a half sometimes if you rely on Disney’s transportation !And what if junior is sick and running a fever? If you have a car, you will be able to secure medical help on your own. Finally, while gas and food will cost you, you won’t be paying for parking or any other transportation costs because a you have a car!


Buc-ees! Can’t stop at Buc-ees on an airplane! What’s not to love? Cheap gas, yummy snacks, and big, clean bathrooms! And, bonus, you can shop! Do you really want to miss that?

Ok, there is one other cost if you’re driving down I75, and it’s called The Florida Turnpike. It is what connects I75 to Orlando, Tampa, Apopka, etc. And yes, it is a toll road. Pixie Dust Tip: If you will be using the Turnpike several times in a year or even one trip per year, purchase the transponder ahead of time. Tolls can be handled Pay by Plate these days and they might seem like a small charge, but they aren’t telling you about the convenience charge that gets tacked on when they send you the bill! My sticker cost $5 and it doesn’t expire! No surcharges for me! 

The Conclusion 

Whatever you decide to do, make it part of your adventure! If you choose to drive, I recommend driving on a weekday if you can. I also recommend not making a dining reservation for that first night, just in case you are later than you expect. Traffic happens! If you choose to fly, try to line up the transportation from the airport to the resort before you leave home. Then, you will know how much it will cost and what to expect! And don’t forget, you’re on vacation! Have fun!
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