Flying out of Disney World can be stressful enough—so what if we told you there’s another airport you might not even be thinking about?
Most folks head straight to Orlando International Airport (MCO) without realizing there’s a second option just up the road: Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). It’s not as flashy, not as big, and definitely not as close—but it has a few perks that might just win you over. If you’re trying to weigh the pros and cons of both airports before your next Disney trip, here’s what you need to know before you book.
SFB Can Save You Serious Money
If you’re traveling on a budget (and let’s be honest—Disney isn’t cheap), flying out of SFB could be a win. The airport is a hub for budget-friendly airlines like Allegiant, which means you’ll often see flight prices that are way lower than what MCO offers. If your travel dates are flexible, you can sometimes score roundtrip tickets for what you’d usually pay one-way out of MCO. Yes, seriously.
That said, it’s mostly leisure routes, so you’re not going to find the same giant flight network. Think: smaller destinations, fewer flights per day, and way less wiggle room if you need to rebook. But if you’re okay with that, the savings can be huge.
SFB Is Chill (Like, Surprisingly Chill)
SFB is small. Like, blink and you’ll miss it small. And that’s exactly why some people swear by it. You won’t be weaving through massive crowds or sprinting across terminals with your toddler and three park bags in tow. Security lines? Usually under 10 minutes. Curb to gate? Sometimes as fast as 15.
Compare that to MCO, where even TSA PreCheck won’t always save you from the chaos. If your goal is a no-stress departure where you don’t feel like you’re in line for another theme park ride, SFB is a breath of fresh air.
For Stress-Free Vibes, SFB Feels Like a Hidden Gem
If you’re someone who hates the airport chaos (and we mean hates it), SFB might be your best-kept secret. There’s something really refreshing about walking into a quiet terminal where you’re not dodging ten different families with oversized suitcases and balloon souvenirs. The slower pace, quick security, and smaller crowds make it feel like a totally different travel experience.
Yes, the trade-off is fewer flights and a longer drive. But if you’re willing to make that trade, you might actually enjoy your airport time for once.
MCO Has the Flights, the Times, and the Convenience
Now let’s talk about MCO. There’s a reason most people fly in and out of here: it’s convenient. It’s only about 15 miles from Disney World, so getting from your resort to your gate is fast (well, traffic depending, but still way faster than Sanford). Plus, almost every major airline flies into MCO, so you’ll have tons of options when it comes to flight times, carriers, and nonstop routes.
Need a 6 AM flight? No problem. Want to fly to basically any major U.S. city? You’re covered. If flexibility is a priority for you—or you just don’t want to gamble with limited scheduling—MCO is going to be your best bet.
Getting to SFB Takes Time (and Possibly More Cash)
Here’s the biggest drawback with Sanford: it’s far. Like, 40 miles away from Disney far. You’re looking at about an hour in the car, and that’s if traffic’s behaving. That means if you’re relying on a rideshare or shuttle service, your bill’s going up fast. Rental car return? Also takes more planning.
That distance can really eat into your day, especially if you’re trying to squeeze in a last-minute park visit or catch a meal before your flight. So if convenience is your top priority, MCO wins hands down.
MCO’s Hidden Costs Can Sneak Up on You
Even though MCO is closer and more robust, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The airport is busy, and all that demand comes at a price—literally. Parking is pricey, shuttle services often tack on extra fees, and rental cars? Don’t even get us started. It’s easy for your “reasonable” travel cost to quietly balloon once all those extra fees hit your credit card.
So while SFB might cost more in transportation, you could actually end up spending less overall once you factor in MCO’s higher on-site expenses.
Bottom Line
There’s no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to choosing between MCO and SFB—it totally depends on your priorities. Want more flight options and less time in the car? Go with MCO. Want to save money and avoid the crowds? SFB might be your move.
Just make sure you’re factoring in all the logistics—not just the flight price—before you book. It could mean the difference between a chaotic departure and a smooth, budget-friendly ride home.
We’re always looking out for the latest Disney World updates, so stay tuned to us here on AllEars!
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Have you ever flown into Sanford International Airport? Let us know down in the comments!
There also are some flights into Lakeland.
If you plan on renting a car during your visit, flying in and out of Sandford is a no-brainer. The low-cost airlines have fares that are 50% or more less than the fares for major airlines flying into MCO, including Southwest.