6 Things You Never Knew About Disney World’s “Other” Airport

Disney World has a “secret” airport — and no, it’s not the one you’re probably thinking of.

Most travelers heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), but there’s another airport nearby that some visitors don’t even realize is an option: Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). It’s way smaller than MCO, and that definitely comes with some pros — and a few quirks — that you’ll want to know about. If you’re flying into or out of SFB on your Disney trip, here are a few things you should definitely be prepared for.

It’s Tiny — and That’s Actually a Huge Win

SFB is super small compared to MCO, and that honestly works in your favor. Security here is usually quick and easy, with far fewer lines and much less chaos. If the thought of navigating MCO gives you stress hives, you’ll breathe a little easier at Sanford.

Just know that “small” also means fewer amenities. You won’t find dozens of restaurants, endless gift shops, or massive terminal sprawl. This is a no-frills kind of place — which, for a lot of travelers, is exactly the vibe they’re looking for.

Flights Here Can Be Way Cheaper

The biggest draw to flying through SFB? The flight prices. Allegiant is the major airline flying in and out of Sanford, and they’re known for their budget-friendly fares. If you’re flexible with your travel times and dates, you can often snag flights that are ridiculously cheaper than flying into MCO.

Just make sure you read up on Allegiant’s baggage policies and fees — the low fare is appealing, but the add-ons can sneak up fast if you’re not paying attention.

Eat Before You Get There

Like we said, this is a small airport, and food options are limited. There is a food court area and a couple of snack stands, but don’t expect a lot of variety. You definitely don’t want to roll in hungry and assume you’ll be spoiled for choice.

That said, there is one bright spot: a new outpost of Hollerbach’s, the iconic German restaurant from downtown Sanford. It’s a local favorite and actually worth checking out if you have the time. Just don’t count on it being open super early or super late.

You’ll Wait to Be Called for Boarding — Like, Literally

One unique thing about SFB: you don’t just hang out at your gate while waiting for your flight to board. On one side of the terminal, there’s a big general seating area, and most passengers are asked to stay there until it’s time to board.

When your flight is ready, someone will come over the loudspeaker and call your flight to the gate. It’s a little old-school, but it works — just don’t panic when you don’t see a crowd lining up 45 minutes ahead of time. That’s not how things roll here.

Luggage Check Lines Are Sneakily Long

You might think that because this is a smaller airport, you can breeze through the whole thing quickly. That’s mostly true — except when it comes to checking luggage. The bag drop line is often longer than security, and it moves slowly.

If you’re planning to check bags, get to the airport at least two hours before your flight. Yes, even here. You don’t want to be sweating it out in a long bag-drop line while your boarding time creeps closer.

Rental Cars Are a Deal — and Plentiful

One unexpected perk of SFB is that rental cars here tend to be cheaper than at MCO. That’s not always the case at smaller airports, but Sanford has several of the big-name rental companies on-site — no need to shuttle off somewhere else to grab your car.

If you’re planning on renting a car for your Disney trip anyway, it’s worth comparing rates. You might be surprised how much you can save just by flying through Sanford instead of MCO.

So, is Orlando Sanford International Airport the perfect airport? Not exactly. It’s got quirks, limited food options, and a very different vibe than MCO. But if you’re looking for cheap flights, fast security lines, and a less chaotic airport experience, this little under-the-radar option might be exactly what you need.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Here at all AllEars, we’re all about giving you the tips you need to make your travel adventure go smoothly, so keep following us to be in the know.

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Have you ever flown in or out of Disney’s “other” airport? Tell us about it in the comments!

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