Traveling To Disney World

Determining whether you should fly, drive, or take a train to Walt Disney World hinges on several key factors, including your starting point, budget, the size of your travel group, and personal preferences.

Flying

Flying is the optimal choice for those who:

Live far away: If your journey by car would extend beyond a day, air travel offers the quickest and most efficient route to Orlando.
Value time: Flying drastically cuts down on travel time compared to driving or taking a train, even when you account for airport procedures.
Are traveling in a small group: For a couple or a small family, the cost of individual plane tickets is often more manageable than for a large group.
Don't need a car: If you plan on staying at a Disney resort and using their free transportation—such as buses, the monorail, or the Skyliner—flying lets you avoid the cost and hassle of a rental car.

Costs to consider: plane tickets, daily/weekly airport parking fees, rental

car orairport transportation to/from resort, luggage fees

The most popular choice of airport that is closest to Walt Disney World

is MCO International Airport, which is about 20 minutes away (excluding

traffic).

Hot Tip: Use a flight price tracker such as Google Flights or Hopper to

look for the best deals.

Driving

Driving is often the most practical solution if you:

Live within a manageable distance: A drive of 10 to 12 hours or less makes traveling by car a highly viable option.
Are a large family or group: The combined cost of gas and tolls is typically far less than the total cost of multiple plane tickets.
Want flexibility: A car gives you the freedom to set your own schedule, stop for breaks whenever you like, and have complete control over your itinerary.
Need to pack a lot: You won't face strict baggage weight limits or fees, which is a major benefit for families with strollers, coolers, or lots of luggage.
Plan to explore other areas: Having your own vehicle makes it easy to visit attractions outside the Disney bubble, such as Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or local restaurants.

Costs to consider: possible overnight stay in hotels on the way to/from Disney

World, hotel parking fees (if staying off-site), theme park parking fees, gas

Cons: heavy traffic during holidays and summer weekends

Hot Tip: Plan out breaks every 2-3 hours of driving to stretch your legs, take

bathroom breaks, eat meals, fill up the car with gas etc. for at least 15 minutes

Taking a Train

Train travel, particularly via Amtrak, is a less common but still valid option for a specific type of traveler. You might consider the train if you:

Live on an Amtrak route: Amtrak offers rides from stations around the United States to Orlando or Kissimmee, Florida. The Amtrak Auto Train is a unique option for those along the I-95 corridor. It transports both you and your car from Lorton, Virginia, (20 miles south of Washington D.C.) to Sanford, Florida, which is about a 45 minute drive from Disney World.
Want a relaxing journey: Train travel lets you avoid the stress of driving, allowing you to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and even sleep overnight as you travel.
Prefer not to drive but want your car: The train allows you to arrive with your own vehicle without having to endure the long road trip yourself.
Are not in a rush: Be aware that train travel in the U.S. is generally slower and less punctual than other forms of transportation. It's not the best choice if you're on a tight schedule.

Costs to consider: hotel parking (if staying off-site), train tickets, auto fee

Cons: more expensive option, longer travel