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If you're flying from the UK to Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a Walt Disney World holiday in 2026, there's a small, but annoying extra cost to factor in before you've even checked-in a suitcase.
UK airport quick drop-off charges have jumped again for January 2026, with London Gatwick now hitting the £10 mark.
While drop-off fees won't make or break a Disney holiday budget, these fees can easily add £10-£20 to the start of your trip. Costs can be more, especially if you are taking multiple cars or get caught out by strict time limits.
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The New Drop-Off Prices (January 2026)
For Orlando-bound travellers, the biggest changes are at the major London hubs. Here is the current snapshot for the airports in England flying directly to MCO in 2026:
Airport | Charge | Note |
|---|---|---|
London Gatwick (LGW) | £10 £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes | Increased from £7 last year. Pay up until midnight the day after to avoid a penalty charge notice. |
London Heathrow (LHR) | £7 | Increased from £6 on 1st January 2026 and a 10-minute maximum stay has been introduced. An £80 penalty charge notice charged for people staying longer or failing to pay is charged. |
Manchester (MAN) | £5 for 5 minutes £6.40 for 10 minutes £25 for 30 minutes | Barrier system and remote payment for drop-offs, this has been a little controversial with people forgetting to pay. |
Birmingham (BHX) | £6 for 0-15 minutes £11.00 for 15-20 minutes £17.00 for 20-25 minutes £23.00 for 25-30 minutes | Summer Florida flights only, unless flying indirectly. Known as Premium Set Down. Pat at home or in the car park. Price increases further beyond the 30 minute mark |
Why This Matters for Disney World Planners
Disney World planners can avoid these costs through strategic planning, as all airports offer free drop-off areas. However, these are further away from the terminal building. If you’re planning to use the drop-off zones as part of your travel day, here are few things to keep in mind:
1. Families need to make sure they stick to timings at Heathrow, where overstaying can result in a fixed penalty notice. Family members also need to remember to pay airports are issuing fixed penalty notices automatically if you forget to pay the fee when you get home. Make sure you know who is paying, and pay the charge as soon as you can.
2. Taxis and Ubers pass the cost on. Even if you aren't getting a lift from a relative, you still pay. Most taxi and private-hire firms add the terminal drop-off charge directly to your fare, so ask to be taken to the free drop-off area and see if that reduces your cost.
3. Consider using Heathrow free area as the new 10-minute maximum stay is the biggest potential headache for Disney travellers who have a big family and lots of luggage. If you are unloading four suitcases, a buggy, and hand luggage,10 minutes goes very fast. If you overstay, you risk a fine, so you need a smooth, rapid handover plan.
And don’t forget these airports also charge a parking fee to pick-up when you return from your holiday too, so you need to factor that cost in too.
Using Free Options
All airports listed above offer free drop-off options. These options may add more time to your travel day, and if you’re flying early this can be frustrating. It’s important to weigh up the saving with the walk and the amount of luggage you have.
Anyone travelling to Florida lightly, or who is budget conscious may want to look into the free options. Here are the options..
Manchester Airport
You can get dropped-off at Jet Parks 1, where you take a 6ish minute shuttle bus to the Terminal. Here is the link to the Manchester Airport free drop-off option.
London Gatwick
London Gatwick Airport states:
"If you want to spend a bit more time saying goodbye, then we recommend parking in our Short Stay car parks located in both the North and South Terminal car parks. Alternatively, you can park in our Long Stay car parks for free for two hours, with a free shuttle bus supplied to the terminals."
London Heathrow
You get 29 minutes to drop-off at Park and Ride locations. You can then catch the bus to your Terminal Building. Here is the link to the official London Heathrow free drop-off point.
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport offer a free 10 minute drop-off at a car park near the terminal building. The building is accessed by a covered walkway that is around a 5-10 minute walk. You can read more at Dropping off and picking up from BHX | Birmingham Airport.
Magic in a Minute
Add £10-£20 to your getting to the airport budget for your next Orlando trip. If you want to dodge the fees entirely, head to the Long Stay car park and hop on the free shuttle: just remember to leave home a little earlier!