Best Florida Airport For Disney World Holidays From The UK
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Choosing the best Florida airport to fly to when heading to Walt Disney World isn’t always as simple as picking the closest airport to Walt Disney World. Other factors come into the decision making process including the cost of the flights, where you can fly from, transfer options, and your preferred airline.
Best Airport Overall For Walt Disney World: MCO
If you simply want the best airport for a Walt Disney World holiday the clear winner is Orlando International Airport (MCO) because:
It’s the closest airport
The widest choice of UK airlines offer direct flights
Shortest transfer time at around 25 minutes, so you’ll pay less for Ubers/Lyfts
Best range of transfer options to choose from to Disney World
Easy airport for families and on-site guests to use as all direct flights from the UK now fly into Terminal C, MCO
That’s not to say that the other airports may not be better for your trip, but for most MCO is easier. Read more about what it’s like flying into MCO: Terminal C.
If you've decided MCO is the right choice for your family, check out our guide on
Which UK Airports Fly Direct To Orlando (MCO)? opens in a new tab
Best Florida Airport For Transfer Times To Disney World
MCO is the best option for the shortest transfer time to Walt Disney World. But choosing which Florida airport to fly into or from based on the transfer times to and from Disney World is only one way to measure the best option for UK visitors.
Florida Airport | Transfer Time To Disney World | Transfer Distance To Disney World |
|---|---|---|
Orlando International Airport (MCO) | 25 mins | 16.5 miles |
Melbourne Orlando International (MLB) | 1hr 15 mins | 75 miles |
Tampa International Airport (TPA) | 1hr 15 mins | 72 miles |
Miami International Airport (MIA) | 4hrs | 234 miles |
While MCO offers the best transfer times to Disney World, and is located much closer to Disney World than other options the 50 mile difference and extra hour or so on the road is worth it if the price of flights are significantly lower elsewhere. Florida flights have gotten increasingly expensive in 2026, so it is worth checking other Florida airports despite longer transfer times to Disney World.
Best Florida Airport For Disney World Based On Airlines
The best Florida airport for Disney World may depend on who you are flying from the UK with. Not every UK airline offering direct flights to Florida for Disney World holidays flies into MCO:
Florida Airport | Airline (offering direct flights from the UK) |
|---|---|
Orlando International Airport (MCO) | Virgin British Airways |
Melbourne Orlando International (MLB) | TUI |
Tampa International Airport (TPA) | Virgin Atlantic British Airways |
Miami International Airport (MIA) | Virgin Atlantic British Airways American Airlines |
If you book a package with TUI between March and October you will be flying into Melbourne Orlando International (MLB), because this is where the company’s base in Florida is. TUI holidays are available all year round, but during certain months there is not the option to fly into MCO. Melbourne, (MLB), is a great option as the airport is smaller, it’s not a bags first collection, and you tend to get through quicker than in MCO. For more on navigating from Melbourne Airport to Disney World read Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB) To Disney: UK Direct Flight & Transfer Options opens in a new tab
When choosing between the other airlines when picking which Florida airport you are flying to for Disney World it comes down to:
Best Florida Airport Based On UK Airport Location
The best Florida airport for a Disney World trip often involves travelling from the airport closest to where you live, and as not all airlines fly from all UK
Florida Airport | Fly Direct From the Following UK Airports (2026) | Airline |
|---|---|---|
Orlando International Airport (MCO) | Manchester London Gatwick London Heathrow (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Belfast International have seasonal flights). | Virgin British Airways |
Melbourne Orlando International (MLB) | London Gatwick Manchester Glasgow Newcastle Belfast International (all seasonal flights) | TUI |
Tampa International Airport (TPA) | London Heathrow London Gatwick | Virgin Atlantic British Airways |
Miami International Airport (MIA) | London Heathrow
| Virgin Atlantic British Airways American Airlines |
Based on direct flights on offer to Florida from the UK, the following options are best based on where you live and local airport availability.
Best Florida Airports Ranked For Disney World Holidays From The UK
1: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO is the closest airport to Walt Disney World and the main gateway for UK travellers. It also offers a large number of direct flights from UK airports, including seasonal departures from other airports around the UK.
It’s the best airport for almost every Disney-focused holiday, whether you're staying on-site, on I-Drive, or staying in a villa in the Orlando area. If you’re looking for a deep dive into all your options to get from MCO to Disney World, take a look at How UK Visitors Get From Orlando Airport (MCO) To Disney Resorts opens in a new tab
2: Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB)
TUI's exclusive Florida airport that is often advertised as "Orlando" despite being 75-90 minutes from Disney World.
Why you might choose MLB:
Airport is small and easy to navigate
Baggage claims are fast
You’ve booked a TUI package deal
Why MLB may not suit everyone:
Far from Disney World
Limited Uber availability
Taxi costs can be high
Not ideal for DIY Disney trips or staying on-site
3: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
When flight prices into Orlando are high, it is worth checking Tampa International Airport (TPA) as the transfer time is similar to MLB and the difference in cost can mean it’s still cheaper to drive the longer distance if you’re hiring a car.
Why choose Tampa:
Can get cheaper flights than flying into MCO
Modern airport with excellent facilities
Only around 1 hr 15 mins to Disney World
Easy drive via I-4
Why Tampa may not be best:
long drive from Disney World
Uber and Lyft more expensive
4: Miami International Airport (MIA)
An excellent airport for two-centre holidays, but too far for a pure Disney trip.
Why choose Miami:
Ideal for combining Miami Beach and Orlando as a twin-centre or fly drive trip. It’s good if you fancy a trip to the keys or want to go on a Disney Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Wide choice of flights and prices
Lots of car hire options
Why Miami isn't ideal for Disney:
3.5-4 hours from Walt Disney World
Busy roads and tolls
Not suitable for families wanting quick park access
While MCO is the obvious choice best airport for a Disney World holiday from the UK, if you’re mixing in a Disney Cruise, flying with TUI, or looking for the cheapest options MCO isn’t always the best option for your trip.
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What is the closest Florida airport to Disney World?
Orlando International airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, at about 16.5 miles away.
What are the two airports close to Disney World other than MCO?
After MCO, the two closest Florida airports to Disney World are Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).
