Arriving at Orlando or Sanford Airports
Visitors will usually find they will be arriving at Orlando Airport or Sanford Airport. Orlando Airport (MCO) is hectic due to it being the main airport while Sanford Airport (SFB) has a more laid back, relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you will be arriving at Orlando or Sanford Airport depends very much on which airline you have chosen and which country your flight originated in.
DISTANCE
Kissimmee is approx. 25 minutes drive from Orlando Airport and 45 minutes from Sanford.
IMMIGRATION
British visitors arriving at Orlando or Sanford Airport will be entering the U.S under the Visa Waiver Programme. While travelling on the plane to Florida, cabin crew will distribute 1-94 or 194W forms, it is extremely important that those forms are filled out correctly with no mistakes. If you should make a mistake, no matter how small, ask for another form from the cabin crew. U.S Immigration officials in Florida are not noted for their friendly banter and will not accept any form which has a mistake or anything scored out.
If you have any convictions you most likely will not be allowed entry into Florida. It would be very embarrassing and expensive to be sent back home again as soon as your feet touch Floridian soil. If you think that this may apply to you it would be best to contact the U.S Embassy in London for advice prior to booking. U.S Embassy
The queue at immigration will be very long but at least you will be in an air conditioned building. Have your passports and visa waiver forms to hand. As you get to the front of the queue you MUST wait behind the white line until you are called over by the official. When called go forward as a family, only persons with the same surname go forward as a group, so, even if you are on holiday with sisters, brothers, aunts or uncles, if they have a different surname the must wait until they are called. Your 'friendly' U.S immigration official will ask how long you plan to stay in Florida, purpose of visit etc. There is no point, at this time, in trying to engage him or her in any kind of conversation, believe me, it won't work. Immigration Officials in Florida are not hired because of their friendly demeanour and happy go lucky attitude!!!!!!!
The following links for both SFB and MCO airports are worth clicking on as here you will find useful information on parking, directions, maps, travel tips etc. Sandford Airport and Orlando Airport
AIRPORT CAR HIRE PICK UP
After picking up your luggage you will collect your rental car, if this was your chosen option. As mentioned in the 'driving section' of Hot Florida Info, you will be asked, or to be more precise, pressurised, to take out extra insurance. All that is required is for you to have Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Loss and Third Party Liability. You will also be asked if you want to pay for a full tank of petrol (gas) and return the car with an empty tank. This is an expensive option, much better to fill up on leaving the airport, as there are plenty gas stations in Lake Mary. You will also be handed a map of the area, take your time to study this before leaving the parking lot. Sanford Airport car rental companies are especially relaxed and will not rush any driver into leaving the compound until they are absolutely ready