I took a week shopping around everywhere like:
Expedia, Travelocity, Cheapflights, Kayak, Priceline, Delta, US Airways, Southwest, Allegiant Air, & Skybus.
After a brain overload and thinking which one is better, I came up with this decision.
Expedia, Travelocity, & Cheapflights were about the same ticket price, but with fees. Nothing wrong with that, but when you are shopping you are looking for bottom dollar amount.
With Skybus & Allegiant, well they don't take you to Orlando International. Skybus takes you to St. Augestine (Near Jacksonville) and Allegiant Air takes you to Sanford airport (30 Minutes away). Other things about Skybus and Allegiant, all though they have great rates, they do have hidden charges if you don't pay attention (baggage check, select your seat, drinks, snacks, etc..) Allegiant Air I was honestly thinking about, but when you looked at the flight arrival times it was late in the afternoon and departure time early in the morning. Thats practically taking away two days from WDW. So you have to add that cost into the factor as well.
Now going to Delta, US Airways, & American Airlines, they have good rates and great flight times. They have assigned seating and the normal in flight amenities. I would have booked through them since round trip for 4 (2 Adults - 2 Children) would cost me $852.00, but I choose the option below.
Southwest airlines for the money had the same flight times as Delta, AA, & US Airways. The pricing was great @ $626.00. Thats a savings of over $200.00, who can argue with that. My flight arrives in MCO (Orlando) at 9:15am and departs @ 8:45pm.
Flying versus Driving (My Opinion)
Flying time = Total time = ~ 5 hrs. 45 mins.
(1.5 hours drive to RDU, 2 hr wait before flight, 1 hr 45 min. flight)
Disney Express time = Unknown, but it can't be 3.5 hrs.
Driving to airport cost = Google maps = 82 mi - about 1 hour 24 mins (can make in 1 hr)
(Van gets ~22 MPG, ~ $3.13 per gallon - DOE East Coast Average) $11.66 One Way - 23.32 Round Trip
You also have to figure normal wear and tear on the Tires, etc.. $0.15 per mile (According to AAA) = 12.30 One way or 24.60 Round Trip
Parking (Park & Ride) = $6/day = $54.00
Total Flying Money = ~$727.92
Driving Time = Google maps = ~ 628 mi about 9 hours 51 mins (can probably make it in 9)
If driving (I would do all the driving) I would be exhausted and wouldn't enjoy my first day as much as I would if I was refreshed.
Money = (Van gets ~22 MPG, ~ $3.13 per gallon - DOE East Coast Average) $89.35 One Way - 178.70 Round Trip
You also have to figure normal wear and tear on the Tires, etc.. $0.15 per mile (According to AAA) = 94.20 One way or 188.40 Round Trip
You factor in a meal and snacks for this trip (Family of four):
McDonald's, etc.. : ~$20-35 per meal (One Meal) (Based on personal experience)
Snacks = ~$8.00 (Drinks, candy, etc...)
Grand Total for driving = ~$410.10
Driving saves you ~$317.82
You have to figure out what is best for your family. I wanted the convenience and for the price, its not worth the headache of driving.
I didn't factor in the parking cost for parks, but those are usually $10.00/day.
Well I hope that this helps people in the future planning trips. This is how I usually go by doing it. I know I know... its anal, but thats me
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