Holiday travel to Orlando is a different experience from an ordinary week: Orlando International Airport (MCO) gets very busy around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, and the roads toward Disney slow down too. The good news is that a few small choices on flights and arrival day make the trip much smoother for families.
Choosing flights for holiday travel
- Book early. Holiday fares and seats go fast. Use our planning timeline to decide what to lock in first.
- Pick morning departures when you can. Early flights tend to have fewer delays than late-day ones, and you arrive with the afternoon to settle in.
- Avoid the tightest connections. Holiday weather and crowds make short layovers risky with kids in tow.
- Fly on less popular days. Mid-week travel is usually calmer than the Friday and Sunday rush.
What to expect at Orlando airport crowds
Expect longer security lines, a full tram to the gates and busy baggage claim areas during peak holiday days. Give yourself extra time on departure day, check your airline's guidance for when to arrive, and keep carry-ons light enough for a child to help with. Check your airline's app for gate and baggage-belt updates so you aren't guessing in a crowd.
Getting from MCO to Windsor Hills
The drive from MCO to Windsor Hills is about 35 minutes without heavy traffic, and holiday days can add time. Our guide to the MCO drive, tolls and car seats covers the route, and the Florida toll roads guide explains how rental-car tolls work. If you're deciding on wheels for the week, read whether you need a rental car. Windsor Hills does not run a shuttle to Disney, so plan your ground transport before you land.
Arrival-day tips for families
- Message the owner before you fly. Confirm check-in time, gate access and how you'll get keys or codes.
- Pack a snack-and-water kit in your carry-on. Delays at baggage claim feel shorter with food on hand.
- Keep the first evening easy. Skip the parks on arrival day and let kids swim or play instead.
- Do a grocery run early. Stock the full kitchen with breakfast items, water and snacks so tomorrow's early start is simple.
Settling in at Windsor Hills
Windsor Hills is a gated resort where Disney property is usually about 5 to 10 minutes away by car, and Magic Kingdom is about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on traffic. After a long travel day, the heated lagoon pool, the Sir Windsor AquaVenture water park and splash areas, the clubhouse, games room, gym and courts give kids somewhere to burn off airplane energy. Private-pool homes, condos and townhouses come with full kitchens and room for the whole family. If you're arriving from abroad, our arrival day jet lag guide has more ideas. Browse Windsor Hills rentals and book direct with owners to lock in your holiday dates.
