London to Orlando (LGW–MCO) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure. The ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, the only official site. Most approvals come within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before travel. The 90-day stay cannot be extended under the VWP.

Passport must be an electronic/biometric passport (all UK passports issued since 2006 qualify). You need proof of onward travel out of the US within 90 days. CBP officers at the port of entry make the final admission decision and can ask about trip purpose, accommodation, and ties to the UK. Automated passport control (APC) kiosks and Global Entry (for pre-approved travelers) speed up arrival processing. Anyone with certain criminal convictions, prior visa denials, or dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen may be ineligible for the VWP and need a B-1/B-2 visa ($185) from the US Embassy in London.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to New York (JFK) run about 7 hours 30 minutes westbound. Multiple US destinations have direct service from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The 90-day VWP clock does not reset by visiting Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and returning to the US; the original 90 days continues to count down. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals. US Customs allows $800 worth of goods duty-free per person.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.

Brightline trains depart from Terminal C to Fort Lauderdale (3h, from $30) and Miami (3.5h, from $30); this is the only intercity rail option from the airport. For Walt Disney World or International Drive, ride-hails cost $25–40 and take 20–30 minutes. Mears Connect shuttle buses serve the major resort areas (from $16 per person).Taxis are metered and available at Ground Transportation. Rental car agencies are in the Terminal B intermodal center; accessible by Automated People Mover from both Terminal A and Terminal C. All five theme park areas offer resort shuttle services but these require pre-booking.

Subtropical climate, warm to hot year-round. Summer (June–September) is the most disruptive season: daily afternoon thunderstorms arrive with near-clockwork timing and frequently cause ground stops at MCO, often delaying 3–4pm banks of departures. Heat and humidity can top 35°C with heat index over 40°C. Lightning density in central Florida is among the highest in the United States.

Hurricane season (June–November) brings occasional tropical systems. Orlando sits far enough inland to avoid direct storm surge but tropical downpours cause significant disruption. Winters are mild (10–22°C) with low humidity and minimal rain. January–March is the most flight-stable period.