Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your January journey
In January, Norfolk International Airport (ORF) sees steady travel demand and often lower fares to Orlando International Airport (MCO) compared with holiday periods. The route is popular with families heading to Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista) and Universal Orlando, and with seasonal travelers escaping winter in Virginia Beach or Richmond. Expect flight time around 1 hour 45 minutes for nonstop services; early January and mid-week travel typically offer the best prices. For savings, compare nonstop vs connecting flights, sign up for fare alerts, and consider flexible dates around Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Book car rentals and rideshares to central Virginia Beach or downtown Norfolk in advance to lock in lower rates.
In January, security wait times at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) are generally shorter than peak holiday months, often averaging 5–20 minutes during off-peak hours. Early morning and late afternoon can see slightly longer lines; arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights is recommended for smooth check-in. Use TSA PreCheck if available to reduce wait times further.
January weather in the Norfolk area can cause occasional delays due to coastal storms or snow inland, though many ORF to MCO flights are unaffected because destinations in central Florida typically have milder conditions. Airlines publish delay alerts and rebooking options; check your carrier’s app for real-time updates and consider flexible fares during winter travel. Signing up for flight status alerts is an easy way to stay informed.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) offers taxis, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), local shuttle services, and several rental car companies year-round, including January. Public transit links and regional shuttle connections serve nearby Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Hampton; if you're heading to Richmond or Washington D.C., consider rental cars or connecting flights. During January, demand is moderate—book rentals and shuttle rides in advance for the best rates.
Yes, there are frequently nonstop flights between Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) in January, offered by carriers such as American Airlines and Southwest when schedules permit. Frequency can vary by week, so check airline schedules and book early to secure nonstops during peak travel days or holiday weekends like Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Use fare alerts to catch discounted nonstop fares.
As of January, standard airline and airport health guidance applies: mask policies depend on carrier and local rules, and travelers should follow CDC or local health advisories. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) provides up-to-date signage and cleaning protocols; verify your airline’s boarding requirements before travel. For international connecting passengers, check destination testing or vaccination rules, though for ORF to MCO domestic routes, restrictions are generally minimal.
Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in January from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is convenient and often cost-effective. January brings mild temperatures (generally 55–75°F), making it easy to reach top attractions such as Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista) and Universal Orlando with relatively low crowd levels except near holiday weekends. Expect rental car demand to rise during conventions and festival dates—book in advance and compare shuttle options like Mears Connect for direct transfers to Kissimmee and theme park resorts. For visitors planning multiple parks, purchase multi-day tickets ahead of arrival to avoid lines.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers an extensive range of ground transportation in January including rental cars, Mears Connect shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and SunRail connections nearby. If you’re heading to Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista), Universal Orlando, or Kissimmee, many hotels provide free shuttles—reserve these in advance for January peak weekend events. For best rates on rental cars, book early as January conventions and winter tourism can increase demand.
Yes — January can host events such as the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (typically late January to February), trade shows and mid‑winter conventions that increase hotel and flight demand around Orlando International Airport (MCO). This often leads to higher weekend rates and busier rental car counters; consider mid-week travel and early bookings to save on fares and accommodations. Use hotel+flight bundles to secure better rates during event weekends.
Arrival and baggage claim at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in January typically run smoothly with average waits of 10–30 minutes depending on flight load and time of day. Baggage delivery is efficient for domestic flights, but expect slightly longer waits after large inbound waves or during event check-in days. If you need expedited service, consider priority baggage options or bringing a carry-on.
January is an excellent month to visit Orlando via Orlando International Airport (MCO) for mild temperatures, lower crowds after New Year’s (except holiday weekends like MLK Day), and often lower hotel rates outside festival weekends. Theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando may run refurbishment schedules in January, so check ride closures ahead of booking. For affordable travel, secure early-morning flights from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to maximize park time.
From Orlando International Airport (MCO) you can easily access Lake Buena Vista for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando in Orlando, Kissimmee for budget hotels, Daytona Beach to the northeast, Tampa to the southwest, and Miami for longer drives or connecting flights. January weather makes day trips feasible, but check travel times—Tampa is about 1.5 hours away and Miami roughly 3–4 hours by car depending on traffic.
January brings a mix of arts festivals and conventions that can influence flight and hotel demand. In the Orlando area, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts often starts late January and attracts visitors to Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista). Orlando also hosts mid-winter trade shows and regional sports tournaments that increase inbound traffic to Orlando International Airport (MCO). On the Norfolk side, cultural events and performing arts series in downtown Norfolk and Virginia Beach draw local travelers, though major spring and summer festivals occur later in the year. If traveling in January, check event calendars to avoid weekend price spikes and coordinate accommodations early.
The best time to fly ORF to MCO in January is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and outside holiday windows; early January after New Year’s and non-holiday weekdays often have the lowest fares. Avoid MLK Day weekend and school holiday weeks when demand and prices spike. For early park access in Orlando, arrive on morning flights and depart late afternoon or evening to maximize time at attractions while still benefiting from off-peak fares.
Nonstop flights from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) save time (about 1 hour 45 minutes) and reduce the risk of missed connections, making them ideal for families and short trips in January. Connecting flights via hubs like Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), or Washington (DCA/IAD) can be cheaper and offer more scheduling flexibility but add travel time and the risk of delays. If cost is a priority, compare connecting itineraries and factor in baggage transfer time; if convenience and speed matter, prioritize nonstop options and book refundable or flexible fares during winter travel.
American Airlines often offers multiple daily flights and reliable nonstop options from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Orlando International Airport (MCO), with typical checked baggage fees and a straightforward frequent flyer program. Delta may provide connecting itineraries via Atlanta (ATL) with strong customer service and Delta Comfort options. Southwest frequently offers competitive, no-change-fee fares and two free checked bags, making it a favorite for families; however, nonstop availability varies by season. JetBlue provides extra legroom in the Even More Space product and sometimes runs competitive fares on the route. Compare total trip costs (fares + baggage) and schedule convenience when booking for January travel.
Pack layered clothing—January in Norfolk can be chilly (30–50°F) while Orlando is milder (55–75°F) so bring a light jacket and sunscreen for daytime in Florida. Reserve rental cars early and compare airport pickup fees at Orlando International Airport (MCO); shuttle services can be a cost-efficient alternative for theme-park travelers. Monitor coastal winter weather near Norfolk, and allow extra time for ground transport if snow or storms are forecast. For the best deals, book flights mid-week and use fare alerts; consider travel insurance or flexible fares during winter months to protect against weather-related changes.
Nonstop flight time from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) typically averages 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. In January, carriers often schedule early-morning and late-afternoon nonstops; peak times include weekend departures and MLK Day weekend. When nonstops are limited, popular connections route through Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), or Washington Reagan (DCA/IAD). For efficient travel, choose flights that arrive at Orlando early to maximize park or meeting time and consider red-eye return options if you prefer lower fares.
To score cheap flights from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in January, search 3–8 weeks before travel and target mid-week departures for lower fares. Use fare alerts and flexible date calendars to compare prices; typical one-way fares range from about $80 to $200 depending on nonstop availability and how close you book to travel dates. Consider alternate nearby airports (drive from Richmond or fly into Sanford International for budget options) and look for basic-economy or sale fares from carriers like Southwest, American, and Delta. Book hotels and rental cars together to lower total trip costs, and always check baggage fees when comparing low-cost options.