Hi Sarah,
Welcome back to planDisney! Tampa International Airport is my home airport, and folks around here like to brag about how great it is. In fact, there's often friendly online banter between Tampa International and Orlando International Airport (MCO) over who has bragging rights to being the best airport in Central Florida. I hope you find my home airport as welcoming as I do.
The trip from Tampa to Walt Disney World should take about 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
While there isn't, to my knowledge, a partner like MEARS that operates to Walt Disney World from Tampa, there are private shuttle services that you can find with an online search that provide the service. Ride share service is also available.
A one-day, one-way vehicle rental might be a good option for you.
On a couple of occasions, my husband and I have found it more economical to fly from MCO on the first leg of a trip to London and to return to Tampa. Both times, we've rented a vehicle for one day in Tampa and dropped it at MCO to board our flight. It was less expensive and more convenient than a shuttle. Another time, we did a one-day rental at the beginning and end of a trip from MCO because it was more economical than parking our car for a long period.
Vehicles from Disney partner rental companies can be dropped off and picked up at the
Car Car Center at Walt Disney World for convenience.
You probably know that, once you are on Disney property, you have a
full range of complimentary transportation options available to you: bus, boat, monorail and Skyliner. I love letting Disney do the driving while I'm on vacation, even when I have my car available.
Thanks for your question, Sarah. I hope this gives you some ideas for completing your journey to the Walt Disney World resort and the beginning of your magical vacation. Please let us know if we can help in any other way.
Enjoy,
Wilma