The Thanksgiving holiday is just 3 weeks away. I've booked my flight, but the real dilemma starts after that: should I drive my car to Orlando Airport and park it, or should I call an Uber?

Having experienced both options, I can say there's no definitive answer. However, there is a way to calculate the costs. Today, let's go through that calculation together.

First, let's look at the parking fees at MCO Airport. According to a local broadcast, ClickOrlando, the economy lot charges $14 per day as of April 2025.

From the same source, the surface lot costs $20 per day, while the parking garages at Terminals A, B, and C, as well as Terminal Top, charge $24 per day. Valet parking is the most expensive at $35 per day.

Many of you might remember when the economy lot was $10 and the garage was $19. The airport raised the fees due to increased operating and maintenance costs. Be cautious, as some blogs still list the old prices.

Since fees can change at any time, it's a good idea to check the airport's official website, flymco.com, before you leave. The official page also has a separate link for reserving Garage C parking.

Now, let's do some math. If you're traveling for 4 nights and 5 days over Thanksgiving, parking in the economy lot would cost $14 multiplied by 5 days, which totals $70. If you park in the garage, it would be $24 multiplied by 5 days, totaling $120.

On top of that, you'll need to factor in gas and tolls to get to the airport. But you can get a rough idea of the costs.

Uber or Lyft has a completely different pricing structure. You need to take a ride there and back, which means you'll be paying for two trips. To find the true cost, you need to multiply the one-way fare by 2.

The issue is that surge pricing can apply during the holiday period. Once you experience how much the usual fare can spike during peak holiday times, it can be shocking. I've found myself double-checking my flight ticket after seeing the fare on the app.

So, a few days before my trip, I check the app for estimated fares at the same time I'll be traveling. By adding a little extra for holiday surge pricing and multiplying by two, I can easily compare it to the parking fees.

The general rule is simple: if your trip is short and your home is close to the airport, Uber is more advantageous. If your trip is longer and your home is farther away, parking becomes more beneficial. Parking fees increase with the number of days, but Uber fares remain the same regardless of how long you're gone.

You should also consider if you're traveling with family or friends. If you have a lot of luggage, you can't just take a regular Uber; you'll need to request an XL, which will increase the fare.

Now, let's talk about other variables besides money. MCO is a very busy airport during the holidays. Last year, the airport projected nearly 1.9 million travelers during the Thanksgiving period.

The busiest day was expected to be Sunday, November 30, with over 177,000 travelers. With tourists heading to Disney, the airport turns into a massive waiting area.

In the past, the parking lots have filled up completely. On the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving in 2022, the airport parking was fully booked, prompting the airport to announce that travelers should use alternative transportation.

If you choose to park, I recommend reserving a spot in advance if possible. You can check parking information on the airport's official app, so take a look on the morning of your departure.

Off-site parking is also an option. According to the same 2025 data, private parking lots located 1.5 to 3.2 miles from the airport charge between $3.99 and $7.95 per day.

However, you'll have to wait for a shuttle, and the shuttle availability and reservation conditions vary by provider. Be sure to read reviews before choosing one. The moment you find out that a cheap option turns out to be a hassle can ruin your vacation mood.

The real trap with Uber comes when you return. Arriving late at night and being tired, wandering around the terminal trying to find the pickup location is not a pleasant experience. The rideshare pickup area may be on a different level than the taxi area, so be sure to follow the app's directions.

On the other hand, the downside of parking is when you return and have to find your car. If you don't take a picture of where you parked, you'll end up wandering around the garage with your luggage. I'll leave it at that since it's a personal experience.

I also want to touch on environmental concerns. It's not entirely eco-friendly to say that Uber is better since drivers may be driving empty cars. That's why I prefer to ask family or friends for a drop-off whenever possible.

Of course, that means I owe them a nice meal after the holiday, which is a given. Still, it usually ends up being cheaper than round-trip Uber fares.

To summarize: for a short trip of 2-3 days with the airport nearby, Uber or Lyft is better. For trips longer than 5 days or if you're traveling with family and have a lot of luggage, the economy lot or reserved parking is preferable.

If you're on a tight budget, consider off-site parking; if you're short on time, choose the airport garage. Whatever you decide, make sure to leave much earlier than usual on peak holiday dates.

If I had to choose, I think I would check the economy lot in advance and drive my car this Thanksgiving. Hearing my car start up is much more comforting than sighing at surge prices on the way back.

What about you? If you have any tips for airport transportation during the holidays, please share them in the comments. I hope everyone travels safely and keeps their wallets intact!