If you want things to run smoothly, well, as smoothly as possible it is best to know before you go so that you can be prepared for some of the things that you will face and hopefully make it a less stressful journey.
If you are an International traveller say, from the UK, the first thing to decide when planning your trip is whether or not to stay at the Airport the night before. This of course depends on how far away you live from the Airport. I live around 3-4 hours away from Gatwick and probably 3 hours from Manchester.  I prefer to travel down to the airport the day before and enjoy a good night’s rest at an airport hotel. Plus I think it adds an extra day to your trip! The thing you don’t want especially if travelling with small children is to be leaving home in the middle of the night and arriving with not much time to spare at the airport. One great thing about Virgin Atlantic is that they have “Twilight Check-in” This means that you can check your luggage in after 12 noon  up till 9pm the day before you fly. This is a great service and means that you don’t have to cart your heavy suitcases with you to hotel rooms.  If you do decide to drive down prior to your flight, make sure you leave yourself with more than enough time.
 
When checking in at the airport make sure you have all your documents ready, passports for all travellers, flight tickets or eTickets etc. I always think it is a good idea to keep all of your documents in a handy sized wallet that contains all of the above along with Drivers Licence, any vouchers for Car Hire, Hotel rooms and so on. This then should be kept in your carry on luggage.  You will answer some security questions here. Once you bags are checked in, you may have time to do some duty free shopping. Just don’t buy too much so that you have too much carry on luggage. Remember that Airports no longer make flight announcements they will tell you on check –in your departure gate and to keep an eye on the monitors for flight information. If you have time it is a good idea to fill out the Green Visa Waiver forms (I-95) that you were given at check-in. If you weren’t given any or made a mistake don’t worry they will give them to you on the flight.  If you do make a mistake don’t alter anything just get a new one. You will have probably already done the advanced passenger information, if not you do that here. This just has all your details and where you are staying in the US. This info is sent over prior to you leaving your home country. You can find out more about Advanced Passenger Information and Visa Waiver forms here.

Boarding the flight can take upwards of an hour and most airlines ask that you be at the gate an hour before departure. From the point of checking in your luggage to boarding you will pass through several security checks. The rules for what you can take onboard with you are constantly changing and it is advisable to check with the airline the current policy. If you are taking laptops with you you may well be asked to take them out of their case/bag and place them on the scanner, remove any coins and any other metal objects from your clothing and place them in the receptacle provided and put them through the scanner along with all of your carry on luggage. You will have to dispose of cigarette lighters but you may have a box of matches?? You may be asked to remove your footwear and place them on the scanner. Once you pass through the detector you will be able to gather up all of your belongings and continue to the duty free shops. Before finally boarding the flight you may be pulled over yet again for a quick search.
 
The flight could be 9 + hours, so again if you have children, try and take something to keep them occupied. Some of the airlines have seatback TV’s with some kids programming. When travelling with Virgin Atlantic kids get a rucksack type bag with lots of goodies in them, this helps to while away some time.  By the time that you arrive at your Airport, be it Orlando International (MCO) or Sanford (SFD) or Miami (MIA) you will be feeling a little weary but will find renewed energy at the prospect of being in the Sun and fun of Orlando or wherever you have entered Florida! Except for small children, this has been a long tiring journey for them and they may start to resent the fact that they are not tucked up in bed!

Once you arrive at immigration, again get out you document wallet and produce your passports, your correctly completed visa waiver forms for all travellers. They can be quite strict here and they have a lot of power and can refuse you admission if they so wish. So be polite and don’t argue with them over anything. You will have your picture taken and your index finger scanned. Once through this part you pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed to Customs. Make sure you have not brought anything made from animal products, fruit etc. Though the airline should have advised you of this before you land in Florida.
 
Final stop, and the last time you will need your document wallet is to either pick up your rental car or get your airport transfer to where you are staying. You are finally on your way. Although it sounds like a lot of hassle it is not really and it is better to be safe than sorry. It is well worth it anyway! You can find more information about Car Rental pickup at Driving in Orlando and at Orlando Car Hire