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Orlando Airport Braces for 1 Million Travelers

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Credit: ITM

Flying in or out of Orlando is often the most stressful part of a Disney trip (if you fly instead of drive).

disney100 signage magic kingdom entrance train station

Credit: Disney

Busy Memorial Day Week

Although it is often considered one of the busiest airports in America, it seldom sees traffic like it does on summer holiday weekends. This year the Orlando International Airport (MCO) expects over 1 million travelers during the next week surrounding Memorial Day, May 29, 2023. This is an increase in passenger traffic 16% higher than the numbers seen last year at the same time.

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Memorial Day often marks the beginning of summer and especially the travel season. Likewise, there is expected to be heavy traffic at all Orlando theme parks, including Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The influx of holiday traffic can also impact crowds at non-Disney parks such as Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Legoland, and other Central Florida attractions.

EPCOT Spaceship Earth

Credit: Disney

In anticipation of the busy season Orlando International Airport (MCO) will be opening the West Park Place parking lot to provide additional automobile support to all other airport garages and lots. This parking lot is located on Tradeport Drive and will offer airport travelers an additional 3,100 parking spaces.

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Travel Projections

The anticipated travel projections for the week of Memorial Day are as follows:

161,842 on Thursday, May 25

167,152 on Friday, May 26

169,659 on Saturday, May 27

162,025 on Sunday, May 28

164,719 on Monday, May 29

149,320 on Tuesday, May 30

151,783 on Wednesday, May 31

These predictions come from early indications of growing demand among airlines and seat capacity. This also points to a busier summer season for Orlando, the entry point to all the attractions Central Florida offers its many tourists.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Credit: Disney Tips

If you are traveling through the Orlando Airport in the next week, please remember to give yourself adequate time to go through security, make it to your terminal, and board your plane. Few things will drive a stake through the heart of a fun vacation more than missing your flight.

RELATED: Airline Cuts That May Impact Disney Vacations

 

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)