What Disney Guests Need to Know

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is gearing up for its busiest holiday season yet with an estimated 2.9 million passengers expected between December 20, 2024 and January 5, 2025.

This 17-day stretch will see a 1% increase over last year’s record-setting numbers, driven by holiday parties, bowl games and Orlando’s top ranking as a global travel destination.

Important travel trends and peak days

busiest day: Saturday 28 December is expected to be the highest travel day with a total of 192,352 passengers (95,627 departures and 96,725 arrivals). Guests heading to Disney World that day should expect heavy airport crowds and potential delays.

Christmas and New Year impact: 24 and 25 December show a significant drop in passenger numbers (116,940 and 111,042 respectively), but travel increases again from 26 December with over 175,000 daily passengers until the New Year.

January Travels: Departures remain high through January 5, with Sunday January 5 at nearly 181,000 passengers, indicating the impact of the extended holiday season.

What it means for Disney guests

For those traveling through the MCO to visit Walt Disney World, the increased airport volume could directly affect their vacation plans:

Longer waiting times at the airport: MCO advises travelers to arrive at least three hours before departure. This will especially affect families returning home after a Disney trip, as delays at security can cause missed flights.

Potential Parking Issues: With expanded parking lots now requiring SunPass or E-Pass access, guests unfamiliar with these systems may need to use carpool services, especially during peak days.
Crowded Flights and Full Hotels: Higher airport traffic often means more flights and fewer last-minute hotel options near Disney World.

Tips for a good travel experience

Here’s how Disney guests can navigate vacation travel challenges at MCO:

1. Plan for arrival times: If you’re flying to Orlando to visit Disney, aim for mid-morning flights to avoid afternoon rush hours at both the airport and Disney resorts.
2. Use the MCO app: The app provides real-time updates for parking, security wait times and terminal navigation to help streamline your airport experience.
3. Be flexible with land transport: Parking availability may be limited, so consider using carpool services to and from Disney resorts.
4. Pack strategically: Minimize baggage to speed up security and avoid packing prohibited items to reduce delays.
5. Monitor departure times: When leaving Orlando, build extra time into your plans for airport security and the Disney transportation system.