Spring break season is here, and with it comes an unprecedented surge of travelers heading to Orlando — and ultimately Walt Disney World. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is preparing for what could be record-breaking passenger numbers, and if you have a Disney trip planned in the coming weeks, it’s crucial to know exactly what to expect.
According to MCO, roughly 7.4 million passengers are expected to travel through the airport during the 44-day spring break period from February 22 to April 6. This influx is expected to make MCO one of the busiest airports in the country over the next month and a half — and that means Disney World’s crowd levels will likely reflect this surge.
Let’s take a closer look at when the airport — and the parks — will see the heaviest traffic, and how you can prepare.
The Busiest Travel Days at MCO
Orlando International Airport has released its projected busiest travel days, and if you’re flying in or out of MCO on one of these dates, you’ll want to plan for longer-than-usual lines and potential delays:
- Saturday, March 15: 197,761 passengers
- Sunday, March 16: 195,959 passengers
- Saturday, March 29: 193,908 passengers
- Saturday, March 22: 193,135 passengers
- Saturday, March 8: 192,853 passengers
These dates, particularly those falling on weekends, align with the peak of spring break travel and will likely lead to longer wait times not only at the airport but also in Disney World’s parks.
If you’re visiting Disney World on any of these dates, expect high crowd levels across all four theme parks, increased demand for Lightning Lane Multi Passes, and limited last-minute dining reservations.
Fly MCO took to social media to share the news, “BUSYYYYYYYY and more than 7.4 million travelers will be passing through MCO during this 44-day travel period. Top busiest days:
1) Saturday, March 15 197,761
2) Sunday, March 16 195,959
3) Saturday, March 29 193,908
4) Saturday, March 22 193,135
5) Saturday, March 8 192,853
To learn more about how to properly Pack, Park, Plane to have smooth travels, visit today’s story!
Check out this bag etiquette tips video to keep your packing game strong. Whether it’s a personal item, carry-on, checked bag, or oversized luggage, these fly tips will help you keep Spring Break travels smooth!”
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How to Prepare for the Surge
To help manage the influx of travelers, MCO is encouraging passengers to follow what they call the 3 P’s: Pack, Park, and Plane.
- Pack Smart: Minimize your luggage and ensure that your bags meet TSA requirements. Double-check liquid restrictions and avoid bringing prohibited items to help speed up security screenings.
- Park Strategically: If you’re driving to the airport, use MCO’s parking reservation system to guarantee a spot in advance. During busy travel periods, parking lots can fill up quickly.
- Plane Preparation: Arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight’s departure. Security lines are expected to be long, and giving yourself extra time can prevent last-minute stress.
MCO also offers additional tools to help travelers navigate this busy period:
- MCO Reserve: A system that lets you schedule a TSA checkpoint time slot in advance, available through the FlyMCO website.
- Cell Phone Lots: For those picking up arriving passengers, use the North or South Cell Phone Lots to avoid circling the terminal.
- MCO App: Provides real-time flight updates, security wait times, and in-terminal navigation.
Why Disney World Crowds Will Be Heavier Than Usual
With MCO anticipating record-breaking passenger numbers, it’s almost certain that Disney World will experience some of its busiest days of the year.
Spring break traditionally brings large crowds to the parks, but this year’s numbers are expected to surpass previous years due to a combination of factors:
- The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival draws guests eager to experience seasonal food booths and topiaries.
- Continued popularity of Disney World’s most in-demand attractions, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and Flight of Passage.
- The introduction of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which replaces the now-discontinued Genie+ system.
If you’re planning to visit Disney World during this period, be prepared for early Lightning Lane sellouts, longer wait times, and high demand for dining reservations. Consider making Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) as soon as your booking window opens and securing Lightning Lane access right at 7 a.m. on the day of your park visit.
The Recent Ground Stop at MCO and Its Impact on Travel
This surge of travel also comes on the heels of a significant disruption at Orlando International Airport. On Thursday evening, an unexpected incident involving SpaceX Starship debris forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a ground stop at MCO.
The incident began around 7:30 p.m., when MCO temporarily halted departures due to falling space vehicle debris. Although normal airport operations resumed after approximately 15 minutes, delays continued throughout the evening. Departures from Miami International Airport were still running 30 minutes behind schedule more than an hour after the ground stop was lifted, and airports across Florida — including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport — reported similar issues.
The FAA has since launched an investigation into the event, requiring SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation following the loss of their Starship rocket after its 8th flight test. Fortunately, the falling debris did not pose any safety threats to the public or significantly impact marine ecosystems.
Although this particular ground stop was short-lived, it serves as a reminder of how quickly air travel in and out of Orlando can be affected — particularly during already busy travel periods.
What This Means for Your Disney World Trip
With both record-breaking crowds and the potential for unexpected flight disruptions, anyone traveling to Disney World over the next several weeks should prioritize early planning and flexibility.
- Arrive Early: Whether you’re heading to the airport or the parks, giving yourself plenty of time is crucial.
- Book Lightning Lane Multi Passes Promptly: Popular attractions will fill up fast, so secure your passes as soon as they become available.
- Make Dining Reservations in Advance: Table-service restaurants will book up quickly, especially during peak travel days.
- Stay Informed: Monitor MCO’s website and app for real-time updates on security wait times and flight changes.
Spring break is one of the most popular — and busiest — times of year in Orlando. With proper preparation and a little patience, you can still have an incredible Disney World vacation, even amidst the crowds.
