Orlando International Airport forecasts big increase in air travel this Memorial Day weekend suggesting a busy period for Walt Disney World theme parks

Posted: Thursday May 25, 2023 9:06am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Orlando International Airport (MCO) expects more than 1.1 million travelers to pass through the facility during Memorial Day weekend, 16 percent more than in 2022.

Traditionally the start of the summer travel season, the Memorial Day weekend forecast from MCO suggests Central Florida and its theme parks may be in for a busy period compared to 2022.

The busy Memorial Day weekend travel period begins Friday May 26

MCO's travel predictions rank Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, as the busiest, with almost 170,000 passengers expected on each day.

In anticipation of the increase in travelers, MCO will open the Wet Park Place lot on Tradepot Drive, which will operate in addition to the usual garages and lots to add 3100 parking spaces.

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monothingieMay 27, 2023

Just landed at MCO. Crowds are light. Flew from EWR which was mobbed.

SaucyBoyMay 26, 2023

I don't know what made me think it was a good idea to fly to WDW for Memorial Day weekend.🤦‍♂️ Fortunately, I'm travelling from a relatively small-ish airport (ILM) to MCO, so I don't think I'll have too much hassle going and coming.

John park hopperMay 26, 2023

Tourism to FL is actually up --doesn't look like the boycott has had much affect, Fl is gaining population.

MagicHappens1971May 26, 2023

This is how it was for the majority of last summer as well. Reservations were really hard to come by & we were blocked out until about Mid-May. Things started opening up. Just saying that I don’t feel this is the strongest indicator of attendance, while I agree that this summers attendance is probably lower than last.

peter11435May 25, 2023

Yes; but if you go back a few years cast members could still get in even on some of the busiest days. Cast block outs were virtually unheard of until a few years ago. They came about selectively with some high profile openings and then became a staple post Covid.

Jrb1979May 25, 2023

Since then if the parks are busy they are usually blacked out.

peter11435May 25, 2023

Well it’s basically a return to how things were for cast for decades up until a few years ago.

Jrb1979May 25, 2023

That says a lot in how things are shaping up this summer.

SirwalterraleighMay 25, 2023

That’s what I’ve heard all day…its “meh” here… Side note…I swear I just saw chapek working security at the line garage at springs

SmugpugmugMay 25, 2023

I'll be at the parks (AK and Epcot) tomorrow. We'll see if it's actually super busy or not. Genie+ has been $22 for the entire week but I doubt the dynamic pricing vs. crowd levels means anything anymore.

LilofanMay 25, 2023

FL anyday. NY at 92 degrees and some apts and homes don't even have central AC and or ceiling fans.

TheMaxReboMay 25, 2023

I am the same - I will also take 95 in Florida vs 92 in NY as Florida is supposed to be hot and mentally I just adjust/accept it better

TheMaxReboMay 25, 2023

Could be that too, just people starting summer vacation there early vs waiting for the worst of the summer heat We still have another month of school though (last day in June 24)