The Sunshine State is gearing up for an influx of travelers this holiday season, and Orlando is set to be the epicenter of it all.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) recently announced some exciting news: it has been ranked among the Top 10 global travel destinations by Conde Nast Traveler and WalletHub. On the heels of this accolade, the airport is forecasting record-breaking visitor numbers.
“The 2024 holiday travel period begins on Friday, [December 20], and runs through January 5, 2025. During the 17-day period, MCO expects 2.9 million passengers, a slight increase of 1 percent over 2023’s record numbers,” the airport shared in a statement. “The busiest travel day is expected to be Saturday, [December 28], with more than 192,000 total arrivals and departures.”
Known for its exceptional communication during peak seasons, including Christmas and Thanksgiving, MCO is helping travelers navigate the bustling holiday period. If you’re heading to Walt Disney World Resort or elsewhere in the area, take note of these tips.
“To assist in making the travel journey as seamless as possible, we encourage travelers to try our new MCO app and website,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Once there, you can access a wealth of information that ranges from signing up to reserve your space for parking, reserve space in the security checkpoint line, or follow step-by-step directions on where to find amenities throughout the terminals.”
An infographic shared by MCO highlights the anticipated visitor numbers throughout the holiday season, with the heaviest traffic projected for the weekend of December 28 and 29.
This bustling airport activity coincides with Walt Disney World Resort’s preparations for massive holiday crowds. Following the Thanksgiving rush, which saw millions flock to the parks, Christmas and New Year are poised to draw even larger numbers.
Disney’s controversial (and pricey) Lightning Lane Premier Pass is already selling out. The Magic Kingdom option for December 22, priced at a staggering $429, has completely sold out, a trend that’s expected to continue throughout the week. Several attractions preparing to close—either temporarily or permanently—in the New Year add to the allure for visitors.
Over at Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close until 2026, while Disney’s Animal Kingdom will bid farewell to TriceraTop Spin forever as the park begins its transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas-themed Pueblo Esperanza area.
Are you planning a trip to Orlando this holiday season? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
