Orlando Officials Recommend Caution for Tourists: New Airport Regulations to Bring in Millions

As the holiday season approaches, excitement is brewing for travelers heading to the enchanting world of Disney.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is preparing for a surge in visitors, thanks to the addition of over 25 new flight routes scheduled to roll out in the coming months. These new connections are set to elevate visitor numbers at Disney World, particularly during one of the busiest times of the year. For those planning a trip, the influx of flights signals a thrilling opportunity and a heads-up about potential crowd levels.

A Closer Look at the New Flight Routes

The Orlando Business Journal has reported a range of new flights that will enhance connectivity to Orlando. Here’s a detailed list of routes that travelers can look forward to:

November

• Air Transat: Quebec City, Quebec (November 1st – April 25th)
• Spirit Airlines:
  • Cleveland
  • Milwaukee
  • Salt Lake City
  • St. Louis
  • Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
  • Louisville, Kentucky
  • Richmond, Virginia (All starting November 9th)
• Bahamasair: Freeport, Bahamas (November 18th – January 2nd)
• Frontier Airlines:
  • Cancun, Mexico (November 21st)
  • Seasonal service to LaGuardia, New York (November 5th)
  • Columbus, Ohio and Milwaukee (November 22nd)
• Silver Airways: Marsh Harbour, Bahamas (November 23rd – January 4th)
• Southwest Airlines:
  • Chicago O’Hare (November 9th – January 5th)
  • Seasonal service from Sacramento and Salt Lake City (November 23rd – November 30th)

December

• Air Transat: Halifax, Nova Scotia (December 17th – May 11th)
• Spirit Airlines:
  • Cartagena, Colombia (December 5th)
  • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (December 19th – January 7th)
• Latam Airlines: Santiago, Chile (December 5th – March 27th)
• WestJet:
  • Regina, Saskatchewan (December 6th – April 25th)
  • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (December 13th – April 25th)
• Frontier Airlines:
  • Omaha, Nebraska (December 3rd)
  • Norfolk, Virginia (December 4th)
  • William P. Hobby Airport, Houston and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (December 6th)
  • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (December 13th)
  • Des Moines, Iowa (December 18th)
  • Seasonal service to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (December 21st – January 7th)
• Sun Country Airlines: Milwaukee (December 12th – January 15th)
• Southwest Airlines: Seasonal service to Sacramento and Salt Lake City (December 21st – January 4th)
• Avianca:
  • Medellin, Colombia (December 2nd – January 31st)
  • San Salvador, El Salvador (December 1st – January 31st)

January

• Delta Air Lines: Seasonal service to Las Vegas (January 5th – 10th)
• Silver Airways: Service to Fort Lauderdale (January 6th – March 6th)
• Southwest Airlines: Service to Detroit (January 11th)

February

• Frontier Airlines: Service to Phoenix (February 13th)
• Southwest Airlines:
  • Sacramento and Tulsa, Oklahoma (February 15th)
  • Seasonal service to Salt Lake City, Boston, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Maine (February 15th)

March

• Southwest Airlines: Seasonal service to Long Beach, California (March 8th – April 5th)
• Silver Airways: Marsh Harbour, Bahamas (March 8th)

April

• Southwest Airlines:
  • Chicago O’Hare (April 8th)
  • Seasonal service to Portland, Maine (April 12th – 26th)
• Virgin Atlantic: Edinburgh, Scotland (April 2nd)

June & July

• Latam Airlines: Santiago, Chile (June 1st)
• Avianca:
  • San Salvador, El Salvador (July 7th)
  • Medellin, Colombia (July 9th)

A Busy Holiday Season Awaits

With these new routes opening, Disney World is bracing itself for a significant uptick in visitor numbers during the holiday season. Traditionally, the parks draw more than 58 million guests annually, with peak attendance during holidays, school vacations, and summer months. This increase in flights means families from all over the world will have more options to visit Orlando, likely leading to crowded parks and longer wait times for attractions.

The holiday months, particularly late December, transform Disney World into a winter wonderland, complete with dazzling decorations, festive events, and themed attractions. However, visitors should be prepared for longer lines and packed park experiences. The peak holiday season is notorious for busy parks, making it vital for guests to plan accordingly.

Celebrate the Holidays at Disney World

For guests visiting Disney World during the Christmas holidays, there are countless festive activities and experiences to make the trip memorable. Here are some highlights:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This magical after-hours event at Magic Kingdom features exclusive holiday entertainment, including a spectacular parade and fireworks, along with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies.
• Candlelight Processional: Taking place at EPCOT, this beloved holiday tradition features a celebrity narrator telling the story of Christmas, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir.
• Holiday Decorations: Every park is adorned with stunning decorations, from giant Christmas trees to twinkling lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. You can even go on a resort tour to see the magical holiday decor, and stop at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for a piece of homemade gingerbread from their iconic gingerbread house.
• Festive Treats: Guests can indulge in a variety of seasonal snacks and treats available throughout the parks, including peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and holiday-themed beverages.
• Special Character Meet-and-Greets: Holiday-themed character experiences allow guests to take photos with their favorite Disney characters dressed in festive attire.

Timing Your Visit: Beat the Crowds

For those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle, strategic planning is essential. Here are some tips on when to visit Disney World for a more manageable experience:

Best Times to Visit:

• Mid-January to Mid-February: After the holiday rush, crowds typically decrease, providing a more serene atmosphere for exploration.
• Late April to Mid-May: Before schools break for summer, park attendance generally drops.
• September to Mid-November: After summer vacations, attendance usually declines, making it an excellent time to visit.

Worst Times to Visit:

• Christmas and New Year’s Weeks: The parks reach their peak attendance, often resulting in capacity limits and long wait times.
• Spring Break (March-April): This period sees a significant influx of families, creating crowded conditions.

With Orlando International Airport ready to accommodate a new wave of flights, Disney World is set for a bustling holiday season. As record numbers of travelers prepare to experience the magic, guests should be prepared for the excitement and crowds that accompany this enchanting time of year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, planning ahead can help ensure a magical and memorable holiday experience at the parks.

When do you think is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?