When it comes to planning a dream Disney World vacation, the anticipation is real—especially if you’re flying in from out of state. Whether you’re heading to the parks for a week of magic or making a short getaway, one thing is clear: air travel is often part of the equation. However, if you’ve flown into Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’ve likely experienced firsthand how unpredictable flight schedules can be. From thunderstorms to tropical storms, Orlando’s weather conditions can throw even the best-laid plans off track.
At Disney Dining, we want to help you be as prepared as possible for any bumps along the way during your travel. We’ve got the latest on what’s happening at MCO and how flight disruptions could impact your Disney vacation experience. But don’t worry—while these travel hiccups can be frustrating, being informed and having a strategy can help you stay calm and still enjoy all the magic that awaits.
What’s Happening at Orlando International Airport?
Today and yesterday, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is facing significant challenges due to poor weather conditions, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations. If you’re flying into Orlando for a Disney vacation, this could cause some real disruptions to your travel plans. The airport is experiencing delays of up to three hours on several flights, and that’s not the worst of it—there have already been more than 50 cancellations over the past 24 hours alone. With over 400 flight delays at MCO in that time frame, Orlando is certainly facing a rough travel day.
These delays and cancellations are especially common for budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit Airlines, both of which have a large presence at MCO. With more than 24% of all passengers at MCO flying with Southwest and nearly 15% with Spirit, their operations are a big part of the airport’s daily traffic. Unfortunately, these carriers tend to operate on tighter schedules, which makes them more susceptible to disruptions caused by weather conditions.
One specific example is Spirit Airlines Flight #206, originally scheduled to depart at 4:06 PM for Newark Liberty International Airport. Due to the storm, the flight has been delayed until 7:50 PM. This is just one of many delays travelers are facing as storms continue to affect the region.
How Can Delays Impact Your Disney Vacation?
For those of us traveling to Disney World, getting caught in a travel delay is more than just an inconvenience—it can significantly disrupt your vacation plans. When a flight is delayed or canceled, it throws off your carefully organized itinerary. Missing your flight means potentially losing valuable time at the parks, delaying dinner reservations, or having to rework transportation schedules for your hotel or dining experiences.
Disney vacationers, in particular, need to keep in mind that some plans are set in stone. Whether it’s a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, a chance to experience new attractions, or arriving at the parks first thing in the morning to make the most of early park hours, the timing is crucial. A delayed flight could even affect your hotel check-in time, especially if you’re arriving at Walt Disney World Resort and have a strict arrival time to take advantage of room availability.
Additionally, weather-related delays in Orlando are fairly common, and when storms hit, it can cause a ripple effect. A delay at MCO doesn’t just affect one airline—it often creates a chain reaction. Tampa International Airport, another major airport in the state, is also experiencing significant delays, further compounding the chaos. When thousands of travelers are delayed at both airports, it can lead to overcrowded terminals, longer wait times, and a more stressful travel experience.
Related: Why Hundreds of Guests Were Denied Entry at Disney World—The Full Story
What to Do If Your Plans Are Thrown Off Track
As we know, there’s no shortage of dining opportunities on Disney property. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy a casual meal at Be Our Guest, a character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s, or a fine dining experience at Victoria & Albert’s, timing matters. With the best restaurants often requiring months of advance reservations, any delay that leads to missed dining times could result in scrambling for last-minute reservations.
However, don’t fret! Disney’s guest services teams are incredibly helpful and can assist you if you find yourself running late for your reservation. You’ll want to call ahead to explain the situation, and they may be able to move your reservation to a later time or work with you to rebook. If you’re on a Disney dining plan, it’s also important to keep your credits in mind, so you can still enjoy your meal without losing out on your prepaid dining credits.
You should also prepare for potential delays with transportation. If your flight is delayed, it could affect the Mears shuttle service or other airport-to-resort transfers. It’s also helpful to double-check your park reservations to make sure they are still valid for the day you’re planning to visit.
Tips for Navigating Flight Delays and Cancellations
While weather disruptions can’t always be avoided, there are some steps you can take to help mitigate the impact of a delayed or canceled flight:
- Stay Informed: Check the status of your flight frequently, especially as your departure time approaches. Apps like FlightAware and Flightradar24 can be valuable for keeping track of delays.
- Have a Backup Plan: Always have a backup flight in mind. If your flight is delayed for several hours or canceled, it’s wise to know what other options are available.
- Consider Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can help alleviate some of the costs if your flight is canceled or delayed due to weather or other factors. It can also cover additional costs like hotel stays or meal vouchers if you’re stranded.
- Be Patient with Staff: Flight disruptions can be frustrating, but airline employees are working hard to help get you where you need to go. A little kindness can go a long way when you’re facing delays.
- Prepare for Extended Wait Times: With so many people facing delays, it’s always a good idea to bring extra snacks, entertainment, and activities for your family to keep everyone occupied while you wait for your new departure time.
Is Your Disney Vacation Prepared for the Unexpected?
While it’s always ideal for everything to go smoothly on your journey to Disney World, it’s important to prepare for the potential disruptions that can arise. With Orlando’s weather being unpredictable, delays and cancellations are simply a part of the experience for many vacationers. By staying informed, flexible, and patient, you can still make the most of your magical trip—no matter what surprises travel might throw your way.
Remember, Disney is all about magic—and even if your arrival is delayed, the magic is waiting for you once you walk through those park gates. Just be sure to plan accordingly, stay updated, and keep a positive attitude, because your Disney adventure is just beginning!
