If you’ve flown into Orlando recently—whether you’re headed to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT—you’ve probably passed through Orlando International Airport (MCO), known unofficially (but almost universally) as Disney World’s airport. But one visitor’s journey didn’t end with pixie dust and Mickey bars this week.
In a shocking turn of events, a vehicle slammed into a pole near the airport and burst into flames, stunning onlookers and drawing a rapid response from local fire crews. The incident, caught on video and uploaded to social media, has since gone viral—not just because of the fire, but because of how it was posted.
A Viral Video With the Wrong Vibe?
The footage, shared by the Florida-based Instagram account @OnlyinFlorida, shows the moment flames engulf a car just outside the airport. Filmed by user @mattykriv, the video has spread quickly across the platform, with thousands reacting to both the incident and the strange creative decision behind it: the clip is set to the bright and cheerful “Nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday,” a song typically reserved for sunny, family-friendly vacation ads.
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Let’s just say—commenters weren’t feeling the irony.
“The song while people are burning”
“Weird song choice”
“Insensitive given what might have happened”
While the video doesn’t show anyone being harmed directly, it’s not clear from the footage whether any passengers were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash or what condition they may have been in afterward. What is clear: viewers weren’t ready to treat this like vacation-core content.
So far, no major news outlets have picked up the story, leaving social media as the primary source for footage and conversation. There are no official statements yet regarding the cause of the crash, injuries, or whether law enforcement is conducting further investigation.
Fast Response by First Responders
Despite the chaos of the scene, emergency teams were reportedly on site within three minutes—likely preventing a more serious outcome. Given how busy MCO can be (especially during summer travel season), the quick action from airport firefighters helped keep things under control and avoided a broader evacuation or shutdown of nearby areas.
It’s a stark reminder that even in places best known for magic and memory-making, real-world danger can still appear without warning.
Meanwhile at MCO: Big Changes for Traveling Families
While the fiery crash dominated online chatter this week, it wasn’t the only thing happening at Orlando’s main airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just launched a brand-new initiative aimed at easing the stress of family travel, right in time for back-to-school trips and fall break planning.
Dubbed “Families on the Fly,” the program adds dedicated security lanes for families with children 12 and under. The goal? To reduce the chaos that comes with juggling diaper bags, car seats, snacks, and overstimulated toddlers—something every Disney-bound parent knows all too well.
The family lanes are now available at every TSA checkpoint at MCO, and you don’t need any special enrollment or status to use them. Just look for signs directing you to the dedicated area, where TSA officers are specifically trained to assist with stroller folding, bag rechecks, and all the logistical nightmares that come with traveling with young kids.
This isn’t exclusive to Orlando, either. Other airports like Charlotte-Douglas, John Wayne (in California), and Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International have also begun implementing the same model, with more airports expected to follow.
Bonus for Military Families and PreCheck Perks
In addition to the family lanes, travelers with kids may want to consider applying for TSA PreCheck. Not only does it speed up the process considerably, but some families qualify for reduced fees. Active-duty military members and Department of Defense personnel can get TSA PreCheck for free by adding their DOD ID number when booking travel.
Combined with “Families on the Fly,” these options could make the difference between a meltdown in the security line and a stress-free stroll to your gate—with a Mickey balloon in hand.
A Week of Highs and Lows at Disney’s Airport
The fiery crash outside Orlando International was jarring, and the social media aftermath—song choice and all—sparked a new layer of controversy around how serious events are treated online. But at the same time, MCO continues to evolve as a family-friendly gateway to the most magical place on Earth.
From real-life emergencies to new conveniences for parents and kids, the airport remains a place where anything can happen—sometimes thrilling, sometimes tragic, and sometimes (as the internet proved this week) just plain weird.
No official update has been released on the crash investigation as of publication. If you’re traveling through MCO soon, keep your eyes open, your phones charged, and your TSA PreCheck handy.
