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Thousands of Disney World Guests To Be Hit with New 50% Price Surge

Thousands of Walt Disney World vacationers will soon see a 50% price surge hitting their bank accounts thanks to this new shift coming to Florida’s second-largest airport.

A road leads under a large archway reading "Walt Disney World" in playful blue letters with the tagline "The Most Magical Place On Earth" beneath. Palm trees line the archway, and a large figure of Mickey Mouse stands to the left. Cars are driving beneath the iconic entryway to Disney World Florida.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Impending Fee Surge for Disney World Travelers

The impending increase in daily rental car fees at Orlando International Airport (MCO) marks an essential shift for travelers heading to Disney World. Starting November 1, the Customer Facility Charge (CFC) will rise from $6 to $9 per day. This 50% surge not only positions MCO among the airports with the highest fees in the country but also adds a new layer of complexity to the budgeting process for guests traveling to Disney.

Guests are encouraged to re-evaluate their vacation budgets, especially since additional fees—including Concession Recovery Fees and Energy Recovery Fees—could inflate the overall cost significantly. For instance, a weeklong rental could add over $150 in fees alone, highlighting the importance of planning for these unexpected costs when visiting Disney World. In light of increasing traffic, Orlando International Airport has introduced a solution to alleviate congestion: the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC).

This facility aims to house all rental cars off-site, thus freeing up approximately 5,000 parking spaces in the existing garages at MCO. Angela Starke, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), emphasized the benefits of the ConRAC, which is strategically located near Terminal C. By centralizing rental car operations, it will not only create more parking availability but also enhance safety by reducing curb congestion.

orlando international airport sign
Credit: Orlando International Airport

Financial Implications for Disney World Visitors

The ConRAC is anticipated to be completed by 2032, but Disney World visitors already feel the impacts of its planning. The financial implications of these fee increases are particularly pertinent for families planning a trip to Disney World. The newly proposed CFC is just one of several added costs that renters might encounter.

For example, if guests choose to rent an SUV for a week, the total fees—including the new CFC—could surpass $150. This hefty sum allows a fraction of the travel budget to dwindle rapidly, necessitating careful consideration of rental car options and potential cost-saving strategies. Travelers should prioritize transparency in budgeting for their Disney experiences and contemplate alternatives like public transportation or rideshare apps.

This can help mitigate the financial burden associated with car rentals and enable guests to allocate resources towards the enchanting features Disney World has to offer. In response to the challenges posed by increasingly crowded travel periods, MCO is implementing advanced technological solutions aimed at improving the overall guest experience. This includes a high-tech system designed to assist travelers in quickly locating available parking spaces and enhancing reservation capabilities.

buzz and woody disney pixar mco airport
Credit: X/OrlandoInternationalAirport

Enhancements to the Airport Experience

Guests can now secure parking spots in advance through the MCO website or app, facilitating a smoother transition from the airport to Disney World. Moreover, the collaboration with the Lynx public transit system ensures that transportation options remain accessible and efficient for visitors. Enhanced bus service will allow guests to travel directly from MCO to various attractions in a stress-free manner, ultimately contributing to a more enjoyable journey overall.

These improvements signal a commitment to elevating the travel experience at MCO, ensuring that guests can focus on the magical experiences awaiting them at Disney World instead of grappling with logistical headaches. The airport’s readiness to adapt to the increasing demands of tourism will undoubtedly benefit individuals and families eager to enjoy the wonders of Disney without undue hassle.

In summary, as Orlando prepares for these changes, guests to Disney World can expect a more streamlined experience, though they should remain vigilant about budgeting for both anticipated and unforeseen costs tied to their travel plans. With new facilities and technologies on the horizon, MCO aims to cultivate an efficient and pleasant journey for everyone venturing to the Magic Kingdom and beyond.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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