As Orlando welcomes a major expansion in theme park offerings, those planning a visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth may want to take a moment to double-check their travel plans—particularly when it comes to airport transportation.
The much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe officially opens its gates on May 22, 2025, ushering in a new era of theme park experiences for Central Florida. The third gate at Universal Orlando Resort introduces guests to immersive lands including How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Ministry of Magic, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
“Best of luck to the Universal Orlando team with the opening of Epic Universe! Another big win for tourism in Florida,” said Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, via Instagram.
Although some might expect the Walt Disney World Resort to see Epic Universe as competition, Disney leadership sees the opposite. In a previous statement, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, expressed optimism about what the opening might bring: if travelers were heading to Epic Universe, they would “have to” visit the Magic Kingdom as well.
The surge in theme park tourism means an even greater reliance on Orlando International Airport (MCO)—the major gateway for travelers heading to both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. However, there are mounting concerns travelers should be aware of when making airport transportation plans.
According to Click Orlando, “Police have stepped up enforcement against illegal vehicle-for-hire operators at and near Orlando International Airport (MCO), where unregistered, unpermitted and/or uninsured drivers continue to offer unauthorized rides to unsuspecting passengers at discounted rates.”
As part of a recent undercover operation, a driver named Sherry McGuire was caught when she unknowingly attempted to pick up a police officer at a local Denny’s. “McGuire admitted to News 6 that she had been previously ticketed and trespassed from MCO by police on March 20 ‘for not being registered with the city of Orlando,’” the report notes.
McGuire reportedly told police she was unaware she needed both a city and state permit to operate legally. She was ticketed, her car towed, and she now faces charges for “driving with intent to pick up passengers within Orlando city limits without a city driver’s permit and without a city vehicle permit.”
With enforcement increasing, guests traveling to Central Florida should be encouraged to use only properly licensed transportation options to avoid potential delays or legal issues. MCO offers numerous official travel services including hire cars, taxis, and shuttle coaches, all designed to connect passengers smoothly with their destinations—including Walt Disney World Resort.
And with rumors that Disney may be considering the launch of a fifth park in Florida in response to the expanding market, it’s safe to say that Central Florida’s tourism landscape is continuing to evolve in exciting ways.
Has your vacation ever been derailed due to transportation issues? Let us know in the comments down below!
