Orlando airport issues warning for Disney travelers to arrive three-hours early as spring break visitors overwhelm city and stunning videos show massive crowds at Disney World
Swarms of spring breakers have flocked to Disney World leading to massive crowds that have overwhelmed the city and caused a record breaking travel day at the Orlando airport.
Orlando International Airport announced on Friday they hit a new record of 102,064 departing passengers on March 16, not including arrival passengers which would double the number to 204,128.
Many of these travelers appear to be heading to Walt Disney World Resort where videos posted to social media show massive crowds around some of the park’s iconic sceneries in recent weeks.
The throng of visitors has turned the ‘happiest place on Earth’ to the most jam packed and turned off some visitors – with people canceling their plans to avoid the park.
‘Thank you for solidifying my change in plan from Disney to a pretty empty, quiet beach,’ said a TikTok user named Cindy.
Orlando International Airport announced on Friday they hit a new record of 102,064 departing passengers on March 16 as people visiting Disney during Spring Break have flooded central Florida
Many of travelers appear to be heading to Walt Disney World Resort where videos posted to social media show massive crowds at the parks
As of midday on Sunday, most rides had a wait time of around 30 minutes with other more popular rides reaching over an hour, according to WDW Passport.
In Animal Kingdom, the wait time for Avatar Flight of Passage was 110 minutes. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios had a wait time of 105 minutes and Slinky Dog Dash was at 100 minutes.
In Epcot, Frozen Ever After was a 95 minute wait and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was 85 minutes.
Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom is off the board with the first available Lightning Lane entrance at 9:15 p.m. and Lightning Lane entrance at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad available at 6:35 p.m.
A video posted to TikTok by an account called Brianna and Alyssa on Saturday showed huge crowds throughout Magic Kingdom.
According to Brianna and Alyssa, Disney’s Genie+ pass, which allows visitors to use Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions, costs $39 on Saturday.
On Facebook, a user named Kaitlyn Burnett posted a photo of a mob of people walking through Disney Springs and waiting for restaurants.
Some social media users said the images of hordes of people waiting in Disney World has prompted them to cancel their plans at the ‘happiest place on Earth.’
One user named Davida said, ‘I was going to head there yesterday… so glad I changed my mind.’
On March 13, a self proclaimed Disney adult and theme park enthusiasts named Jeremy posted a TikTok showing the Lighting Lane for the Tower of Terror was at a 135 minute standby.
Some social media users said the images of hordes of people waiting in Disney World has prompted them to cancel their plans at the ‘happiest place on Earth’
As of midday on Sunday, most rides had a wait time around 30 minutes with other more popular rides reaching over an hour, according to WDW Passport
TikTok account Ride with Randa posted a video showing throngs of people roaming around Epcot on March 15.
Images of overwhelming crowds along with increasing ticket prices to get into parks has led many social media commenters to say they want to stay away from Disney World.
‘As a Florida Resident and former Disney Pass Holder, there is not a damn thing in there that’s worth this… not a damn thing,’ one user said.
Anne Marierie said, ‘It always baffles me that there are this many morning people. I could never be up, looking somewhat presentable, and in line by 7:24 a.m. Especially after going all day the day before.’
‘How is Disney more packed than ever with how expensive it is?! 10 years ago did spring break and it was nothing like this,’ said Kristen Lace Well.
TikTok account Ride with Randa posted a video showing throngs of people roaming around Epcot on March 15
Many who have seen images of the crowds on social media have said they plan to stay away from the park
The airport said Spring Break 2024 was projected to post an 11 percent increase in passengers over the previous year
As crowds flood Disney World, the Orlando airport has braced for an influx of travelers this spring break season.
‘Spring Break 2024 was projected to post an 11 percent increase in passengers over the previous year,’ the airport said.
The airport said they have prepared for this influx by having more staff scheduled and advising travelers to practice the 3-2-1 rule.
‘Arrive at your airline ticket counter at least 3 hours in advance. Head to security processing at least 2 hours prior to departure and arrive at your gate at least 1 hour prior to boarding,’ said the airport.
Kevin Thibault, the CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, told FOX 35 Orlando the airport is moving some airlines to Terminal C, which opened in 2022, and they plan to add extra gates there in the next couple years to ease travel chaos.
‘As we continue to grow, the overall plan has been that we will continue to add more capacity here in Terminal C to handle that growth,’ said Thibault.
