Orlando International Airport (MCO) is anticipating a busy Memorial Day weekend as Walt Disney World opens several new, updated, and returning offerings.
Memorial Day Weekend Travel
Estimated departures are about 4% below 2025’s record-setting levels. Last year, 468,698 passengers left the airport. This year, MCO expects 451,081 passengers.
But the estimated total with arrivals is still nearly 902,000 travelers during the period from May 21 through May 26. Memorial Day itself on Monday will be the busiest day, with 165,000 people total moving through the airport.
MCO said, “This year’s forecast reflects evolving airline operations, including schedule adjustments designed to maximize seating efficiency and changes in service from individual carriers. Even with those shifts, MCO continues to see robust holiday demand as travelers head out for the long weekend.”
MCO encourages passengers to plan ahead by getting to the security checkpoint two hours before a flight and to their gate one hour before departure.
“Memorial Day marks the beginning of one of the most exciting times of year for Orlando, and we are ready to welcome the hundreds of thousands of travelers who are choosing MCO as their gateway to Central Florida,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Summer at Walt Disney World
It’s certainly a busy time for Walt Disney World. Cool Kids’ Summer officially begins on May 26. Though some new and reimagined offerings have already soft opened or begun previews, that date will mark the official openings of Soarin’ Across America, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! in Animation Courtyard, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, Bluey’s Wild World, Jessie’s Roundup, and GoofyCore. The new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu also just opened.
Disney is currently celebrating Annual Passholders with V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days. And the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues through June 1. Both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks are open for the summer season.
Read more about summer 2026 at Walt Disney World.
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