Swarms of spring breakers have flocked to Disney World, leading to huge crowds that overwhelmed the city and created a record-breaking travel day at Orlando airport.
Orlando International Airport announced Friday that it reached a new record of 102,064 departing passengers on March 16, excluding arriving passengers, which would double the number to 204,128.
Many of these travelers appear to be heading to the Walt Disney World Resort, where videos posted to social media in recent weeks show huge crowds surrounding some of the park’s iconic scenery.
The crowds of visitors have turned the ‘happiest place on earth’ into the busiest and put off some visitors – with people canceling their plans to avoid the park.
“Thanks for validating my change of plan from Disney to a pretty empty, quiet beach,” said a TikTok user named Cindy.
Orlando International Airport announced Friday that it hit a new record of 102,064 passenger departures on March 16, as people visiting Disney over spring break flooded central Florida
Many travelers appear to be heading to the Walt Disney World Resort, where videos posted to social media show huge crowds in the parks
According to WDW Passport, as of Sunday afternoon, most rides had a wait time of about 30 minutes, while other more popular rides were over an hour.
At Animal Kingdom, the wait time for Avatar Flight of Passage was 110 minutes. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios had a wait time of 105 minutes and Slinky Dog Dash was 100 minutes.
At Epcot, Frozen Ever After was a 95 minute wait and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was 85 minutes.
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom will be unavailable with the first available Lightning Lane entrance at 9:15 PM and the Lightning Lane entrance at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at 6:35 PM
A video posted to TikTok on Saturday by an account named Brianna and Alyssa showed huge crowds at Magic Kingdom.
According to Brianna and Alyssa, Disney’s Genie+ pass, which allows visitors to use the Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions, will cost $39 on Saturday.
On Facebook, a user named Kaitlyn Burnett posted a photo of a crowd of people walking through Disney Springs waiting for restaurants.
Some social media users said images of hordes of people waiting at Disney World have prompted them to cancel their plans at the “happiest place on earth.”
A user called Davida said: ‘I wanted to go there yesterday… so glad I changed my mind.’
On March 13, Jeremy, a self-proclaimed Disney adult and theme park enthusiast, posted a TikTok showing the Lighting Lane in front of the Tower of Terror on standby for 135 minutes.
Some social media users said images of hordes of people waiting at Disney World have prompted them to cancel their plans at the “happiest place on earth.”
According to WDW Passport, as of Sunday afternoon, most rides had a wait time of around 30 minutes, while other more popular rides topped out at over an hour
TikTok account Ride with Randa posted a video on March 15 showing large groups of people roaming around Epcot.
Images of overwhelming crowds and rising ticket prices to enter parks have many commentators on social media saying they want to stay away from Disney World.
“As a Florida resident and former Disney Pass holder, there is nothing worth this…nothing,” one user said.
Anne Marierie said: ‘It always surprises me that there are so many morning people. There’s no way I could get up, look somewhat presentable, and be in line at 7:24 a.m., especially after waiting all day the day before.”
“How is it possible that Disney is more full than ever with how expensive it is?! 10 years ago it was spring break and it wasn’t anything like that,” Kristen Lace Well said.
TikTok account Ride with Randa posted a video of large groups 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 is expected to see an 11 percent increase in passengers over the previous year
As the crowds flood Disney World, Orlando’s airport has been bracing for an influx of travelers this spring break season.
“For the 2024 spring break, the number of passengers would increase by 11 percent compared to the previous year,” the airport said.
The airport said it has prepared for this influx by scheduling more staff and advising travelers to practice the 3-2-1 rule.
‘Arrive at the ticket counter at least 3 hours in advance. “Go to security at least 2 hours before departure and arrive at your gate at least 1 hour before boarding,” the airport said.
Kevin Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said VOS 35 Orlando airport is moving some airlines to Terminal C, which opened in 2022, and they plan to add additional gates there in coming years to reduce travel chaos.
“As we continue to grow, the overall plan is that we will continue to add more capacity here in Terminal C to accommodate that growth,” Thibault said.