Swarms of spring breakers have flocked to Disney World, leading to massive crowds that have overwhelmed the city and led to a record travel day at the Orlando airport.
Orlando International Airport announced Friday that it hit a new record of 102,064 departing passengers on March 16, not including arriving 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 on social media show massive crowds around some of the park’s iconic landscapes in recent weeks.
The throng of visitors has made the “happiest place on Earth” the most crowded and has discouraged some visitors, with people canceling plans to avoid the park.
“Thank you for solidifying my plan change from Disney to a quiet, fairly empty beach,” said a TikTok user named Cindy.
Orlando International Airport announced Friday that it hit a new record of 102,064 departing passengers on March 16, as people visiting Disney for spring break flooded central Florida.
Many of the travelers appear to be headed to Walt Disney World Resort, where videos posted on social media show massive crowds at the parks.
As of noon Sunday, most rides had a wait time of around 30 minutes, with other more popular rides reaching more than an hour, according to WDW Passport.
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 had a 95-minute wait and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was 85 minutes.
Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom is off the board with the first Lightning Lane entrance available at 9:15 p.m. and the Lightning Lane entrance on 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 large crowds at Magic Kingdom.
According to Brianna and Alyssa, Disney’s Genie+ pass, which allows guests to use Lightning Lane tickets at select attractions, costs $39 on Saturday.
On Facebook, a user named Kaitlyn Burnett posted a photo of a crowd of people walking through Disney Springs and waiting for restaurants.
Some social media users said images of hordes of people waiting at Disney World led them to cancel their plans at the “happiest place on Earth.”
A user named Davida said: “I was going to go there yesterday…so glad I changed my mind.”
On March 13, a self-proclaimed adult and Disney theme park enthusiast named Jeremy posted a TikTok showing that the Tower of Terror lighting track was on hold for 135 minutes.
Some social media users said images of hordes of people waiting at Disney World led them to cancel their plans at the “happiest place on Earth.”
As of noon Sunday, most rides had a wait time of around 30 minutes, with other more popular rides reaching more than an hour, according to WDW Passport.
The Ride with Randa TikTok account posted a video showing a crowd of people wandering around Epcot on March 15.
Images of overwhelming crowds along with rising ticket prices to enter the parks have led many social media commentators to say they want to stay away from Disney World.
“As a Florida resident and former Disney pass holder, there is nothing there worth anything…not a damn thing,” one user said.
Anne Marierie said: “It always baffles me that there are so many morning people.” I could never be up, looking somewhat presentable and in line at 7:24am, especially after being there all day before.’
‘How come Disney is more booked than ever with how expensive it is?! 10 years ago it was spring break and it was nothing like this,” said Kristen Lace Well.
The Ride with Randa TikTok account posted a video showing a crowd of people wandering around Epcot on March 15.
Many who have seen images of the crowd on social media have said they plan to stay away from the park.
The airport said spring break 2024 was projected to see an 11 percent increase in passengers from the previous year.
As crowds flood Disney World, the Orlando airport has prepared for an influx of travelers this spring break season.
“Spring Break 2024 was projected to see 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 the ticket counter of your plane at least 3 hours in advance. Please proceed to security processing at least 2 hours before departure and arrive at your gate at least 1 hour before boarding,” the airport said.
Kevin Thibault, executive director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said FOX 35 Orlando airport is moving some airlines to Terminal C, which opened in 2022, and they plan to add additional gates there in the next two years to ease travel chaos.
“As we continue to grow, the general plan has been to continue to add more capacity here in Terminal C to handle that growth,” Thibault said.