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Credit: Marada, FlickrFlying to and from Disney World should be the exciting start or end of your magical vacation, but unfortunately, air travel can sometimes throw unexpected curveballs that disrupt your plans. Between weather delays, canceled flights, and airport chaos, a smooth flight to Orlando—or home from it—can turn into a stressful experience, especially if you’re not prepared.
As one of the busiest travel hubs in Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) sees thousands of flights a day, many of them carrying eager Disney guests. From families heading to Disney World to solo travelers exploring the attractions of Central Florida, MCO is a key gateway for many.
However, as with any major airport, the sheer volume of flights combined with unpredictable weather can lead to significant disruptions, particularly during Florida’s infamous storm season.
Right now, Orlando International Airport is struggling with widespread delays and cancellations. Today’s weather-related storm has led to major operational disruptions, and travelers are facing extensive delays—some flights are being delayed by as much as three hours. The conditions in Orlando are serving as a harsh reminder of how a delayed or canceled flight can severely impact a Disney vacation.
Why Delays and Cancellations Are Common at Orlando’s MCO
Orlando is a critical hub for several budget airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, which collectively carry a significant portion of passengers flying in and out of MCO.
According to the Department of Transportation Statistics, Southwest Airlines alone accounts for more than 24% of passenger traffic at MCO, while Spirit Airlines follows with nearly 15%. These airlines offer affordable travel options, making Orlando a popular destination for family vacations—especially to Walt Disney World.
Today, for example, Spirit Airlines Flight #206 to Newark Liberty International Airport has been delayed by nearly four hours, shifting its original departure time from 4:06 PM to 7:50 PM. As the storm impacts the region, it’s not surprising that other flights are being similarly delayed. In the last 24 hours alone, MCO has reported 408 flight delays and 52 cancellations.
As of today, there have already been 20 flight cancelations at the time of this article’s publishing and 180 additional delays.
Related: Why Hundreds of Guests Were Denied Entry at Disney World—The Full Story
A Frustrating Chain Reaction for Vacation Plans
When traveling to Disney World, delays can be more than just an inconvenience—they can throw a wrench in your entire vacation experience. If your flight is delayed or canceled, it can mean missing out on planned activities, dinner reservations, or even your first day at the parks.
Whether you’re excited to experience the magic of Disney World’s rides, parades, or character meet-and-greets, delays could put a dent in your plans.
For guests with early check-in times for their Disney hotel or those who have dining reservations for a special character meal, missing a flight could lead to the frustration of trying to rebook, reschedule, or change plans on the fly. This can also impact transportation arrangements, such as pre-arranged shuttles or ride shares, which may need to be canceled and rearranged due to late arrivals.
Moreover, the ripple effect of delays at MCO is not isolated to just one flight or airline. With Florida’s unpredictable weather patterns, storms can affect multiple airlines and lead to cancellations, congestion, and significant backlogs. Tampa International Airport, another major Florida hub, is also experiencing substantial disruptions, with 30% of Southwest flights and 40% of Spirit flights delayed.
This causes a domino effect that can impact travelers at other airports as well, so if you’re flying into Orlando from an already disrupted city, be prepared for longer wait times and more crowded terminals.
A Challenging Destination for Airlines During Storms
It’s no secret that Orlando experiences its fair share of poor weather, especially in the summer months and around the hurricane season. From tropical storms to afternoon thunderstorms, Orlando weather can be unpredictable, causing delays and cancellations for both incoming and outgoing flights. This is particularly challenging for budget carriers who may have less flexibility in their scheduling than larger airlines.
For Disney guests, this often means longer wait times at MCO, especially when a delay turns into a cancellation. For families arriving on connecting flights, missed connections can be a real headache—particularly for those flying from other parts of the U.S. or internationally. The weather doesn’t care about your vacation timeline, and unfortunately, air travel disruptions are often outside of anyone’s control.
Preparing for the Worst—And How to Protect Your Disney Vacation
As frustrating as delays and cancellations can be, the good news is that you can take steps to minimize the impact on your Disney vacation. First and foremost, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on your flight status before leaving for the airport. Airlines like Southwest and Spirit often have mobile apps that provide real-time flight status updates, gate changes, and notifications about cancellations or delays.
Checking with your airline before heading to the airport also gives you the opportunity to explore alternative travel options, whether it’s securing a spot on another flight or considering other forms of transportation, like Amtrak or a car rental. If you’re facing a cancellation, don’t hesitate to reach out to your airline’s customer service desk to rebook or inquire about compensation options.
Another way to safeguard your Disney vacation is by scheduling buffer time when making travel plans. For example, if you’re booking a flight to Orlando and have a scheduled hotel check-in at a Disney resort, make sure there’s plenty of time for delays or cancellations in your schedule. The same goes for making park reservations or booking dining experiences—leave extra time for travel hiccups.
If your flight is delayed or canceled and you’ve missed an important Disney experience or have trouble getting to your hotel on time, reach out to Disney customer service. Disney often offers assistance for delayed arrivals, and they may be able to help you adjust your park reservations, modify your hotel check-in time, or suggest other alternatives to ensure your experience stays as magical as possible.
It’s also helpful to keep a positive and patient mindset throughout the process. Airline staff are often overwhelmed when delays occur, and being understanding and kind can go a long way in helping you get the assistance you need. After all, 99% of airline employees are just as frustrated as you are by the weather and logistical challenges—they’re working hard to help get you to your destination as quickly and safely as possible.
What to Do While You Wait
If you’re facing a longer delay or cancellation at Orlando International Airport, don’t forget that MCO has plenty of amenities to make your wait a little more bearable.
From shops and dining options to kid-friendly areas where families can unwind, there are several ways to make the most of your time at the airport while you wait for your next flight. You can also take advantage of MCO’s free Wi-Fi to stay connected, check your emails, or catch up on your Disney planning.
Once you finally land in Orlando and make your way to Disney World, all of the stresses of air travel will quickly fade away as you enter the magic. Just remember to plan for possible travel disruptions, be flexible, and prepare for any challenges that come your way. Disney World is still the most magical place on Earth—even if your journey there has a few bumps along the way.
Staying Calm and Enjoying the Ride
While air travel is never guaranteed to be smooth sailing, with a little preparation, patience, and flexibility, you can still make the most of your Disney vacation despite any delays or cancellations.
Keep an eye on flight statuses, allow for plenty of buffer time in your schedule, and be ready for anything that comes your way. Remember: the most important thing is that you’re heading to Disney World, where magic and memories await. Your vacation is what you make of it—storms and delays included!