Credit: Inside The MagicDisney World, Universal, and Epic Universe are preparing for what could be a record-setting Memorial Day weekend, as a national government organization is estimating nearly 50 million Americans will be traveling, with Orlando being the number one spot.
Disney World, Universal and Epic Universe: Central Florida To See Record-Breaking Crowds in 72 Hours
The highways hum with anticipation. Gas stations crowd with families clutching coffee and road maps. Airports echo with the sounds of roller suitcases and excited chatter. Memorial Day weekend is always a busy one—but this year, something unprecedented is happening.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a staggering 45.1 million travelers are expected to hit the road or take to the skies this Memorial Day weekend, breaking the previous national record of 44 million travelers set back in 2005. But that’s not the real surprise. The real headline? Orlando, Florida, is the single most visited U.S. city this weekend.
What’s driving this historic surge—and what does it mean for the future of travel, tourism, and theme parks alike?
Why Is Orlando the Nation’s No. 1 Destination?
Set between May 22 and May 26, this Memorial Day weekend is more than just a long holiday break. For many, it marks the unofficial start of summer. And Orlando—home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and within driving distance to Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals—has emerged as the ultimate getaway.
AAA’s latest data puts the Central Florida hotspot at the top of the list, beating out other heavyweights like Seattle, New York City, Las Vegas, and Miami. Florida alone will see 2.6 million residents embarking on road trips of 50 miles or more.
But what’s the real kicker? The opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, the much-anticipated theme park expansion that’s been in development for years, is finally drawing crowds from every corner of the nation.
Epic Universe: The Game-Changer?
Slated for a grand preview during the holiday weekend (with official opening phases following soon), Universal’s Epic Universe is poised to redefine the theme park experience. Boasting lands based on Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and more, it’s drawing not only tourists but global media attention.
The grand opening buzz is already palpable, adding to an already heavy travel load. For many families, the chance to be among the first to see Epic Universe is simply too exciting to pass up. Beyond the theme parks and cruise ports, the travel influx signals something deeper: a full return to pre-pandemic confidence in travel. For the first time in two decades, the nation is not just traveling—it’s traveling in droves.
This Memorial Day boom could forecast a record-breaking summer season, which bodes well for Central Florida’s economy. Theme parks, hotels, restaurants, and local businesses stand to benefit tremendously from this spike.
Yet with great crowds come great responsibilities.
Safety First: What Travelers Need to Know
AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins issued an important reminder for drivers and tourists:
“There are a lot of people on the roads who haven’t been here in a while—or ever,” he warned. “Don’t let one mistake ruin your—and somebody else’s—vacation.”
AAA encourages travelers to avoid distractions, reduce speed at night, and keep an eye out for roadside stops or construction zones. The influx also means heavier traffic around I-4, SR-528, and popular resort exits, so patience and planning are critical.
Looking Ahead: A Sign of What’s to Come for Disney World, Universal, and Epic Universe?
This weekend might not just be a one-off spike—it could be the new normal. With domestic travel on the rise, and Central Florida sitting at the crossroads of beach, cruise, and theme park culture, Orlando could become the epicenter of family vacations moving forward.
Between the pull of Disney magic, Universal thrills, and ocean-bound adventures, the Sunshine State continues to prove it’s more than just a tourist destination—it’s a national obsession.
So, whether you’re catching fireworks over Cinderella Castle, diving into the immersive worlds of Epic Universe, or just soaking up the sun by the hotel pool—brace yourself. Orlando is ready, and it’s about to have its busiest Memorial Day yet.
Planning to travel this Memorial Day? Leave early, plan ahead, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime—especially if you’re heading to the entertainment capital of the country.