Credit: Inside the MagicYour Disney World vacations start with a long line at the airport, a packed car trunk, or when Google Maps flashes red with unexpected traffic.
It’s the unofficial kickoff to summer—but this year, it’s shaping up to be historic. AAA forecasters are sounding the alarm: over 45 million Americans are expected to travel domestically this Memorial Day weekend, marking the highest number ever recorded for the holiday.
What does this mean for theme park fans? More specifically, what should Walt Disney World guests prepare for as Orlando becomes ground zero for one of the busiest travel periods of the year?
Disney World Vacations in Orlando: The Most Magical—and Popular—Destination in America
According to AAA’s just-released projections, Orlando, Florida has claimed the title of #1 most booked domestic travel destination for Memorial Day 2025. That means the city—home to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort—will see a massive spike in foot traffic, vehicle congestion, and park attendance from May 22 to May 26.
Whether it’s families driving in from across the Southeast or travelers flying from coast to coast, Central Florida is bracing for an influx of visitors ready to escape their routines and embrace the magic.
But what’s driving this surge? And how will it affect your Disney vacation?
Behind the Boom: Why Everyone’s Heading to the Sunshine State
While air travel remains popular (with 8% of travelers flying), the real story is on the roads. Over 87% of travelers will be driving, buoyed by slowly declining gas prices and a renewed appetite for flexible, budget-conscious getaways.
“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” said Stacey Barber, VP of AAA Travel. “Many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends.”
For Disney guests, this means more cars, longer wait times at park entrances, and even more competition for Genie+ Lightning Lanes and virtual queues. It also means that on-site resort guests may enjoy a serious edge thanks to Early Theme Park Entry and easier transportation logistics.
A Post-Pandemic Travel Rebound—With a Twist
Since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel in 2020, Americans have been on a steady return-to-normalcy journey. But this year is different: travel isn’t just rebounding—it’s evolving.
While domestic travel is booming, international travel, especially from foreign tourists, is still lagging in some regions. That puts even more pressure on U.S.-based hotspots like Disney World, which continue to draw loyal domestic audiences in massive numbers.
It’s also worth noting that Rome topped the international bookings list, in part due to global Catholic interest following the recent election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope in history.
What It Means for Disney World Vacations This Memorial Day
For those planning to visit Walt Disney World this Memorial Day weekend, the message is clear: expect crowds—and plan accordingly. Some practical takeaways:
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Arrive Early: Parks may hit capacity or see extended wait times even with Park Pass Reservation requirements loosened for date-based tickets.
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Use the My Disney Experience App: Track wait times, mobile order food, and secure Lightning Lanes.
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Pack Patience: Increased attendance means more congestion on I-4, longer bus wait times, and tighter security lines at park entrances.
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Hydrate and Prepare for Heat: The Florida sun doesn’t hold back in late May.
That’s the question on every travel analyst’s mind—and Disney’s too. With Memorial Day 2025 setting a new record, it’s likely that theme parks will continue to see higher-than-average crowd levels through summer. As the economy slowly stabilizes and Americans seek more domestic leisure experiences, Walt Disney World is expected to remain a cornerstone of the U.S. travel landscape.
And with upcoming projects like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the EPCOT transformation, and rumored new expansions on the horizon, Disney isn’t just weathering the crowd surge—it’s preparing to lead it. While Memorial Day weekend might feel like a whirlwind of crowds and chaos, it also symbolizes something greater—a return to tradition, family bonding, and, for millions, a touch of magic.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, remember: there’s still plenty of magic to go around—if you plan smart. So, with 45 million Americans on the move, will you be among them when the gates to Walt Disney World swing open this Memorial Day?