When you get to the airport, there’s a whole laundry list of words you DON’T want to hear during your visit. “We’re going to have to pat you down.” “Your suitcase is overweight.” “Your flight will be delayed.” You get the point. We all want our airport experience to go as smoothly as possible, but sometimes, there are things we just can’t control.

If you’re flying into (or out of) the Orlando International Airport specifically, you might run into a major problem. Here’s why.

While we love all the palm trees and sunny skies of Florida, Orlando is known for daily storms and, in some cases, hurricanes. Central Florida has been hit by several hurricanes; most recently, Disney World closed during the big Hurricane Ian storm. So, what does this mean for you, dear traveler?

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World (or Orlando in general), check the calendar and be aware of Florida’s hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 5-9 hurricanes during the 2023 hurricane season, with 1-4 major hurricanes listed. Of course, Florida isn’t guaranteed to be hit with any hurricanes, but the probability exists.

During hurricane season (which lasts roughly from June through November), airline travelers may be more likely to experience delays and ground stops due to severe stormy weather. On any given day, Orlando Airport may experience several flight delays or cancelations, but that likelihood increases exponentially when hurricane-like conditions are present.

For reference, on a relatively normal summer day, Orlando International Airport reported 183 delays across the board, per FlightAware. That same day, the weather conditions were partly sunny, with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The chance of rain was 50% throughout the day, which is pretty standard for Central Florida in the summer.

Typically, Orlando rain storms blow through in the mid-late afternoon. In fact, many Disney World Cast Members joke about the daily 3PM storm that rolls through the parks and disrupts outdoor attractions. That said, if you’re trying to avoid a weather-related flight cancelation, it’s not easy to predict the weather ahead of your flight. For example, back on June 17th, Orlando Airport reported flight delays at 10AM — hours before those typical afternoon showers.

Weather Alert ⛈️ Due to current weather conditions, airline operations may be impacted – flight/baggage delivery delays may occur. Please check with your airline directly for updates regarding their operations. For airport delays, visit: https://t.co/vm0yMYHkcv. Thank you! https://t.co/W2OSxrQ7tq

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) June 17, 2023

 

 

 

 

On the other hand, we’ve seen bad weather at 8 o’clock at night, too. In Florida, you just never know when nasty weather might arrive.

Weather Update ⛈️ Due to current weather conditions, airline operations may be impacted – flight/baggage delivery delays may occur. Please check with your airline directly for updates regarding their operations. For airport status, visit: https://t.co/vm0yMYHkcv. https://t.co/2nkVYTqyxO

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) June 20, 2023

 

 

 

 

Still, if trying to avoid weather-related incidents, we typically recommend booking an early flight. That way, even if you experience a delay or cancelation, you have the rest of the day to wait it out or book a new flight.

If you’re flying to Disney World this summer or fall, happy travels! Be sure to keep your eyes on the weather ahead of your trip so you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

You Should Know This About the 2023 Hurricane Season.

 

Have you ever been to Disney World during severe weather? Let us know in the comments!