It is hard to believe that it is almost 2025! We have already started our New Year’s resolutions, and of course, we are including lots of Disney World trips as one of our goals.
A new year brings lots of new changes, and we are rounding up some of the biggest changes coming to Florida and Disney World travel in 2025.
Be REAL ID Ready!
One of the biggest changes coming in 2025 that will impact your travel is regarding your ID. Beginning May 7th, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights. To find out if you are REAL ID compliant, check if your ID has a gold or black star in the upper portion of the card. If you don’t have that star on your ID, you must visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency to get a REAL ID before using it for travel.
Car Rentals Are Getting More Expensive
If you are renting a car from the Orlando International Airport, be prepared that the rental will be a bit more expensive in 2025. The Customer Facility Charge (CFC) increase was implemented in November 2024, and will be sticking around into 2025. The daily rate went from $6 to $9. Even though it is not a huge increase, it is something to be aware of. This is not the only fee you will pay when renting a car either.
“An airport car rental includes additional fees like a Concession Recovery Fee, Energy Recovery Fee, Florida Surcharge, Vehicle License Fee, and Waste Tire & Battery Fee. Fees alone for a weeklong rental of an SUV from MCO can total more than $150.”
Potentially Higher Travel Volume
You might also notice an increase in travel volume to Orlando next year as Universal’s Epic Universe is officially opening. This brand-new theme park will be opening on May 22nd, 2025. It will be drawing in some large crowds and you might feel an increase in volume if you are traveling to Orlando after it has opened.
This higher volume may also affect the roadways in Orlando. If you are driving around the Universal and Disney areas, you may want to add some extra time in case there is more traffic than normal.
New Restaurants Coming to Orlando Airport
Finally, the Orlando International Airport will also be getting some changes in 2025. More than 40 restaurants and stores will be coming to the Orlando Airport, including eight local restaurants! Renovations for the restaurants and stores are expected to start in mid-2025, so you will see some additional construction during that time, and you may even be able to shop or dine somewhere new towards the end of 2025.
Looking for some of our best travel tips for your Disney World vacation? Well, we’ve got you covered with 50 essential Disney World travel tips:
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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What trips do you have planned in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
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