Orlando International Airport is replacing its trams starting next month — holiday travelers, take note.
Visiting Disney World during the holidays is a unique experience. The parks and hotels are decorated, there are plenty of special events to fill your down time, and seasonal offerings and holiday menus make it extra special. But peak season crowds and longer wait times mean preparation is key. Knowing your transportation challenges in advance can make all the difference, and MCO has just announced major plans that could but a wrench into how quickly you get to the festivities if you’re not paying attention.
If you’ve ever sprinted through Orlando International Airport (MCO) trying to catch a tram, you know they’re…charmingly inconsistent. Some days, they’re right there waiting for you. Other days, you might start contemplating whether driving to your destination is actually a better life choice. Well, apparently, MCO has heard our collective sighs, because starting next month, the airport will begin replacing its aging trams. Yes, right in the middle of the holiday travel season.
According to News 6, Orlando International Airport is alerting travelers to potential changes and delays as it begins a major project to replace the trams that shuttle passengers to select airline terminals. Starting December 3rd, work will kick off on the airport’s $253 million Gate Link Replacement Project. The project will replace the people mover vehicles that transport passengers between gates 70–129 and Terminals A and B. This means that passengers flying with Air Canada, Avelo Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, LATAM, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic airlines may be affected by this project.
While the project is estimated to take around 2 years to complete, when crews start work on each airside during the day, only one tram will be kept in operation, as opposed to the usual two. To help with the process, shuttle buses will operate around the clock and, sometimes, might be the only mode of transportation between the gates and terminals.
For frequent flyers through Orlando or anyone navigating the theme parks and hotels crowding the terminals, this might sound like a mild nightmare. But here’s the silver lining: These updates are long overdue. The current trams, bless their mechanical hearts, have been limping along for years, and anyone who’s ever experienced a tram “breakdown” mid-route knows the subtle panic of thinking you might have to hoof it across the entire airside terminal. Not fun, especially when juggling bags, kids, and those last bites of your souvenir snacks while trying to make it to your airline’s gate.
However, airport officials promise the new trams will be more reliable, eco-friendly, and faster. Translation: fewer sweaty sprints and less existential questioning while waiting at the platform. They’re aiming for a smoother, more modern experience that matches Orlando’s ever-growing reputation as a global travel hub (and honestly, it’s about time!).
That said, holiday travelers should probably brace themselves for some buffer time. Even with careful planning, construction and upgrades during peak travel periods tend to have that special kind of chaos that can only be described as airport-adjacent adventure. If you’re flying soon for the holidays, allow a little extra time to navigate terminals, and maybe pack your patience along with your sunscreen. Officials also recommended giving yourself an extra 30 minutes if you’re planning to pick up a rental car or using ground transportation services in addition to arriving early for departing flights.
At the end of the day, tram replacement is a small price to pay for future convenience. One day soon, you’ll glide effortlessly between terminals, silently thanking whoever green-lit this project, rather than contemplating whether running to your gate counts as cardio. Until then, carry snacks, check your flight status, and try not to trip over the occasional construction cone.
We’re constantly keeping you updated on the latest changes, updates, construction and more that could pose an issue between you and your next Disney vacation. Be sure to stay tuned with us to learn about future updates and projects so you can prepare in advance and save yourself time and headache dealing with issues in the moment.
How Much Extra Time Do Disney Hotel Guests Really Get in the Parks?
If you could add anything to the Orlando International Airport to make your next travels more comfortable, what would it be and why? Tell us in the comments below!
Convenience store with affordable necessities.
More food choices.
Instead of the monopoly being showcased in the food court.