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According to Expedia, flight searches for fall are up 15%, and hotel searches increased 20% compared to fall 2022.1 As temperatures drop, so do prices, providing plenty of opportunities for budget-savvy travelers to score a getaway for less.

“Forget pumpkin spice everything season, fall is now travel everywhere season. For people not beholden to school schedules, people without kids and deal-hunters, the so-called shoulder season between summer and the holidays is prime time for a getaway,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. “It’s the time of year when average prices drop and availability opens up, ideal for taking that final beach trip or heading to less crowded cities overseas. That secret is out, and searches are up across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.”

As non-peak season, fall is consistently one of the best times of the year to get away for less, with average ticket prices (ATPs) for domestic flights 10% lower than they were during the peak summer months, and international ATPs around 5% cheaper.

For the biggest flight savings, Expedia recommends taking off the week of October 24, when domestic ATPs are nearly 20% cheaper than the summer average, and international ATPs are roughly 15% cheaper.2

Now is the perfect time to lock in a fall escape; on average, the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is around 30 days in advance, while international travel should be booked as early as possible. These are just a few of the destinations where ATPs are currently 20% cheaper or more compared to summer:

• Domestic: Juneau (35% cheaper); Denver (20% cheaper); Chicago (20% cheaper)
• International: Oslo, Norway (40% cheaper); Tokyo, Japan (20% cheaper); Florence, Italy (20% cheaper)

After Labor Day, prices for Vrbo private vacation rentals in top beach destinations fall even though the weather stays warm through much of September and October. Travelers can typically save an average of 25% or more in the Vrbo app during the early fall shoulder season in these popular destinations:3

• Outer Banks, North Carolina; South Padre Island, Texas; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Miramar & Rosemary Beach, Florida; Hilton Head, South Carolina

Travelers ready for a change of pace after spending all summer at the beach are also in luck. Prices for Vrbo vacation homes in trending urban destinations, including Seattle and San Diego, also dip.

When kids go back to school, DINKs — aka couples with double incomes and no kids — are packing their bags. According to Hotels.com, 70% of DINK travelers say they prefer to vacation in the fall when they can fully enjoy hotel amenities and entertainment. This conveniently coincides with a 90% drop in searches for family-friendly stays during September in the Hotels.com app.

• New York City, Paris, London, Las Vegas and San Diego are among the most searched destinations for couples traveling this fall on the Hotels.com app.
• DINK travelers are going big and planning weeklong fall trips this year, on average seven days.
• 70% of DINKs say they don’t have kids because they like having more disposable income for things they enjoy. For almost half (44%), this extra cash goes toward travel, luxurious hotel stays, and eating out.
• Nearly three-in-four couples (73%) believe they go on nicer vacations than their friends with kids.

So, as summer becomes more in the rear view mirror, it looks like those whose schedule permits will take advantage of lower prices, cooler temps, and less packed vacation spots, to enjoy some quality fall getaways.

The post Leaves and Luggage: A Peek into the Upward Trend in Fall Travel Searches appeared first on Positively Osceola.

For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season. Early indications, including growing demand and an increase in airline service and seat capacity, point to a busy summer for MCO, the global gateway to Central Florida.

In anticipation of increased demand for parking during Memorial Day, MCO is planning to open the West Park Place parking lot in support of all other airport garages and lots. West Park Place, located on Tradeport Drive, will open 3,100 additional spaces.

Drivers are encouraged to check www.orlandoairports.net or our social media channels for the latest parking information.

Memorial Day 2023 Travel Projections:

Travel Days Arrivals and Departures Expected Increase over 2022
Thursday, May 25: 161,842 18% increase
Friday, May 26: 167,152 16% increase
Saturday, May 27: 169,659 15% increase
Sunday, May 28: 162,025 17% increase
Monday, May 29: 164,719 17% increase
Tuesday, May 30: 149,320 12% increase
Wednesday, May 31: 151,783 15% increase
TOTAL 1,126,500 16% increase

Quick Summer Travel Tips:

If you lose your driver’s license, other forms of ID can be accepted including: military, tribal, passports and trusted traveler.
Wear slip on shoes and socks are recommended.
Leave your jewelry on during screening.
Remember, anything electronic larger than a cell phone must be placed in its own bin for screening.

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“This past year proved to be a key recovery timeframe for Orlando’s tourism industry, with a lot of pent-up demand from our top U.S. and international markets,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando. “Our new international brand launch and strong commitment to strategic sales and marketing initiatives, combined with our destination’s continuous evolution of new unbelievably real experiences, helped Orlando maintain its leadership position and achieve strong visitation numbers.”

Visit Orlando shared the news as part of National Travel & Tourism Week, the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, to a gathering of more than 900 tourism and community leaders.

The visitation uptick comes off the back of Visit Orlando’s new Unbelievably Real brand launch, first introduced in May 2022 to domestic visitors followed by an international marketing campaign in the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru. The comprehensive campaigns reached 54% of Orlando’s target market households and generated more than $8 billion in additional future direct visitor spending equating to $359 in visitor spending for each dollar of media spent.

In 2022, domestic leisure visitation completely recovered and reached a new record at 61 million, while U.S. business visitation is still in recovery mode:

• United States: 69,141,000 (21% increase year over year)
• Leisure: 61,201,000
• Business: 7,940,000

International visitation recovered to 75% of pre-pandemic, reaching 4.9 million in 2022. Canada, U.K. and Brazil were the top three international origin markets to Orlando.

• Canada: 860,700
• United Kingdom: 809,000
• Brazil: 575,000
• Mexico: 394,000
• Colombia: 287,000

In 2023, Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World, continues to grow with an exciting lineup of new experiences for visitors to enjoy – from a new eco-friendly, high speed rail service connecting Orlando and Miami to theme park experiences including a first-of-its-kind diabolical family attraction inspired by the Minions to the world’s first surf coaster. For more information go to VisitOrlando.com.

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The fourth Walt Disney World theme park was also Disney’s largest, spreading over 500 acres and adding a new draw to Central Florida as a top tourist destination in the world.

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom, like the world itself, will evolve and grow. It’s truly a living thing” Roy E. Disney said at the park’s official dedication ceremony on April 21, 1998.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom combined Walt Disney’s love of animals, both real and imaginary, with exciting attractions, spectacular stage shows and entertaining characters.

True, there were – and are – breathtaking animal encounters, from an African safari adventure to a meandering, mystical trail that leads guests on an exciting search for tigers, to live shows highlighting animal behaviors and beauty – and so much more. But this park was also a way for Disney to inspire people with the spectacular breadth and beauty of nature and animals through the power of entertainment and attractions, including a hysterical 3D journey into the world of insects (It’s Tough to Be a Bug!), a larger-than-life musical celebrating the circle of life (Festival of the Lion King), and encounters with beloved characters.

“At Disney, we believe building a brighter, more sustainable future starts with imagining what’s possible. Through our conservation and sustainability programs, we take tangible actions to inspire change around the globe,” says Dr. Mark Penning, vice president, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks. “I’m proud of our animal care cast members who are the most passionate conservationists I know and who put their hearts into taking care of the animals at Walt Disney World every day.”

Everything in Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes inspiration from nature and the animal world. For example, the park icon – the towering Tree of Life – features 337 sculpted animals in its trunk. Similarly, building architecture, light poles, benches and countless other elements feature animal designs that range from subtle to dramatic. Nowhere else are animals so richly and creatively celebrated.

Over the last 25 years, the park has continually evolved with new attractions, entertainment and even entirely new lands such as Asia and Pandora – The World of Avatar, giving guests new reasons to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom and all of Central Florida again and again.

Expansions introduced new wild adventures that send guests swirling on a whirling white-water raft ride (Kali River Rapids), rocketing on a runaway-train adventure (Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain), diving into another stellar musical stage show (Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!), taking flight on a banshee (Avatar Flight of Passage) and exploring a bioluminescent rainforest (Na’vi River Journey).

More than 5,000 cast members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom continue the park’s mission today, from scientists and animal care experts, to critical frontline cast members who work in operations, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage and guest services. They are among the 75,000 cast members who are the heart of Walt Disney World.

Celebrating the Park’s 25th Anniversary and Earth Day 

In celebration of the park’s milestone anniversary and Earth Day, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy new limited-time sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise and a character sighting. Visitors can dig into tempting treats such as the Colossal Elephant Roll, a jumbo cinnamon bun with banana caramel, milk chocolate crispy pearls, and 25th anniversary logo available at Isle of Java and Kusafiri Bakery on April 22 only; and the 25^th Anniversary Alive with Magic Cupcake Vanilla cake featuring chocolate toffee mousse, chocolate buttercream, white chocolate crispy pearls, and an Alive with Magic 25th anniversary chocolate logo. Taking the magic of the celebration home is easy with commemorative items like the 25^th anniversary mini Loungefly backpack, special pins, shirts, a tumbler and more.

There will be more surprises on April 22 when the park officially turns 25. And, just in time for the festivities, Moana will begin greeting guests at Discovery Island Character Landing for the first time that day.

Helping the Animals It Celebrates

Over the past 25 years, Disney has made significant contributions to the preservation and wellbeing of animals and the environments around us – not only at the theme park, but also around the community, state and globe. Most recently, Disney announced a $500,000 donation to five conservation organizations in Florida to help make a happier, healthier planet possible for all: Conservation Florida, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Lake Nature Center and Wekiva Wilderness Trust.

With each organization receiving $100,000, these grants made a number of projects possible – from expanding land protection initiatives, to ensuring healthy tree canopy coverage in underserved communities, finding solutions to clean drinking water for those in need and funding educational opportunities for youth in our community.

As an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Disney’s Animal Kingdom has also collaborated with other AZA members to help increase populations of endangered and extinct in the wild species, such as the Guam rail and Guam kingfisher birds. Following AZA Species Survival Plans, the park has welcomed a variety of animals from endangered species into the world, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, African elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi to name just a few. In fact, Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center has served as a model kitchen for a number of other AZA-accredited facilities who have adopted many of the nutritional diets developed specifically for the animals here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Today, 45 animals that have been at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since opening day or before still reside at the park.

For more information on how Disney cares for animals and helps protect species in the wild, visit DisneyAnimals.com. And seasons one and two of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” streaming on Disney+, give viewers unprecedented access to some of the most rare and beautiful creatures on the planet and a chance to meet the animal care experts who have formed remarkable bonds with the park’s thousands of animals.

Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/AnimalKingdom for more information about planning their visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

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Brightline also announced that Orlando ticket sales will launch in May for future dates, with one-way fares starting at $79 for SMART and $149 for PREMIUM. SMART fare bundles for families of four will be available for less than $199 one way.

More than 300 invited guests took part in the Brightline Orlando Station reveal, the latest milestone moment for Brightline and transportation in America. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Kevin Thibault joined Brightline CEO Mike Reininger, President Patrick Goddard and Brightline teammates to celebrate the historic occasion. Elected officials, dignitaries and community leaders, including the tourism and hospitality sectors, stepped inside the first intercity passenger rail station of its kind, located in the Orlando International Airport. 

“As a lifelong Central Floridian, it made me proud to see the advancement of our community today as our true multimodal hub becomes a reality and we celebrate the Brightline Orlando Station and soon to come train service to our international airport. This station represents so much more than a new train service, it is a critical connection for our community to jobs and opportunity and further showcases the power of partnerships and what our culture of collaboration here in Central Florida can do to improve the lives of our residents, workers and travelers when we work together,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said after the Brightline reveal.

The 37,350 square foot station is located in Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 sq. ft. Train Station facility adjacent to Terminal C. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces branded for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes. Transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station include Brightline’s first and last-mile service, Brightline+, which will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor.

“When Brightline begins its comfortable rail passenger service at Orlando International Airport, it will improve mobility between two of the state’s bustling regions and Orlando International will be the only airport in the nation with an intercity high-speed passenger rail station. Passengers who arrive or depart from Orlando International will have another option to connect to and from South Florida, bringing to fruition a multimodal vision first embraced in the airport’s original design criteria decades ago. We’re excited to be partners with Brightline for this transformative moment in transportation.” Kevin Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority shared after the Brightline Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport official reveal.

The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening tunnel.

Once through the security tunnel, guests are greeted by an expansive two-story station space, featuring world-class amenities Brightline is known for, including: 

• Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and light bites. The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platforms where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart. 
• Above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, split-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the split-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with sounds reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America. 
• MRKT PLACE is a retail experience with convenient in-station shopping for last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments. 
• Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service includes complimentary meals, snacks and beverages, a dedicated first class lounge, free checked luggage, priority boarding and a dedicated coach.
• Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a BrightKids children’s play area located in the SMART lounge. 

Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevator to first level platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and can accommodate a train with up to 10 coaches and two locomotives. 

Brightline’s Orlando expansion is an essential piece of the boldest, private infrastructure project in the nation, connecting millions of riders between Central and South Florida. Service will begin in Summer 2023 and will include 16 daily round trips with hourly departures between Miami and Orlando. Brightline’s non-stop trains have a run time between Miami and Orlando of two hours and 59 minutes. Regular service from Orlando to Miami will stop at all Brightline stations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura with a run time of three hours and 30 minutes. Additional details of Brightline’s opening schedule include: 

Weekdays 

• Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5:00 a.m. until 8:50 p.m. ● First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m. 
• Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando starting at 6:50 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. ● First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 10:15 a.m. 

Weekends 

• Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5:00 a.m. until 8:50 p.m. ● First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m.
• Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando starting at 5:45 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. ● First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 9:15 a.m. 

Additional dedicated trains will continue to serve commuters and the South Florida region between Miami and West Palm Beach with early morning departures at 5:00 a.m. from West Palm Beach and late night departures until 12:45 a.m. out of Miami. 

Earlier this year, Brightline made history as the fastest train in the Southeast, reaching speeds of 130 mph and unveiled the most advanced train maintenance facility in the country, Basecamp. Brightline Orlando Station is located at 10705 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. South, Orlando FL 32827. For more information on Brightline Orlando, visit www.gobrightline.com/Orlando. 

Today’s milestone is the last piece of transformative infrastructure that is now complete as we ready ourselves for the start of the service we have been building for a decade. This station will be a gateway for visitors and travelers throughout Florida, but beyond that, it is indicative of how we set out to transform travel in a way that hasn’t been done in more than a century. We’re proud to start this journey in Florida and rejuvenated in our belief that the time is now to accomplish this in other parts of the country,” Mike Reininger, CEO of Brightline said. 

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During his remarks, Mr. Freeman emphasized the crucial role that international visitors play in the growth and success of the travel and tourism industry. He expressed his commitment to working with the U.S. State Department to reduce visa wait times from American consulates in Latin America and Asia and to end the vaccine mandate for international visitors.

“International visitors play a vital role in our economy, and it is our responsibility to make sure that their experience in the U.S. is as seamless and enjoyable as possible,” said Geoff Freeman. “We are working with our partners in government to eliminate the barriers that prevent international visitors from coming to the U.S. and to ensure that their experience here is safe and memorable.”

The U.S. Travel Association promotes travel and tourism as a means of economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. By reducing visa wait times and ending the vaccine mandate, the association is working to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for international visitors.

“In Osceola County, Florida, we understand the economic impact that international visitors have on our growing communities. We will continue to work with local and national partners to lessen the barrier of entry welcoming global visitors with more ease,” expressed DT Minich, President & CEO of Experience Kissimmee.

Experience Kissimmee and Visit Orlando are proud to partner with the U.S. Travel Association in its efforts to promote travel and tourism and support the industry’s growth and success.

Experience Kissimmee is the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida.

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The busiest travel day this holiday season is predicted to be Monday, January 2, 2023 when more than 162,000 travelers will arrive and depart MCO. The least busy is expected to be Christmas Day with just over 136,000 passengers. Of the 19 days, 15 show a double-digit percentage increase over last year with only December 25 showing a one percent decrease.

Holiday Travel Tips

• Arrive at least three hours before your flight to allow for added parking, ticketing and security screening times.
• Parking could be a challenge. Consider being dropped off and picked up on the curb. When picking up arriving passengers, MCO staff encourages using the airport’s cell phone waiting lots. Travelers should call for pick-up once they have retrieved all of their bags.
• Be prepared for extended waiting periods at any stage along your journey.
• Weapons are prohibited in carry-on bags. Firearms are allowed in checked baggage but must be unloaded and secured in a hard case.
• Do not wrap presents going through security. They may be subject to inspection.
• After going through screening, do not forget to retrieve your personal items. Every holiday season thousands of watches and other items are left at TSA checkpoints.
• Consider signing up for the complimentary MCO Reserve checkpoint reservation program, which allows travelers to select a screening time to avoid possible lines at the security checkpoints.
• Take advantage of digital tools for travel assistance. MCO’s website orlandoairports.net, the MCO app and the TSA website offer updated information and tips for optimizing the holiday travel experience.

As a fun reminder of important travel and packing tips, the MCO Social Media department put together several videos with a seasonal flair. Use the download link below to access the three versions of the video for your unrestricted use. https://we.tl/t-Sd4XJO1IAe

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is managed by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. In 2021 MCO ranked 7th in the world serving more than 45 million passengers annually.

SOURCE: Positively Osceola

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