ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport authorities anticipate close to a million travelers during the six-day Memorial Day holiday, influenced largely by the launch of Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe.

“Dark Universe. Monsters! I think we’re probably going bankrupt on the merch there,” Tyler Hansen, who was traveling to Orlando, said.

Hansen and his family were using their Memorial Day weekend to visit Epic Universe and go on a Disney Cruise. 

“This is the week that falls between school getting out and the summer starting up, so it just made perfect sense,” he added.

Something not so epic – several flights were delayed Sunday evening due to a ground stop that lasted nearly three hours because of storms.

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“We’re hoping everything goes smoothly and that we get home on schedule,” shared Na’Zai and his mother, Na’Zirah Armstrong, who are headed back to St. Croix.

According to AAA, Orlando tops the list for U.S. destinations this weekend. Officials predict a 2% rise in passenger numbers compared to the previous year. 

The organization reports that 2.6 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day period, many by car. 

This is why several travelers planned ahead to beat traffic on the roadways. 

“Seems to be a lifesaver for us not worrying about Uber, lifts, cabs, or what have you, but also checking out the Hyatt Regency here seems like a no-brainer,” Hansen added.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recommends arriving three hours before your scheduled departure flight time.