Super Mario, Harry Potter: Universal and Magnificent Interior
Universal Fans has a new world that is completely immersed in as the epic universe is revealed in its five unique worlds ahead of its official opening.
- Orlando and Miami are one of the top 10 most popular destinations for anniversary trips.
- Florida theme parks, including the newly opened Universal Epic Universe, are expected to be extremely crowded.
- Drought continues in Florida, but Memorial Day weekend weather forecasts in Orlando and Tampa predict hot and sunny conditions.
Memorial Day weekend is on the horizon. This means an unofficial start to the summer season. Why not spend time with Mickey Mouse, Harry Potter, or sea creatures?
The federal public holiday is the memory and anniversary of the soldiers who landed on May 26th this year and lost their lives in service. Many Americans travel on a three-day weekend, especially to theme parks in Florida.
The AAA predicts that 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from their homes from Thursday, May 22nd to Monday, May 26th. The organization said domestic travel forecasts this year will increase 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, setting a new anniversary weekend record.
As you’re looking to spend a 3-day weekend at a theme park in Disney World, Universal Orlando, or Florida, here’s what you need to know about your trip and what the weather forecast will look like.
What are your top Memorial Day weekend destinations? Orlando ranks highly
Orlando ranked number one on the list of AAAs for the most popular Memorial Day Weekend destinations in the United States in 2025. This list is based on AAA booking data for trips from Thursday, May 22nd to Monday, May 26th.
This is a list of the top 10 AAAs for the most popular Memorial Day weekend in the United States this year.
- Orlando
- Seattle
- New York City
- Las Vegas
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Chicago
- Denver
- Boston
Where are the main theme parks in Florida?
Before you go on a road trip, check where you’re going. Below are the official addresses of each of Florida’s top theme parks, from Orlando to Tampa.
Walt Disney World
- Magic Kingdom-1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
- EPCOT -200 EPCOT Center Drive. Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32821
- Hollywood Studios-351 South Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
- Animal Kingdom-2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Universal Orlando Resort
- Universal Studios and Universal Adventure Island – 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
- Universal’s magnificent universe -1001 Epic Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
Sea World Orlando – 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
LEGOLAND FLORIDA – 1 LEGO Land Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Bush Gardens Tampa Bay – 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
How busy will Florida theme parks be on anniversary?
Florida theme parks will be very busy, not just on holiday weekends.
Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, the magnificent Universe, will be open to the public a few days before the anniversary on Thursday, May 22nd. The new park features a large crowd in the first few months (or years) and immerse guests in five new worlds, experiencing and exploring.
Theme Park Travel Blog always highlights how the park is packed over holiday weekends. Memorial Day weekends are listed during the busiest times that are commonly visited.
How old is this weekend?
Driving should be avoided on Thursday and Friday evenings, according to the 2025 AAA Memorial Day weekend trip outlook. Also, if you plan to go home on a Sunday, the earlier the better.
According to AAA and INRIX, the best and worst times to travel by car on this anniversary weekend are:
- Best time to travel:
- Thursday, May 22nd – until noon
- Friday, May 23rd – Before 11am
- Saturday, May 24th – until noon
- Sunday, May 25th – Before 1pm
- Memorial Day Monday, May 26th – Before 2pm
- Worst time to travel:
- May 22nd to 1pm 9pm to 9pm
- Friday, May 23rd – noon to 8pm
- From Saturday, May 24th to 2nd, 6pm to 6pm
- May 25th to 1pm 6pm to 6pm
- Anniversary May 26th-4th Monday, 7pm to 7pm
What is the weather forecast for Florida?
As of May 12th, Memorial Day weekend weather forecasts are still changing and are not yet 100% clear.
According to NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System, drought conditions currently affect 84% of the state, ranging from unusually dry to extreme droughts. Until then, many areas will be showered with rain, but Memorial Day weekends look hot and dry.
Here’s what the forecast looks like for Orlando and Tampa, where the state theme parks are housed, according to Accuweather.
- Friday: Shower at a morning spot. Otherwise, most of it is sunny. Highest of 89, low of 71.
- Saturday:sunlight. Highest of 88, low of 72.
- Sunday: Wonderful sunlight. The highest price is 89, and the lowest price is 70.
- anniversary: The sun gives way to the increase in clouds. The highest price is 91, and the lowest price is 73.
- Friday: Almost sunny. The highest price is 93, and the lowest price is 73.
- Saturday: Lots of sun. The highest price is 90, and the lowest price is 72.
- Sunday: Lots of sun. The highest price is 91, and the lowest price is 73.
- anniversary: It’s actually cloudy and humid. The highest price is 91, and the lowest price is 74.
Contributor: Cheryl McLeod, USA Today Network-Florida
