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Orlando Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving 39 different airlines. With over 50 eateries and 60 shops, travellers can find a variety of things to eat and buy. The airport also has an official app that provides helpful information, and there are interactive kiosks with the same information for those who don't have the app. If you're looking to pass the time during a layover, Orlando Airport offers plenty of options for dining and shopping. However, if you have a long layover of 7 hours or more, you may want to explore downtown Orlando, which offers attractions such as the Harry P. Leu Garden, the Orlando Museum of Art, and the Orlando Science Center.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of shops | More than 60 |
| Types of shops | Convenience shops, Duty-Free areas, stores selling books, technology, perfumes, sunglasses, Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, NASA, and Harley Orlando souvenirs |
| Other services | Terminal Gateway Spa and XpresSpa offer salon services like manicures, pedicures, facials, and various massage options |
| Number of eateries | More than 50 |
| Eateries | Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, delis, bakeries, casual cafes, Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, Outback Steakhouse, Moe's Southwest Grill, McDonald's, Starbucks, City Pub, Wendy's, Nathan's, Cibo Express, Cask & Larder, Hemispheres |
| Lounges | Two lounges are open to any traveller, no matter the airline or flight class. Economy class travellers can pay to enter and take advantage of food, drinks, WiFi, shower facilities, and a designated rest area |
| Hotels | Hyatt Regency, with day rooms available. Several hotels are within a 5-minute drive of the airport, with free shuttle pick-up and drop-off |
| Transport | Rent a car. A high-traffic airport like Orlando will often run out of cars later in the day, so be sure to make your rental reservation in advance |
| Monorail | Available to take you to your gate |
| App | Orlando Airport has an official app—available for Android or Apple—that can be a smart choice for frequent flyers or anyone who likes extra guidance |
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What You'll Learn
Where to eat
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has more than 170 shops and restaurants to choose from. The airport offers a dining selection that ranges from quick options to local and international dishes, catering to the needs and preferences of travelers.
If you're looking for something fast and inexpensive, you can find well-known fast-food chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King in the Main Terminal Food Court. Moe's Southwest Grill, also in the Main Terminal, is a great option for Tex-Mex lovers. If you're looking for international cuisine, Panda Express serves classic Chinese dishes, while Romano's Macaroni Grill offers Italian fare. For local flavors, Cask & Larder specializes in craft beers and Southern cuisine, and Bahama Breeze is known for its fresh fish tacos.
There are also several options outside of the main terminal. The attached Hyatt Regency hotel has three restaurants, and the new City Pub in the West Hall offers local beer and tasty food in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere.
Once you're past security, you'll find even more dining options, including Chipotle, Cibo Express, Wendy's, Nathan's, and Outback Steakhouse. If you're looking for something more upscale, Cask & Larder brings a farm-to-table sensibility to the airport.
Some specific dining options near the gates include Farmair Restaurant/Bar (Gates 100-109 / 120-129), Green Leaf's (Gates 100-129), Jersey Mike's (Gates 100-129), and Starbucks (Level 2 A-Side, Level 1 B-Side, East Hall, and Gates 100-129).
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Where to shop
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has more than 170 shops and restaurants. The airport has all the standard shops you would expect, including convenience stores, duty-free areas, and shops selling books, technology, perfumes, and sunglasses. There are also a few trendy boutique brands, though most shops are reasonably priced. You can find shops selling souvenirs related to Universal, Seaworld, Disney, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. If you're looking for some last-minute pampering, there are salons offering manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages.
If you have a long layover and want to explore outside the airport, there are some shopping plazas nearby. The Florida Mall is about a 15-minute drive from the airport. Downtown Orlando is also an option if you have a layover of at least 7 hours. There, you can visit Church Street for dining and shopping, stroll through the Harry P. Leu Garden, check out the Orlando Museum of Art, or explore the interactive Orlando Science Center.
If you don't want to leave the airport, you can still find plenty of shopping options. The new Terminal C is supposed to be high-tech and worth exploring. The airport also has an official app that can help you find your way around and locate the shops and restaurants that are near your gate.
If you're looking for specific shops, Orlando International Airport has a variety of options, including:
- Disney: Pick up any last-minute Mickey Mouse souvenirs or Harry Potter shirts before your flight.
- Universal Studios: Find cool items and souvenirs, including Harley Orlando merchandise.
- SeaWorld: A good option for last-minute gifts.
- Ron Jon: A smaller shop with classic items that are reportedly cheaper than the bigger store at the Florida Mall.
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Where to stay
Orlando International Airport is surrounded by a variety of accommodation options, ranging from well-known hotel chains to apartment-style suites. Here are some recommendations on where to stay near the airport:
Hotels
- Hyatt House Orlando Airport: This hotel is located minutes away from the airport and offers luxury accommodations with a friendly and competent staff.
- Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport: Features clean rooms, a pleasant lobby, and helpful staff who are willing to answer any questions.
- Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside: Guests at this hotel often praise the welcoming staff and convenient location near the airport and various restaurants and stores.
- Holiday Inn: Located right across the street from Terminal 3, this hotel offers convenient access to the airport terminal.
- Renaissance: This hotel near the airport is described as having a bit of charm, and it also offers Marriott rewards points for frequent travellers.
- Residence Inn: The rooms here are spacious and comfortable, resembling little apartments.
- Embassy Suites: Located just north of the airport on T G Lee Boulevard, this hotel provides easy access to the airport and other local attractions.
Extended-Stay Suites
Staybridge Suites Orlando International Airport: This suite hotel offers apartment-style living, making it ideal for extended stays. They provide a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, a local area shuttle service, and easy access to various Orlando attractions.
Affordable Lodging
Amerisuites: This affordable option typically costs between $80 and $100 per night, with each room featuring a mini-kitchenette, a fridge, a coffee maker, and a small living area. They also offer a breakfast buffet, complimentary coffee, and evening snacks.
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What to do with a long layover
Orlando Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, so it's a good idea to arrive early for your flight. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do if you have a long layover.
Eat
Orlando Airport has over 50 eateries, so you're sure to find something to suit your taste. For a quick bite, try Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, or a deli, bakery, or cafe. If you want to sit down for a meal, you can choose from chains like Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, and Outback Steakhouse. The Hyatt’s restaurant Hemispheres offers excellent runway views, and Cask & Larder provides a farm-to-table experience.
Shop
Orlando Airport has over 60 shops, including airport staples like convenience stores, Duty-Free areas, and stores selling books, technology, perfumes, and sunglasses. You'll also find trendy boutique brands and shops from Universal, Seaworld, Disney, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Relax
If you want to freshen up during your layover, head to Terminal Gateway Spa or XpresSpa for salon services like manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages.
Explore the airport
Orlando Airport offers a range of permanent and rotating art exhibits, so see how many you can spot during your layover. Aviation enthusiasts might also enjoy the B-52 Memorial Park, which features a retired B-52D Stratofortress.
Leave the airport
If you have a long layover, you might want to leave the airport to explore the area. Travel experts recommend that you don't leave the airport if your layover is less than five to six hours. If you have a shorter layover, you can take a taxi to Three Points Bowling, which is just a 10-minute ride from the airport.
If your layover is at least seven hours, you can explore downtown Orlando. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Science Center, Lake Eola, or the cafes of the Thornton Park neighbourhood. If you have a longer layover, you might be able to visit a nearby theme park, but be sure to plan ahead as tickets often sell out in advance.
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How to get around
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving 39 airlines with both domestic and international destinations. The airport is large but easy to navigate, with two terminals, A and B. It is located about 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and the city's major attractions.
Orlando has several public transportation options, and many of its roads were built around major attractions, making it easy to get to them. However, due to the high number of tourists during the peak travel season and year-round expansion construction, you may experience traffic delays.
- Rent a car: This is the most convenient option, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as many of the city's top spots are spread out and would require multiple transfers on public transportation. Keep some cash on hand for tolls, and consider bringing a map, as free maps provided by attractions may not be reliable.
- Public transportation: Orlando has a comprehensive bus system called LYNX, which has been in operation since the 1970s and covers about 80 routes in the city and its suburbs. A one-way trip costs $2 for adults, with discounts for youth and seniors, and children 6 and under ride free. Day and week passes are also available. LYMMO is a free downtown circulator bus service that operates within the immediate downtown Orlando area. Additionally, the SunRail train system is another option, with stations in Downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford.
- Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis are readily available at major attractions and most hotels, but renting a car or using ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber may be more cost-effective, especially if you're travelling to multiple locations.
- Walking and biking: Downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford are all walkable areas. Additionally, Orlando offers bike rental services, and the city's website provides guides on bike lanes and trails. LYNX and SunRail also accommodate cyclists with bike racks.
- Hotel shuttles: Many hotels offer low-cost or free shuttles to nearby attractions, which can help you save on parking fees.
- Train: If you're coming from outside of Florida, you can take the Amtrak train to one of four stations in Orlando. The Silver Meteor Train and the Silver Star Train run from New York City to Miami, with tickets starting at $100 for a one-way coach ticket. Brightline is another high-speed rail option that offers carbon-neutral travel between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
- Bus: Greyhound and Megabus are among the bus services that provide routes to and through Orlando.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando Airport has over 50 eateries, including Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, and casual cafes. There are also several shops, including convenience shops, Duty-Free areas, and stores selling books, technology, perfumes, and sunglasses.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight to account for the long security lines.
There is not much near the airport besides some shopping plazas. Downtown Orlando is about a 15-minute drive from the airport and is a good option if you have a layover of at least seven hours.
Yes, there are several hotels within a 5-minute drive of the airport, with free shuttle pick-up and drop-off. The Hyatt Regency is located right in the center of the airport and offers day rooms.
Orlando Airport has more than 60 shops, including Universal, Seaworld, Disney, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
