Exploring Mco Airport: Activities And Attractions

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a great place to spend a long layover, with plenty of options to keep you entertained. The airport boasts over 50 eateries, ranging from fast-food outlets to sit-down restaurants, and over 60 shops to explore. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, there are lounges and spa services available, as well as art exhibits to discover. For those with longer layovers, downtown Orlando and its theme parks are accessible by public transport or taxi, but be sure to allow plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security.

Eat at one of over 50 eateries, including fast-food, sit-down restaurants, and cafes

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a great place to eat, with over 50 eateries catering to all tastes and preferences. If you're in a hurry, grab a quick bite at one of the many fast-food joints, such as Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, or Dunkin' Donuts. For coffee lovers, there's also Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, both open 24 hours in the main terminal. If you're after something more substantial, sit down at chains like Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, or Outback Steakhouse. Hyatt's restaurant, Hemispheres, offers excellent runway views, while Cask & Larder provides a unique farm-to-table dining experience.

For those with a sweet tooth, Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, and Cold Stone Creamery are sure to satisfy your cravings. If you're craving a more indulgent dessert, try the shakes and floats at Shake Shack. MCO also has a variety of casual cafes, perfect for a relaxing meal. If you're staying overnight, there's no need to worry as some eateries are open 24 hours.

In addition to the wide variety of dining options, MCO also boasts a range of shops and lounges. Two lounges are open to all travellers, offering food, drinks, WiFi, shower facilities, and a comfortable resting area. The airport also has over 60 shops, including convenience stores, Duty-Free areas, and stores selling books, technology, perfumes, and more.

Relax in one of the two lounges open to all travellers

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a great place to relax and unwind before your flight. If you're looking for a quiet and comfortable space to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, consider visiting one of the two lounges open to all travellers, regardless of your airline or flight class.

These lounges offer a range of amenities to enhance your airport experience. For a fee, you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks, take a refreshing shower, connect to the Wi-Fi, and even catch up on some sleep in a designated rest area. If you're an economy class traveller, you can pre-book your visit online or use a lounge membership program to gain entry.

Lounges can be a great way to pass the time during long layovers, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment. Put your feet up, grab a bite to eat, and take advantage of the facilities on offer. With comfortable seating, you can unwind and recharge before your next flight.

In addition to the lounges, MCO also boasts a wide variety of dining and shopping options, as well as permanent and rotating art exhibits. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are over 50 eateries to choose from, including well-known chains and casual cafes. For those with more time, sit-down restaurants like Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, and Outback Steakhouse are available. And don't forget to check out the airport's shops, including popular brands and local favourites like Universal, Seaworld, Disney, and NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Shop at over 60 stores, including well-known airport shops and local brands

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a great place for travellers to indulge in some retail therapy, with over 60 shops to choose from. The airport offers a mix of well-known airport shops and local brands, ensuring that everyone can find something to suit their needs.

For those looking for convenience, MCO has a variety of airport staples such as convenience shops, duty-free areas, and stores selling books, technology, perfumes, and sunglasses. These shops include popular brands like Hudson News & Gifts, InMotion, and Orlando Market. While some travellers have noted inconsistent service and high prices in these stores, they are still convenient options for last-minute items or gifts.

In addition to the typical airport offerings, MCO also features several trendy boutique brands and local shops. For those looking to immerse themselves in the magic of Orlando, shops like Magic of Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and NASA's Johnson Space Center offer a range of themed souvenirs and gifts. These shops are perfect for those who want a taste of the local flavour and a break from the typical airport shopping experience.

For travellers seeking a more upscale experience, MCO also houses international brands such as Oakley, known for its eyewear, apparel, and sunglasses, and Swarovski, renowned for its sparkling crystal creations. These brands offer a more luxurious shopping option for those looking to treat themselves or find a special gift.

With such a diverse range of shopping options, travellers are sure to find something to suit their tastes and budgets at MCO Airport. Whether you're looking for convenience, unique souvenirs, or a touch of luxury, the airport's 60+ stores have something for everyone.

Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, facial, or massage at one of the airport spas

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a great place to treat yourself to some pampering. The airport is home to two spas, XpresSpa and Spa Terminal Getaway, which offer a range of salon and spa services to help you relax and unwind during your layover.

XpresSpa, located in Terminal A, Airside 1, near Gates 1-29, offers manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. It is the perfect place to freshen up before your flight. You can walk in or book an appointment in advance.

Spa Terminal Getaway, located in Terminal A and serving Gates 100-129, also offers a range of services, including manicures, pedicures, and massages. The spa has received excellent reviews, with many praising the skill and professionalism of the staff, especially a therapist named Leslie, who has been described as having "healing hands."

Both spas offer convenient and comfortable services, making them the perfect way to spend time while waiting for your flight. Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, or massage, and you'll be sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated for your journey.

In addition to the spas, MCO Airport also has various lounges, art exhibits, and dining and shopping options to keep you entertained during your layover.

Explore the airport's art exhibits

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been credited with having one of the nation's most active art programs. The airport has a gallery and new art experience to help honour it. Gallery MCO is a former retail space transformed to accommodate short exhibits, and the commissioned 'Space, Time and Energy' has undergone a restoration and relocation, inviting a new audience to discover its story. The airport also offers permanent and rotating art exhibits.

The artwork at MCO is so unique and expansive that the airport has trademarked the whole show—The Orlando Experience®. They feel that all their artwork delivers an integral cultural statement that worldly Orlando visitors will appreciate.

The MCO website details works by terminal, as well as outside, to make your search easy. Start with what's underfoot with four themed epoxy terrazzo floors designed by Scott Parsons, called Gardens — Space, Wellness, Tech and Fun. There's also "Whaling Wall #10" by Robert Wyland, the famous sea life conservation muralist known for his giant ocean creatures; this time, it's manatees. But perhaps the most eye-stopping display might be the life-sized "The Traveler" in Terminal A. It looks too real and familiar.

Another new art experience not to be missed is the relocation of 'Space, Time and Energy' by American painter Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000). The historically significant nine-panel enamel-on-steel was created as an original commission for Orlando International Airport in 1988. It has been moved from the Main Terminal A-side to the Train Station. This new location allows the observer to interpret the large-scale work in a different way.

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