Exploring Orlando Airport: Things To Do And See

Orlando Airport is a bustling hub, full of things to do and see, and with great transport links to the surrounding area. The airport itself has plenty of shops, restaurants and art exhibitions to keep you entertained. If you're looking to explore further afield, there are numerous attractions within a 30-minute drive of the airport, including Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Orlando Museum of Art, Nona Adventure Park, and Discovery Cove.

Eat at one of over 50 eateries, including Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Outback Steakhouse, and more

Orlando International Airport is a foodie's paradise, with over 50 eateries catering to every taste and preference. Whether you're craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the airport has something for everyone.

For those on the go, to-go options like Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dunkin' Donuts, delis, bakeries, and casual cafes are readily available. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, chains like Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, and Outback Steakhouse offer a more relaxed dining experience.

For travellers seeking a unique culinary journey, the Hyatt's restaurant, Hemispheres, provides excellent runway views, while Cask & Larder serves up a farm-to-table experience—a rare treat for any airport!

If you're craving Italian, Famous Famiglia at Gate 20 offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, and salads. Urban Crave at Gate 3 takes you on a street food journey with dishes from around the world. On The Border satisfies your Mexican food cravings with tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. La Madeleine, a French bistro, delights with pastries and coffee.

For healthier options, Green Leaf's & Bananas at Gate 110 offers salads, smoothies, and frozen yogurt. Freshëns provides another nutritious choice with their selection of salads, smoothies, and yogurt.

With such a diverse range of dining options, Orlando International Airport ensures that your taste buds take a delightful journey while you wait for your flight.

Relax in one of two lounges open to all travellers

Orlando International Airport has two lounges open to all travellers, regardless of their airline or flight class. These lounges offer a great opportunity to relax and unwind before your flight. Here's some detailed information about them:

The Club at MCO Lounges

The Club at MCO has two lounges located in Terminal A and Terminal B of the airport. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi. The Terminal B lounge also has a children's area and shower facilities. Access to these lounges can be purchased through a day pass or by using Priority Pass benefits. The day pass costs $50 and can be bought from The Club's website. Priority Pass membership is included with many travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Plaza Premium Lounge

The Plaza Premium Lounge is located in Terminal C, on the second floor overlooking Palm Court. This lounge offers complimentary draft beer, food, and Wi-Fi. It also has "luxury washrooms with spa-like shower facilities". Access to the lounge can be purchased through a day pass from the Plaza Premium website or by holding eligible American Express or Capital One credit cards. The day pass price may vary depending on the number of people and the duration of your stay.

Shop at over 60 stores, including Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld

Orlando International Airport is a shopper's paradise, with over 60 stores to explore. And the best part? You don't even have to venture far from the airport to find them!

For those looking to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or treats, the airport has a fantastic selection of shops, including well-known brands and local favourites. Among the array of stores, you'll discover convenient options like convenience shops and Duty-Free areas, perfect for grabbing any travel essentials or tax-free goodies.

But that's not all. Orlando International Airport also boasts a range of trendy boutique brands, offering unique finds and memorable gifts. And for those eager to immerse themselves in the magic of Orlando, you'll be delighted to find shops representing iconic attractions like Universal, SeaWorld, and Disney. Whether you're a theme park enthusiast or simply looking for a memento of your trip, these shops are sure to add a touch of excitement to your layover.

With so many options, you can easily spend your time window shopping or indulging in some well-deserved retail therapy. The airport shops are known for their reasonable prices, so you can explore a variety of options without breaking the bank.

So, whether you're in the market for a new book to read on your flight, some technology to keep you entertained, or a special perfume to remind you of your travels, Orlando International Airport has you covered. Happy shopping!

Treat yourself to a spa treatment at Terminal Gateway Spa or XpresSpa

Orlando Airport is a great place to treat yourself to a spa treatment. The airport is home to two spas: Terminal Gateway Spa and XpresSpa. Both spas offer salon services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, and various massage options.

XpresSpa is located in Terminal A, Concourse 1, and is open daily from 7:00 to 21:00. The spa offers a range of services, including luxurious massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing services. You can also take advantage of their Zero-Gravity Massage Chair for 25 minutes if you are a Priority Pass cardholder.

Terminal Gateway Spa is another great option for travellers looking to relax and unwind. While their exact location and opening hours are unclear, they offer similar services to XpresSpa, including manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages.

Whether you have a long layover or just want to treat yourself before your flight, the spas at Orlando Airport are a great way to indulge and pamper yourself. Treatments can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as you like, so you can fit in some relaxation time even if you're short on time.

So, if you're looking for a way to pass the time at Orlando Airport, why not treat yourself to a spa treatment? You can relax and unwind while you wait for your flight, ensuring you feel refreshed and rejuvenated when you board your plane.

Explore the range of permanent and rotating art exhibits

Orlando International Airport offers a range of permanent and rotating art exhibits to keep you entertained during your layover.

One of the permanent exhibits is "Traveler" by Duane Hanson, a detailed and lifelike sculpture of a tired traveller. Hanson's work often focused on depicting the familiar and ordinary in uncommon ways, and this piece is no exception. The sculpture is so lifelike that it's now housed in a protective box, as many people touched it to check if it was real. The 250-pound figure wears blue running shorts and a pink mesh top, with its head supported on its right hand and arm, propped on two flight bags. The hair is made from real human hair, and the clothes are too, but the body is made from bronze and painted with flesh-toned acrylic. You can find this intriguing piece near the Starbucks on the third level beneath Champ's Plaza.

In addition to permanent exhibits, the airport also showcases rotating displays. These exhibits change periodically, so there's always something new to discover. Keep an eye out for these rotating exhibits as you explore the airport, and you might just spot a hidden gem.

The airport's art exhibits provide a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Florida's thriving art economy and experience a taste of local culture during your layover. So, whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something to do, be sure to explore the range of permanent and rotating art exhibits that Orlando International Airport has to offer.

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