Roberta Aguirre
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the seventh busiest airport in the US, serving over 57 million passengers annually. With such a high volume of travellers passing through its terminals, it can be difficult to coordinate a meeting point. The airport's layout is simple, with the main terminal split into two sides: A and B, and a separate Terminal C. The best places to meet people inside the airport include the food court, the atrium outside the Hyatt, the lobby area outside the security checkpoint, and the central Christmas tree by the Hyatt. If you are collecting passengers from the airport, it is recommended to meet them inside, in the food court, before they claim their luggage on level 2. If you are looking for things to do during a layover, the airport itself has many shops and restaurants to explore, especially in Terminal C. However, if you have more time, there are several attractions within a 15-30 minute drive from the airport, including ICON Park, Café Tu Tu Tango, and the Florida Mall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Orlando International Airport |
| Airport Code | MCO |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Terminal Names | North Terminal Complex, Terminal C |
| Main Terminal Sides | A and B |
| Number of Floors | 3 |
| Location of Airline Ticketing | Level 3 |
| Location of Baggage Claim | Levels 2 and 3 |
| Location of Ground Transportation | Level 1 |
| Meeting Places | Food Court, Hyatt Atrium, Lobby Area outside Security Checkpoint, Central Food Court, Christmas Tree by Hyatt, Main Terminal |
| Nearby Attractions | ICON Park, Orlando Eye, Café Tu Tu Tango, Florida Mall |
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What You'll Learn
Meet in the food court
Meeting someone at Orlando International Airport (MCO)? The food court is a great place to meet up. It's a central location that's easy to find, and there are plenty of dining options to suit everyone's tastes. Plus, with seating available, it's a comfortable place to wait.
The food court at MCO is located in the middle of the airport, like the 50-yard line of an American football field. This central location makes it a convenient spot to gather, especially if you're coming from different directions or terminals. The airport itself is quite large, so having a central meeting point is ideal.
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes in and around the food court, ensuring that everyone can find something to their liking. If you're just looking for a quick bite or a beverage, you can choose from options like Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or Auntie Anne's. For those seeking a more substantial meal, there are sit-down restaurants nearby, such as Cask & Larder, which offers craft beers and Southern cuisine, or Romano's Macaroni Grill for Italian fare.
The food court offers a comfortable waiting area with seating, so you can relax while you wait for your travel companions to arrive. This is especially convenient if there's a delay or if someone is held up in security or baggage claim. You can grab a snack or a drink and make yourself comfortable until the rest of your party arrives.
Additionally, the food court is typically a lively and vibrant place, making it a pleasant atmosphere to meet and greet. With travellers coming and going, it's a hub of activity and a great spot to people-watch while you wait. So, whether you're meeting friends, family, or business associates, the food court at Orlando International Airport is a convenient, accessible, and enjoyable place to gather.
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Near the Hyatt atrium
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is centrally located in the middle of the concourse, with easy access to airport security checkpoints. The atrium outside the Hyatt is a good place to meet people as it is a recognisable location. The hotel itself also has good signage, so it should be easy to find. The lobby area outside the security checkpoint and the central food court are also good options. If you want to meet inside the Hyatt, the bar or the "up" escalator going to the hotel are good spots. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness centre, a rooftop pool, and a restaurant with runway views.
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By the fountain
Meeting by the fountain is a great idea and a good, recognisable location at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The airport is the busiest in Florida and the seventh busiest in the US, serving over 57 million passengers annually, so it's important to have a clear meeting place.
The airport has two terminals: the North Terminal Complex and Terminal C, which is found to the south. The main terminal is split into two sides, A and B, for airline ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation, and parking. The facilities span three floors, with airline ticketing on level 3, baggage claim on levels 2 and 3, and ground transportation on level 1.
The fountain is located in the food court, which is in the centre of the terminal, between the A and B sides. It's easy to find, with elevators in the middle of the baggage claim floor that take you right up to the third floor. The food court is a good place to meet as it has plenty of seating and a wide-open space to spot your companions. There are also dining options, so you can sit down, have a coffee, and wait comfortably.
If you are collecting friends or family from the airport, it may be easier to meet them inside, especially if they are arriving on an international flight and may not have a US SIM card for their phones. You can park your car and meet them at the food court, or by the Christmas tree in the B side main area, before they claim their luggage.
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In the lobby area
If you're looking for a convenient spot to meet someone inside Orlando International Airport (MCO), the lobby area outside the security checkpoint is a good option. This is especially true if your party will be arriving from or departing to different ends of the airport. The lobby is a central location that can be easily accessed from both sides of the airport.
The airport's layout can be thought of like an American football field, with the two sidelines representing the different airline gates and the food court at the 50-yard line. The lobby area is located near this central food court, making it a convenient spot to wait for your travel companions. There is seating available in the food court, so you can sit down, have a coffee, and wait comfortably.
If you're arriving at different times, the person who arrives first can pick up their bags from baggage claim and then meet the other person in the lobby area. This way, you don't have to worry about finding each other in the crowded baggage claim area. The elevators to the baggage claim floor are a bit hidden, so you may need to ask someone for directions if you're not sure where to go.
Additionally, if you're looking for a more relaxed and quiet environment, there are several airport lounges located near the lobby area that you can access. The Plaza Premium Lounge, for example, is open to all travellers and can be accessed with a day pass or certain credit cards. If you have elite status with certain airlines or the right memberships, you can also access lounges like the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, or United Club, which offer complimentary refreshments and snacks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
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At the Christmas tree
If you're looking for a convenient spot to meet someone at Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Christmas tree by the Hyatt in the B side main area could be the perfect location. Here are some reasons why meeting "at the Christmas tree" could be an excellent choice:
Easy to Find
The Christmas tree is located in a recognisable area, making it simple for both parties to find. The Hyatt atrium is a distinct landmark, and by following signs or asking for directions, anyone can easily navigate to the B side main area. This spot is also conveniently located near the baggage claim and most other airport facilities, so you won't have to wander too far into the secured area.
Comfortable Waiting
The atrium is an ideal place to wait, offering ample seating options. Whether you arrive first or are waiting for someone, you can relax in the comfortable lobby area. The Christmas tree itself provides a festive and welcoming atmosphere, making the wait more enjoyable.
Centrally Located
The Hyatt atrium and the nearby food court are centrally located within the airport. This makes them ideal meeting spots, especially if you or the person you're meeting is transferring between terminals or arriving from a different area of the airport. The central location reduces the time needed to travel between different parts of the airport.
Accessibility
The Christmas tree meeting spot is easily accessible for all travellers, regardless of their mode of transportation. Those arriving by car can park nearby and quickly reach the atrium, while those using public transportation or arriving by airport shuttle can also conveniently access this area.
Pre/Post-Security Convenience
Meeting at the Christmas tree can be advantageous depending on the circumstances of your trip. If one party has already cleared security and the other hasn't, meeting here allows the former to wait in a comfortable, pre-security area without having to backtrack. Similarly, if one party is departing and the other is seeing them off, this location offers a convenient spot to part ways after spending some time together in the airport.
When planning to meet "at the Christmas tree" in Orlando International Airport, it's essential to communicate clearly and have a backup plan. While cell phone coverage should be available, having a clear description of the meeting spot and a predetermined plan if someone arrives early or late can make the process smoother.
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Frequently asked questions
The food court is a good option as it is in the middle of the airport, between the A and B sides. There is plenty of seating and it is a wide-open space, making it easy to spot who you are meeting.
Yes, the lobby area outside the security checkpoint is a good choice. The atrium outside the Hyatt is also a good, recognisable location.
Orlando International Airport has many shops and restaurants. There is also a monorail that you can take to the new Terminal C and train station.
There is not much near the airport besides some shopping plazas and chain restaurants. Anything worth visiting is at least a 15-minute drive away.
