As a pilot who commutes from Orlando to New York for work, I’ve come to appreciate the unique layout, family-focused retail options, and extensive flight network of Orlando International Airport (MCO) on a nearly weekly basis.
What I’ve learned is… MCO can be a fantastic place to explore during a layover—or it can be a frustrating experience, depending on how well you navigate its offerings. The airport is packed with hidden gems, impressive amenities, and a wide variety of dining options, but let’s just say… its design requires some strategic planning to see them all.
That said, if you’re willing to put in a little effort, MCO has a ton to offer to make your 3-7 hour layover as awesome as Orlando is!
Airport Overview
- Location: Orlando, Florida (10 miles southeast of downtown Orlando)
- Terminals:
- A & B: Main hub for domestic flights and some international (Virgin, Delta, United).
- C: New terminal catering to international and JetBlue domestic/international flights.
- Transportation: Rental cars, rideshares, hotel shuttles, and Lynx public buses.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, lounges, an in-terminal hotel, play areas, spa services, and shopping options.
Terminal A & B
At MCO Terminals A and B, the secure airside concourses are grouped into two pairs, connected by people movers (small train/trams): Airside 1 & 3 share the same security checkpoint (serving Gates 1-29 and 30-59), while Airside 2 & 4 share a different checkpoint (serving Gates 60-99 and 100-129). Once through security, each of the four concourses offers limited amenities and tends to get very crowded, especially near the gates.
This means that exploring everything MCO has to offer may require exiting security and re-entering—which can involve long security lines during busy times (especially around the holidays). At a minimum, you will have to take a people movers to reach the parallel airside concourse.
Terminal C
Meanwhile, the newly built Terminal C is entirely separate and accessible via a people mover in the public area outside of security. The good news is that, as Orlando’s newest terminal, Terminal C offers a ton to do without having to leave the secure area.
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10 Best Things to Do Inside Orlando (MCO) Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) isn’t just a stopover—it’s a chance to explore (if you know where to look). From excellent local eats and surprisingly cool art exhibits to lounges that actually make layovers bearable, MCO definitely has hidden gems worth seeking out.
Whether you’re craving a Cuban coffee, need a quiet place to recharge, or just want to explore Terminal C’s next-level design and artwork, this airport offers way more than meets the eye. Here are my top 10 picks for making the most of your time inside MCO on a layover.
1. Enjoy Local Eats
MCO isn’t just about fast food (though you’ll find plenty of that). For a real meal, Cask & Larder (Terminal C) serves Southern-inspired dishes like fried chicken and smoked brisket, plus craft beer brewed on-site.
Over in Terminal A, Zaza Cuban Comfort Food is where you’ll find legit Cuban sandwiches and a café con leche that can wake the dead. If you’ve got time (a 3-4 hour layover is ideal), check out Hemisphere at the Hyatt Regency (near the security checkpoint for gates 60-129) for fresh seafood and steak with unbeatable runway views—it’s pricier, but totally worth it for a longer layover.
2. Find Lounge Bliss
When it comes to lounges, MCO has options. The Club MCO (Concourses A [Gates 1-29 side] & B [Gates 70-99 side]) is my go-to for its comfy chairs, snacks, and solid drink selection (plus showers in both locations). It’s complimentary for PriorityPass members, or you can purchase a day pass for $50.
Delta flyers should hit the Sky Club in Terminal B, where the food and cocktails are above average for an airport lounge – verify if you have access here.
Terminal C’s Plaza Premium Lounge is sleek and modern, with plenty of seating and decent food. Like The Club, it’s complimentary for PriorityPass members. Walk-in rates start at $70 for 3 hours.
3. Grab a nap (and a shower!)
Located in the main terminal A/B near the security checkpoint for gates 60-129 is the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, offering day-use rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center.
It’s truly a gem, and I’ve loved staying here over the years. It might be the most convenient airport hotel in the world (well, maybe second to the DTW Westin!) I absolutely recommend booking a day-use room here if you have 6 hours or more laying over at Orlando International Airport.
4. Discover Hidden Art
MCO has a surprising amount of art if you know where to look. Start with the famous “The Traveler” between Terminals A and B (in the public, land-side area), a hyper-real wax figure of a tired traveler asleep on a layover. It’s probably the epitome of Orlando Airport, honestly.
Terminal C ups the game with rotating exhibits, murals, and sculptures that highlight local talent – and you don’t even have to leave the secure zone to see them. Even if you’re not an “art person,” these installations, as written about by Airport-World, make wandering the terminals much more interesting.
5. Recharge in Reflection Rooms
Need a quiet spot to decompress? MCO offers Reflection or “Serenity” Rooms tucked away in Terminals A, B, and C. These minimalist, interfaith spaces are perfect for meditating, praying, or just escaping the noise. They’re one of those little airport features that not enough people take advantage of.
Note: you don’t have to be religious (or filming a TikTok) to enjoy these little nooks of peace and quiet!
6. Shop for Unique Souvenirs
Skip the generic gift shops and head to one of the two Kennedy Space Center Stores in Orlando Airport for NASA gear like mission patches, astronaut ice cream, and space-themed toys. The Disney and Universal stores are perfect for last-minute Mickey ears or Harry Potter wands—ideal if you didn’t make it to the parks.
For something local, check out SeaWorld Store for marine-themed souvenirs or grab some Florida-inspired snacks from the Hyatt Regency’s lobby shop.
7. Chill by the Aquarium
In the main food court between Terminals A and B (land-side), there’s a huge 3,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. It’s a surprisingly peaceful spot to sit and watch tropical fish glide around while you wait for your flight. If you’re traveling with kids, this can easily keep them entertained for 15 minutes (or more).
Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll find a diver cleaning it!
8. Pamper Yourself
A quick stop at XpresSpa (Airside 1 & 3) can do wonders for your travel-weary body. Whether it’s a chair massage, a facial, or even a quick mani-pedi, it’s worth it—especially if you have a Priority Pass and can score a free treatment. MCO is one of the few airports with a Zero-Gravity Massage Chair!
Looking for a bigger recharge? The Hyatt Regency’s rooftop pool is perfect for a dip, and their fitness center is surprisingly well-equipped for an airport.
9. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
For a sugar boost, Sweet Bubbles and Buns (Terminal A, land-side) is the move. Their Taiwanese bubble tea and Instagram-worthy bao buns are as good as they look. Not a fan of bubble tea? Grab a gelato or milkshake from Carvel in Terminal B instead. There’s something about sweet treats that make airport waits way more bearable.
10. Explore Terminal C
If you haven’t flown through Terminal C yet, you’re missing out. It’s light years ahead of the older terminals, with high ceilings, smart tech (like biometric gates), and wide-open spaces that actually feel relaxing.
Dining here is on point, too—Wine Bar George has incredible small plates and a wine list that rivals downtown Orlando hotspots.
If you don’t have a flight out of gates C230-C245, you can still enjoy a Starbucks and a quite nice Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co. outside the airside area, but you’ll find most of Terminal C’s awesome amenities past security.
Just to summarize (feel free to screenshot this section for a quick reference), here is a list of the Top 10 Things to do Inside Orlando International Airport on a layover:
- Dine at Local Favorites:
- Cask & Larder (Terminal C): A modern Southern kitchen with craft beer.
- Zaza Cuban Comfort Food (Terminal A): Authentic Cuban sandwiches and coffee.
- Relax at a Lounge:
- The Club MCO (Concourses A & B): Lounge offering snacks, drinks, plus shower facilities. Accessible for PriorityPass members.
- Delta Sky Club (Terminal B): Premium lounge access for select Delta and Virgin Atlantic travelers.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal C): Large, new lounge offering free snacks and food/drinks for purchase. Accessible for PriorityPass members.
- Grab a nap (and a shower) at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport: Located in the main terminal A/B outside of security, this hotel offers day-use rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center. There’s also the fantastic Hemisphere restaurant here, with epic runway views and great food.
- Visit the Art Exhibits: MCO regularly displays art installations throughout its terminals, including sculptures, murals, and rotating exhibits. Most of them are in Terminal C, but the most famous one – “The Traveler” is situated halfway between Terminals A and B.
- Enjoy Peace and Quiet in the Reflection Room: Terminals A, B, and C each feature a peaceful relaxation interfaith, meditation, and serenity space post-security.
- Shop for Unique Souvenirs:
- Kennedy Space Center Shop: Space-themed gifts.
- Disney and Universal Stores: A taste of Orlando’s theme parks.
- Chill Out By a 3000-gallon Aquarium: Whether flying with kids or you simply find peace in watching colorful fish swim, the public-area food court between Terminals A & B is the place to be.
- Pamper Yourself: Visit XpresSpa (Airside 1 & 3) for a massage, facial, or manicure. Enjoy free services with a PriorityPass membership.
- Sip on a Delicious Milk Tea: Check out Sweet Bubbles and Buns (Terminal A, Public Area) for a fun, cute vibe and delicious Taiwanese tea and snacks.
- Explore the New Terminal C: Known for its cutting-edge design, Terminal C boasts modern lounges, high-tech features, and great dining options like the top-rated Wine Bar George.
Related: The Ultimate Layover Survival Guide: 10 Tips from an Airline Pilot
10 Best Things to Do from Orlando (MCO) Airport
With its prime location near Orlando’s top attractions, MCO serves as the perfect gateway to endless adventures. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, there are plenty of exciting ways to spend your layover. Renting a car is highly recommended—it’s easy, convenient, and allows you to make the most of your time exploring. Alternatively, rideshare services are readily available for quick trips to nearby destinations.
From relaxing by a scenic lake to immersing yourself in Orlando’s vibrant entertainment hubs, there’s something for everyone just a short ride from MCO.
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook the incredible local dining options near the airport! For example, Pisco Peruvian Cuisine, a world-renowned restaurant just 10 minutes away, offers an unforgettable culinary experience with authentic Peruvian dishes.
Quick Stops (Within 15-30 Minutes each way):
- Disney Springs (25 min): Shop, dine, and enjoy live entertainment at this free Disney destination—no theme park ticket required!
- Universal CityWalk (20 min): A lively hub for dining, shopping, and mini-golf at Universal Orlando Resort. Look for discounted experiences on Viator.
- Lake Nona Town Center (15 min): A modern community with great restaurants, art installations, and outdoor spaces. For a great coffee spot, check out CFS Coffee for the Soul, Lake Nona.
- Winter Park (30 min): A charming area with boutique shops, cafes, and museums like the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum (featuring Tiffany glass).
- Downtown Orlando & Lake Eola Park (25 min): Stroll around the lake, rent a swan boat, or enjoy downtown’s vibrant dining scene.
For Longer Layovers (4+ Hours):
- Walt Disney World® (25 min away, 1-6 hour experience): Even without entering the parks, you can visit resort hotels, enjoy themed restaurants, or explore areas like Disney’s BoardWalk. Save time and book a transfer here.
- The Fun Spot (20 min away, 1-8 hour experience): Perfect for families who want to pack their day with thrill rides, games and go-kart racing.
- Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures (20 min, 1-2 hour experience): Glide through the Everglades-style wetlands on an airboat for a true Floridian experience.
- Kennedy Space Center (50 min away, 4-8 hour experience): Embark on the ultimate space adventure at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where you can even meet an Astronaut and explore the Space Shuttle Atlantis! You definitely want a layover of 7 or more hours to visit KSC.
- ICON Park (25 min away, 1-4 hour experience): Home to “The Orlando Eye,” a 400-foot observation wheel offering panoramic views of Orlando, tons of food venues, museums, and even a Madame Tussauds. Find all the activities you can do at ICON Park here.
Tips for Layovers at MCO
A layover at MCO doesn’t have to be a drag. With a little know-how, you can turn those hours into something productive—or at least enjoyable.
Whether you’re lounging in style, grabbing a bite, or exploring the hidden gems around the airport, there’s plenty to make your time pass quickly. Just remember: a little planning goes a long way. Here are some reminders and tips to keep in mind as you explore on your layover:
- TSA Wait Times: Use the MCO app or TSA PreCheck to manage security lines efficiently. You can also check security wait times here.
- Transportation:
- For nearby attractions: Rideshares and rental cars are fastest.
- Lynx buses are economical but slower.
- Luggage Storage: MCO’s Hold My Luggage service in Terminal B is perfect if you’re venturing out.
- Weather: Orlando is sunny but unpredictable—carry a travel-sized umbrella or rain jacket.
- Theme Park Day Passes: If you plan to visit Disney or Universal, look for single-day and “fast pass” tickets designed for quick visits.
- Check out my awesome Layover Survival Guide: It offers ideas on what to pack, bring, and top tips to make any layover enjoyable!
Final Thoughts: Orlando Airport Can be Great for a Long Layover
At the end of the day, MCO may not be the most glamorous airport, but with a little effort, you can definitely make the most of your layover. From local eats and unique shops to quiet spots for recharging, there’s plenty to keep you busy without leaving the terminal.
Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, this airport has a way of surprising you with its hidden gems. So next time you’re passing through, don’t just rush to your gate—take a moment to explore and enjoy the ride.
Safe travels, and I’ll see you in the skies!
