There are some BIG SECRETS you don’t know about Orlando International Airport (MCO) — but don’t worry, we’re about to spill allllll the beans just for you!
We’ve covered all kinds of tips, tricks, and updates about the airport including the addition of new nonstop flights, a look inside the Brightline station that’ll be in the airport, and even a peek at changes that could be on the way. But today we’re unpacking 5 important secrets that could save you time or make your next trip through this airport MUCH better.
1 — There’s a HOTEL Inside
Did you know that there is a hotel located INSIDE of the Orlando Airport? It’s true! Inside MCO you’ll find the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. It’s located between Terminal A and Terminal B, has runway views, and even has 2 award-winning restaurants.
The lobby is between the security checkpoints for gates 70 and 129. And there’s even a rooftop pool — fancy!
Other amenities include free internet access, digital check-in, room service, and business services. Plus, it’s pet friendly.
And if you need a little stretch, check out their gym, with a quarter-mile rooftop jogging track and exercise equipment including free weights and more.
If your next flight gets canceled or really delayed, this hotel could be the way to go. Or you could even book it for the last night before you leave so you can wake up right at the airport (saving you travel time that morning). There are a total of 445 guestrooms and suites.
But what’s even better is that you can pay for day use here. So if you’ve got a super long layover or a big delay before your flight takes off, you can check out their day rates. That’ll give you the chance to use things like the pool, fitness center, and room service without having to stay overnight!
Their website even advertises that they’re available for certain events, like weddings and meetings — talk about a unique venue.
So, the next time you need a hotel room near the Orlando Airport, will be staying a night between travels, have a long layover, or have an early flight, you may want to consider booking a room in the airport itself!
2 — There’s a FANCY Restaurant With Epic Views
Once you’re done relaxing at the Hyatt inside of the airport, why not enjoy some finer dining too? While you probably know about the quick spots you can stop by for a bite in the airport, you can also dine in luxury at the Hemisphere Restaurant (located on the 9th floor of the hotel).
This restaurant really has it all — there are some spectacular views of the runway for those looking for dinner with a bit of a show.
Plus, it’s in the Main Terminal and can be accessed by travelers or non-travelers (so even your friends who are Orlando locals can come and join you for a bite before your flight).
And the menu is FAR from the chicken tenders and fries you may have expected from airport food. We’re talking FULL ON FANCY here. The “Tastings” include grilled octopus, panko oysters, and burrata mozzarella.
Then there are a variety of salads to pick from, and the “Helpings” section has everything from picanha steak to the catch of the day.
On top of that, there is an extensive drinks menu with everything from wine…
…to after-dinner sections, bourbon, scotch, whiskey…
…and specialty cocktails. So throw away that coke and pizza — you can get some “real” food if you know where to look.
The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday, but is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5PM to 10PM. You can book reservations online through OpenTable.
3 — The Lounges Aren’t As Exclusive As You Might Think
Ever pass by an “exclusive” airport lounge and wish you could go inside? Well…you CAN — it’ll just cost you! There are a variety of lounges within MCO that you can take advantage of, including “The Club MCO” and the Plaza Premium Lounge. There is also an American Airlines Admirals Club and clubs from other airlines.
While many of these lounges may be accessible to members of a certain level within particular airlines, many of them also offer day passes! You can book day passes for The Club MCO — Terminal A (from $50 per traveler), The Club MCO — Terminal B (from $50 per traveler), and the Plaza Premium Lounge — Terminal C (from $60 per traveler) through LoungeBuddy.
You may also be able to get a day pass for the airline-specific lounges by visiting those airlines’ websites. For example, the American Airlines website says that you can buy a one-day pass for select Admirals Club locations for $59 or 5,900 AAdvantage miles. Availability is based on lounge capacity.
So the next time you’re in the airport, you can walk into one of the airline-specific lounges, ask to see if they do have day pass availability on that day, and decide if the purchase is worth it for you.
The American Airlines Admirals Club lounge at MCO notes that its amenities can include a full-service bar, complimentary food and drinks, and complimentary Wi-Fi. According to LoungeBuddy, The Club MCO (Terminal A) has snacks, beer and wine, Wi-Fi, a children’s area, printers, and more.
If you’ll have a particularly long layover or delay before your next flight, relaxing in one of these spots could be just the thing you need to recharge (rather than trying to find a seat in the regular airport area).
4 — You Can SKIP the Long Security Lines
The security lines at the airport are no joke. But you can make your security process go a bit smoother by using MCO Reserve (powered by CLEAR). The service is open from 5AM to 5PM and flights are eligible if they depart between 6:30AM and 8:30PM.
The service is TOTALLY FREE (but note that it isn’t available for TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR+ passengers).
What is MCO Reserve? Well, basically it allows you to reserve a spot in the security line to help things go faster. What you’ll want to do is enter your flight details into the MCO Reserve website. Then you’ll select your party size, input some passenger info, and check the information provided.
You can find a time to go through security that works best for you. Once you confirm that time, you’ll get a confirmation email with a QR code. When your time arrives, you’ll go to the MCO Reserve lanes, scan your QR code, and “enjoy the fast lane.”
You can select a time a few days in advance (around 72 hours in advance of your flight) so be sure to check often so you can book right away!
This could help cut down the amount of time you need to spend in the security line and alleviate some of that flying stress, so consider looking at it for your future trips. (Plus it doesn’t cost you anything!)
5 — There Are Popular Disney Springs Restaurants Inside!
Aside from the fancy eats and views of Hemisphere Restaurant, there are lots of restaurants to pick from at the airport. You do NOT need to settle for french fries and a burger. But what you might not realize is that you can actually try eats in the airport from chefs that have fan-favorite restaurants in Disney Springs!
For starters, between gates 230 and 239 (at Terminal C) you’ll find Sunshine Diner brought to you by the one and only Chef Art Smith (famous for his Homecomin’ restaurant in Disney Springs).
It’s typically open from 5AM until the last departing flight, and “celebrates the comfort of the classic diner, adding local & modern twists.” So if you’re hoping to try Chef Art’s unique eats without even stopping by Disney Springs, THIS is the place to go!
Brighten up your day at the Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith. 🌞 This eatery celebrates the comfort of the classic diner, adding local & modern twists. Sit and enjoy or grab & go – visit this unique option at MCO! 🍽️
📍 Terminal C, Gates C230-C238
⌚ 5am – last departing flight pic.twitter.com/uDiu3emrd1— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) December 14, 2022
But wait, there’s MORE. There are a few Cask & Larder locations in the airport too. These are spots created by the same folks behind The Polite Pig in Disney Springs. Between gates 100 and 129 you’ll find one of their bigger/main locations open from 7AM until the last flight.
It is a “modern Southern comfort eatery” and is also a brewhouse. Again, this is NOT your “average” airport food. At breakfast, you’ll find a Belgian waffle platter, chicken & waffles, and shrimp & grits. At dinner, you can enjoy a pork pretzel sandwich, a barbecue platter with pulled pork and mac & cheese, hushpuppies, and SO much more.
So, if you want a taste of the creations from some of the chefs behind a few of the most popular Disney Springs restaurants, don’t overlook these Orlando Airport locations!
Honorable Mentions
Want more fun Orlando Airport tips and tricks? Check out our list below:
- You can get some amazing last-minute souvenirs without the stress of shopping in the parks (there are pretty substantial Disney Stores and Universal Orlando stores too)
- There’s a LOT to do before you even get through security (lots of restaurants and stores)
- You may be able to mobile order your food at select spots (check the Grab app or you can search through certain other apps, like the American Airlines app)
- There’s an MCO app with tons of helpful info about security waiting times by gate, an airport map, and more
- There’s an entire website from MCO for airfare deals — click here to check it out!
And those are our top Orlando Airport secrets — what airport secrets do YOU know about? Tell us in the comments! And stay tuned for more travel news and tips.
Click here to see 10 Amazon finds that’ll solve SO many annoying things about traveling
What are your top airport tricks? Tell us in the comments.
You can now get a visitors pass to get to the new restaurants (post Security)in terminal C you just have to register at least a day before with limited hours