Which Orlando Airport Terminal Has the Best Food?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most common airport for Disney World vacationers to use when they fly into Orlando. Another option is Orlando Sanford International Airport, but it’s far less common.

If you’re planning a flight in/or out of MCO, one of the more important things to think about (at least in our opinion) is where you will eat while you’re waiting for your flight or right when you land. This could be your first or last meal in Orlando, so it’s important that it makes a statement, right? But only one terminal — A, B, or C — can be the winner of the best food contest!

Diving Into the Food Situation at Terminals A and B

We’re clumping Terminals A and B together simply because MCO does. Level 3 of Terminals A and B is where you’ll find the gates to board and unload flights, and it’s also where you’ll find shops and dining options. Between the two terminals, before you go through the security checkpoint, is a food court.

There are also food locations along the different gate areas. The food in these terminals is pretty basic, with offerings that you might expect to find in an airport and food court. There’s Burger King, Auntie Anne’s, Bahama Breeze, smoothie locations, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Chili’s, and other well-known chain restaurants.

You’ll also find Starbucks locations around both of these terminals. The lines at Starbucks can be pretty long, so here’s a pro tip — if you have the Starbucks app, use mobile order to order ahead and skip the line. This is usually available for Starbucks locations in airports, and by the time you walk there, your drink will be waiting for you, or you only have to wait for it to be made, not wait in line to order.

Our usual experience at terminal A or Ba goes something like this — realize our options are fairly limited to typical fast food or your standard chain restaurants, opt for Burger King because it’s one of the quickest spots, then head to sit at our gate in a falling apart seat surrounded by SO many other people. Overall, there’s nothing unique or special about the dining at Terminal A or B.

Next Up in the Competition — Terminal C

Terminal C couldn’t be any more different than it already is from Terminals A and B. The atmosphere alone makes you feel calm; a pretty big statement for an airport. There’s spa-like music playing throughout the terminal, and the design makes even a busy day feel quiet.

Inside Terminal C, you can find your first taste of Disney with restaurants owned by many of the same companies as restaurants at Disney Springs. Spin-offs of many Disney Springs restaurants are here with options like Wine Bar George, Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith (same owner as Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’), Summer House Santa Monica, and Ravenous Pig (same folks that own The Polite Pig). You’ll also find Cask & Larder, which is also owned by the group that owns The Polite Pig.

Don’t worry, there’s also a Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Bernie’s Coffee & Tea Co., Shake Shack, and other spots.

We recently flew out of Terminal C, and this was our experience — we enjoyed a caprese salad with French wine at Wine Bar George in nice, comfy chairs at the bar. From the bar, we were able to see our gate without having to actually be there. However, when we did get there, the seats were very large, in perfect condition, and had built-in chargers for devices. This experience was VASTLY different from our experiences at Terminals A and B.

*Drum Roll* And the Winner Is…

For us, it’s a pretty clear-cut winner. Terminal C is definitely the winner of best food in a terminal at Orlando International Airport. If you get the chance to fly out of Terminal C, we hope you enjoy the atmosphere and food, because it’s like being in a completely different airport from A and B.

There used to be a Visitor Pass Program for Terminal C for those wanting to visit the fancy terminal with delicious food and shopping; however, that program is currently unavailable. MCO has shared that they hope to bring it back, though, so keep your eyes open if you want to check out Terminal C!

The winner may be Terminal C, but there are several options at all three terminals. Regardless of where you’re flying out of, you can count on there being a Starbucks and a few other options. Since you don’t get to choose which terminal you fly out of, these options will certainly suffice.

For more planning tips and tricks, keep following AllEars!

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Have you flown out of Terminal C at MCO? Let us know about your experience in the comments!

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