We get it. Traveling can be super stressful!
Things can get pretty overwhelming when you consider baggage handling, airport transfers, flight delays, or outright flight cancelations. So, to help with all of that, let’s go over some of the “unwritten” rules about flying out of the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and ultimately make your travel days easier!
If you’re heading to Disney World or are otherwise passing through the Orlando International Airport (MCO), just remember, we’ve got your back! Let’s go over some “unwritten” rules that will help get rid of stress and make your experience much smoother.
Let’s start with getting to the airport.
Pre-Schedule Your Ride to the Airport
If you weren’t aware, you can pre-schedule your ride to the airport on rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. This is where you can schedule those rides ahead of time! No sense in trying to find an Uber the morning of. Let’s cut out that unnecessary stress.
Here’s how to do it in the Uber app. Head into the app and on the homepage hit the “Reserve” button. You can schedule these rides up to 90 days in advance and cancel them up to 60 minutes in advance without penalty or extra charge.
Once you schedule a ride, a driver should be assigned to you in advance, which is super helpful so you know what vehicle to expect.
What about once you’ve made it to the airport?
Purchase Pre-Check
We would recommend purchasing TSA Pre-Check because with it, you will not have to remove liquids, take large electronics out, or take your shoes off when you go through the security checkpoint. All you will have to do is send your bags through, walk under the security machine, and that’s it!
To get TSA Pre-Check, head on over to the TSA website and apply there. You will have to schedule an in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting. It costs $78 for new enrollment or in-person renewals and $70 for online renewals. Once you’ve been approved, you will get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can add to any flight reservation. The great thing about it is that your Known Travel Number will last for 5 years and afterward, you can renew online and pay the fee again.
Although it is an additional cost, it takes a ton of stress away from the traveling experience. But what if you just want to skip the regular line altogether?
Skip the Security Line
There is a way to skip the regular security line at Orlando International Airport and it’s called MCO Reserve!
This program allows you to pre-register for a time slot to go through an exclusive, and shorter, MCO Reserve security line. The reservations open up 72 hours before your flight. You will have to be speedy though, as the limited spots for this fill up very quickly.
Now, we know you’ll need to eat. Let’s talk about the 3 Disney restaurants you could eat at before even stepping foot on Disney property.
Summer House
Summer House on the Lake is a new restaurant coming to Disney Springs this year. However, it is still under construction. While it’s not open yet, we have seen a sneak peek of what we can look forward to on the menu.
The Summer House located in Terminal C is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can stop by here to grab some pancakes or pizza during your travels. There is a table-service option as well as a to-go section.
Wine Bar George
Wine Bar George at Disney Springs is known for its extensive collection of wine as well as for serving small plates, boards, and entrees.
Some items you’ll find here are Burrata, Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites, and House-Made Meatballs.
Located in Terminal C is another Wine Bar George location. Here you can find 75 bottles of wine that you can purchase by the glass, ounce, or bottle. According to Wine Bar George’s website, their food menu is led by Ron Rupert, Director of Culinary Development for Wine Bar George, and includes breakfast, small plates, cheese, charcuterie, and entrees.
You can even find some items that are on the Disney Springs menu as well including the House-Made Meatballs, Burrata, and similar boards. Something unique at this location is the breakfast items which include the Breakfast Pastrami Panini, Smoked Salmon Bagel, and The Breakfast Sandwich.
Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith
Chef Art Smith is a BIG deal in Florida. He is the creator and owner of Homecomin‘, a farm-to-fork restaurant that showcases the bounty of Florida, at Disney Springs.
Here you can get your fill of dishes like Fried Chicken & Donuts, Shrimp and Grits, and PB&J French Toast.
You can expect the same southern flare at Sunshine Diner located in Terminal C. This diner has booths, tables, a bar, and even a grab-and-go area.
Here you can find all-day breakfast including Buttermilk Pancakes, French Toast, and Brisket Hash & Eggs. You’ll also find sandwiches, desserts, and of course, moonshine cocktails.
What to do if you’ve found out that your flight is canceled and leaves you stranded at the Orlando International Airport? Here are three of the best hotels to check out!
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Our first choice is literally the closest hotel you could ever find. The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is actually inside the 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. Also, there’s even a rooftop pool.
Some of the other amenities are free internet access, digital check-in, room service, and business services, and it’s pet-friendly.
They’ve also got a gym, a quarter-mile rooftop jogging track, plenty of exercise equipment including free weights, and more.
Another option for you is that 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).
And here’s something unique. You can pay for day use here, meaning, it’s a great option if you’ve got a very long layover or some other kind of delay before your next flight. That’ll give you the chance to use things like the pool, fitness center, and room service without having to stay overnight!
Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside
Even though this next one isn’t right within the airport like our first pick (this one is only two miles away), the Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside is still an excellent choice. And the distance isn’t going to be an issue because they offer complementary shuttles to simplify the transfer process.
In terms of the amenities, they offer free wifi, room service, and more.
They’ve also got a gym with plenty of exercise equipment including free weights, and more.
They’ve also got beautiful lakeside views for you so you can enjoy the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport
Our last on this list is also only two miles away from the airport with a complimentary shuttle service. We’re talking about the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport.
In terms of the amenities, they offer a digital key and room service, and they have pet-friendly rooms.
Guests can also take advantage of the free made-to-order breakfast buffet, plus drinks and snacks at the evening reception.
They’ve also got a gym with exercise equipment, free weights, and more.
Hopefully, this all helps as you make your travel plans for the coming months. Until then, remember we’ve got your back with all the latest travel tips and Disney news, so stay tuned!
NEWS: Orlando Airport Announces CHANGES Planned for Next Decade
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Will you be traveling through Orlando this year? Let us know in the comments!Â
I don’t recommend the Chef Art Smith at the airport. We ate there back in August while we were waiting for our flight home. I had the pot roast. It was still cold in the middle and I actually found a couple of bones in it. Will probably not try it again but hubby liked what he had.
My mind is actually kind of blown by the idea to book an airport hotel for the night before your flight — why have I never thought of this?!