Layovers are usually never a fun experience for the average traveler. One moment, you’re on the best trip of your life, and the next, you realize that you have an agonizing wait of several hours in front of you. This could be either because of flight delays or because you have to catch a different connecting flight. More than the boredom of sitting at an airport, it’s often the uncertainty that gets to you! It might be a great relief once you find that there are various things to do at Orlando Airport.
However, if you ever have a layover at Orlando Airport, you’ll find things run differently! No matter how much time to kill on your Orlando airport layover, you will find more than enough exciting things to keep you occupied here. No matter whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, a frequent flier or an occasional one, there’s something to do here for everyone.
Here are some engaging things to do in MCO during your layover at the airport!
Hang out in a lounge
There’s no better place to unwind than a luxurious airport lounge. You can treat it as a watering hole to down a few glasses of your favorite drink or find a nook to catch up on your pending work. If you’re in the mood to socialize, you can even start a conversation with kindred spirits at the bar or restaurant and then see how time flies!
The main lounges at Orlando Airport include:
- American Airlines Admirals Club: Terminal B, Airside, near Gate 55.
- The Club at MCO: At two locations – one in Terminal A, Airside, Concourse 1, Gates 1 – 29, adjacent to XpresSpa; the other in Terminal B, Airside 4, near gate 91.
- Delta Sky Club: Terminal B, Airside, Center Atrium Area, Gate 71.
- United Club: Terminal B, Airside, near Gate 43.
- USO Lounge: Terminal A, Landside, Level 1
Let your pet frolic
The only time we are more uncomfortable than usual with long delays and waiting periods is when we have our pets along. Our furry friends and their well–being are important to us, and any discomfort to them will likely make us uneasy as well. However, you needn’t worry about that at Orlando Airport, which has several Service Animal Relief Areas available.
- Before security
- Main Terminal, Level 2, “A” side – at the east end of the building (to the right as you exit the building)
- Main Terminal, Level 2, “B” side – at the west end of the building (to the right as you exit the building)
- After security
- Gates 1-29 – on the wing for gates 20-29
- Gates 100-129 – across from gate 121
View the Airport Arts Program
The more aesthetically inclined visitors will have an absolute ball roaming around the airport, which has an enviable collection of artwork. While reflecting Florida’s features, like the greenery and tropical climate, it also showcases the sculptures and floor designs of contemporary artists.
Sponsored by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the National Arts Program, some of the important works you can see are Florida Dream by Steve Lotz, The Traveler by Duane Hanson, and Tree of Life by Charles William.
Check into a luxurious airport hotel
Have a longer layover, and want to experience the best in luxury, barely minutes from your terminal? In this case, the best is right next door at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel! Located before security, it can be accessed by both travelers and non–travelers. If your layover is more than a day, there won’t be a better opportunity to experience the Hyatt Regency. With several bars, two restaurants, and a lobby area for guests awaiting flights, your layover will whiz past before you know it!
Grab a bite and window shop
Feeling like splurging a bit on retail therapy? Or just want to while away the time digging into your favorite foods? Orlando Airport has everything you could ever need when it comes to both of these. Whether you are craving Dunkin’ Donuts, Cinnabons, Burger King, or Chipotle, you can take your pick from hundreds of different restaurants.
Go shopping
Stuck at MCO with hours to spare? Forget airport dread, unleash your inner shopping beast! Now, you have enough time. Why not dive into the retail world and buy that special item for your loved ones? You can hit any of the duty-free shops to pick up souvenirs for your friends and family.
Explore the city
If you have more hours on your layover than you’d care to admit, there’s no need to stay at the airport, appealing as much as it may seem. There are many things to do around Orlando Airport. ‘The City Beautiful,’ as Orlando is known, is just within reach if you want to spend your day there. The fastest way is by taxi, which will take just under half an hour. There is also a bus service that runs from Oia Transfer Center to Lynx Central Station.
One of the options for things to do near Orlando Airport before your flight out is a visit to the famous Universal Studios. You could even schedule a quick trip to Walt Disney World. Culture nerds can head over to the Orlando Art Museum, while the more adventurous ones who’d like an experience in the great outdoors can make a beeline for the Gatorland Wildlife Preserve. If you just want to spend some quiet time in nature, the Harry P Leu Gardens is just a short walk from downtown Orlando. Now you might have a better idea about what to do near Orlando Airport!
Note: Before you venture out searching for what to do near the airport before your flight, make sure you are permitted to do so.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
