The USO has a Wonderful location in Orlando International Airport!
Years ago, the Orlando airport had a USO, but it closed due to a lack of donations brought on by the closing of the Orlando Naval Training Center in the mid-1990s.
It had been years since military members and their families visiting or traveling through Orlando have been able to enjoy this free service.
But a couple of years ago the USO reopened at MCO, Bigger and Better than Ever!
The USO Entrance on the B-side transportation level
The USO welcome center is on the ground transportation level on the A-Side of the Terminal.
This location is both outside of the security checkpoint and on the opposite side of the terminal from Mears Connect which is on the B-Side
Orlando Airport USO Welcome Area
Great discounts like the Disney Armed Forces Salute and Waves of Honor have drawn more and more military visitors to Orlando over the years.
And with this huge growth of the tourist industry in Orlando, it was well past time for a new, shiny, comfortable center for the military to relax.
Relax at the Orlando International Airport USO
“A lot of it is driven by the fact that 750,000 people visit the Shades of Green facility a year,” said Charles Rogers, chairman of the board of directors of USO Central Florida.
Rogers also said that military organizations have informed him that about 700,000 military retirees, active-duty members and veterans also live in Central Florida.
Kick back and watch TV in the Disney themed area at the Orlando USO
The welcome center features a gaming center, a quiet room, and a play room for kids. Some of these sections were sponsored and donated by Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando.
Orlando International Airport USO Universal themed Gaming Area
The play room donated by SeaWorld features painted walls of coral reefs and fish.
Orlando International Airport USO Kids Room provided by SeaWorld Orlando
Kids can watch their own shows and movies in the Orlando Airport USO Kids Room
Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin also donated to help cover the starting costs of close to $1 million.
Internet access and airline departure times screen at the Orlando USO
All the food is free, and the center features a 14-seat granite counter table, accompanied with fridges full of microwavable meals, snacks and soda.
The fantastic kitchen at the Orlando International Airport USO
Free snacks and meals at the Orlando International Airport USO
At 3,100 square feet, the center is “not the largest, but is certainly one of the large ones,” said Rogers, who said that most airport welcome centers are between 750 and 1,500 square feet.
Plenty of room at the Orlando International Airport USO
So stop by The USO on your Disney vacation! The USO is a great place to relax and grab a quick snack when you are dropped off well in advance of your flight.
Stop by and leave your coin at the Orlando International Airport USO
Eligibility
USO airport locations work on a space available basis. Current U.S. military (Active, Guard, Reserve, Retired) have priority. Then Retired Military and last veterans. If a location is at or near capacity the later categories will be restricted. Guests are also admitted on a space available basis.
Services Offered
Food & Beverages
- Beverages
- Coffee & Tea
- Snacks
Multimedia & Gaming
- DVD & Blu-ray Player
- PS4
- TV & Cable
- Xbox One
Connectivity
- Computers & Laptops
- Desks & Work Areas
- Phones
- Printers
- Wi-Fi
Rest & Relaxation
- Children’s Play Area
- Library
- Lounge
- Sleeping & Quiet Area
- Toiletries
Travel Services & Gifts
- Flight Time Boards
- Local Information
- Lost & Found
- Luggage Storage
- Transportation Information
Operating hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily
Phone: (407) 825-8761
Have you stopped by the Orlando USO, or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below, and perhaps leave a thank you message to the great people at the USO!
FAQ: Orlando International Airport’s New USO Welcome Center
What is the USO Welcome Center at MCO?
It’s a dedicated, military-only lounge at Orlando International Airport that offers a quiet place to rest plus travel help, snacks, Wi-Fi, and family-friendly seating for service members and their families.
Who can use the USO at MCO?
Generally, active duty, Guard/Reserve, retired military, and dependents with valid military ID. Some USO centers extend access to Gold Star families and veterans on certain orders—bring qualifying ID and be prepared to show it at check-in.
Where is the USO located?
The Welcome Center is pre-security in the Main Terminal (A-side), convenient to ground transportation and baggage claim. Follow airport signs for USO or ask an airport ambassador if you don’t see it right away.
What are the hours?
Hours can vary by season and volunteer coverage. USO centers commonly operate daily with reduced hours on some holidays. Check posted hours at the entrance when you arrive.
What amenities does the MCO USO offer?
Typical amenities include:
– Comfortable seating and family areas
– Complimentary snacks and beverages
– Wi-Fi and device charging
– Travel information/assistance
– Restrooms nearby
– Space for strollers and carry-ons (self-service; keep items with you)
How much does it cost?
Access and amenities are free for eligible military guests—funded by donations and volunteers.
Can I leave my luggage at the USO?
The USO is not a luggage storage facility. You’re responsible for your belongings at all times.
Is the center before or after TSA?
Before TSA (pre-security). That’s great for arrivals (stop by after baggage claim) and for departures (visit first, then head to security when it’s time to board).
Can my family go in without me?
In many cases, dependents can enter with a valid dependent ID even if the sponsor isn’t present; policies can vary by center and staffing, so have IDs ready and check with the volunteer on duty.
Is there a USO in Terminal C?
The Welcome Center is in the Main Terminal (A-side, pre-security). If you’re arriving to or departing from Terminal C, use the people mover/bus to reach the Main Terminal and the USO before or after your flight.
How-To: Find and Use the USO at MCO
- After you land: Follow signs to Baggage Claim (A, B, or C). Collect checked bags.
- Reach the Main Terminal (A-side): From an Airside, take the automated shuttle to the Main Terminal. From Terminal C, use the people mover/bus connection to the Main Terminal.
- Follow USO signage: The Welcome Center is pre-security on the A-side. Ask an airport ambassador if needed.
- Check in with ID: Present a valid military or dependent ID to the volunteer on duty; confirm hours and any day-of guidelines.
- Relax and plan: Enjoy snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging; then continue to ground transportation or to TSA for departure.
|
This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
|
Hi Steve,
My husband is a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran. We truly appreciate the USO during wait time traveling. I am planning to return to Michigan in December but he will not be with me. Will I still be able to visit? Thank you
Hi Gwen,
USO’s are dedicated to serving current military members. All others such as retirees and veterans are admitted on a space available basis only.
The National Organization does have eligibility published on their website except to say:
“As much as the USO would like to open its doors to retirees, disabled veterans and all those who have honorably served, as a nonprofit organization, the USO must focus its efforts on serving the needs of those who need us most: U.S. Armed Forces active duty, Reserve and Guard service members, as well as their families.”
Many local Lounges have sites and do publich eligibility, the below is from the SeaTac USO.
“Who is allowed to enter and use the SeaTac USO with valid and unexpired I.D.?
All Active/Guard/Reserve military and their dependents may enter with a current military
I.D. Unaccompanied minors (16 and over) with proper I.D. and itinerary/boarding pass may use the center. All authorized users can sign-in up to three guests with the Volunteer on duty using their own discretion to allow more in for special occasions. This applies to Gold Star Survivors as well. On a space available basis we can allow the following with an itinerary or boarding pass:
a. Retirees and Dependents
b. Veterans with VA Card denoting “Service Connected Disability” or “Purple Heart”
c. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets
d. Military Academy Cadets
e. Officer Candidate School Candidates
f. Recruits (with I.D. and orders)
g. JROTC/Civil Air Patrol/ Sea Cadets
h. Foreign Military
i. Department of Defense Civilians on travel orders
j. Those designated “Friends” of the USO by the Manager or Executive Director (First Responders, or those possessing business cards with notes or emails stating such)”
Thanks for responding. I’ll check availability once I arrive.
Thanks. I did read that retired military and veterans are admitted based on availability. I will check once I arrive.
hello i hope everyone is well i i am from brazil and i am going to orlando next week and my husband is military here in brazil and i would like to know if we can use the space for rest
thank you
Hi,
Please see the Eligibility section of this post.
Is the USO outside security?
Yes it is Peggy.