• Home
  • Blog
  • Info By Topic
    • Disney Armed Forces Salute
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute Full Details
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ
      • FAQ Friday Blog Posts – Your Most Asked Questions
    • Military Discounted Tickets
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
      • Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets
      • Military Discounted Ticket Overview
      • Buy Military Discounted Disney Tickets Long Distance
    • Resort Hotel Information and Military Discounts
      • Resort Hotel Overview
      • Shades of Green – WDW’s Military Resort
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discounts
      • The Walt Disney World Resorts
      • The Disneyland Hotels
    • Walt Disney World Theme Parks
    • Disneyland Theme Parks
    • Dining Information and Military Discounts Overview
      • Dining at WDW for Military Families
    • Transportation Information and Military Discounts Overview
    • Disney Technology Information
      • Disney Technology Overview
      • PhotoPass and MemoryMaker Military Discount
      • Genie & Genie+ Service
      • Linking Disney Military Tickets and FastPass Plus Reservations
    • Outside the Parks Information and Military Discounts
    • Resources and Links for You
  • Info By Location
    • Walt Disney World
      • Walt Disney World Theme Parks
    • Disneyland Resort
      • Disneyland Theme Parks
    • Universal Studios
    • SeaWorld – Busch Gardens
    • Resources and Links for You
  • Shades of Green
    • Shades of Green Overview
    • Shades of Green Prices
      • Shades of Green Eligibility
      • Shades of Green Regular Prices
      • Shades of Green Discounts
      • Shades Of Green – Disney Price Comparison
    • Shades of Green Guest Rooms
      • Shades of Green Standard Rooms
      • Shades of Green Poolside Rooms
      • Shades of Green – Disney Value Resort Comparison
      • Shades of Green – Disney Moderate Resort Comparison
      • Shades of Green – Disney Deluxe Resort Comparison
    • Shades of Green Ticket Office
      • Shades of Green Attraction Ticket Sales Office
      • Shades of Green – Preorder Tickets
    • Shades of Green AAFES Store
    • Shades of Green Dining Overview
    • Shades of Green Transportation Overview
    • Shades of Green Pools
  • Get a Disney Quote
  • About MDT
    • Our About Page
    • Our Team
    • Roll Call (Featured In)
    • Support MDT
    • Contact
    • Brands & Advertisers
    • Bloggers/Writers
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Support Military Disney Tips
  • Updates
    • Newsletter
    • Facebook

Military Disney Tips Blog

By Military for Military

Sunstate Transportation Orlando Disney Transportation Company
Home » Blog Posts » Your Guide to Orlando International Airport

Your Guide to Orlando International Airport

By Steve Leave a Comment

Ears of Experience Military Disney Vacation Experts

If you are flying to your Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll be transiting Orlando International Airport.

Here is our guide to navigating the airport as smoothly as possible plus an overview of all that the airport has to offer.

Note: there is an airport that calls itself “Orlando” Sanford International Airport. It is not in Orlando, rather it is in Sanford which is 45 to 50 miles from WDW making transport to WDW much more expensive and requiring extra time. Also Disney’s Magical Express does not service Sanford International Airport! Using this airport is not recommended unless you are renting a car and wasting your time is not a big deal.

Arrival at Orlando International Airport (MCO, KMCO)

When your airplane arrives at the gate you will be in one of 4 outlying gate buildings (the airport calls these “Airsides”) unless you are arriving on a Jet Blue or international airline flight.. Each of these buildings has 2 to 3 corridors with gates radiating from a central area. In the central area you’ll find all of the shopping and dining venues as well as the tram to the main terminal.

Jet Blue is located in the new Terminal C, which is located to the south of the Main Terminal and its Airsides. Terminal C is independent, having its own parking, airline counters, baggage claim, TSA, and transportation options. Terminal C’s parking garage is connected to the main terminal by the same above ground, subway car style shuttles that connect the Airsides with the Main Terminal. Or shuttle buses run between the Main and C Terminals.

Orlando International Airport Airside Map

As you exit your airplane look for and follow the signs for Terminal and Bag Claim. These will lead to your terminal’s central area. In the central area look for the sign for Terminal & Bag Claim, this will lead you to the shuttle to the main terminal.

Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport

The automated, above ground, subway car style shuttles will whisk you to the main terminal fairly quickly without much of a wait.

Orlando International Airport Trams

Orlando International Airport Trams

Orlando International Airport Main Terminal

As you exit the shuttle from your Airside building, look for signs for baggage Claim.

Orlando International Airport to Baggage Claim

Continue to follow signs for either A or B Bag Claim (depending on your airline) and Ground Transportation. Terminal C arrivals will pick up their luggage in Terminal C.

Orlando International Airport to Baggage Claim

This pic is just as you enter the central atrium area with the two terminals (A & B) on each side. Note the old icon on B side for Disney’s Magical Express.

The main terminal sits in the middle of the Airside buildings, which are located at its 4 corners.

Orlando International Airport Main Terminal

Orlando International Airport Main Terminal

The main terminal has a central common area with dining, shopping, lounging areas and TSA screening. There are 2 sides to the airport, the north A (Orange) Side and south B (Green) side that each have separate airline ticketing, TSA, screening, baggage claim, and transportation options.

MDT Guide to Orlando International Airport

Each side is 3 stories with ticketing on the “main” third level, baggage claim on the second, and ground transportation on the first.

MDT Guide to Orlando International Airport

Once in the main terminal you’ll either proceed to your baggage claim (A or B).

MDT Guide to Orlando International Airport

You’ll need to know whether you need to go to Baggage Claim A or B! Check your airline app, airport monitors, or your flight attendant might have told you. Head for that baggage claim.

Once you’ve claiming your bags, or if you only have carry-on you will need to get to your ground travel location.

Ground Travel Types and Locations:

  • Disney’s Minnie Van Service (returning summer 2022) – Near the baggage claim escalators
  • Mears Connect (WDW Transportation) – B Side 1st Floor Far End (follow the signs)
  • Sunshine Flyer (WDW Transportation) – B Side 1st Floor on the opposite Far End
  • Universal’s Super Star Shuttle – A Side 1st Floor to the left of all rental car counters
  • Rental Cars – A & B Side 1st Floor
  • Uber/Lyft/Taxi – A & B Side – 2nd Floor (Outside Baggage Claim, look for signs)
  • Disney Minnie Van – The Minnie Van pick-up location is near the baggage claim escalators
  • Limo Services – Will meet you at your Baggage Claim and then take you to the first floor to the tunnel that runs between the A and B sides

If you are riding Mears Connect  or the Sunshine Flyer you will head to the B Side. You’ll see the signs for Mears Connect which is located on the first floor. Universal’s shuttle is on the other side of the airport on the A side.

Orlando International Airport Profile

FYI – Depending on the time of day, the main terminal can be very busy and congested.

Of note in the Main Terminal are Disney’s Magic of Disney Stores (there are 2), merchandise locations for those last minute purchases and some fun photo ops.

Orlando International Airport - Magic of Disney Store

There are also stores for Universal Orlando, Sea World, and Kennedy Space Center.

Orland International Airport has a USO Lounge on the A Side first floor (outside security).

Orlando International Airport Ground Transportation

The first floor of both the A and B sides houses Ground Transportation. That is: rental cars, limos, taxis, Magical Express (B Side only), Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle (A Side only),  and pickups via personal vehicles.

Transportation Options

Rental Cars – Numerous Rental Car Companies have counters on-airport on the A and B sides. These are:

  • Advantage
  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • E-Z
  • Hertz
  • National
  • Payless
  • Thrifty

Note, lines at these airport rental car counters can be HUGE.

Other companies have off-airport locations accessible via shuttle vans.

Be sure to check for military, government and USAA discounts!

When departing the airport in your rental:

  • For WDW use the south airport exit (portions are tool roads, currently about $1.25)
  • For the Orlando ITT, SeaWorld, Universal use the north airport exit (portions are tool roads, currently about $3.50)

Ride-Hailing Services – Uber and Lyft pick up on level 2. As you exit from Baggage Claim check for the sings with numbers located above the pickup area by the road. Text this number to your driver for ease of pickup.

One-way rides to WDW start at about $30

Lyft – $5 credit towards your first ride when you sign up for Lyft using this link. This promo is for your first ride only.

Airport Shuttles – There are numerous companies that offer shuttle and limo service from the airport to all Central Florida locations.

Sign directing you to Mears Connect Reception Area

Mears Connect

If you are using this services for your transportation to your Disney Resort head to the B Side first floor, then follow the signs. The check in location is at the far left end of the first floor (when facing the counters).

Note: the paid Mears Connect is a paid service that replaced the free Disney Magical Express on 1 January 2022.

Mears Connect Welcome area at Orlando International Airport

Mears Connect Welcome Sign at Orlando International Airport

For the Mears Connect, you’ll need to have your email with QR code at this point. There are several podiums to choose from. When it’s your turn show your QR code and the employee will confirm your destination resort with you, and you’ll be told a line to enter.

Mears Connect Waiting Area at Orlando International Airport

When your bus arrives and begins to load, you’ll then be told at which bus parking spot to board. Your Driver will load your bags for you and you’ll be on your way.

Walt Disney World Property Entry Sign

Sunshine Flyer

If you are using this services for your transportation to your Disney Resort head to the B Side first floor. On my last trip the signs weren’t too good for the Sunshine flyer, look for the direction the Mears Connect signs are telling you to go and go in the opposite direction! The check in location is at the far right end of the first floor (when facing the counters).

Sunshine Flyer Check In

Note: the paid Sunshine Flyer is a second paid service that replaced Disney’s Magical Express in 2022.

Sunshine Flyer Waiting Area and Staff

Sunshine Flyer Waiting Area and Staff

Check-in and transport work the same as Mears Connect above.

Universal Super Star Shuttle

If you are heading to Universal via the SuperStar Shuttle instead the procedure is almost the same as above. You’ll instead head to the A Side 1st floor and go to the Universal counter to the left of the rental cars.

They will ask you name and look you up, then direct you you the proper bus spots for boarding.

Departure from Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport is a very busy airport!

Lines at the TSA Checkpoints can be very long!

Orlando International Airport TSA Crowd.

TSA Lines during a busy period. There is 1 security entrance for 2 Airsides

Plan accordingly!

Arriving at Orlando International Airport (before you depart)

Okay, we gotta pick a road. Arrivals or departures? We’re arriving, but then we’re departing. Which one Snake?“

Eddie – from Disney’s Touchstone Pictures Big Trouble

  • If you are using a Mears Connect or Super Star Shuttle Bus – You’ll be dropped off on the 1st floor
  • If you are using a Mears Connect or Super Star Shuttle van or car – You’ll be dropped off on the 3rd floor near your airline counter
  • Other Shuttles will also drop off on the first floor
  • Limos should drop you off on the 3rd floor near your airline counter
  • Uber and Lyft will drop you on the 3rd floor near your airline counter
  • Rental cars follow the signs for rental car return. Both A and B sides each have one

Ticketing, check in, and shuttles to departure gates are located on the third floor.

Orlando International Airport Facilities

As mentioned above, the main terminal sits in the middle of the Airside buildings, which are located at its 4 corners.

The main terminal has a central common area with dining, shopping, lounging areas and TSA screening. The Main Terminal has a food court, lounging areas, stores, restaurants, and a hotel.

Orlando International Airport Main Terminal

The 4 Airsides have 119 gates, stores, and restaurants.

There are 2 TSA Security Checkpoints which serve:

  • Airside 1 & 3
  • Airside 2 & 4

The Airsides are accessed only via a shuttle train from the central airport building after passing through TSA screening.

  • Airsides 1 – Gates 1-29
  • Airsides 2 – Gates 100-129
  • Airsides 3 – Gates 30-59
  • Airsides 4 – Gates 70-99

Each Airside has a central area with the Shuttle Station and the dining/shopping locations. Two to three long hallways containing the gates extend outwards form here.

MDT Guide to Orlando International Airport

An Airside Central Area

The Main Terminal has Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and Kennedy Space Center stores. Many other generic shopping options are available in a the Main Terminal and Airsides.

MDT Guide to Orlando International Airport

Terminal C has 15 gates – Gates C230-238 & C240-245.

Orlando International Airport Dining

Many of the main terminal dining locations are located in a food court area (all fast food) while the better options are spread out in the main terminal. Each airside has a few options.Airside 1 & 2 share a security checkpoint and once through you may travel between the two (it takes 2 shuttle train rides) if you want to eat at the other one. Airside 2 & 4 are likewais behind the same security checkpoint.

Orlando International Airport Food Court

Orlando International Airport Food Court

Airsides 1 & 3 are both behind the same security checkpoint so you can travel between them (with 2 shuttle rides) to eat if you want. The same goes for Airsides 2 & 4.

Here are the dining locations that are available:

Restaurant Main Terminal
Pre-Security

Airside 1

Gates 1-29

Airside 3

Gates 30-59

Airside 2

Gates 100-129

Airside 4

Gates 70-99

Admiral’s Club X
Asian Chao X X
Auntie Anne’s X X X
Bahama Breeze X
Bananas X
Burger King X
Camden Food Co X
Carvel X X
Cask and Larder X X
Chick-fil-A X
Chili’s (Chili’s Too) X
Chipotle X
Cibo Express X
Cinnabon X
City Pub X
Delta Sky Club X
Dunkin’ Donuts X
Cold Stone Creamery X X
Famous Famiglia X
Farmair Market X
Firehouse Subs X
Freshens X
Green Leaf”s X
Jersey Mike’s Subs X
La Madeleine X
Le Grand Compitor X
Manchu Wok X
Macaroni Grill X
Market by Villa X
McDonald’s X X
MCO | MKT X
Moe’s Southwest Grill X
Nathan’s Famous Subs X
Nature’s Table X
On the Border X
Outback X
Panda Express X
Qdoba X
Ruby Tuesday X
Sbarro’s X
Starbucks X X X X
Tacos Locos X
The Club MCO X X
United Club X
UrbanCrave X
Villa Italian Kitchen X
Vino Volo X
Wendy’s X
Zaza Cuban Dinner X X

 

Restaurant Terminal C
Pre-Security

Terminal C
After-Security

Auntie Anne’s X
Barnie’s Coffee and Tea X
Cask and Larder X
Chick-fil-A X
Cucina & Co. X
Desano Pizzeria X
Einstein Bros. Bagles X
Eola Matket X
Green Belt X
Harvest & Grounds X
Main Streets Market X
Old Hearth Bread Co. X
Orange County Brewers X
Orlando Brewing X
PGA Tours X
Plaza Premium Lounge X
Replenish W/Illy Coffee X
Raw Juice X
Shake Shack X
Starbucks X X
The Scoop X
Summer House X
Sunshine Diner X
Wine Bar George X

 

Orlando International Airport Airlines

Orlando International Airport Airlines

Below is a chart showing the common carriers (I did not include off the wall or foreign ones). The Terminal column denotes the “Terminal” or which side of the building (North = A, South = B) you will pull up to for check in when you are departing.

Airline Terminal

Airside 1

Gates 1-29

Airside 3

Gates 30-59

Airside 2

Gates 100-129

Airside 4

Gates 70-99

Alaska A X
American B X
Delta B X X
Frontier A X
Hawaiian A X
Jet Blue A X
Southwest A X
Spirit B X
Sun Country B X
United B X
Virgin Atlantic A X
WestJet B X

Terminal C

Terminal C has an attached Parking Garage, train and airport shuttle station. The shuttle station connects with the main terminal, so that after grabbing your bags, you can head to the transportation levels of the A Side or B Side to catch your transportation to Disney World or Universal Orlando.

The Train Station offers with commercial rail service to points on the east coast of Florida. Expansion to Tampa is in the future as any potential Disney station (Which has been on and off over the last several years, currently off!).

Helpful Links:

TSA Pre check sign up, Recommended!

Orlando International Airport Official App – MCO app & Orlando International Airport Offical Site – With Security Wait Times

May your travel through MCO be smooth!

Over to you. Do you have any tips for the Orlando Airport?

Tell us in the comments section below!

This guide will be helpful to your non-military family and friends, so be sure to share!

This MDT Post By: Steve Bell

Steve is the the Military Disney Tips Founder. He a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way. Check out Steve's Bio.

Subscribe to Steve's email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link.

 

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:
  • 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
Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. See our Topic Overview Pages:
  • Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
  • Dining Overview Page
  • Transportation Overview Page
  • Technology Overview Page
  • Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort

Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent

Save on your Disney Vacation With Ears of Experience

Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!

 
   


Filed Under: Helpful, Transportation Tagged With: Transportation, Travel, Walt Disney World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

How Military Disney Tips Came To Serve the U.S. Military Community
Ears of Experience a Fee Free Military Reservation Specializing Disney Expert
Ears of Experience 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!

Military Discounts for You

  • Military Discounted Scooters/ECVs
  • Military Discouned Stroller Rentals

Shop Amazon  |  Shop the Disney Store
Subscribe to the Newsletter | Contact Me | Advertise | Webmasters/Bloggers
About Military Disney Tips | Resources and Links | Roll Call (Featured in)
If you found this site helpful, please consider supporting Military Disney Tips

Marketing Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Copyright Statement

Why are there ads on this site?
© Copyright 2007-2023 Military Disney Tips is a Magic Shell Media LLC Website

Other helpful MSM sites: Universal Orlando for Military & Universal Orlando Guide

U.S Military Veteran Owned Business

FTC Disclosure of Material Connection: In order for us to maintain this website, some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links.
Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers.
Military Disney Tips is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with: The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc. or any of their affiliates, nor the Shades of Green Resort, NBC Universal, Universal Orlando Resort, or the Armed Forces Vacation Club.
Buy American!

No AI Allowed!