What to expect from Orlando Airport?

For many air travel can often be a stressful experience with long queues at security, delayed planes, expensive food outlets and confusing navigation signs. So why not read this post all about what to expect from Orlando International Airport to help relieve any stress and make you feel confident and relaxed to get your holiday off to the right start.

Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World, Miami Beach or jetting off somewhere new. Get your vacation off to a good start from the minute you land at the airport.

Let’s have a look exactly what’s in this post for you;

• Check-in at Orlando Airport
• Security at Orlando Airport 
• Gates at Orlando Airport
• Lounges at Orlando Airport
• Top Tips when visiting Orlando Airport 
• Hotels at Orlando Airport
• Car Hire at Orlando Airport
• Parking at Orlando Airport
• Final Thoughts 

Check-in at Orlando Airport

Orlando Airport is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, however, each airline sets its own hours of operation, which is dictated by its flight schedule so double check when check-in opens for an early flight. Most airlines suggest arriving at least three hours before your flight.

Security at Orlando Airport

Orlando is one of the busiest airports in the world with over 47,000,000 passengers a year and with strict security checks, you should always expect queues, especially during peak season.

My advice is to book an early flight when security queues are at their shortest and always arrive at least 3 hours before your designated flight. The most important thing is don’t get frustrated, security is in place to help protect the country and make passengers feel safe. There’s an effective system in place to speed up the process whilst being thorough and staff are extremely friendly and will help with any enquires you may have.

Gates at Orlando Airport

Once you’ve dropped your bags off and passed security you’ll be ready to find your gate number. Orlando Airport is split into the ‘A’ side and the ‘B’ side, which will be determined by your designated airline. There are a total of 129 gates but don’t panic, there’s a train that will take you to the relevant gate, where you can find food outlets, shops and other services.

Lounges at Orlando Airport

If you’re looking for a little luxury to start your holiday, why not book into one of Orlando’s Airport world class lounges. My top pick has got to be The Club, which has a relaxed atmosphere and serves tasty food and complimentary vibrant cocktails and with prices starting from only $39 USD it certainly beats waiting at the over-crowded gates.

Top Tips when visiting Orlando Airport

·        Download the Orlando MCO Airport App to help navigate yourself

·        Have USD coins ready for toll roads in and out of the airport if hiring your own car

·        Afternoon thunderstorms often cause delays, so bring a book!

·        Enjoy the huge array of shops

·        Remember Orlando Airport is a non-smoking facility

·        WIFI is available in all public areas and is free, yay!

Side Note – Have you thought about visiting the UK? Check out my top things to do in York post. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is the place for you!

Hotels at Orlando International Airport

1.      Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel

If you’ve got an early flight time, why not stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel conveniently located in the main terminal. Simply get the lift down to level 3 where you’ll be welcomed by security where you’ll ready to hit the bar and board your plane – the least stressful airport experience possible! If your flights in the afternoon guests can enjoy the outdoor pool with a 24-hour gym and even end the day with a relaxing massage – sounds like heaven to me!

See the awesome rooms at the hotel

2.      Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside

Conveniently located 1 mile from Orlando Airport and with a free shuttle bus service this fabulous hotel is perfect when catching flights in and out of Orlando. Enjoy several indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a hot tub and fitness center. There’s even an onsite restaurant serving delicious hearty America meals. Have a great night’s sleep in the deluxe beds and enjoy the recently renovated modern rooms. This is certainly a great way to start a holiday!

Check the rooms available

3.      Ramada by Wyndham Suites Orlando Airport

This remarkable hotel has super friendly staff that are willing to go the extra mile to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Guests have access to the free shuttle bus service meaning you can relax knowing your transportation is all taken care of. You can also make use of the pools and fitness centre, as well as enjoying a hot breakfast each morning before heading out to Disney which is only 21 minutes away!

See the rooms here

Car Hire at Orlando Airport

Once you’ve arrived at Orlando Airport you’ll be excited to head off and start your adventure, but first, you may need to pick up your rental car. Why hire a car in Orlando? First of all Orlando is a huge place and many of the main attractions are spaced out; secondly, the rest of Orlando is on your doorstep, so why not take a break from Disney and go explore.

Orlando Airport is one of the largest car rental markets in the world and is located on the A-Side and B-Side of the Terminal on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1). Car hire companies include Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget and many more. Make sure you pre-book to get the best deals as often cars can be sold out due to high demand. There are also car rental companies off-site, which requires includes a free shuttle bus transportation, which could be an option if you’ve booked last minute.

You can check out the Hertz Orlando Airport car rental here!

Car Parking at Orlando Airport

Did you know you can park at Orlando Airport? There are a number of different car parks to choose from which all except cash, American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

North cell lot/South cell lot = Free (Picking up arriving passengers)

North park place economy lot/South park place economy = Grace period for the first 10 minutes

$5 for 11 minutes to 3 hours

$10 per 24-hour period

Parking garage A, B & C = Grace period for the first 20 minutes

$2 for 21 to 30 minutes, then

$1 for each additional 15 minutes up to a maximum of $19, then

$19 per 24-hour period (maximum stay 45 days)

Hyatt Valet Parking = $4 for the first 20 minutes, then

$1 for each additional 20 minutes (or any part thereof from the time of entry) up to a maximum of 3 hours, then

$25 per 24-hour period (maximum stay 60 days)

Final Thoughts

If you’re ever thinking of going to Disney or Universal, or just want to see the sights of Florida. You’re more than likely going to pass through Orlando Airport, so use these top tips to make your adventure as relaxing and stress-free as possible!