Thanks to serving as the gateway to mega-popular tourist destinations, including Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country. However, not all of its terminals are created equal.
Inside Terminal C at MCO Airport
I’ve been traveling through MCO for over 30 years now, to the point where I’m arguably more familiar with Orlando International than I am the airports in my local area. However, even I was taken aback the first time I flew through the airport’s Terminal C, as were many members of our DFB team.
The massive terminal, which opened as part of an expansion of MCO in 2022, features 20 gates and mainly caters to international flights as well as JetBlue flights. However, the new terminal is more than that: From a design and amenities standpoint, it’s a game-changer for MCO.
Orlando International Airport Terminal C
One of the first things we noticed was noise, or more precisely, the lack thereof. The terminal’s design actively reduced noise. Combined with the atmospheric music, which can be described as serene and spa-like, Terminal C might be the calmest airport terminal we’ve ever experienced.
Terminal C also offers a much wider variety of shopping and dining options than it’s A and B predecessors, with an emphasis on local brands including Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co., Provisions by Cask & Larder, Cucina & Co., Orlando Brewing Bar & Bites, Wine Bar George, Olde Hearth Bread Co., Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith, Orange County Brewers, Raw Juce, and Cask & Larder Public House.
Terminal C
Speaking of stores, the terminal also offers massive Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando stores — among other major brands — so you can either get a jump on scouting souvenirs when you arrive, or pick up some last-minute gifts before you board your flight.
©Orlando International Airport/Disney
Terminal C is also connected to the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal, AKA the Orlando Brightline station, which provides quick access to the BrightLine inter-city rail, which offers service from the MCO Orlando Station to South Florida destinations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami. The station is also linked via bus to the SunRail commuter rail, which currently operates over a 49-mile system with 16 stations through Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties.
Brightline train at Orlando Airport
The only thing that sticks out as missing to us from Terminal C? The iconic MCO carpet, of course. It simply doesn’t feel like a trip to or from Central Florida without it.
The next time you fly in or out of MCO, we suggest using Terminal C. It really is a game-changer, and you will feel like your airport experience is 10x better, simply because this terminal is so incredible!
The MCO carpet!
MCO’s Terminal C has been a game-changer for the airport closest to Disney World since it opened several years ago. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips.
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How can you “choose” a terminal? aren’t they assigned to airlines??