Is it just us, or have we been getting a lot of Orlando International Airport news?!

Orlando International Airport

Almost everyone traveling to and from Disney World encounters the Orlando International Airport! The busy airport has been seeing many changes over the last year, with many more to come. One of those changes is the addition of a bunch of new restaurants, and as Disney Food Blog, we really couldn’t be happier.

Not one, not two, but 13 new restaurants are headed to MCO. These new additions are a part of the overhaul plan from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s plan to redevelop over 200,000 square feet of space, according to the Orlando Business Journal.

MCO Airport Security

According to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority board meeting documents, the 13 restaurants signed a 10-year lease at a price of roughly $5.9 million. So, this will be a nice food offering upgrade.

The restaurants include some popular chains such as:

• Chick-fil-A
• Einstein Bros Bagels
• Shake Shack
• Starbucks
• Panda Express

Two Orlando-based chains:

• Piggza (a pizzeria)
• Bricks & Bowls (a sandwich shop)

Some regional chains:

• Crisp & Green
• Just Love Coffee Cafe
• Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill
• Sambazon

©MCO

The mix of national, local, and regional chains is intentional! Tracy Harris, vice president of concessions, said, “The plan is designed to provide opportunities for small, medium, and large companies to showcase the mix of local, regional, and national brands.” Be on the lookout in Terminal A and B for these new restaurants when they eventually open.

©MCO

Work on these renovations has already begun, with the first round expected to open in 2026. The first phase includes local restaurants like Smoke & Donuts, Kelly’s Ice Cream, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, and Otto’s High Dive.

©MCO

Starting next month, the airport will also begin replacing its trams. The work will officially begin on December 3rd, replacing the vehicles that transport passengers between gates 70–129 and Terminals A and B. This may impact passengers flying with Air Canada, Avelo Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, LATAM, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic.

MCO Airport

A lot is happening at the airport, and although it’ll take time, we’re excited for the new changes. For more travel news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog!

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What restaurant are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!