Lean in close — we’re about to let you in on a HUGE secret about the Orlando International Airport!

You might already be planning a visit to this airport as your way to get to/from your home and Walt Disney World, but there’s a lot to do in the airport aside from stressfully walking to/from your gate and running to the restroom before your flight takes off. There are some seriously incredible restaurants here (including ones run by folks at or coming to Disney Springs!), theme park stores you won’t want to miss, and more. There’s just one problem — a bunch of that is PAST security. And you can’t get through security and into the rest of the airport without a booked flight and boarding pass right? WRONG!

Introducing the “Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program!” This new program officially kicks off today — September 1st — and it’s about to let you break ALLLLLLLLL the rules (okay, some of the rules) when it comes to going past the security checkpoint at the Orlando Airport! We were actually able to get a sneak peek at this experience, and we’re sharing ALL of our thoughts with you.

How It Works

First, let’s go over how this program works. Essentially, with Experience MCO, you’ll get to apply for a visitor pass through the website. You’ll put some basic information — when you want to visit, what terminal you want to visit (Terminal C is the only one available right now), your full legal name (as it appears on your TSA-approved photo ID), and other information.

Then TSA will review your information. If you’re approved, you’ll be able to go into Terminal C and PAST security WITHOUT a booked flight or boarding pass. You’ll be sent a digital visitor pass via email which will be what you’ll use for entry.

DO NOT print this out. Printed passes will not be accepted. You’ll need to use a digital version to get past the Terminal C TSA screening checkpoint.

On your approved date and at your approved arrival time, you’ll visit Terminal C and go to the TSA security checkpoint. Then, you’ll be screened like any other passenger. Be sure to bring a TSA-approved photo ID. You will need to enter the general screening line. Entry is allowed between 10AM and 4PM. You will be required to leave Terminal C by 8PM.

Security

All screening requirements and regulations will be the same as regular passengers (that includes liquid requirements, etc.). And you’ll only be allowed one personal item (like a purse or backpack). Keep in mind that the visitor pass is only valid during the approved day and time and only at the approved terminal.

In our experience, going through security was just the same as going through it for a regular flight. You do have the option to add the visitor pass to your Apple Wallet, so that is a nice feature.

When we visited, there was no line to go through security, but you should be prepared to wait if you’ll be visiting on a busier day or at a busier time. We were provided with a 1-hour arrival window, which we expect will be the same for most other guests.

But once you’re past security, it’s time to HAVE FUN.

What Is There To Do?

You might be wondering, “Why should I go to the airport when I don’t have a flight? What is there to do?” 

Well, visiting airports without a flight booked is actually a trend called “terminal tourism.” According to Bloomberg, airports are adopting programs to allow people past the security points so they can hang out. For some, the safety of an airport, coupled with the amount of things to do inside and the draw of seeing airplanes taking off could be the recipe for a unique date night, experience with the grandkids, or little escape.

So what did we do during our visitor pass day at Terminal C in the Orlando Airport? Well…a LOT!

Restaurants

Let’s start with a tour of some of the restaurants you can check out here. Barnie’s Coffee and Tea Co. is actually just before security, so you technically don’t need a visitor pass to experience this — but it’s well worth a stop!

Inside, you’ll find a variety of coffee options available (we had to grab one — of course!). Get yourself a Santa’s White Christmas cold brew — you can thank us later!

You can also get some packaged coffee…

…mugs…

…and even Wondermade Marshmallows (which you can also find at Disney Springs!).

Looking for more of a meal? There are tons of options! One of those is Wine Bar George (yes, as in a restaurant created by the same folks behind the oh-so-amazing Wine Bar George in Disney Springs).

It is in the middle of a walkway so it’s not quite as elaborate as some of the other spots — just keep that in mind.

Note that this restaurant (along with some of the other ones we’ll discuss below) is licensed and not necessarily operated by the same exact company as the one in Disney Springs. But you’ll still find unique eats and drinks to try.

In Terminal C, you’ll also find Sunshine Diner from Chef Art Smith (the same chef behind Homecomin‘ in Disney Springs).

There are some grab-and-go options here…

…and an option to get some more sit-down eats in a diner environment.

Another spot you might want to check out is Summer House Santa Monica, which is from the same folks behind Summer House on the Lake — a new restaurant opening in Disney Springs in 2023.

In some ways, this can serve as a good preview of what could be coming once Summer House on the Lake opens in Disney Springs.

The menu here features salads, sandwiches, starters, burgers, pizza, and more.

Plus, there are wines and beers to choose from…

…and a breakfast menu if you time your visit right!

This spot was especially cool. It had a full dining room and bar upstairs and felt the most like a spot we would want to just sit and hang out in.

Looking for more eats? Stop by Olde Hearth Bread Company — it’s a local bakery, which was licensed and brought to Terminal C by MCA.

The menu includes soups, salads, wraps…

…breakfast options (served all day!), fresh baked goods, coffees…

…and more.

Order a sandwich here, and it’ll be made on bread baked in the original bakery in Orlando — unique!

Other dining options include Desano Pizzeria…

…and greenbeat.

At greenbeat, you can make a custom bowl with all kinds of toppings…

…or opt for some pre-set selections.

We grabbed a salad from here and it was alright, though we would have preferred something a little more fun and glamorous. Our reporter eats a plant-based diet, though, so the options felt much more restrictive.

Overall, the roasted portobello and Brussels sprouts add-ons were the best part of the dish, we just wish there was a warm option (instead of a cold salad) that they could be a part of.

Another spot you can stop by is Auntie Anne’s Pretzels — a solid choice for some snacks!

But wait…there’s MORE!

Experiences and Stores

While eating at one of these spots in the airport might be fun enough, there are other things to check out too! If you want to do some shopping, check out the Universal Orlando Resort Store.

Snap a fun photo…

…and pick from the MANY wands available to fulfill your wizard dreams.

Plus, be sure to look up at the second floor where you’ll find a truly impressive effect.

There’s a screen here with a dragon that blows “fire” every few minutes and it is AMAZING.

This is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans!

Disney fans can stop by the Disney World store for a taste of the magic.

Inside, you’ll find a model castle…

…and some chandeliers on top that look like fireworks. They even form a hidden Mickey!

While it might not necessarily be a must-do for park fans, it is a great spot to pick up some Disney merchandise and stroll around.

Another thing you’ll want to take some time to see is The Moment Vault. This is meant to capture your attention with unique displays.

It’s a series of “digital interactive multimedia experiences” presented in 15k imagery, meant to make YOU feel like you’re really in the middle of it all. This is basically to the level of being an attraction in its own right.

It uses technology to capture your movements and allow you to impact the movement of the display (and even puts you INTO it sometimes!).

It includes immersive sound and is unlike anything we’ve really seen at an airport before.

Our advice? Take some time to really stand and enjoy this!

And that’s just a peek at some of the fun things you can do in Terminal C if you come and visit with a Visitor Pass (or if you’ll be in the airport as you go to your next flight).

Would you apply for a visitor pass to spend the day at the airport without a ticket? Tell us in the comments! And stay tuned for all the latest news.