I go to Disney World a lot. Like more than a normal person. Naturally, over the years, I’ve picked up a few habits as I travel through the Orlando International Airport, and it turns out one of my silly little rituals could be going mainstream.
Orlando International Airport
Most airports are pretty basic. You’ve got the McDonald’s restaurant with a mile-long line for a mediocre breakfast sandwich. You’ve got the terminals with outlets that don’t work. There’s the airport gift shop with the tempting candy display (and books, if you’re a nerd like me). And at the Orlando Airport, there’s also a fan-favorite detail that must NEVER be removed: the Airside Carpet.
OK, what’s the big deal about a carpet? This iconic green carpet is synonymous with the Orlando Airport. It’s been around for DECADES, and if you’re a frequent visitor like me, it signifies the start of your vacation. It’s almost like a mascot, and even the Orlando Airport’s social media team is in on sensation.
Seeing the Airside Carpet? That's a bone-a-fide classic Orlando experience. pic.twitter.com/RvUILJsVOo
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 14, 2022
There was even a campaign to EXPAND the Airside Carpet to non-guest-facing places thanks to Operation Carpet Diem. Yes, it’s really a thing. People love that darn carpet!
Many of you have asked if we finally got Airside Carpet in our office.
Did we get the 40,700 likes? No. 🫠
Did we take matters into our own hands? Literally yes. 🥸 Unveiling: #OperationCarpetDiem. 😎
Shout out to everyone who liked & shared – we were floored by your support! 🫶 https://t.co/S5LxFiFtk6 pic.twitter.com/aPPjNiaQVs— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) August 29, 2024
Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s the sense of community. Maybe it’s one big joke. Who knows. But I am a part of it, and it feels good to see that familiar green carpet welcome me back to Orlando.
Welcome to Orlando!
In fact, a few years ago, I started taking a picture of my shoes the first time they hit the green carpet after landing at the airport. I have quite a collection of photos in my camera roll.
THE CARPET!
Are they the best photos in the world? No. Think of it as performance art. (That’s code for I know these pictures are blurry and in motion…let’s move past it.)
Can you tell I love to wear my Sambas to the airport?
OK, I’ll show you one more for good measure. You had to know I wasn’t kidding when I said this is a real airport ritual. Dear Orlando Airport, if you’re reading this, please never change your carpet. Someday, I’ll have enough photos for a whole book.
Thank you for viewing four photos of my feet at the airport
Remember how I said my silly little ritual could be going mainstream? Well, when the Orlando Airport revealed a new Rock ‘Em Socks collaboration, I freaked out. These were MADE for me…
We're about to knock your socks off!! 🧦 In partnership with @RockEmSocks, we’re launching our iconic Airside Carpet socks for sale – for the first time ever! Set your alarm to secure this toe-tally awesome socks.
🗓️ Thursday Dec. 12, at 12pm
➡️ https://t.co/eShcadsqPR https://t.co/Sk6BQdW5Bo— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) December 11, 2024
…and tons of other people, apparently. These socks SOLD OUT before I could get ahold of them. Who knew carpet socks would be such a hot seller!
©Rock ‘Em Socks
Well, I may not have the socks, but at least I have the memories. Next time you’re at the airport, snap a pic of that classic carpet for me and tag @disneyfoodblog! We can start a new photo tradition. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
The FANCIEST Way to Get to Disney World from Orlando Airport Is Cheaper Than You Think
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you have any airport traditions? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Maybe a pattern for a bag!!!
Love the design. But want to ask what kind of shoes are you wearing. The black with the white strips.
Thanks
Hi Cheryl! I reached out to Madeleine and she said they’re Adidas Sambas. You can find them here.
My thanks Gigi and Madeleine. They look comfy and I know you do a lot of WDW Walking so figure you’re the experts.
You’re so welcome, Cheryl! I asked Madeleine if she’d consider them good park shoes and she said that she wears them all over Walt Disney World, but everyone is different and if you were to compare them to a shoe like the Hokas, it may not be the best choice for you depending on what’s going to work for you. She did say they’re the perfect airport shoes though because they’re so easy to slip on and off.