OK, I’m going to try to make this a shorter than usual review.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is situated in the heart of Florida, USA. It is the main airport the British use when holidaying in the Disney area.
The airport itself is huge, and our only experience of it was this Christmas just passed (2004). On arrival we were greeted by airport staff who were really friendly, and we headed out to pick up our baggage.
Having waited about 20 minutes for all the luggage to arrive on the belt, we then headed off in the direction of the “exit”.
Hmmm. This is where Orlando appears to be different from other airports. Just around the corner from where you have just collected your luggage is another conveyor belt. You will be expected to put your entire luggage back onto the conveyor, take your hand luggage, and head up the escalator. That is the last you will see of your luggage for the next 2 hours!!
WHY?
OK, the next step is passport control. Have you completed your green card correctly? After a huge wait (every family seemed to take at least 10 minutes to get through), you step up to the passport control desk. A hand will greet you requesting your documents. Don’t expect them to speak to you in a pleasant tone of voice. Do not expect “How are you today” or “Did you have a good flight?” Expect to be treated like a potential criminal.
With terrorism on the increase, I suppose the extra security is an absolute must, but these people are downright rude.
After you have had your fingerprints taken, passports checked etc, you can move on.
Next, it is time to go through the security checks. Remove all jackets, jumpers, shoes, bags, purses, phones etc, and place them in the baskets. They will go through the X-Ray while you are searched or held up for whatever reason they can find. All I can suggest is, be organised. Have all your bags off quickly, and don’t hold these people up, or they will detain you as long as possible.
Beware; my brother in law had his phone picked up by some woman who tried to walk off with it. They hold you up so long that your belongings are over the other side of the gate for a good 5 minutes before you get there!
Next, you have to head for baggage collection. (Yes, again!). This time, prepare fr it to take ages, and you may find you luggage has been split up onto different belts. All in all, this process took 3 hours from landing to car collection. If you are approached by someone asking if they can help with your bags, they will CHARGE YOU.
Check in was much quicker and more efficient than arrivals.
The airport?
The airport is well signposted, and really easy to find, whichever direction you come in from. Of course, if you are heading in by plane, you won’t have a problem!!!!
The airport itself is clean, dry, warm, and the general staff are very friendly and helpful, but if you cross one of the security personnel, woe betide you.
There is a shopping mall in the centre with jewellers, electrical goods, toy shops, Disney shops, Universal, Sea World etc. The only shop I couldn’t find was Busch Gardens. There are plenty of duty free shops, pharmacy, and anything else you could possibly want prior to your return journey.
There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and fast food places, but the prices are inflated.
Different areas are connected by monorail and moving walkways. (This place is huge). All areas are well signposted, and finding your check in desk, and departure gate shouldn’t be a problem.
The airport has its own hotel situated within the building. Many of the rooms overlook the plaza. There are plenty of other hotels situated just outside the airport.
The facilities for the disabled appeared to be excellent. There were disabled toilets and all areas were accessible by lift if required.
Car Hire was fairly efficient with us picking the car up within 10 minutes of arrival at the desk.
I think those are the main points. If I’ve missed anything, let me know.
Sam xxx
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