An Extended Wait at Orlando International - Where?

[Thumper1]

Where is the most comfortable (and most reasonable - not necessarily free) place to wait for 5 hours for a flight at Orlando International after a Disney Cruise ? My elderly Dad and I are arriving by Disney transfer at MCO at 10 AM and will be waiting for a 3 PM flight on Continental.

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[uva185]

You could purchase a day pass ($39 online) to the United Red Carpet Club. Amenities include free wi-fi, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, full bar, and some light snacks.

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,,52690,00.html

 

[NJRRK]

Hang out in the Hyatt, have a meal, stop in the bar, have some drinks (not too many) and just chill.

 

[DonnaL]

I seem to remember reading here on the Dis a few years back about renting a day room at the MCO Hyatt after a cruise. Don't know anything about it.....but, why not call the Hyatt direct and ask if they still do that. If it's reasonable, might be a good idea to get a nap late morning/early afternoon before the flight.

 

[toywaltz]

Beyond those recs....you might consider a rental car at the port. Cost will be the same (maybe less if you find a deal and go with a small car) then you can do whatever you want. Head down to coco beach or sight-see up the coast a bit. Better than anything offered at the airport IMHO

 

[Promomx2]

Or how about having him spending a few hours relaxing at the beach, before driving to orlando.

 

[Brian Noble]

Can you buy a Red Carpet pass if you're not flying United that day? I vaguely recall that Delta requires you to be flying with them, but could be wrong. Delta's is $50 a day, but the drinks are free and it is only $25 if you have one of Delta's gold amex cards.

But, the carrier lounges are a good choice. I recently upgraded my credit card to get access to Delta, American, and Continental lounges when I am flying one of those carriers. Pricey, but if you fly often enough, it can be a worthwhile splurge.

 

[uva185]

Can you buy a Red Carpet pass if you're not flying United that day? I vaguely recall that Delta requires you to be flying with them, but could be wrong. Delta's is $50 a day, but the drinks are free and it is only $25 if you have one of Delta's gold amex cards.

But, the carrier lounges are a good choice. I recently upgraded my credit card to get access to Delta, American, and Continental lounges when I am flying one of those carriers. Pricey, but if you fly often enough, it can be a worthwhile splurge.

I am not too familiar with day passes as I just have an annual membership, but with both Delta and United as long as you are a member you do not have to be flying Delta or United to gain access to their clubs....just be taking any flight that day. I would assume day passes work the same way.

I would choose a Delta club over a United club, but if the OP is flying Continental then the Delta lounge is in a opposite terminal behind a different security check point while the United Red Carpet club is located in the same secure area (albeit different terminal) than Continental.

 

[Lewisc]

Can you switch your flight? An earlier flight (noon) would solve your problem. A later flight would let you spend time at the Space Center or at the Beach.

A one way car rental would give you more flexibility.

 

[happymommy]

Since your dad is elderly, I would call the Hyatt at the airport and inquire about a day room. They may also have a senior rate or something.

Maybe it would be nice for him to be able to lie down and take a nap, watch tv, have your own bathroom, you could grab some lunch or even order room service.

It may be about $100, but for someone older, it may be totally worth it!

We did the weeklong cruise a couple of years ago, and the last day, we were TIRED! I would have loved a nap! Somewhere quiet and alone for a few hours would be nice. Plus, if you don't have time on the ship, you can take a nice shower or bath as well.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I seem to remember reading here on the Dis a few years back about renting a day room at the MCO Hyatt after a cruise. Don't know anything about it.....but, why not call the Hyatt direct and ask if they still do that. If it's reasonable, might be a good idea to get a nap late morning/early afternoon before the flight.

We did this after a cruise and before a late evening flight. We got a room, used the pool, relaxed, ate...VERY worth it...it was like 80-100 for the "day" Hyatt is beautiful!

 

[plutospup]

Take your time getting off the ship. I know Disney likes everyone to disembark as quickly as possible, but try to hang out as long as possible. At Topsiders/Beach Blanket Buffet you can have breakfast and "people watch" as people enjoy their last hours on the ship.

You probably won't get to MCO until at least 10:30. Have lunch at the airport. Going through security at MCO is better than what it use to be but it will still take at least 30 minutes. Your 3 pm flight will begin boarding at approx. 2:15 pm. With this estimation you will have less than 4 hrs at MCO, and with lunch and security taking up at least one hour of that time leaving you less than 3 hrs of "sitting time".

An airline club, or Hyatt day room might be more comfortable than the gate area. However, some MCO gate lounges do have tv screens, and of course "people watching" always provides lots of entertainment!