Best way to kill time near MCO?

[Mrs~Incredible]

We will likely have to return our car rental around 1, and check in for our flight around 4..... (with flight leaving at 6)...

won’t want to pay the extra cost to keep the rental out longer, and this is probably how the timing will work out.

this sounds dreadful- I can wait 2 hours in that airport but 5 hours after vacation will be really tough. Besides the remote possibility we can get a better flight time closer to car rental return, does anyone have any good ideas?

wondering if we should Uber somewhere to kill a few hours?

 

[Robbydj13]

Uber is always a good option. But I am an airport lover. Im someone who schedules longer layovers lol, so I could definitely chill, walk around and plane watch in the airport for 5 hours.
Theres not a lot of time though to really do much after you drop the car off. Maybe drop the car off earlier and uber to disney springs or an outlet mall to walk around and kill time before ubering back to the airport. Or just eat a nice lunch somewhere and unwind

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Uber is always a good option. But I am an airport lover. Im someone who schedules longer layovers lol, so I could definitely chill, walk around and plane watch in the airport for 5 hours.
Theres not a lot of time though to really do much after you drop the car off. Maybe drop the car off earlier and uber to disney springs or an outlet mall to walk around and kill time before ubering back to the airport. Or just eat a nice lunch somewhere and unwind

Thanks- I was just thinking that- maybe I will drop off DH and DD at Disney springs, I could return the car early and Uber back to meet them.... and then we could Uber back to the airport.... you’re right, there isn’t that much time to do a new touristy attraction- and we will want to make sure we check in for our flight in time.... this may be a good option.

 

[Robbydj13]

Thanks- I was just thinking that- maybe I will drop off DH and DD at Disney springs, I could return the car early and Uber back to meet them.... and then we could Uber back to the airport.... you’re right, there isn’t that much time to do a new touristy attraction- and we will want to make sure we check in for our flight in time.... this may be a good option.

Glad I could help, honestly Disney Springs seems like the play. Wake up, get ready, and then go return the car as early as you want and then you have time to hang out at the Springs. The only issue to consider is the uber and fitting all the luggage. Not sure how many people or bags in your party

 

[EACarlson]

Baggage would be my concern. I would probably just be at the airport. I've killed three hours at MCO before without too much trouble. If you have access to any of the lounges or are willing to pay for access that would probably take care of it.

 

[Robbydj13]

Baggage would be my concern. I would probably just be at the airport. I've killed three hours at MCO before without too much trouble. If you have access to any of the lounges or are willing to pay for access that would probably take care of it.

Couldn’t agree more. Love the lounges and I love being at the airport. So I can entertain myself easier. Those with kids may find it more difficult.

 

[sam_gordon]

This might be different...

If you like airplanes, while you're at the airport, go to https://www.liveatc.net/search/?icao=kmco. You can listen to the pilots talk to the tower (on the ground, departing, and arriving). There's a different frequency for each leg.

ETA: Here's the airport diagram so you can follow along...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/MCO_Airport_Diagram.svg

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

This might be different...

If you like airplanes, while you're at the airport, go to https://www.liveatc.net/search/?icao=kmco. You can listen to the pilots talk to the tower (on the ground, departing, and arriving). There's a different frequency for each leg.

ETA: Here's the airport diagram so you can follow along...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/MCO_Airport_Diagram.svg

Wow!! That is so cool! My family would love that!!

ok, choice A is to leave our baggage at the resort (they will stow it for us), I can drop off DH and DD at DS, return the car, then Uber to meet them- then we all Uber back, picking up our baggage on the way

OR....

love this idea of listening to the pilots. Thank you @sam_gordon!!!!!

 

[Robbydj13]

Wow!! That is so cool! My family would love that!!

ok, choice A is to leave our baggage at the resort (they will stow it for us), I can drop off DH and DD at DS, return the car, then Uber to meet them- then we all Uber back, picking up our baggage on the way

OR....

love this idea of listening to the pilots. Thank you @sam_gordon!!!!!

It’s a great idea. Make sure to download a flight tracking app like FlightAware or Flightradar24 so you can track the planes as you listen. It makes it a touch more interesting. At least for a nerd like me

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

It’s a great idea. Make sure to download a flight tracking app like FlightAware or Flightradar24 so you can track the planes as you listen. It makes it a touch more interesting. At least for a nerd like me

I actually didn’t know this was possible. I think you’ve found a new nerd to join your club

 

[sam_gordon]

I actually didn’t know this was possible. I think you’ve found a new nerd to join your club

That's not the only airport they do it for. Go to https://www.liveatc.net/ and in the upper left is a search bar. You need to know the actual three letter code (you can't search "Orlando", but you can search "MCO" (Orlando International) or "SFB" (Sanford) or "TPA" (Tampa).

 

[Capt_BJ]

pre COVID the Hyatt IN MCO did day rooms ........

and a tip ...... if you go up the escalator to the reception area of the Hyatt you'll find a large lobby area with couches and easy chairs and many a quiet corner. A LOT more comfortable than just sitting at a gate or a food court table . . . . I've never seen 'em chase anyone out . . .

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

pre COVID the Hyatt IN MCO did day rooms ........

and a tip ...... if you go up the escalator to the reception area of the Hyatt you'll find a large lobby area with couches and easy chairs and many a quiet corner. A LOT more comfortable than just sitting at a gate or a food court table . . . . I've never seen 'em chase anyone out . . .

Great tip, thank you!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Usually to keep a rental just an hour longer would cost $10. We have turned in a car late and that is usually what they charge us. If you book it as an 1 later return they will charge a higher price but if you simply return it late its usually $10. It will be printing on your rental agreement when you pick up the car or do online check in. Or go over to new South APM Station and Garage “C” . There is never anyone over there. Quite enough to catch a nap or if you have a baby that needs a nap this is a great spot. Lots of chairs/couches to sit in or charge a device. Quiet clean bathrooms.

 

[DVC-Don]

Sometimes you can kill quite a bit of time while in the non-Pre Check line.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Usually to keep a rental just an hour longer would cost $10. We have turned in a car late and that is usually what they charge us. If you book it as an 1 later return they will charge a higher price but if you simply return it late its usually $10. It will be printing on your rental agreement when you pick up the car or do online check in. Or go over to new South APM Station and Garage “C” . There is never anyone over there. Quite enough to catch a nap or if you have a baby that needs a nap this is a great spot. Lots of chairs/couches to sit in or charge a device. Quiet clean bathrooms.

Thanks!!