Well I haven't done it at MCO, but I have at the Atlanta airport. As long as you haven't left the secured area, you can go where ever you want in the terminal areas.
Several times I have met my dad at the Atlanta airport so I could ride with him to his house. Usually, might flight would get in before his, so I would find his gate and sit and wait until his plane landed.
I don't think this would be any different at any other airport.
It is a bit different. Depends on the gate numbers and if you are fast enough to jump trams.