MCO airport question

[Coloradomom]

We will be meeting our son at MCO before heading to WDW. He is flying in from Oklahoma and will arrive 5 1/2 hours before us. We've never really had a lot of time to spend there (usually go straight to gate).
So, I am wondering, what are some things a 19 year old college student can do while waiting for us? (besides eating and homework!).
Are there any things at the airport that are must see type things to help him spend his time? Any ideas are appreciated!

 

[Lewisc]

I'd consider letting him take Mears to your hotel, other than reading a few books there really isn't anything to do.

 

[safetymom]

I love checking out airports but 5 1/2 hours is a long time. Isn't there some way he could get to DTD or the room?

There is a video arcade, he could plane watch but nothing that would take up a lot of time at the airport.

 

[Coloradomom]

Thanks for the ideas! He is an avid reader so I am sure he will check out the bookstore too. We are doing Tiffany to POR so he wants to wait for us rather than hassle with Mears, especially since he cannot check in at the resort anyway. (we have AP discount).

Any other cool things at MCO worth seeing?

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Coloradomom
Thanks for the ideas! He is an avid reader so I am sure he will check out the bookstore too. We are doing Tiffany to POR so he wants to wait for us rather than hassle with Mears, especially since he cannot check in at the resort anyway. (we have AP discount).

Any other cool things at MCO worth seeing?

He could bring some books to read BUT Mears is a lot better than killing 5 1/2 hours in the airport. Even if he can't check in he could have them store his luggage. He could use the pool, arcade, health club or even use his AP and go to a park for a few hours.

If he is set on waiting for you he should bring a lot to read and find a comfortable chair.

I don't think any of the stores would interest a 19 year old male and there isn't a movie theater near the airport.

 

[kylara]

I agree that 5 1/2 hours is a lot of time to waste in the airport but here are some of the stores that are there if he wants to window shop

Disney
Sea World
Universal
Kennedy Space Center
Mindworks
The Grove
Harley Davidson
WH Smith Books
Altitunes
Flag World
Borders Books

And there is the arcade.

Also if he wants a quiet place to sit and read, he can go up to the Hyatt Lobby where there is a lounge area. I know that when I was at a conference, this place was a great place to read.

 

[gctong]

We were just there for a 2 1/2 wait and we were done "shopping" and hanging around the food court after 1 1/2. So I would suggest having your son meet you at the resort too.

I'm sure if you call ahead to the resort to tell them to expect your son early and to leave his luggage there, he can go explore for 4 hours instead of hanging around the airport. Good luck!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

There is always the option of getting a day room at the Hyatt that way he would have access to the swimming pool, tv in the room, etc. You just have to figure if it's worth the $75. Good luck!

 

[SB in KY]

assuming he has a credit card I don't think there is any reason he could not check in at the resort... he is over 18 and even though he doesn't have the AP...you can always go by the desk and show it to them after you arrive. To me it would be worth the $17 or whatever Mears charges for a 1 way ticket not to have to spend so long in the airport.

 

[prncess674]

will he be checking luggage. Many of the "activities" at the airport are beyond security. He would need to leave the secure area to collect his luggage. I agree that he should just take Mears to the hotel, then he could take WDW transport to DTD or at least just hang out at the hotel.

 

[Coloradomom]

Thanks to everyone for their good ideas. I will share with him and let him decide. I suspect he may want to take Mears to POR and then head off via bus or boat to DTD to check out the Virgin record store there. One of his favorite places!
Thanks again!!