MCO, do you think this will work?

[MemoryMakers2669]

Trying to picture the Orlando airport here, maybe you can help.

We arrive around 9:30am, my cousin is behind us exactly one hour. Since we just changed her arrival date to ours (she was a day behind us), she will not have Magical Express at this point.

So, we plan to wait around for her, not a big deal. We are renting a van, btw.

We are going to get off our plane, go get the rental van (Dollar, so we have to stand in line), then go get our luggage and take it to the van. Pick out the van, put our luggage in, etc. Take the key and lock it up, THEN go back into the airport to wait for her.

Can we at this point go into that main area of the airport, where all the shopping, dining is, and get something to eat while we wait for her?? I can't visualize any security to that part from the main terminal area. Isn't the security beyond that?

Of course we will adjust accordingly in case a flight is late, etc. But if all goes as planned, we will have a little time to kill after getting back inside. We dont' think we will be ready to eat though as soon as we get off the plane, so thought we would do all the other stuff first. This way when she gets off the plane and her luggage comes out, we are out of there!

 

[Edd]

There is a restaurant area on the third floor in the public area. There are also shops and a lot of things to do waiting for your relatives.

 

[kkmauch]

If I remember correctly, some of the food and shopping areas are before security. I am almost certain that we ate at CHili's before we went through security. I know there are some places to eat that are beyond security but I am pretty sure you will be able to find at least a small bite to eat somewhere before security.

 

[AllyBri]

Your plan will work. If her flight arrives on time, you may not even have time to get something to eat, the hour between the 2 flights may take that much to get your luggage and car.
When you get off the tram-shuttle at MCO and leave the "safe area" you will see people waiting for others, you can go back to that area and wait too.

 

[Anthony1971]

There is a food court and few sit downs before security as well as shops ETC. The same fast places are availble after security as well but charge more.......
You can also meet on level one as they have a lot of tables with nice chairs and it is always empty........

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

Thanks all! We will play it all by ear, but the sooner she sees us, the better. She has never gone anywhere, lives in Kansas City and other than coming to Baltimore twice, she has gone nowhere at all. She hasn't flown for at least 10 years and that was her only flight. So, this is a big deal for her! I am so beyond excited for her to go to FL and Disney.

We will all have cell phones and will hear from her as soon as she is able to call us. If we don't have time to eat, we will just eat at Costco after we all leave there.

 

[bg4]

I do not believe that you would be allowed to pick a car and then just lock it up and leave it but you should check with dollar on this. I may be wrong but I believe that once you get your car you are expected to leave mostly because they want the space to rent another car. Especially being that dollar is in MCO.

 

[salmoneous]

As others have said, there is food and shopping before you have to go through security at MCO.

If you are renting from Dollar, be sure to join Dollar Express. You still have to wait in line at MCO, but the Express line is much better.

The Dollar "lot" at MCO is just a section of the parking garage. There's nothing they can do to make or even encourage you to move your car once you pick up the keys. Don't worry about leaving it there for an hour or two.

 

[AllyBri]

The Dollar "lot" at MCO is just a section of the parking garage. There's nothing they can do to make or even encourage you to move your car once you pick up the keys. Don't worry about leaving it there for an hour or two.

This information is correct.
Also, don't forget to lock the doors and take the keys with you.

 

[safetymom]

There is a Macaroni Grill on the B side before security. Lots of places to eat in the food court.