Orlando International Airport has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with Terminal C being the most impressive addition to its facilities. This terminal has quickly become a standout destination, offering exceptional dining options that rival many standalone restaurants across Central Florida. Notably, several of these establishments have direct connections to popular Disney Springs locations, providing airport travelers with access to high-quality dining experiences typically reserved for Disney properties.
Terminal C features a variety of dining options, including The Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith, who also operates the beloved Homecomin’ restaurant at Disney Springs. Wine Bar George is located in Terminal C, alongside its Disney Springs location. Cask & Ladder is from the same restaurant group that manages The Polite Pig at Disney Springs. Additionally, Summerhouse Santa Monica is linked to Summer House on the Lake, also at Disney Springs. This concentration of quality dining creates a unique situation where some of Orlando’s most interesting restaurant concepts are located just miles away from local residents but remain inaccessible without a boarding pass and flight reservation.
The Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program has expanded, allowing approved visitors to access all terminals at Orlando International Airport, including the previously restricted Terminal C. Non-ticketed guests can now pass through TSA security to shop, dine, and spend time in post-security areas without needing travel plans.
Orlando Airport Program Details and Requirements
Starting December 16, visitors will be able to apply for access to post-security areas in Terminals A, B, and C. This is the first time the program has offered comprehensive airport access, with the inclusion of Terminal C representing a significant expansion. The initiative allows non-travelers to pass through security checkpoints specifically to enjoy retail shopping, dining at restaurants, or spending time with friends and family who are traveling.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority originally launched this program but paused it to evaluate staffing needs and operational viability. The current relaunch features updated procedures and expanded access, designed to cater to visitor interests while maintaining security standards and minimizing disruptions to regular passenger operations.
CEO Lance Lyttle of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority emphasized the program’s importance in welcoming non-ticketed guests to experience airport restaurants, explore retail shops, and spend quality time with their traveling loved ones. Implementing this initiative required collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration to ensure proper execution throughout the entire airport campus.
How to Apply and Access
Guests interested in participating must submit applications through the official Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program website. Applications can be submitted up to seven days prior to the desired visit, but daily availability is limited to manage crowd levels and ensure a smooth passenger flow through security checkpoints.
Approved visitors are allowed to enter post-security areas only during their designated time slots, which run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., providing a total of six hours of access. Guests who apply up to seven days in advance must exit all post-security areas by 8:00 p.m., allowing several hours inside once they are approved.
The system processes applications at midnight on the day of the visit, allowing guests to receive same-day confirmations. Approved participants must present their digital Experience MCO Visitor Passes and TSA-approved ID, like a valid passport or REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, at security checkpoints. Standard driver’s licenses that do not meet REAL ID requirements will be rejected.
Visitor pass holders are subject to the same TSA screening requirements as ticketed passengers, including all restrictions on prohibited items and liquids. The standard 3-1-1 liquids rule applies, along with carry-on size restrictions, and prohibited items remain banned regardless of visitor status. Those using visitor passes must prepare for security screening as if they were boarding a flight, except they will not have actual boarding passes.
Currently, participants must utilize standard TSA screening lanes. Expedited screening programs, such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, are not available to visitor pass holders, regardless of their eligibility for these programs when traveling normally.
Practical Applications
For residents of Orlando, this program offers access to the exceptional dining options at Terminal C, eliminating the need for separate flight bookings. Restaurants such as Chef Art Smith’s Sunshine Diner, Wine Bar George, Cask & Ladder, and Summerhouse Santa Monica can now be enjoyed for meals or simply to experience their unique airport environments.
Additionally, this program benefits those who wish to spend more time with friends or family before departure. Instead of having to say quick goodbyes before security, visitor pass holders can accompany travelers to the gates, share meals in post-security restaurants, and enjoy extended time together before flights.
For visitors to Orlando who do not have rental vehicles, this program also offers an opportunity to access quality dining by utilizing rideshare services to travel to the airport. However, the practicality of this option may vary based on individual circumstances and transportation costs.
Orlando Airport Considerations and Limitations
The Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program offers practical benefits based on individual needs. It provides locals exclusive access to restaurants at Terminal C, especially those linked to Disney Springs, and allows more time with traveling loved ones before security.
However, participating in the program requires careful planning and preparation. Individuals must have TSA-approved identification, undergo full security screening, and adhere to specific time slot restrictions. This is not a matter of casually dropping in; it demands preparation and commitment similar to actual air travel, minus the flights themselves.
The program has limited daily availability, so applications may not always be approved, especially during busy times when the airport prioritizes regular passenger flow. Approval is confirmed at midnight, often leading to uncertainty for those making plans around airport access.
Making It Worthwhile
If you’re interested in using the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program, be sure to apply as early as possible within the seven-day window to increase your chances of approval. Check that your identification meets TSA requirements before applying. Plan to arrive during the approved time slots and prepare for a full TSA screening, similar to what regular passengers experience.
Once you’re in, Terminal C offers some of the best dining options, especially for those familiar with Disney Springs restaurants and eager to try their airport counterparts. This experience combines an airport atmosphere with restaurant-quality offerings that exceed typical airport standards, making it a unique destination at Orlando International Airport.
The return and expansion of the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program make Terminal C accessible not only to ticketed passengers but also to locals and visitors without the need for air travel.
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