Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program Returns: How Does It Affect UK Travellers?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is once again open to non-travellers, with the popular Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program officially returning. This is anexperience many UK travellers may not be familiar with; signing-up to gain access to the airport facilities beyond TSA when you don’t have a flight to catch, but this is something offered my MCO.

From today, visitors without a flight ticket can apply for access to post-security areas across all terminals, including Terminal C and Terminals A & B. That's a first for the programme, which was previously limited in scope before being paused for review.

For most UK travellers this news will not affect their plans, but for anyone thinking of booking holidays with family members who may stay for different durations, this is an interesting option that could allow you to spend a bit more time together before departing for the UK. It’s also an option if you have friends or family local to the Orlando area.

What's New with Experience MCO?

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) temporarily paused the program after its initial debut to evaluate operational and staffing needs. Following that review, the program has now returned with broader access across the airport.

Here's what's now included in Experience MCO:

• All terminals: A, B, and C included, rather than just selected areas.

• Dining, shopping, and time with travelling loved ones after TSA clearance for who don’t have a plane ticket.

• Open daily but with limited, pre-approved visitor slots.

GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said:

How the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Works

The key parameters of the scheme include:

• Entry timeslots available between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

• All Experience MCO visitors must leave all terminals by 8:00pm.

• You can apply up to seven days in advance, but passes are issued on a first come, first serve basis.

• There is no exit and re-entry allowed.

All applications are reviewed by TSA, with approvals issued after midnight on the day of your visit.

What You'll Need to Apply

Approved guests will receive a digital Experience MCO Visitor Pass via email, which must be presented-along with a TSA-approved photo identification such as a passport or REAL ID-at the security checkpoint. Printed passes are not accepted.

Visitor Pass guests go through standard TSA screening only. That means no TSA PreCheck, CLEAR or MCO Reserve, all types of expedited lane. You'll be subject to the same security rules as passengers, including liquid limits and prohibited items.

More information, including application details and frequently asked questions, is available on the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program page at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Why This Matters for UK Disney Visitors

For UK families heading to Walt Disney World, this is a handy option if:

• You want to see off family or friends properly

• You fancy exploring Terminal C's newer restaurants and shops without flying.

You cannot use the MCO Experience Visitor Pass on a day you have a flight, so if you are flying the same day as family who are leaving, even if they are departing in the morning from a different terminal and you are departing in the evening, this is not an option you can use.

This may not be of note for lots of people, but for those who it does affect it makes saying goodbye feel less like a rush and more of a proper Disney style, “see ya real soon.”

Magic in a Minute

Orlando Airport's Experience MCO Visitor Pass is back and covers all terminals, giving non-travellers airside access. If this is for you apply early, bring the right ID, and keep that pass digital.