Orlando International Airport, or MCO for short (not Mickey’s Castle Outpost, sadly), is a bustling hub in the heart of Florida, known for whisking us away to the magic of Disney or the sunny beaches. But hold onto your sunscreen, because there are some wacky, surprising, and downright amusing things you might not know about this airport.
1. Flamingos on the Loose:
You won’t need to visit a zoo to see flamingos in Orlando. Yep, you heard that right. There’s an urban legend that a couple of flamingos flew the coop from a nearby attraction and have been strutting their stuff around the airport. Imagine explaining that to your friends: “I saw flamingos at the airport.”
2. Alligator Sitters:
Florida, being Florida, is famous for its alligators. Well, guess what? The airport has an alligator-patrolling team. They make sure the reptiles don’t disrupt your vacation plans by sunbathing on the runway.
3. Color-Coded Terminals:
Orlando International Airport uses colors instead of numbers for its terminals. So if someone tells you to meet them at the “Red Terminal,” don’t fret – they didn’t suddenly forget their numbers.
4. Wildlife Conservation:
The airport isn’t just a place for travelers; it’s also a haven for wildlife. Conservation areas on the premises help protect local ecosystems. Who knew you could spot endangered species between connecting flights?
5. Whispering Benches:
They have these magical “whisper benches” in the atrium of the main terminal. Sit at one end, have your friend sit at the other, and you can have a secret chat without everyone else hearing. Handy for surprise party planning.
6. Butterfly Garden:
Yes, you read it right. There’s a butterfly garden inside the airport. If you’ve got some time to kill before your flight, you can hang out with hundreds of fluttering, colorful beauties. It’s like stepping into a Disney movie.
7. Art Gallery Galore:
MCO is like an art museum that you can accidentally stumble into. There’s a ton of artwork from local artists, and it’s not just hanging on the walls. You might even find some sculptures that leave you scratching your head and saying, “Is that a flamingo with Mickey Mouse ears?”
8. People Movers:
Forget walking. At MCO, they have those nifty automated walkways that make you feel like you’re in a futuristic sci-fi movie. Though, honestly, it’s more like a lazy stroll on a magic carpet.
9. Lost and Found Treasures:
The airport’s lost and found department has found some pretty bizarre stuff. From wedding dresses to prosthetic limbs, if you left something behind, they’ll probably have it. Though, how you forget your leg is beyond us.
10. Busy, Busy, Busy:
This airport is no joke when it comes to passengers. In 2020 (a particularly odd year), MCO was still the busiest airport in Florida. It’s like the cool kid at the party who everyone wants to hang out with.
So there you have it. Orlando International Airport isn’t just a place to catch a flight; it’s a world of flamingos, butterflies, art, and alligators. It’s basically a vacation before your vacation. Who knew an airport could be so wild and wacky? Enjoy your travels, and don’t forget to say “hi” to the flamingos for us.