Orlando Airport getting a facelift: new shops, smarter parking
A series of major projects at Orlando International Airport (MCO) that will significantly enhance the passenger experience has been approved by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board.
The Board unanimously approved a $13 million project to install a state-of-the-art parking guidance system throughout MCO’s parking garages. This cutting-edge technology will provide real-time information on available parking spaces, making it easier for travelers to find parking and reducing congestion within the garages.
In addition to the parking improvements, the Board also approved plans for a lineup of new restaurants and retail options within Terminals A and B. These projects are part of a broader multi-million-dollar, multi-year investment by GOAA to modernize and improve MCO. The airport is committed to enhancing the overall experience for the nearly 60 million passengers who visit MCO annually and preparing for future passenger growth.
“We are using emerging technologies to create seamless arrival to MCO with the new parking guidance system. Once visitors are here, they will be able to find unique and enjoyable restaurants and stores that are designed with passengers in mind,” Kevin J. Thibault, GOAA CEO, said.
Orlando Airport Parking Guidance System
Transportation Systems Inc. of Apopka received the contract to install an Automated Parking Guidance System for all three of MCO’s parking garages (Garages A, B and C) and Terminal Top.
The parking guidance selected is similar to those found at Disney Springs. The camera-based system will provide real-time information about parking availability, with color-coded lights pointing drivers to open parking spots. There will also be digital signage on roadways, garage entry points, and throughout the garages showing real-time information about the number of open parking spots available lane by lane.
After a design period, installation is expected to begin by mid-2025 and take approximately 24 months. Garages will remain open as crews install the parking guidance system in phases.
Once fully installed, the new parking guidance system will provide real-time information on approximately 11,000 spaces located throughout MCO’s four parking garages. There are approximately 23,000 total parking spaces throughout MCO’s campus, including the addition of surface lots Atlantis, Discovery, and Endeavour near the Train Station.
Orlando International leadership previously announced plans to open a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC) that would make an additional 4,500 parking spaces available in the existing parking garages by 2032.
New Stores and Shops
Orlando International Airport visitors will soon have even more options to shop, sip, and dine before their flights.
In addition to nationally-recognized restaurants and retailers, MCO visitors will be able to enjoy the best dishes from landmark Central Florida restaurants, including:
- Stasio’s
- Smoke & Donuts
- Kelly’s Ice Cream
- SoDough Detroit Pizza
- Milkhouse
- Jam-Eng
- 4Rivers
Each one is among the list of more than 40 restaurants and retail stores included in the first phase of a program that will transform areas of MCO to provide new experiences and appeal, expanded seating, and highlighting the offerings of Central Florida.
The first phase of the concessions plan will focus on more than 77,013 square feet of restaurant and retail space – an area larger than 16 Boeing 747s.
Design work will begin in the near future, with renovations beginning by mid-2025. Phases 2 and 3 of the concessions renovation plan are part of a broader project the GOAA Board previously approved to invest more than $65 million to makeover interiors of Airsides 1 and 3 and levels 1 and 3 of Terminals A and B. These renovations include upgrades to flooring, bathrooms, baggage claim, and gate areas.
