Orlando Airport: A Traveler's Quick-Start Guide
Orlando International Airport is really two connected terminal buildings (A and B, which share one big atrium and food court on Level 3) plus a newer, separate Terminal C to the south for a mix of domestic and international long-haul carriers. Whichever terminal you land in, your actual gate is in one of four remote "airside" concourses reached by a short automated people-mover ride after security — your boarding pass will show the airside, not just the terminal, so check both.
Security and immigration
Security checkpoints sit in the main terminal buildings before you ride out to your airside, so arrive with enough buffer if it's a busy morning or holiday period — MCO is one of the busiest airports in the US and lines can back up during peak spring break and summer travel windows. International arrivals go through a modern federal inspection facility for passport control and customs; it's efficient by US standards but can still take 30-45 minutes when several widebodies land close together.
Getting to Disney, Universal, and beyond
Most travelers passing through MCO are headed to the theme parks rather than downtown, and there's no train service to any of them — you'll need a car, shuttle, or rideshare. Walt Disney World is about 20-25 miles southwest, roughly 30-45 minutes by car depending on traffic; Universal Orlando is closer, around 15-20 minutes; both are easily reached by taxi, Uber/Lyft (pickup areas are clearly marked at each terminal), rental car, or a prepaid shuttle if you'd rather not drive. Many hotels near the parks also run their own airport shuttles. If your trip actually centers on the city itself, downtown Orlando is about 25 minutes north by car.
Practical tips
Rental car counters are a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminals depending on which one you land in, and Florida's summer afternoon thunderstorms can snarl both traffic and short-haul flight schedules, so build in slack if you're renting a car or making a tight connection between roughly 2pm and 6pm in summer. Free WiFi is available airport-wide with no sign-up required, and both Terminal C and the main terminal have decent food options if you're waiting out a delay.