There is no reliable promise that you will be at your Florida villa two hours after landing at MCO. Arrival terminal, entry checks, baggage, the rental provider and traffic all affect the journey. Build a flexible first evening rather than a tight activity booking.
Before leaving the UK, save the accommodation address, entry instructions and an out-of-hours contact offline. Make sure another adult can access them if your phone runs out of battery.
From landing to the arrivals hall
Follow the instructions for your flight and terminal. Check signs and staff directions for entry procedures and baggage collection rather than assuming every international arrival follows the same route. Keep the documents you may need accessible in hand luggage.
Do not quote a standard immigration waiting time to children or a transfer driver as a guarantee. Give the provider your flight details and agree what happens if the flight or arrivals process is delayed.
Collecting a hire car at Orlando International Airport
Use MCO's current rental-car directory and the provider's collection instructions. The airport distinguishes on-airport locations from off-airport companies with shuttles. There is no single compulsory shuttle to a rental centre for every arrival.
| Booking type | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| On-airport rental | Company, terminal arrangements, counter or collection location and opening hours. |
| Off-airport rental | Shuttle collection point, contact details and late-arrival process. |
| Private transfer | Meeting point, child equipment, luggage capacity and delay policy. |
| Other onward transport | Authorised pickup location and a workable alternative if the original plan fails. |
Keep the payment card, licence and rental documents ready. Read the agreement and inspect the vehicle before driving away. The car-hire cover checklist helps prepare questions before the collection queue.
Plan the drive before collecting the keys
Save the exact address rather than just the development name. Ask the host about gates, access codes, parking and any check-in deadline. Check the route, toll arrangements and where to get help if access fails.
Do not drive on simply to meet an optimistic arrival time if you are too tired to do so safely. Reconsider the onward plan and contact the accommodation or transfer provider if needed. The priority is arriving safely with everyone and their bags.
Make the supermarket stop optional
A large arrival-night shop may not suit a delayed flight or tired children. Decide which essentials you need immediately and which can wait. Check any delivery arrangement with the accommodation provider rather than assuming groceries can be left before check-in.
Keep a small meal and arrival-spending allowance separate from refundable deposits. No current taxi, grocery or rental price is asserted here: obtain a quote for the actual route, party and pickup conditions.
A flexible arrival checklist
- Follow the flight's actual arrivals route and collect all bags.
- Contact the onward provider using the agreed procedure.
- Check documents, car or child equipment before setting off.
- Update the host if your arrival changes materially.
- Reach the accommodation, check access and keep the first evening simple.
Plan the rest of the trip with the Orlando itinerary. The mobile connectivity guide helps you arrange data without relying on the airport as your first setup location.
Frequently asked questions
Do all MCO passengers take a shuttle to car hire?
No. Follow the current airport directory and your provider's instructions for your terminal and booking.
How long will immigration and baggage take?
It varies. Avoid booking an inflexible first-night activity around a generic estimate, and agree a delay process with the onward provider.
Should we buy groceries before reaching the villa?
Only if the arrival and family's energy allow it. Have a simple alternative for a late or delayed evening.
Compare an existing booking option
This is an existing affiliate link; the site may earn commission if you book. Compare the actual inclusions and final total with the direct provider. Check the existing Holiday Extras option.
Plan your next step
- Florida Car Hire for UK Families: Best Prices 2026
- Do You Need an eSIM for Florida? Honest UK Family Guide
- 14-Day Orlando Itinerary for UK Families 2026
Source review: 17 October 2026. Verify changing dates, admission and booking conditions for your own visit. mco.
