Traveling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) with a disability, a medical condition, or a sensory sensitivity? MCO offers a solid set of accessibility services — but the single most important thing to know is this: the airport does not provide wheelchairs; your airline does. This guide covers how to arrange wheelchair assistance, get help through security, and use MCO’s standout services like the Sunflower program and the sensory room.
Wheelchair Assistance: Arrange It Through Your Airline
Per flymco.com, travelers who require a wheelchair must contact their airline in advance so a wheelchair can be provided for use within the airport. The airport itself does not supply wheelchairs — this is the airline’s responsibility, from curb or check-in through to the aircraft door.
Skycaps are also available at MCO for curbside check-in, carrying baggage, and wheelchair assistance. Request them through your airline in advance or upon arrival; tipping is customary.
Photo: Rosiestep, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TSA Cares: Help Through Security Screening
TSA Cares is available at MCO for travelers with disabilities or medical conditions. You can request a trained Passenger Support Specialist to assist you through security screening by calling (855) 787-2227 or submitting the online form at least 72 hours before departure (weekdays 8 AM–11 PM ET; weekends/holidays 9 AM–8 PM ET).
Important limit: TSA Cares covers screening only. TSA does not provide wheelchair or curb-to-aircraft service — that remains the airline’s role. The airport recommends arriving at the security checkpoint 2 hours before departure.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
MCO participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Travelers with non-visible disabilities can pick up a Sunflower Lanyard or MCO button at the airport information booths or the TSA security area (Terminal A & B, Level 3) to discreetly signal staff that they may need extra time or assistance — no explanation required.
Photo: Pexels (free Pexels license)
Annie’s Space Sensory Room
For travelers with sensory sensitivities and their families, Annie’s Space Sensory Room is a standout MCO amenity:
- Location: Terminal A, Level 3, pre-security, near the food court across from Truist Bank
- Hours: daily, 7 AM – 9 PM
- Rules: no food or drinks, children accompanied by an adult, shoes on at all times, no running or rough play
- Non-emergency assistance: 407-825-3177
Getting Around the Terminals
MCO’s layout matters for accessibility planning. Terminals A and B are opposite sides of the same main terminal building — only about 525 feet across, crossed on Level 3. Terminal C is a separate building (opened in 2022), connected by the Terminal Link automated people mover.
- Elevators, escalators, and ramps connect the levels of Terminals A, B, and C, and all Gate Link APMs (people movers) are wheelchair-accessible.
- The Terminal Link APM between Terminal B and the Train Station operates 24 hours a day.
- A 24-hour shuttle bus also connects Terminal B Level 1 (Space B65) and Terminal C Level 1 (Space C272).
- Family/companion-care (unisex) restrooms — usable as accessible restrooms — are on each level of Terminals A, B, C, and the Train Station.
Note: the airport does not publish specific elevator locations or an accessible-parking stall map, so for exact elevator positions use the MCO interactive terminal map. Accessible parking spaces are reported near elevators and shuttle stops in the parking garages, but specific stall locations are not officially published.
Parking Permits and Language Assistance
Visitors holding a disabled parking permit from another state or country can get a temporary Florida permit at the FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Services office (8185 Lee Vista Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32829; 407-836-4145; Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM). Requirements: appear in person with a signature, hold an out-of-state permit, bring a doctor’s letter stating need, and pay $15.
Language assistance is available through customer experience ambassadors and the CX Hub (407-825-2352; after 11 PM, 407-825-2292). Travelers who are hearing-impaired are directed to use Federal Relay 711.
For the full airport layout, see our MCO terminal map & layout guide; for getting to and from the airport, the MCO ground transportation guide; and for traveling with kids, the MCO family guide.
Navigate MCO Your Way with AirportGo
Knowing where the elevators, accessible restrooms, and your gate are before you arrive takes real stress out of accessible travel. AirportGo gives you step-by-step directions through MCO’s terminals, searchable directories for services and amenities, and live flight and checkpoint information — so you can plan your route around what works for you, from curb to gate and back again.
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