MCO Restaurant with luggage

Question

Headed to a cruise, we have 4 hours to kill before taking transfer to the cruise port. We will have picked up our luggage because we are afraid to leave it near the carousel for too long. Where can we go to eat and ?? There are 5 of us including a 6 year old. We arrive at 6:30am.

Any help/recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has several options for families looking to eat and relax before heading to a cruise, especially if you have luggage with you and need a convenient place to sit. Since you’ll be arriving early at 6:30am, not all restaurants may be open immediately, but there are some early breakfast options inside the terminals, and you can also consider using luggage storage or locker services if you want to move around more freely.

Here are options for eating within the airport with luggage:

Terminal A & B Restaurants – Both terminals have breakfast spots that open early. Look for chains such as Starbucks (open as early as 4:30–5:00am), Dunkin’ Donuts, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. These are good for coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and quick breakfast items.
Outtakes / Mini Food Courts – MCO has small eateries like Chick-fil-A, Auntie Anne’s, and local kiosks. Many open around 5:30–6:00am and are convenient for families with luggage since seating is available nearby.
Lounges or Airport Seating Areas – If you want a quieter spot to eat, the airport has open seating near the food courts. You can grab breakfast to-go and sit comfortably while waiting for your cruise transfer.

If you prefer to leave the airport and get a more traditional sit-down breakfast or early brunch, there are options near the airport that are accessible with luggage:

Highwaymen Florida Cuisine – Located a short drive from the airport, open early for breakfast. Offers local cuisine and casual dining suitable for families.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – Close to the airport, serves breakfast starting at 6:00am. Kid-friendly menu and ample seating make it convenient for a family of five.
Denny’s – Open 24/7 near the airport; offers classic American breakfast and is comfortable for families with children and luggage.

Regarding luggage management, if you don’t want to carry it around while eating: MCO offers Luggage Storage services through companies like SmarteCarte near the main terminals. Lockers or baggage storage can hold your luggage safely for a few hours, allowing you to enjoy breakfast and a short stroll without worry.

In summary, you have several options depending on whether you prefer to stay inside the airport or take a short drive nearby. Grab-and-go breakfast inside the terminals is convenient, while nearby restaurants offer more space and a traditional breakfast experience. Using luggage storage can make your 4-hour wait much more comfortable, especially with a 6-year-old in the group.