1st look inside Orlando’s Plaza Premium Lounge, the model’s 2nd within the US

Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO)’s newly opened Terminal C marked quite a lot of firsts for the ninth-busiest airport within the U.S. The $2.8 billion terminal has a state-of-the-art baggage dealing with system, options an ever-changing immersive artwork set up and was constructed with sustainability and environmental accountability in thoughts. The truth is, it is one of many first airports designed to be LEED v4 licensed.

Associated: Orlando Worldwide Airport has new eating choices coming

MCO’s Terminal C can also be residence to the nation’s second Plaza Premium Lounge. There are greater than 250 Plaza Premium Lounge places worldwide, however they’ve solely lately expanded into the U.S. with a lounge at Dallas Fort Price Worldwide Airport (DFW) that opened in 2020. Its latest location is within the theme park capital of the world.

The ten,000-square-foot lounge has thoughtfully designed areas the place youngsters can expend pent-up vitality earlier than a flight whereas dad and mom chill out. Enterprise vacationers can work in a quiet surroundings, in a single day vacationers can clean up after an extended flight and all visitors can get pleasure from chef-inspired meals and contemporary espresso or mixologist-crafted cocktails.

TPG received a primary have a look at Orlando’s Plaza Premium Lounge, which is now open to all vacationers. Here is all the things you could know concerning the lounge, together with how one can go to the subsequent time you cross by way of Orlando.

Entry and placement

Terminal C is at the moment residence to 9 worldwide airways (Aer Lingus, Caribbean Airways, Azul, Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Gol, Norse Atlantic Airways and Icelandair), plus home provider JetBlue. You should be flying by way of Terminal C to entry the Plaza Premium Lounge. Different visitors ought to use lounges in Terminals A and B.

The Plaza Premium Lounge is positioned in what’s known as the Palm Court docket space of Terminal C. Palm Court docket is on the departure stage (stage 4) between the safety checkpoint and the boarding gates. That is the place a lot of the eating and buying shops are positioned.

Terminal C is related to Terminals A and B by way of a shuttle bus or the Terminal Hyperlink APM. The shuttle bus drops visitors off on stage 6 (arrivals), and the APM stops within the Terminal C parking storage. From there, it is a five- to 10-minute stroll to the terminal. Once I visited, signage in the primary terminal indicated it might take 16 to twenty minutes to succeed in Terminal C. I timed it, and even after stopping to take a number of photographs, it took me slightly greater than 12 minutes.

The lounge looms massive on the second flooring of Palm Court docket. With floor-to-ceiling home windows and signage that is way more conspicuous than most airport lounges, it is easy to identify from the second you enter the Palm Court docket space.

The doorway to the lounge is on the primary flooring of Palm Court docket. You will test in on the entrance after which take both an elevator or staircase to the second flooring; there, workers will affirm your check-in earlier than you might be granted entry.

There are 3 ways to entry the Plaza Premium Lounge. The Platinum Card® from American Categorical, the Centurion Card from American Categorical, American Categorical cobranded playing cards, Capital One Enterprise X Credit score Card, Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Enterprise cardholders can enter the lounge with their card and a same-day boarding cross. Plaza Premium has additionally partnered with the airways flying out of the brand new terminal to make the lounge out there to first- and business-class passengers. Other than these, you should buy a one-time or multiuse cross on the Plaza Premium web site or upon arrival, although advance reservations are inspired.

The lounge is at the moment open from midday to 9 p.m. every day, however these hours will probably change as service to the terminal expands within the coming months.

The data for the Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.

Structure

As you enter the lounge, it is clear that Plaza Premium values Orlando’s designation as one of many world’s prime locations for households. The lounge instantly opens to a big space designed for households with a wide range of seating choices, in addition to toys and actions to maintain youngsters entertained. Alongside the wall on this space is a curated choice of paintings from the Orlando Museum of Artwork.

Additionally within the household space, you may discover freshly baked cookies and a choice of drinks, together with infused waters, tea and custom-made espresso drinks from a Lavazza espresso maker.

After passing by way of the household space, you enter the lounge’s primary space. Right here, you may discover a wide range of seating choices, most of that are solely an arm’s attain away from worldwide charging ports. That is additionally the place the full-service bar and meals service space are positioned. The excessive ceilings and floor-to-ceiling home windows on each side of the house give it a brilliant, open really feel.

Past the primary space is a devoted quiet zone. The seating on this space was custom-made for privateness and luxury with a small hook to your coat or purse, a global charging port, a studying mild, a pillow and a small work desk. Seats are additionally located in such a approach that you are able to do a little bit of planespotting when you work.

The lounge additionally has three bathe amenities close to the entrance entrance and 5 particular person restrooms. Accessible showers and restrooms are each out there.

Meals and beverage

The Orlando Plaza Premium Lounge’s culinary choices vary from freshly made pastries, desserts and cookies to connoisseur dishes like bourbon rooster teriyaki and beef meatloaf with demi-glace. There’s additionally a grab-and-go chilly case with contemporary fruits, desserts and salads.

The total-service bar has a big choice of beer, wine and spirits, together with a rotating menu of cocktails crafted by the pleasant mixologists behind the bar. There’s a second espresso machine on the bar as a way to order espresso drinks (splash of Kahlua non-obligatory). Most alcoholic drinks can be found at no extra charge, however a number of high-end choices require a small upcharge. Tea, soda and water are additionally out there.

Upon request, one of many lounge’s cooks will specifically put together a meal that meets the wants of any allergy symptoms or meals sensitivities; youngsters’s dishes like home made macaroni and cheese are additionally out there.

Facilities

As already talked about, as an alternative of a standard household room that hides households away from different visitors, the Plaza Premium Lounge has a big, open space for households. There’s a massive interactive display with a sport known as Tasty Turtle Treats the place youngsters can transfer a turtle forwards and backwards on the display and try to catch falling treats. Full disclosure, I attempted it out and it was enjoyable for adults, too.

Three bathe suites can be found and might be reserved for half-hour. The spa-like bathe rooms have calming ocean-inspired decor; adjustable showerheads; refillable shampoo, conditioner and physique wash; towels; and a hair dryer. Exterior of the bathe suites and the restrooms, you may discover a sink and mirrors for freshening up.

Two digital screens show flight arrival and departure occasions. Complimentary Wi-Fi and worldwide charging ports are additionally out there.

Backside line

The Plaza Premium Lounge is a welcome addition to MCO’s new Terminal C, as there’s something for everyone, together with households, enterprise vacationers and everybody in between. The workers was exceptionally pleasant and welcoming. To not point out, the lounge’s open design and decor provided a chilled reprieve from the hustle and bustle of a busy journey day.