I Take a Picture of My Shoes Every Time I Land at the Orlando Airport. This New MCO Merch Was MADE for Me.

[Disney4me]

I go to Disney World a lot. Like more than a normal person. Naturally, over the years, I’ve picked up a few habits as I travel through the Orlando International Airport, and it turns out one of my silly little rituals could be going mainstream.

Orlando International Airport

Most airports are pretty basic. You’ve got the McDonald’s restaurant with a mile-long line for a mediocre breakfast sandwich. You’ve got the terminals with outlets that don’t work. There’s the airport gift shop with the tempting candy display (and books, if you’re a nerd like me). And at the Orlando Airport, there’s also a fan-favorite detail that must NEVER be removed: the Airside Carpet.

OK, what’s the big deal about a carpet? This iconic green carpet is synonymous with the Orlando Airport. It’s been around for DECADES, and if you’re a frequent visitor like me, it signifies the start of your vacation. It’s almost like a mascot, and even the Orlando Airport’s social media team is in on sensation.

Seeing the Airside Carpet? That's a bone-a-fide classic Orlando experience. pic.twitter.com/RvUILJsVOo

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 14, 2022

There was even a campaign to EXPAND the Airside Carpet to non-guest-facing places thanks to Operation Carpet Diem. Yes, it’s really a thing. People love that darn carpet!

Many of you have asked if we finally got Airside Carpet in our office.
Did we get the 40,700 likes? No.
Did we take matters into our own hands? Literally yes. Unveiling: #OperationCarpetDiem.
Shout out to everyone who liked & shared – we were floored by your support! https://t.co/S5LxFiFtk6 pic.twitter.com/aPPjNiaQVs

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) August 29, 2024

Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s the sense of community. Maybe it’s one big joke. Who knows. But I am a part of it, and it feels good to see that familiar green carpet welcome me back to Orlando.

Welcome to Orlando!

In fact, a few years ago, I started taking a picture of my shoes the first time they hit the green carpet after landing at the airport. I have quite a collection of photos in my camera roll.

THE CARPET!

Are they the best photos in the world? No. Think of it as performance art. (That’s code for I know these pictures are blurry and in motion…let’s move past it.)

Can you tell I love to wear my Sambas to the airport?

OK, I’ll show you one more for good measure. You had to know I wasn’t kidding when I said this is a real airport ritual. Dear Orlando Airport, if you’re reading this, please never change your carpet. Someday, I’ll have enough photos for a whole book.

Thank you for viewing four photos of my feet at the airport

Remember how I said my silly little ritual could be going mainstream? Well, when the Orlando Airport revealed a new Rock ‘Em Socks collaboration, I freaked out. These were MADE for me…

We're about to knock your socks off!! In partnership with @RockEmSocks, we’re launching our iconic Airside Carpet socks for sale – for the first time ever! Set your alarm to secure this toe-tally awesome socks.
Thursday Dec. 12, at 12pm
https://t.co/eShcadsqPR https://t.co/Sk6BQdW5Bo

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) December 11, 2024

…and tons of other people, apparently. These socks SOLD OUT before I could get ahold of them. Who knew carpet socks would be such a hot seller!

©Rock ‘Em Socks

Well, I may not have the socks, but at least I have the memories. Next time you’re at the airport, snap a pic of that classic carpet for me and tag @disneyfoodblog! We can start a new photo tradition. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

The FANCIEST Way to Get to Disney World from Orlando Airport Is Cheaper Than You Think

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

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Do you have any airport traditions? Let us know in the comments!

The post I Take a Picture of My Shoes Every Time I Land at the Orlando Airport. This New MCO Merch Was MADE for Me. first appeared on the disney food blog.

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