I hit the only place MCO permits spotting after providing a "use of facilities" form at the GOAA offices. In the office they were nice enough, and did not seem to be bothered that I wanted to shoot at their location (maybe it was the clean shirt). I also asked if setting up my tripod inside the terminal would be permitted since I wanted to get some long exposure of the fountain and was told that would be fine.
I took some test shots on level 9 where it is permitted and wanted to share so others can see what has been posted previously. You really need a "reach out" lens.



Both were shot from the permitted location which is a parking deck they call Level 9 on top of the terminal building. The lens was a 70-200 f2.8L. It is 3:10 PM in the August afternoon so there is a lot of haze and particles moving around in the air. As you can see its not the most friendly place especially for beginners who may not have a 500mm - 800mm.

Hopefully for those who ask about shooting at MCO this will help with the visual of what others here have been discussing.


G

Here is another shot and a map of the area with approximate distances. The Jetblue shot above was at a distance of about 6,000ft and the Southwest was about 4,500ft. The shot below of Delta was at a distance about 2,500ft. Its hard to see the map with the noted distances but the touchdown areas range from 4,000ft to over 8,400ft. Again these were all shot with a 70-200 so you will need longer lenses to catch WU and WD shots.

Again this is the area that the GOAA has permitted at the parking structure Level 9. I know there are areas around that others use and know about but I am just a beginner to Spotting and have yet to learn of these "speak-easy" areas.

Yay for photography a mile away! MCO sucks...

When I clicked on this, I thought the OP would be from Europe. Most of the locals like myself don't even bother with that GOAA permit crap.I would suggest the red lot, where these were taken

View Large View Medium Photo © Ozell Stephens Jr

View Large View Medium Photo © Ozell Stephens Jr

View Large View Medium Photo © Justin Cederholm

View Large View Medium Photo © Christopher Weyer

Justin, dont you remember the fun we had running around that hellhole known as MCO

Quoting 727LOVER (Reply 3): I would suggest the red lot, where these were taken

GREAT! NOW THEY KNOW, OZELL! GOAA knows now and they're going to catch you! Way to go!

 

Sarcasm off...