A video capturing the retro vibes of Orlando International Airport (MCO) has ignited a wave of nostalgia on social media.
Adam Goodman (@adam_vs_world on TikTok and @adam-vs-world on YouTube)—a 41-year-old technology engineer and video creator from Glen Rock, Pennsylvania—shared the clip on TikTok, describing the airport as a "time machine back to the 90s." The video has amassed 1.3 million views since it was shared on November 22.
The video, taken in Terminal A near the food court, features MCO's signature green carpet adorned with a floral pattern, large pots of lush greenery and wooden benches that feel straight out of a bygone era. A note overlaid on the video reads: "Landing in Orlando but your plane was actually a time machine back to the 90s."
Goodman believes MCO's nostalgic design plays a key role in its identity. "There is something universal about MCO and how it makes people feel," he told Newsweek.
The viral post comes as nearly 80 million people in the U.S. are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday at record levels across various forms of travel, from driving and flying to cruising, according to the AAA.
Air travel has shown continued strong growth in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. The load factor—the percentage of available seats an airline sells on its flights—reached a record high of 86.2 percent in August, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported in October.
'Nostalgic' and 'Iconic'
Goodman's visit to MCO on October 29 was for a week-long vacation to Disney World.
"I wanted to create a short-form video about the unique style of MCO," Goodman told Newsweek. "The way you can see a picture of it for a second and know exactly what it is."
The poster appreciates the airport's distinctive aesthetic, which he describes as comforting. "The carpet in MCO especially seems like it is right out of the 1990s for me, but not in a bad way," he said. "It's in the design with the green and blues, which isn't something you see much of anymore."
Goodman acknowledged the mix of opinions the video has sparked online.
"The most surprising thing about the TikTok and all the attention it has received is how many people love its unique look and don't want it to be updated to a more modern airport look," he said. "Of course, some users have voiced that they don't love it either."
The viral video struck a chord with several TikTokers, including user 351984327 who commented: "That rug has literally been the same since my first trip to Disney in 1994. No joke...THE SAME." Another user, nikkin038, added: "I can just smell the musty air through my screen."
The Dolls House Cosmetics wrote: "So nostalgic," and nepsnflows said: "the carpet is iconic."
Others embraced the airport's dated charm. "That airport is so dated, and I never want it to change," wrote Cole Bundy. Similarly, Stephanie Simpson shared: "Being a 90s child, I found it comforting. It took me back to my childhood."
KieraKate expressed hope that the airport would retain its character, saying: "I truly hope it never changes. It's an instant feeling of comfort. Been going since I was born and now bring my sons. I LOVE the feeling arriving there."
Some users were critical of the airport's dated design, with comments like: "Orlando airport is so dated" from GavinC, and Bee & Jash declaring: "The carpet everywhere is the WORST."
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