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DTW → MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer scenic views of the Appalachian range, the right side is preferred for its views of the Detroit skyline upon departure and the potential to spot Orlando's world-famous theme parks during the final approach.
Detroit Skyline
Excellent views of the Renaissance Center and the downtown core if taking off toward the north or east.
Smoky Mountains
Far-off vistas of the hazy Great Smoky Mountains as the plane crosses over the Tennessee-North Carolina border region.
Central Florida Lakes
An incredible view of the thousands of circular sinkhole lakes that dot the landscape of Central Florida.
Walt Disney World
During the final descent into MCO, look for the iconic structures of Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom.
Choose the right side for sunset views on late afternoon flights. Keep your camera ready during the last 15 minutes of the flight; depending on the wind direction, the plane often circles right over the theme park corridor.
Lake Erie
Aerial view of the western basin of Lake Erie and the mouth of the Detroit River shortly after takeoff.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Dramatic views of the eastern Appalachian ridges stretching across Virginia and North Carolina.
Atlantic Coastline
Distant views of the winding Atlantic coast and the barrier islands of South Carolina and Georgia.
St. Johns River
The massive north-flowing river that snakes through the Florida landscape toward Jacksonville.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Atlantic horizon. During descent, look for the Cape Canaveral launch pads if the pilot takes a more easterly routing.
Distance: 1,544 km (959 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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