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GNV → MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Gainesville Regional Airport (Gainesville) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of Florida's unique inland geography, including the sprawling Paynes Prairie and the iconic silhouettes of major theme parks during the descent into Orlando.
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Paynes Prairie
A biologically diverse savanna and wetland south of Gainesville where bison and wild horses roam.
Lake Apopka
One of Florida's largest lakes, signaling the entry into the greater Orlando metropolitan area.
Walt Disney World
Depending on the approach pattern, iconic landmarks like Spaceship Earth and the Tower of Terror can be spotted.
Universal Studios Florida
The roller coasters of Islands of Adventure and the Volcano Bay water park are often visible during the descent.
The Orlando Eye
The giant observation wheel on International Drive stands out against the suburban sprawl.
The right side is the 'vacation side' of the aircraft. For the best views of the theme parks, hope for a south-to-north landing pattern (Runways 35L/36R), though the standard north-to-south approach still offers excellent views of the Butler Chain of Lakes and the western suburbs.
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Newnans Lake
A large, shallow lake just east of Gainesville visible immediately after departure from GNV.
Ocala National Forest
The world's largest sand pine scrub forest, appearing as a vast, dense green canopy to the east.
Downtown Orlando Skyline
As the aircraft turns for final approach, the skyscrapers of downtown and Lake Eola are often visible.
Lake Nona Medical City
A massive, modern life sciences cluster located just southeast of the Orlando International Airport.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun. This side is better for spotting the dense greenery of the Florida scrub and the distant Lake George, the second-largest lake in the state.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 169 km (105 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 17 min
Departure: GNV (29.6900997162, -82.27179718020001)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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