I guess I can't think of many reasons for a middle aged dude travelling solo to hang around international drive lugging his bag around after checking out of his hotel either though! But sounds like the recommendation is set expectations low, eat elsewhere then elbow my way in to a busy lounge a couple of hours before the flight, rather than turn up 5 hours early expecting a decent chill out before 9hrs+ stuck at the back of a plane.

I'm surprised there's only one lounge option at MCO though? I haven't passed through for years but back around 2011-2012 I was sure there were a couple (and I thought there was a BA one without 'riff raff' allowed? )