MCO’s Annie the Astronaut Makes Her Real-World Debut

Orlando International Airport has officially brought one of its most recognizable digital personalities to life. Annie the Astronaut, MCO’s longtime digital ambassador, made her debut as a live mascot on August 27, marking a new chapter for a character that has been helping travelers navigate the airport for nearly a decade.

Annie first appeared digitally during the 2017 Thanksgiving travel season as part of MCO’s communications system. Since then, she has been used across airport signage to make wayfinding, security information and other passenger messaging more approachable. Her astronaut theme also pays tribute to Central Florida’s deep ties to the aerospace industry.

The character expanded beyond digital signage in 2025 with the opening of Annie’s Space Sensory Room, a calming space designed for travelers with sensory sensitivities and their families. The room features Annie alongside her canine companion, Luna.

Annie Lands at MCO

For her official real-world debut, Annie was welcomed by airport officials and more than a dozen mascots representing organizations from across Central Florida. The event included photo opportunities, interactive activities and themed giveaways.

Some of the familiar faces on hand included:

• UCF’s Knightro
• Orlando City Soccer’s Kingston
• Universal’s Captain Cacao
• SeaWorld’s Shamu and Coral
• Osceola Magic’s Swish
• Orlando Valkyries’ Val
• Orlando Solar Bears’ Shades
• USTA’s Rally
• Frontier Airlines’ Grizz
• Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s Sunny

The new mascot will allow MCO to take Annie beyond the airport’s digital screens and into community events and other in-person experiences, giving travelers and Central Florida residents another way to interact with the airport brand.

The live version of Annie was developed through a collaboration between the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and creative partners Synect Media and Chicago Mascot.

MCO says the expansion of Annie also supports the airport’s broader goal of enhancing the passenger experience. With nearly 58 million annual passengers traveling through Orlando International Airport, Annie will now have an even bigger role in welcoming travelers to one of Florida’s busiest gateways.