Orlando Shopping
Shopping in Orlando is as varied as this city’s activities. There are so many malls and shopping centers you could probably shop every day during a two-week vacation and never visit the same store twice! In fact, it is estimated that there is 50,000,000 square feet of shopping space in Central Florida. From nationwide chains to small boutiques, you’ll find plenty of reasons to bring home more than you brought to Orlando.
Major Shopping Malls
At last count, there were nine major shopping malls in Orlando, offering customers experiences as varied as visiting a skate park, to picking up a pair of the latest Jimmy Choo’s.
The Florida Mall on South Orange Blossom Trail is Central Florida’s largest mall, and one of the largest single-story malls in the nation. You’ll find over 260 stores here, so bring your walking shoes. Stores here include Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Sears, MAC and Pottery Barn. There are over 30 restaurants and cafes, too – convenient for those at the nearby Florida Mall Hotel and Conference Center. While at the Florida Mall, stop by one of the Guest Service booths where an Expedia Local Expert Concierge can help you purchase tickets to local attractions and theme parks.
The Mall at Millenia on Conroy Road is all about luxury, and here is where you can browse the Jimmy Choo store for the latest in shoe fashion. This contemporary mall features the very upscale with stores like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Cartier and Neiman Marcus. More down-to-earth shopping can be done at Macy’s and Bloomingdales, and next-door at IKEA.
Festival Bay Mall at International Drive wants your shopping experience to be fun. At this one-of-a-kind mall, you’ll find 80 stores and restaurants such as Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Ron Jon Surf Shop, PacSun, and Sheplers Western Wear. Since the entertainment in Orlando never stops, the Festival Bay Mall offers some great family fun like the indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf at Putting Edge Fun Center, an indoor playground at Monkey Joe’s Parties & Play, a Vans skate park, and here’s where you’ll soon find the world’s first Ron Jon Surf Park.
Outlet Stores
Just minutes from the major theme parks, the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores offer factory direct deals at up to 75% off quality items from stores such as Fossil, Izod, KB Toys, OshKosh, and VF. Visit the Character Outlet before purchasing anything inside a Disney park. Here you’ll find Disney merchandise for much less money. Besides the great prices and brands, another perk is the free scheduled shuttle to and from many area hotels.
Prime Outlets on International Drive caters to the serious shopper and is the largest outlet mall in the vicinity. This newly renovated shopping center features the Neiman Marcus LAST CALL Clearance Center, the Nike Factory Store, and kate spade.
For the Kid in All of Us
Young or old, you won’t want to miss M&M’s World at the Florida Mall – 16,000 square feet of all things M&M’s candy. Downtown Disney’s Marketplace also has a solution for your sweet tooth at Goofy’s Candy Company. Of course, if you’re a princess in training, skip the candy and head over to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where girls three and older can receive a royal makeover.
Flea Markets
For the completely unique souvenir, spend an afternoon at one of Orlando’s local flea markets. At 192 Flea Market in nearby Kissimmee, you can browse over 400 booths seven days a week, rain or shine. If near Sanford, check out air-conditioned Flea World. Touted as America’s largest flea market, you can explore over 1700 vendors.