With dynamic attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, Busch Gardens and more, Orlando has always been known as a hot destination for Florida vacationers. But Orlando has so much more to offer than its popular theme parks. With eight major shopping malls and two large, luxurious outlet centers, Orlando is also a key travel destination for shopping aficionados hunting for hot deals on just about anything you can think of. After spending some time with Mickey and Shamu, the whole family can to hit the stores for deals of all types for every budget, from high end designer jewelry, handbags and fashion to theme park related gear and toys for the kids. Orlando shopping has it all.
If you have a rainy day, want to beat the heat, or just want a change of pace, grab a cheap rental car and head to International Drive. International Drive is three miles of shops and outlets with something for everyone and every budget. There are over 480 shops and outlet stores to choose from and it’ll be impossible to take it all in during the course of a day! Aside from standalone shops, International Drive is home to not one, but two separate outlet centers. Orlando Premium Outlets is the only strictly upscale outlet center in Orlando and features hip and chic boutiques like Coach, Jones New York, Ed Hardy, White House Black Market and Perry Ellis. International Drive also features the Premium Designer Outlet Center, with such shopping destinations as Nine West Outlet, the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue off 5th and much more hot shopping for the whole family at incredible discounts.
When you’re through with searching the racks at the outlets searching for deals and you want a posh shopping experience, you can use the cash you saved on that cheap rental car at the Mall at Milennia or you can relay on your credit card. The Mall at Milennia is aimed at the high end luxury shopper looking for a distinctive shopping trip with visits to the finest shops. Your high end shopping experience at Mall of Milennia will see visits to shops like Bloomingdale's, Kenneth Cole, David Yurman, Swarovski and Jimmy Choo. For souveniers you can wear or eat, don’t miss Salon Cielo and Godiva Chocolatiers. With its amazing architecture and stunning waterfalls, fountains and other aquatic features, Mall at Milennia is also great for people watching and taking in the scenery.
For a change of pace decidedly different from Mall at Milennia’s posh setting, check out the Old Town shopping and amusement complex. Old Town is completely family oriented, featuring over 70 shops, 8 reasonably priced family restaurants and 15 rides for kids of all ages. With its charming boardwalk streets, old time candy shops and off the beaten path collectible shops, Old Town is a throwback to a simpler time and fun for the whole family. On Saturday nights, Old Town takes it back to the old days with its “Saturday Night Cruise,” full of classic cars and hot rods with music from the 1950s and ‘60s filling the air.
Though it’s known as an amusement park mecca full of rides and attractions for the kids, Orlando is a haven for shoppers, no matter your area of interest or budget. With affordable rental cars available to get from place to place, there’s no reason not to take a day off from the theme parks on your next Orlando vacation to take in some shopping at Orlando’s amazing malls and outlet centers.