Orlando is a shopper's paradise. When it comes to shopping the big designer names, Orlando rivals Chicago and New York. In fact, Orlando's Mall at Millenia and Orlando Premium Outlets were named among the top 10 malls in America. Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors, Kate Spade. Orlando's got them. Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Barneys, Tory Burch, Lululemon. Yep even those, too. And lucky for us tourists looking for great items at a discount, all of these stores and designers are available at the outlets. Before hitting the shops, here are a few tips I have picked up over the years to make the most of your time in the Sunshine State.
Get Discounts with Coupons
Many of the shopping centres in Orlando offer coupons that allow you to get freebies and discounts. It is best to bring along some coupons in order to save money during your Orlando shopping tour. You can get a printable coupon book by registering online at the official websites of many Orlando shopping centers. You can also get a coupon book from Orlando Guest Services Centres. At the Orlando Premium Outlets in Vineland Avenue, you can get coupons from the Food Court information services desk. Orlando’s Official Visitors Center also offers an Orlando Magicard that allows you to get shopping discounts.
Tip #1
Terry Lynn Morris, director of Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, says to be sure to follow the outlet malls on social media networks. "Those sites frequently offer 'friends and family' specials and deals, plus notices about flash sales that only insiders will hear about."
Shuttle
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores provides a free shuttle service (407.363.1093) to 60 area hotels, making shopping completely convenient. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores offers fewer shops than the Premium Outlets, yet all stores are newly refurbished, and parking is plentiful.
Tip #2
Special scheduled free VIP group shuttle service is available (restrictions apply).
Parking
Some of the shops in Orlando have inadequate parking space and you might find it difficult to park your car during your Orlando shopping tour. Looking for a parking space is a waste of time and gas, so it is best to go to a place with plenty of parking space. Some of the places in Orlando that have plenty of parking spaces are The Mall at Millenia, Orlando Premium Outlets, and Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet.
Tip #3
Most of the malls in Orlando offer valet parking services for a charge so you don’t have to look for a parking space yourself.
Mall at Millenia
This upscale mall is not only a beautiful place to shop, but they offer other services as well including valet parking, a U.S. Post Office, Currency Exchange International, and a full-service concierge to assist you with a variety of amenities. Included in the over 150 stores is a great selection of International and high-end stores. Major department stores include Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus. You can also find Burberry, abercrombie, Juicy Couture, Gymboree, Zara, Cartier, Gucci, L’Occitane, Regis Signature Salon, The Body Shop, Edward Beiner, and much more! Jewelry stores include Mayors Jewelers, Cartier, Na Hoku, Swarovski, Tiffany & Co., TOUS, and Pandora. The many shoe stores include Vans, Talbots, Marmi Shoes, Louis Vuitton, Journeys, Nine West, Aerosoles, Ed Hardy, BCBG Max Azria, and more. The Food Court includes Firehouse Subs, Gourmet Grill, Teriyaki Experience, Greek Jalapeno, and more. Restaurants include Blue Martini, McCormick & Schmick’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, and more. For beautiful décor, dramatic architecture, world-class shopping, and excellent service, you can’t go wrong with Mall at Millenia.
Tip #4
Purchase an exclusive package available ONLY at Macy's Visitor Center inside the Mall at Millenia. The $35.00 package Includes: $25 Macy's Gift Card, Macy's Exclusive Tote Bag, 10% Macy's Visitor Savings Pass, One I-Ride I-Drive Trolley one-day pass, Assortment of discount/free offers at local restaurants and attractions. Show your passport or out of state ID for a 10% discount to Macy's and Bloomingdale's. Called the Visitor Savings Pass, shoppers can receive 10% off their purchases valid for three days for domestic visitors and up to a 30-day span for international visitors.
The Florida Mall
With over 260 stores make this the largest mall in the area. Major department stores include Sears, JCPenney, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Accessories stores include Beach Hut, Crocs Store, Hat Shack, Claire’s, Louis Vuitton, SoHo, Sunglass Hut, Swatch, All-Cell Depot, Rockport, and much more! The many jewelry stores include Rolex Authorized Dealer (Mayors), Zales Jewelers, Gordon’s Jewelers, Mayor’s Jewelers, Kay Jewelers, Bellagio and more. There are many fashion stores at Florida Mall as well, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, Guess?, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Journeys, Old Navy, Zara, Players Golf, etc. Electronics stores include Apple Computer, Brookstone, Radio Shack, Game Stop, Ritz Camera, Vonage, etc. They have plenty of shoe stores as well, in case you wear yours out walking around. These include Champs Sports, Kids and Lady Foot Locker, Florsheim Shoes, PUMA, Payless ShoeSource, Tilly’s, and more. Specialty shops include Things Remembered, Hot Topic, Unique Image, Yankee Candle, etc. When you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants. Fast Food restaurants include Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, Nature’s Table, Starbucks, Taco Bell and more. You can also have a sit-down meal at Buca di Beppo, California Pizza Kitchen, Crickets Bar & Grill, and Ruby Tuesday.
Tip #5
The Florida Mall is offering a new amenity. Customers can drop off their shopping bags at Guest Services and continue to shop with the convenience of enjoying package free shopping. Package Check is offered Monday - Sunday during mall hours at Simon Guest Services in front of the Florida Hotel and Conference Center and near the East Wing. You can also take a rest and let your children burn some steam in the children's play area at The Florida Mall. This contained area near Macy's includes slides, interactive elements and plenty of places for adults to sit.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
This shopping outlet consist of 150 brand-name outlet stores. They have designer fashion stores such as Tommy Hilfiger, Giorgio Armani, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, Burberry, J. Crew, Hurley, Talbots, and more. Shoe stores include Puma, Crocs, Skechers, Nike Factory Store, Adidas, Converse, Rockport and more. Jewelry/Accessory stores include Zales Outlet, Swarovski, Cole Haan, Coach, Lids, Claire’s Accessories, and many more. They also have many other stores including children’s clothing, fine leather and luggage, gift and specialty items, and several places to grab a bite to eat. Orlando Premium Outlets is not far from the area attractions, and there are several ways to get there if you are not driving. There is a complimentary shuttle service from select Buena Vista hotels; a daily I-Ride Trolley shuttle from all International Drive hotels; bus service, or you could take a taxi or limousine.
Tip #6
There are plenty of places to chose from if you are needing food to keep you going on a long day of shopping, however I always have to return to the same place every time. In the food court there is a Chinese fast food restaurant that is phenomenal, If you visit you have to try the Bourbon Chicken, it is their best seller and you won't find nicer Chinese food around.
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
With over 180 outlet stores, you will find impressive savings at such name-brand stores as Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Victoria’s Secret, Lacoste, J.Crew, Michael Kors, DKNY Jeans, Dressbarn, Ed Hardy, Izod, Juicy Couture, Guess Factory Store, Wet Seal, and more. Shoe stores include Vans, Journeys, Foot Locker, Adidas, Nike Factory Store, Rack Room Shoes, Ugg Australia, Converse, and more. They also feature children’s stores such as Carter’s, the Children’s Place Outlet, Gymboree Outlet, NauticaKids, and more. You will also find several house wares and home furnishing stores, gifts and specialty items, jewellery and accessories, as well as several places to eat. You can take the I-Ride Trolley to stop #1 or the LYNX bus route 42 to get there.
Tip #7
If you ever feel guilty about spending tons of money in the Disney Parks, be sure to hit up the Disney Character Warehouse where they stock great Disney Park merchandise and a discounted rate. Some of it may be old stock from previous years but you can really get some great finds at a great price.
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Close to the Disney resorts, they feature premium outlet stores such as Eddie Bauer Outlet, Izod, Aeropostale, Converse Shoes, Tommy Hilfiger, Toys R Us Express, Nine West, Perfume Outlet, OshKosh, Reebok, Old Navy, and much more. They even have the Character Outlet, featuring discounted Disney merchandise. There is a free shopping shuttle from 56 participating hotels.
Tip #8
The information counters at most of the shopping malls and outlet centers offer onsite currency exchange through Travelex. For more currency options, you can visit the Travelex Currency Exchange Store at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores.
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