There is no doubt that the choice of shops in the Central Florida Disney area is massive. Many of the shops have individual reviews elsewhere in this Guide, or feature as part of a review of a Shopping Mall.
Many experienced shoppers choose to visit one or more of the flea markets in the area as part of their shopping experience. There are several along the 192, with others a little further afield. Here are a few suggestions.....
Maingate Flea Market
Situated along the 192 Highway, the Maingate Flea Market takes its name from Disney's Maingate, which is just a few miles away. 400 booths can be found here in air conditioned comfort - look out for the huge Orange Gift Store (the Flea Market is alongside it). Open daily.
192 Flea Market Outlet
A little further east along the 192, the 192 Flea Market Outlet is a similar size, and located close to Wal-Mart and Medieval Times. Open daily
Flea World
Flea World dwarfs the two previously mentioned flea markets. It is a little further away from the attractions, between Orlando and Sanford on Highway 17-92. Whilst The Maingate Flea Market and the 192 Flea Market Outlet are both open daily, Fleaworld is only open at weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). With an amusement park to keep the youngsters happy whilst parents shop, Flea World features 1700 booths, and claims an average of around 50,000 visitors each and every weekend. With air conditioning, Flea World claims to be America's biggest flea market.
Convenience
As well as easy to find locations, the flea markets offer plenty of free parking.
What To Buy
The range of goods at these flea markets tends to be geared towards the tourist market. Expect to find a wide array of T-Shirts, beach towels, suitcases, shoes etc.
Prices
There are claims of prices at the flea markets being up to 70% cheaper than malls. This is difficult to verify, as direct comparisons are not always easy, as some of the goods at the flea markets are seconds, or previous season’s products. But what cannot be denied is that prices in Central Florida are very competitive, particularly for European visitors, and the prices at the flea markets reflect this. They are not to everyone's taste, as they don't try to compete with the luxury facilities at the malls. The only way to find out is to include them in your vacation shopping excursions, and compare the prices for yourself. Without a doubt there are real bargains to be found.
Many experienced shoppers choose to visit one or more of the flea markets in the area as part of their shopping experience. There are several along the 192, with others a little further afield. Here are a few suggestions.....
Maingate Flea Market
Situated along the 192 Highway, the Maingate Flea Market takes its name from Disney's Maingate, which is just a few miles away. 400 booths can be found here in air conditioned comfort - look out for the huge Orange Gift Store (the Flea Market is alongside it). Open daily.
192 Flea Market Outlet
A little further east along the 192, the 192 Flea Market Outlet is a similar size, and located close to Wal-Mart and Medieval Times. Open daily
Flea World
Flea World dwarfs the two previously mentioned flea markets. It is a little further away from the attractions, between Orlando and Sanford on Highway 17-92. Whilst The Maingate Flea Market and the 192 Flea Market Outlet are both open daily, Fleaworld is only open at weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). With an amusement park to keep the youngsters happy whilst parents shop, Flea World features 1700 booths, and claims an average of around 50,000 visitors each and every weekend. With air conditioning, Flea World claims to be America's biggest flea market.
Convenience
As well as easy to find locations, the flea markets offer plenty of free parking.
What To Buy
The range of goods at these flea markets tends to be geared towards the tourist market. Expect to find a wide array of T-Shirts, beach towels, suitcases, shoes etc.
Prices
There are claims of prices at the flea markets being up to 70% cheaper than malls. This is difficult to verify, as direct comparisons are not always easy, as some of the goods at the flea markets are seconds, or previous season’s products. But what cannot be denied is that prices in Central Florida are very competitive, particularly for European visitors, and the prices at the flea markets reflect this. They are not to everyone's taste, as they don't try to compete with the luxury facilities at the malls. The only way to find out is to include them in your vacation shopping excursions, and compare the prices for yourself. Without a doubt there are real bargains to be found.