You won’t be surprised I am sure to know that the number 2 event on the list of visitors "must do" when coming to Orlando and the Disney area is SHOPPING! ! ! ! ! ! . . . and is this the place to find shops, or what! ! ! . In over 15 years if traveling to the area, we have never tired of shopping. The prices, the choice, the fact that you can find some really different things to buy too! !
With over 20 different Malls in the greater Orlando area, plus at least another 5000 specialist shops - there is probably nothing that you could fail to find to suit your hearts desire. And more over, it is real fun trying too!
If you are visiting Florida from outside the USA, then please be aware that the price on the ticket excludes sales tax, which is added at the till. Please also note that it is not customary to give tips to shop staff! Finally, you might like to think about buying that extra suitcase at the mall while you're shopping - many guests have to rush to the nearest local luggage store because they've bought so much that they can't fit it all into their luggage! But please be aware of your luggage allowance. A real tip would have to be…pack light! ! Another plus about staying in a villa, is you can seriously pack for 5 days, no problem, then you will have all the room you need for the extra you have bought! !
When shopping at a mall in Orlando (as in any large city), be sure not to leave valuables on show in the car. Lock all valuables out of sight. If you're 'shop hopping' - make sure that your purchases are locked away out of sight also. Finally, always take the time to park as close to the shop or mall as you can – why you might ask? Well, if in Orlando in the summer the weather can suddenly bucket down for a few minutes, when it rains in Florida - it comes fast and hard, and a perfect days shopping can easily be ruined if you get soaked half way across a huge car park!
Just to mention a couple of our regular haunts, Florida Mall, Mall at Mellenia, Prime outlets (this was formerly Belz and is currently evolving, so watch this space ) , Lake Beuna Vista Mall and Premium Outlets.
Be aware it IS possible, yes ladies, seriously, to attempt to fit in TOO much shopping, 14 day visit to Orlando really is never enough, to make it more leisurely, be sensible about what you can do in the time, and then come back again for another trip, would be my advice!
With over 20 different Malls in the greater Orlando area, plus at least another 5000 specialist shops - there is probably nothing that you could fail to find to suit your hearts desire. And more over, it is real fun trying too!
If you are visiting Florida from outside the USA, then please be aware that the price on the ticket excludes sales tax, which is added at the till. Please also note that it is not customary to give tips to shop staff! Finally, you might like to think about buying that extra suitcase at the mall while you're shopping - many guests have to rush to the nearest local luggage store because they've bought so much that they can't fit it all into their luggage! But please be aware of your luggage allowance. A real tip would have to be…pack light! ! Another plus about staying in a villa, is you can seriously pack for 5 days, no problem, then you will have all the room you need for the extra you have bought! !
When shopping at a mall in Orlando (as in any large city), be sure not to leave valuables on show in the car. Lock all valuables out of sight. If you're 'shop hopping' - make sure that your purchases are locked away out of sight also. Finally, always take the time to park as close to the shop or mall as you can – why you might ask? Well, if in Orlando in the summer the weather can suddenly bucket down for a few minutes, when it rains in Florida - it comes fast and hard, and a perfect days shopping can easily be ruined if you get soaked half way across a huge car park!
Just to mention a couple of our regular haunts, Florida Mall, Mall at Mellenia, Prime outlets (this was formerly Belz and is currently evolving, so watch this space ) , Lake Beuna Vista Mall and Premium Outlets.
Be aware it IS possible, yes ladies, seriously, to attempt to fit in TOO much shopping, 14 day visit to Orlando really is never enough, to make it more leisurely, be sensible about what you can do in the time, and then come back again for another trip, would be my advice!