Florida Guide > Shopping
Where are all the Wal-Marts?
Most seasoned travellers to the Orlando/Kissimmee area will have all the Wal-Marts well sussed but for those making their first trip or maybe others who have been before but not for a while could do with a little update.
A general overview of Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart is the name for the huge mega superstores that are part of the Asda chain in the UK. When you first enter a Wal-Mart they bear very little resemblance to an Asda unless you are lucky enough to live near where they have opened a Wal-Mart store in the UK.
They are not only huge and sell everything you could possibly require apart from more obvious things like carpet, large pieces of furniture etc. They are often open 24 hours a day and also the super-centers may carry an optician, beautician, hairdresser, and maybe even a fast food restaurant and so on. Out of the 146 super-center stores of 185, 000 feet in Florida there are 15 in the immediate vicinity of Orlando and Kissimmee carrying over 142, 000 items. They also carry food and beverages but you will immediately notice the difference between Wal-Mart and Asda. Wal-Mart only has a small food section in relation to it’s size and of course Asda is principally a food store. You will also notice that the clothing range by George is sold in UK and Florida stores.
1 . West Vine St (192 East)
First of all-there’s the one everyone knows and remembers well at it was probably one of the first in the Kissimmee area and that is the one on the 192 East (marker 15) very close to Medieval Times. It is one of the bigger ones and the one that is mainly used by visitors to the area and a lot of the merchandise reflects it’s target audience.
2. 8101 South John Young Parkway
The second store most used by visitors to the area will be this one on the big shopping complex on the corner of the John Young Parkway and Sand Lake Road. This is the ideal location for anyone holidaying in the top of International Drive area or anyone who has been to Universal or Wet and Wild for the day and still has a bit of energy left and wants a quick fix. Or has been to Florida Mall for the day and still has some money leftThere’s a good selection of stores in this area. In particular a Lowe’s DIY store and a very nice Bealls. There’s also a mobility shop should anyone need a wheelchair repair or a hire of a chair as I once needed to do.
3. East Osceola Parkway
Another one on the tourist trail is this big one on the Osceola Parkway. Again it’s useful if you have been along to Boggy Creek fish camp for an airboat ride or Gatorland on the Orange Blossom Trail.
4. 550 Highway 27
Another tourist one. This one is right off the 192 and then turn right about 2 miles later at Cagan’s Crossing. Although it caters for the tourists who stay along the 27 there are also many residential homes in this area and this store carries a good selection of DIY items as the nearest Home Depot and Lowe’s is a good half hour drive away. It has a lovely photo center with exceptional offers –shedloads of photos ofr about $7. Only drawback-you need to allow 3 weeks so you might have to liase with your villa owner, photos are excellent-and you will spend more than $7! ! ! !
5. 3250 Vineland Road
This one is the newest to the Orlando area as of April 2007. It’s just off the Osceola Parkway and Vineland Rd. Again in a touristy area and very handy if you have been shopping at Lake Buena Vista.
6. US 27 Haines City
This one is another well established favourite and is down the 27 at Haines City. It used to take about 20 minutes from the end of the 192 but as the road has got busier with all the new villa communities it can take a lot longer. We rarely use that one now-preferring instead to use the other one on the 27 going north.
7 904 Cypress Parkway
This one is useful for people staying down off Poinciana Boulevard. Only been to that one once –as we were looking for another one and got lost.
These are the ones that I feel are most central or on routes taken by most people visiting the attractions.
There are others if you fancy a quick fix if you are along the 192 near the St Cloud flea market for example a bit further along the road and you’ll find one there.
Also if you go down to Cypress Gardens at Winter Haven-there’s one just before the turn of to the park. That is a new one.
There’s also one up in Mt Dora about 3 mile from the historic area, one in Clermont-that’s north on the US 27 and take the 50 into Clermont. If you are up on West Colonial Drive or on Kirkman Drive there’s also one there.
They are all the super-centers and after all who would want to bother with the smaller ones!
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