Best Shopping in Orlando
The holidays are coming! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or even an upcoming birthday, anniversary or just want to splurge on yourself, Orlando area shopping has you covered. I won’t include souvenir shops because along International Drive and 192 in Kissimmee they are easy to find. I have a shopping “addiction” that I resolve to resolve in 2019 so I’ll add my personal two cents, but here are three of the best shopping venues in the area.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
This is arguably Orlando’s most popular shopping destination. It offers rows upon rows of outdoor shops with several lanes and plazas connecting each area. Conveniently located on International Drive, this mall is split up into seven categories and offer hundreds of venues for fashion, kids, gifts and speciality items, fine leather and luggage, accessories and jewelry and at least 20 venues to eat, drink or snack.
Parking is free but you can also take advantage of their paid premium parking, and valet parking is available. You can also use your MyPark premium self-parking app for convenience.
Mall at Millenia
When I need a mall experience, this is where I go. Not only does Mall at Millenia (MaM) offer two major department stores I can’t afford, it has one that I can…and a plethora of other awesome well-known shops.
If you are looking for luxury brands, MaM is your best bet. This upscale mall offers the très chic wares of brands such as Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada and the like. More affordably, Urban Outfitters, True Religion, Abercrombie & Fitch, and GAP are also there, and trendy fast fashion shops include Zara, Forever 21 and Express. You’ve also got Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s (my mothership) at your disposal as well. When you are weary from all the shopping, take a load off at either the central food court for a quick bite or sit back and relax with a satisfying meal and craft cocktail at one of the several restaurants located on site. The whole area is great because there is also an IKEA, Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls/Home Goods located nearby.
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Smaller than the above mentioned outlet, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is just as satisfying and closer to your luxury vacation villa. This outdoor outlet mall is known as one of Central Florida’s “best-kept secrets for outlet deals,” and offers factory-direct quality merchandise at good savings.
It boasts top designer names as well as fast fashion and pretty much everything in between. Shops are spacious and parking is convenient. Think of going early…every time I’ve ever gone there, it’s packed! Bring your money and your patience. If the kids get restless, there’s a playground for them to work out that energy. Make a day of it by stopping to refresh yourselves at their Center Food Court and gear up for more shopping. And if you have the inclination, only a few miles down the road is Disney Springs and let me tell you, the shopping, dining and entertainment there is pure magic!