A DIFFERENT SORT OF PARADISE – SHOPPING IN ORLANDO
When one thinks of Orlando, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely Disney World. Then perhaps Universal Studios, fun and sun. Much further down the list would be Orlando’s shopping. But don’t sleep on that thought because Orlando has also become a destination for shoppers. The Florida Mall is a great place to start. It is the largest mall in the Central Florida region, spanning over 1.7 million square feet. This bustling shopping haven is known to welcome 20 million shoppers annually and offers something for just about everyone. The Florida Mall houses over 250 retail stores, dining options and entertainment choices.
Prominent and anchor stores include: JC Penney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Macy’s. The mall also is home to many top of the line brand retailers such as Apple, Michael Kors, Rolex, Victoria Secret, Coach and MAC Cosmetics, to name a few. For family shoppers, the Florida Mall has some wonderful selections. Obviously the Disney Store would lead this category, but American Girl and M & M’s World store add to the family experience.
The Mall at Millenia is another wonderful shopping destination for Orlando tourists and locals. Millenia offers a great mix of stores that cover the spectrum, high and low end, which can fit into any tourists pocketbook. Located on 1.2 million square-feet, the Mall at Millenia offers 150 stores, including dining fare and services to make one’s shopping experience a unique one. At the top of the line are the luxury brand shops which include: Louis Vitton, Gucci, Prada, Chanel and Cartier. If those choices seem to be a bit out of your price desire, perhaps a few other choices may do. Apple, Brooks Brothers, Under Armour, Anthropologie and MAC Cosmetics are among those. Millenia also houses Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and a Neiman Marcus.
Located in historic Winter Park is Park Avenue , an area comprised of over 140 stores, shops, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. Park Avenue is a central hub for shoppers, those of the tourist and local variety. It is an energetic place to stroll, with its vast selection of stores and other sites to see. When Winter Park was conceived, its slant was toward the upscale patron. In fact, Winter Park boasts the city’s wealthiest residents. That fact has carried over to the shops on Park Avenue. So if pricey is in your budget, Park Avenue is your place. It is built on a 6-block area with all stores being locally owned.
If you are looking for a shopping experience with a definite Disney flavor, then Disney Springs would fall into this category. Located near Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort, Disney Springs is a great mixture of shopping fun and hanging out excitement. The area boasts 110 stores for your shopping pleasure, from amazing Disney collections, Disney apparel, and Disney memorabilia. You will find just about anything you wish as a fan of Disney, falling into every spectrum of the price range.
Worth noting, for the bargain shopper, Orlando also has two Premium Outlets . Your shopping wish is their command as they have shopper favorites such as Adidas, Aeropostale, Banana Republic, and Coach to name but a very few.