For a true Disney shopping experience, the Downtown Disney Marketplace on Buena Vista Lagoon is a great place to search for that extra-special memento and it also has plenty to keep the kids occupied including the Lego Imagination Center store where kids can play in a free Lego-building area while parents browse inside. Other popular shops include the Art of Disney featuring original Disney art, and EUROSPAIN, where crystal and metal artisans make creations which you can purchase right before your very eyes.
If you want something a bit more unique, Downtown Disney West Side on Buena Vista Drive has the Guitar Gallery with custom and collectible guitars and Sosa Family Cigars, a traditional Cuban-style cigar manufacturer. There is a Virgin Megastore here as well. Winter Park , north of downtown Orlando , also features more upscale shopping, restaurants, and art galleries situated along a picturesque cobblestone street.
For something really out of the ordinary, six times a year, usually on a Thursday, Walt Disney World holds “back-lot” auctions featuring castoff and surplus merchandise which might include everything from lawn mowers to pots and pans or theme-park props (some of the bigger items are sold on ebay). You can call (407) 824-6878 to see if they will be having an auction when you will be in town.
Outlet shoppers will be delighted to know that there are two centers here: Belz Factory Outlet World is at the north end of International Drive with 180 stores including, at last count, 18 shoe shops, 14 houseware stores, and over 60 clothing shops. Orlando Premium Outlets at the other end of International Drive , has about 110 stores and insider's say the absolute best deals can be found at the Banana Republic store where many items are half off! The Comfort Suites Orlando, Howard Johnson Plaza Resort, and Buena Vista Suites are all nearby.
And if you or your kids just can't live without going to a mall, you've got a choice of three: Pointe Orlando as mentioned previously; Mall at Millenia near Universal Orlando, with a variety of upscale stores including Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and more; and the Florida Mall, which is adjacent to the Adam's Mark Hotel and has more than 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment places.
Hey, if you plan it right, maybe Mom can go shopping while Dad takes the kids to a theme park! <<--Back |
