Directions: Take Exit 68 off I-4--it’s just off of S.R. 535. It’s also just off the lower end of I-Drive; Vineland Ave. actually runs right between S,R, 535 and International Drive, connecting the two roads, which makes it a great shortcut between the two tourist areas.

The Orlando Premium Outlets tops my list of favorites when it comes to shopping in Orlando. The beautiful outdoor open-air complex is not only easily accessible from all of the tourist areas but is chock full of some of the best outlet stores in the area.

If you’re traveling with kids and find that you’ve forgotten something--shorts, a swimsuit, sandals, or sneakers, really anything at all--you’re bound to find what you’re looking for here.
Even if you’re just looking to pick up something new for yourself or the kids, the Orlando Premium Outlets features a vast array of shops--designer and favorites alike--in an absolutely welcoming and relaxing open-air setting. The beautifully designed complex is a combination of an upscale mall (though it’s not at all indoors) and an openair market (though the shopping areas are well protected) with an architectural design that has a Mediterranean flavor. A tranquil water fountain can be found in the center of the
large open courtyard decorated with potted palms and tropical plants. A particularly unique feature of the Premium Outlets are the partially roofed areas that run throughout the complex, allowing the fresh air and sunshine in, yet protecting shoppers from the elements at the same time. A large food court offers more than a few eateries to please most any palate, though unlike the remainder of the plaza, it’s housed in a large enclosed building. Its tremendously high ceiling and large glass windows make it feel quite open and airy. The shops are filled with some of the best sportswear, shoes, children’s wear,
accessories, jewelry, and home furnishings anywhere around, with designers like Ralph Lauren, Nautica, and Tommy Hilfiger. Favorites like Banana Republic, Nike, Carter’s, Stride Rite, and many others can be found here as well. With over 110 stores, you can easily shop till you drop. Even the location is unbeatable as it is easily accessed from
either S.R. 535 (Apopka Vineland) or I-Drive, quite literally in the middle of everything.
Add on a few minutes to the drive if you are staying in Kissimmee, but it is well worth the extra time (and it’s really not that long). Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent, with lockers available too.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Location: 15591 South Apopka Vineland, Lake Buena Vista (between World Center Drive and U.S. 192)
Phone: 407-238-9301
Web site: www.LBVS.com

The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores are located just a bit off the beaten path in a smaller though rather nicely landscaped market-style outlet plaza that features the only Old Navy Factory Outlet store in the entire area. There are of course a handful of other stores and businesses located throughout the plaza as well, but the biggest draw is really the quiet, relaxing, and pleasant atmosphere.
Those staying in Kissimmee, especially to the east of I-4, may find this center particularly easy to reach, and one of the few places to shop that offers a fairly decent selection of clothing, swimwear, and footwear.

The Prime Outlets
International and West Oakridge Roads, Orlando (closest to the Universal Orlando and upper I-drive area)
Phone: 407-352-9600
Web site: www.primeoutlets.com

Both outlet centers are located at the far north end of International Drive. While they include a large array of diverse stores, the difficulty with the Prime Outlets lies in how spread out they are. Each encompasses either several buildings or plazas, which requires you to drive around, in and out of the separate parking lots to get to many of the more popular stores, making shopping far more difficult than necessary.


The Malls
The Mall at Millenia
Location: 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando (closest to the Universal Orlando area)
Phone: 407-363-3555
Web site: www.mallatmillenia.com

If department store shopping is more your style, then by all means be sure to head to the latest and greatest in the area - the Mall at Millenia. Featured stores include Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s, to name a few. There are of course more than just a few of the usual suspects like the Gap, Gap Kids, and Gymboree (with plenty of other old favorites), but you’ll also find a rather lengthy list of upscale shops like Hugo Boss, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, and more. The food court offers as diverse a selection as its shops, featuring some fabulous out of the ordinary choices in addition to some old familiar favorites, with an additional 7 sit-down restaurants. An array of services are available to shoppers as well, including valet parking and concierge services. The upscale atmosphere is reflected not only by the shops and eateries found within but also visually with an architectural style that’s sleek, modern, and impressive.

The Florida Mall
Location: 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando (between the Universal Orlando
area and the Lake Buena Vista area)
Phone: 407-851-6255
Web site: www.simon.com
Featuring department stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and J. C. Penny, and including such usual suspects as the Gap, Gap Kids, and Gymboree, this mall provides plenty of shops from which to choose. The food court includes a variety of offerings for every taste, including both counter service and sit-down spots such as the new Salsa Taqueria and Tequila Bar, Bucca di Beppo, and others. As for services, valet parking is available, as are stroller and wheel chair rentals. The atmosphere is more casual and welcoming yet still features an upscale flair.

Festival Bay at International Drive
Location: 5250 International Drive, Orlando
Phone: 407-351-7718 and 800-481-1944
Web site: www.belz.com

Festival Bay features some rather unique stores not found anywhere else in the area, including the Ron Jon Surf Shop, Hilo Hattie, Sheplers Western Wear, and the Bass Pro Shop. In addition you’ll find a Cinemark Theater, Vans Skate Park (an extensive indoor skateboarding park), and the Putting Edge (an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course).
The main restaurants, each rather unique, include Murray Bros. Caddyshack, Fuddruckers, and Dixie Crossroads (the best of the bunch and a one I highly recommend). Several smaller fast-fooderies are located inside as well. This entire mall
is rather impressive, from its unique array of stores and restaurants to its distinctive architectural design that features a large indoor waterfront area. Even an indoor surf park is currently underway.

CityWalk
Location: Universal Drive, Orlando (located right at Universal Orlando)
Phone: 407-363-8000
Web site: www.universalorlando.com

While mainly an entertainment and dining complex, there are plenty of unique shops scattered throughout Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, including the Endangered Species Store, Fossil, the Universal Studios Store, Fresh Produce (colorful cotton casual wear for kids and women), and the Quiet Flight Surf Shop (beachwear, accessories, custom surfboards, skateboards, and the hippest skate and surf company brand clothing), among many others. It’s not a place that I would consider to be a shopping destination, but if you’re making your way to the Universal Orlando theme parks or to one of the many CityWalk or Universal Orlando resort restaurants, you may very well find some rather unique items to purchase as you make your way through the area.

Other Shopping Venues
Pointe Orlando
Location: 9101 International Drive, Orlando (around the midpoint of International Drive)
Phone: 407-248-2838
Web site: www.pointeorlando.com

Right in the middle of it all is Pointe Orlando, is a shopping, dining, and entertainment center located right along the hustle and bustle of International Drive. There are specialty retailers, themed restaurants (including Adobe Gila’s, Dan Marino’s Town Tavern, LuLu’s Bait Shack, and more), along with a huge movie theater complex. Right next door you’ll find Wonderworks, one of the most unique hands-on museums I’ve come across Over the next several months, Pointe Orlando will be undergoing some major changes-- and all for the good I must say. The all new cityscape design will also feature more benches and landscape lighting throughout, giving it almost a parklike feel ,though it will be filled with even more shops and restaurants than ever before (The Capital Grill, The Oceanaire, Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café & Emporium, and B.B. Kings and Maggiano’s Little Italy among others).
Those staying along I-Drive could easily walk there from most area hotels, though the I-Drive trolley offers a fun way to get there. For those who find they must drive, a 5-story parking garage is just next door, with walkways leading directly to the complex.