Orlando isn’t just the theme park capital of the world. It’s also a shopper’s paradise. Orlando shopping means everything from modern, upscale malls to bargain-heavy outlets to small town, local boutiques. The major theme parks even have their own shopping centers.
If you’re worried about how you’ll fit all your finds into your luggage before you head home, don’t be. Many of Orlando’s hotels and resorts will ship your packages home for a fee. Check with your hotel’s business center or concierge desk for details.
Orlando Shopping Malls
The Orlando area has quite a few malls, but some are better than others. The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia are the top two – all others pale in comparison. Both have lots of upscale options, plus all the typical stores you expect in a mall.
The Florida Mall
15 minutes west of Orlando International Airport sits Central Florida’s shopping mecca. The Florida Mall is for real THE Florida Mall – it’s the largest shopping center in Orlando, with nearly 2 million square feet of retail heaven.
This mall is so huge it has its own 510-room hotel. Perfect for major shopaholics in need of a serious fix first thing in the morning. If you’re staying elsewhere, the mall offers valet parking, so you don’t have to walk across 38 miles of baking blacktop while melting under the hot Florida sun.
There are over 250 stores, everything from upscale designer brands to basic fashion chains to exclusive stores like M&M’s World, which has a cool Color Mood Analyzer that tells you which color M&M best fits your personality. Just don’t get yellow. If your color mood is yellow, it means you’re a freak of nature. Or you have a sunny personality. One of those. There’s also electronics stores, health and beauty wonderlands, toy stores and more.
The Florida Mall gets about 20 million (MILLION!) visitors per year, so expect crowds, especially on weekends and during the holidays. Makes for some great people-watching.
Stores include:
- Macy’s
- Dillard’s
- Armani Exchange
- Michael Kors
- Coach
- Crayola Experience
- H&M
Photo courtesy The Florida Mall
The Mall at Millenia
No, that’s not a typo. The name was intentionally misspelled by the developers, supposedly for trademarking purposes. Or maybe because they didn’t realize their mistake until it was too late. Or because the name “Mall of the Millenium” was already take by the great 90s cartoon, Daria.
No matter where the name came from, The Mall at Millenia is usually called The Millenia Mall or Millenia or simply the best upscale Orlando shopping mall in existence. Located off I-4, right in between downtown Orlando and Disney World, the mall is popular with international visitors because of its luxury brands and stunning architectural style.
Although Millenia is about half the size of The Florida Mall, its spacious walkways, impressive glass roof, gorgeous fountains and stunning artwork make it seem more modern and high-end than most malls. They offer complimentary Wifi, valet parking and currency exchange services along with their 150 high-end shops and restaurants. There’s also a post office in the mall, so you can ship your goodies directly to your house if you don’t want to stuff them into your suitcase.
Stores include:
- Chanel
- Prada
- Versace
- Louis Vuitton
- Tiffany & Co.
- Gucci
- Cartier
Photo courtesy The Mall at Millenia
Orlando Outlet Malls
Orlando has three major outlet malls, two of which are Premium Outlets (that’s the brand name) – International and Vineland. They’re pretty similar, but International has slightly more stores, while Vineland has more parking. If you go during peak shopping hours, that extra parking will be sorely needed. Busy days see cars parked all over the side of the road.
Orlando shopping pro tip: Go onto the outlet’s website and join the VIP Shopper Club. It’s totally free and will give you access to a bunch of bonus discounts. You can view and redeem all the offers using your phone, so it’s a no-hassle way to save some extra cash.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Just down the road from Universal Studios, at the top of International Drive, lies one of the greatest bargain shopping centers in the ENTIRE WORLD. Or at least in the northern International Drive area. The outdoor shopping center contains 180 name-brand designer stores with discounts of up to 50%.
Although it’s an outdoor mall, most of the walkways are covered, so it’s not toooo hot. That being said, it’s outside in Florida. So don’t expect to look like a fresh spring daisy if you’re spending an August afternoon here. Read this if you don’t want to end up looking like a goblin.
Stores include:
- Ann Taylor
- Banana Republic
- DKNY
- Calvin Klein
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- The North Face
- Neiman Marcus
- J. Crew
Photo courtesy Orlando International Premium Outlets
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
Just across I-4 from Disney World lies this Mediterranean-style shopping village. With 160 stores, Vineland is a little smaller than International, but the variety of designer brands is nearly identical.
Since it’s a little further from downtown, this outlet mall typically sees smaller crowds. But that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not busy. This outlet is more popular with locals, so there are plenty of shoppers looking for bargains.
Stores include:
- Armani Exchange
- Burberry
- Jimmy Choo
- Lululemon
- Prada
- Tommy Bahama
- Tory Burch
- Michael Kors
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Located just a few miles south of Vineland, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores has about 50 designer shops in a village-style atmosphere. Although it’s smaller than other Orlando outlet malls, the discounts are often bigger.
This is the only outlet mall that offers storefront parking, so you don’t have to walk a thousand miles from the parking lot or garage through a meandering maze of bargains if you’re just after certain stores. But the really cool thing about this outlet mall is that they offer a free shuttle to and from many of the area’s hotels. No worries about parking then.
Stores include:
- Calvin Klein
- Converse
- Eddie Bauer
- Fossil
- Gap
- Nike
- Old Navy
Orlando Theme Park Shopping
Those theme parks are like tiny worlds unto themselves. So of course they have their own shopping districts – you never have to leave the park!
Disney Springs
No article about Orlando would be complete without mentioning Disney World, right? Even if you aren’t visiting the theme park, you can go shopping at Disney Springs. Yep, you can indulge in some retail therapy at Disney without buying a ticket. Parking and entry are both free.
Disney Springs has over 100 stores and restaurants, all in a swanky, open-air complex spanning four shopping, dining and entertainment areas. It’s designed to look like a coastal town, which is nice when you’re in a landlocked city in a state known for its beaches (check out the closest beaches to Orlando here). The stores run the gamut from high-end brands to Disney-themed shops to specialty boutiques. It being Disney, there are plenty of fun things for kids to do – like getting magical makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi or building cool stuff at The Lego Store.
Stores include:
- Anthropologie
- Coach
- Free People
- Kate Spade
- Lacoste
- Sephora
- Tommy Bahama
Universal CityWalk
Just like with Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk doesn’t require you to have a ticket to get in. But parking isn’t free and there’s just two mega huge parking garages for CityWalk and the theme parks. So your best bet if you don’t feel like parking 38 miles away and then trying to remember your car’s section and number (Was it Spiderman 252? Or Cat in the Hat 252?) is to get dropped off by an Uber.
There’s only a handful of stores, but there are plenty of restaurants and entertainment options like Blue Man Group and miniature golf. If you enjoy the ancient art of karaoke, you can belt your heart out with your very own live band, backup singers and dancers at Rising Star.
Stores include:
- Tommy Bahama
- Fossil
- P!Q
- Quiet Flight Surf Shop
- Universal Studios Store
- Rock Shop (Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs)
Photo courtesy Universal CityWalk
Orlando Area Markets
Orlando has some great markets offering everything from food to local art and handmade gifts. Check out these markets if you’re looking for unique treasures.
East End Market
If you’re looking for something less national chain store and more local artisan market, this is the place. Just northeast of downtown, it’s a two-story space featuring dozens of merchants. The focus is on food, but there’s also handmade gifts, home décor and more.
Stores include:
- Freehand Goods
- Porch Therapy
- Houndstooth Sauce Company
Photo courtesy East End Market
Renningers
Although it’s not actually in Orlando and should maybe be in the “Shopping Near Orlando” section, I’m keeping Renningers here because it’s a flea market. And dear, sweet, sweet lord, it’s an amazing one. It’s 117 acres (massive!) of antiques, clothing, produce and random odditites. Literally hundreds and hundreds of vendors.
They often hold events on-site, like car shows, swap meets and holiday shows. There’s truly something for everyone.
The antique store and consignment center are open Friday – Sunday, but the flea market is only open on Saturday and Sunday. Get there early if you want to find a decent parking spot. Parking is free.
Photo courtesy Renningers
Shopping Near Orlando
Although there’s plenty of shopping in Orlando itself, there’s also some amazing shopping locations just outside the city.
Mount Dora
About 40 minutes northwest of Orlando, you’ll find the picturesque town of Mount Dora. Once known as the “Antiques Capital” of Florida, it’s now home to art galleries, boutiques and other unique stores, in addition to the antique malls. Check out the local art at Every Nook + Cranny and unique gifts at Under the Cherry Blossoms.
There’s plenty of on-street parking in the area, and there’s also a parking garage at the corner of Donnelly Street and Charles Avenue. Most of the stores are near the town center, between 3rd and 7th Avenue. There are also lots of restaurants and parks in the area, so grab a bit to eat and take a walk along beautiful Lake Dora.
Stores include:
- Whispering Winds
- Piglet’s Pantry – Dog Bakery
- Modernism Museum Shoppe
- Love Home Harmony
- Memories & Marvels
- Melrose Home Marketplace
Photo courtesy Visit Mount Dora
Park Avenue in Winter Park
Just northeast of downtown Orlando is the charming city of Winter Park. Park Avenue is the main thoroughfare, a picturesque tree-lined brick street full of boutiques, restaurants and more. It’s easy to explore on foot, with over 140 locally owned shops and name brand stores. You’ll find everything from clothing and accessories to books, art and home décor.
It can get crowded, so consider visiting earlier in the day. Or just enjoy the people-watching at Central Park, a leafy promenade just across the street with towering oaks, beautiful fountains and a gorgeous rose garden. There are several free parking lots in the area and plenty of on-street parking.
Stores include:
- Gap
- Williams Sonoma
- Restoration Hardware
- Pottery Barn
- Eileen Fisher
- Bluemercury
Photo courtesy The Spice & Tea Exchange
Where Is the Best Orlando Shopping?
It depends on what you’re looking for. From designer brands to outlet bargains to local treasures, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for in Orlando.
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