Enjoy the ultimate shopping excursion in Orlando with our time-tested insider tips.
In Orlando, shopping offers retail therapy stretching from upscale malls to quaint neighborhoods and walkable districts, and the latest in high-end luxury to discounted designer brands and exclusive merchandise, all within a convenient, 15-mile radius of our main tourism corridor. To help you shop till you drop (and then shop some more), our shopping sleuths have bagged up 10 insider tips to help you get everything on your holiday shopping list — and have fun while you’re at it!
1. The Whole World’s a Mall in Orlando
Although some of Orlando’s best shopping can be found at malls and factory outlets, we have a wide variety of retail options, including outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment hubs like Disney SpringsTM at Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal CityWalkTM at Universal Orlando® Resort, and Pointe Orlando and ICON Orlando 360 on International Drive. You’ll also discover sublime shopping in neighborhoods close to downtown Orlando, such as Thornton Park and College Park, as well as the nearby cities of Winter Park and Winter Garden.
As noted, though, you won’t want to skip our malls and factory outlets, which include The Mall at Millenia close to Universal Orlando Resort; The Florida Mall, about 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport; Orlando International Premium Outlets, between SeaWorld® Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort; Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets to the south of SeaWorld; and Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores near Walt Disney World.
2. Buy Local
If you plan on buying gifts for family and friends back home while you’re here, why not get them something that will really prove you were in Orlando? By which we mean, merchandise that’s created right here in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Between locally produced wine from Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards and candy from Chocolate Kingdom Interactive Factory Tour, not to mention honey, marshmallows, spirits, and even brisket-scented candles, we make something for just about every taste in Orlando.
3. Shopping Discounts and Vouchers
All of Orlando’s major malls and discount outlet centers offer online coupons worth hundreds of dollars in savings — check with their respective websites for details. What’s more, you can visit the Simon Guest Services Booth at The Florida Mall, Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets to receive a Style Savings Book with discounts. Finally, check with the Concierge Desk at The Mall at Millenia for a complimentary Shop.Dine.Save savings book, as well as discounted theme park and attractions tickets from the desk’s Visit Orlando representative.
4. Save an Extra 10 Percent at Macy’s
Did you know that Macy’s offers incentives for travelers to shop at their stores throughout the U.S., including those at The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall? The program is called Macy’s Visitors Savings, and it can save you 10 percent on select Macy’s merchandise. The savings are good for three days for domestic travelers, while international visitors can enjoy the discount for up to 30 days.
5. Complimentary Package Check
At The Florida Mall, customers can drop off their shopping bags and enjoy the convenience of package-free shopping. Packages can be checked at the Guest Services kiosk closest to the entrance of The Florida Hotel.
6. Let the Children Play
Take a rest and let your children burn some steam in two children’s play areas at The Florida Mall. These contained sections include interactive elements and plenty of places for adults to sit. Kids will also have a blast at The Florida Mall’s Crayola Experience, M&M’s World and The Disney Store. There are plenty of ways to keep children entertained at Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk, too.
7. No-Cost Shopping Shuttles
Numerous Orlando hotels and resorts offer free shuttle services to nearby shopping centers, theme parks and attractions. Moreover, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores provides a complimentary, regularly scheduled Shopping Shuttle to and from 30 area hotels, and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlet’s Hotel Shopper Service provides free transportation to and from eight nearby resorts.
8. Free Wi-Fi
You never have to worry about missing an Instagram-able moment when you’re shopping at Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, The Mall at Millenia or The Florida Mall, as they all offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their premises. Several retailers at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores have free Wi-Fi, too.
9. Currency Exchange
Information counters at most of Orlando’s shopping malls and outlet centers offer onsite currency exchange services through Travelex. Plus, a full-fledged Travelex Currency Exchange is available at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores.
10. Ship Your Treasures Home
Why travel with your purchases when you can ship them? At The Mall at Millenia, you’ll find a full-service U.S. Post Office that can handle your postage and shipping needs. Many hotels and resorts in Orlando also have onsite shipping facilities, which means your packages might make it back from vacation before you do.
