the mercardo

[wdwclay]

i have heard that the mercardo is starting to look a little bit tired and outdated ,half empty stalls and shops .is it still worth a visit or a early evening drink before a nice meal in one of the restaurants there .which one is the one to have a meal

[2 Point]

We first went in 1999, we wouldn't go back based on that first trip. A poor quality development, although I wouldn't doubt the quality of some of the more up market restuarants there. The fact that a British (shudders) pub is there says it all for me.
Harsh, but fair.

[Claire44]

Don't know if things have picked up this year but when we went last October half the shops were closed down and there was hardly anyone there. Don't think we will be going this year.

[onlyholly]

I wouldn't bother going as it's really tacky - also agree about the British Pub - it gave the Brits a bad name - noisy and full of lager louts. Sorry if anyone goes but that's how it looks to us.

Holly

[Homer Timpson]

Agree totally. ;)

I go to Orlando to avoid British pubs - and the Cricketers Arms, (with its adverts for Sky Football/Cricket ), reminds me why I'm on holiday. :jester:

I actually have the US tv programs on every day when I'm in my room - because, normally, there is NO CHANCE of them showing programmes outwith the USA :p :p :p

Brian

[panpant]

The Mercado was good when I first went in 1990 but it appears to have suffered more in comparison with the rest of the Orlando development.

The rest of Orlando/Kissimmee seems to have grown and improved over the years whilst the Mercado has been left to suffer the ravages of time.

It needs major development or putting out of its misery.

Ho hum


Greg

:)

[amf]

I couldn't agree more....the Mercado was going downhill in the mid 90s - no wonder the Tourist Centre has moved out!

I recall (would it have been May 95 or 96?) the scene in the Cricketers early one Saturday afternoon, after the English Cup Final between Man U and Everton. One fan was sprawled drunk on a table outside and there was a major fight between drunken supporters inside:( What an advert...never again.

[Red-Snapper]

Went last week ..it was awful - see my reply on the "restaurants on I Drive" thread a bit below this.

We couldnt wait to get out of there - if u see tire marks out of the car park..that was us.



:cool:

[SEVANS2208]

Don't bother - we went last month & it was awful

[codge90]

I went last week and stayed for 10 minutes. Most places were shut and it looked awful.

[steven1105]

Apart from the Titanic place there i wouldnt go back to the mercado, getting very poor and run down looking.


steve

[Phil R]

Is the Titanic exhibiton worth visiting? I have a 10 year old daughter who loves the film.

Phil.

[Mike Jones]

...we were going to visit the mercado next time.... I think we'll pass now! The boards prove their worth yet again.... another day saved! (but where to go?!). Mike.

[WDWFOREVER]

Mike - never been to the Mercardo. But if it is shopping you are after, the Millenia Mall is worth a visit. Beautifully put together although full of designer gear and quite pricey. Went there in June for the first time and was really impressed with it.

[Mike Jones]

Thanks for the tip - Millenia Mall - ? any info on location, website etc?It's not one I'm familiar with. We've done Florida Mall (but feel that the Trafford Centre is very similar and only 20 minutes from home!) and one of the designer outlet places (forgotten the name but its the one parallel with I4, with the Banana Republic store)... my DW loves the challenge of Florida shopping, but as long as there's a decent coffee shop in the food mall I can generally get through it!

[WDWFOREVER]

Mike - North on the I4 from WDW. Can't remember what exit but all of the tourist maps show it as it is huge. Guest Services at your hotel will be able to show you (if you are staying at a hotel). Don't know if there is a website but worth searching on whatever search engine you use.

I ended up getting caught buying my DH the watch of his dreams which I had promised him for his 50th in two years time! Mayors jewellers is beautiful and some of the diamonds in there take your breath away. While your DW is checking it out, there is a lovely Food Court where you can have your coffee!

[GO2209]

MatM has a website - not a great one click here to visit (http://www.mallatmillenia.com/)

Spent a few hours there last week! Strange - never heard my credit card scream before...

It is very impressive and has the sort of shops which most of us cannot afford to even window shop at!

I had to use a cattle prod and bullwhip to get the GF out of Jimmy Choos (?) shoe shop.

For those heading to the Gulf Coast a similar 'posh' Mall is available at Tampa - 'International Mall'.

[Mike Jones]

Thanks for your help.... although not sure my bank manager will permit DW access! Looks like a quality experience... maybe we'll go, but take I'll some whisky with the coffee to numb the pain!;)

[julieannbabe]

i only went there as i went to the hard rock vault (brilliant) and decied to have a nose around there.

i thought it was a shopping centre. but to be honest i didn't get the point of the place. all there seemed to be there was a couple of crappy souvenir shops and the titanic exhibiton.

yes - i think that it does give the Brits a bad name.

Plus side - it is great to get the shuttle bus to Busch Gardens from right out the front there.

Also did anyone see the poor parrots there? $5 bucks i think - to have a crappy polaroid to have a pic taken with a bird. I mean that is terrible.