More Newbie Qs! Shopping & Aer Lingus

[kizzabel]

Hi all

Just discussing plans for our 1st ever trip to WDW with my cousin and we were wondering if a trip to some of the outlets or malls is feasible from OKW with no car? Is it straight forward to bus it or would a taxi be easier?
We are also keen to look about a Walmart so would love info on one thats close by.

Where is worth visiting?

Would a mall or outlet be best? Or both?

We were thinking make up, Ralph Lauren, Converse or Vans and Hollister would be the shops we would hope to come across.

Also we will be flying directly from Dublin with Aer Lingus -

Firstly how does ME work as we will pre clear immigration? How do the two baggage claims work? Should we keep our suitcases or have them brought to our room at OKW later? We will arrive in the late evening to MCO.

And secondly - we are planning on bringing an extra suitcase or two for the home leg - does anyone know if we should book this before we fly or just add it on our return check in at MCO?
If anyone knows a rough cost of additional baggage too it would be a great help but if not I can give AL a ring


Thanks in advance. Tentatively planning this trip and so excited about it! I expect I'll be back to ask loads more rookie questions!! TG for Disboards!

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Aer Longus have all the baggage tariffs on their website, I think yu may be able to book an extra bag online.

 

[kizzabel]

Aer Longus have all the baggage tariffs on their website, I think yu may be able to book an extra bag online.

Thanks - it's a bit sketchy although maybe it is just that there is no reduction for pre booking an additional piece of baggage. It looks to be $100/€75 for the 2nd piece, up to 23 kg.

 

[Elise79]

You can get buses to the outlets and mall but I don't know which ones as we always have a car however I think a taxi would be easier.

As for ME if you are flying from Dublin and pre-clear you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger effectively. This means no 2 bag drops - you will just collect your luggage from the reclaims in the main terminal. I personally would just collect your bags and take them with you - it can be hours before they arrive if you leave them for ME to deliver.

 

[kizzabel]

You can get buses to the outlets and mall but I don't know which ones as we always have a car however I think a taxi would be easier.

As for ME if you are flying from Dublin and pre-clear you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger effectively. This means no 2 bag drops - you will just collect your luggage from the reclaims in the main terminal. I personally would just collect your bags and take them with you - it can be hours before they arrive if you leave them for ME to deliver.

Thanks Elise79. Losing the 2nd bag drop is a relief! I was finding that very confusing and was bound to make a mess of it! And thanks for the tip re bags. We won't be doing much more then heading to DTD for dinner on our 1st night but freshening up will be a priority so we will keep our bags.

Is there a mall or outlet you favour? Is there much to be saved at the outlets versus a mall? Or are the outlets mostly tat?

 

[chmurf]

we were wondering if a trip to some of the outlets or malls is feasible from OKW with no car?

It is but it's quite time consuming.

Is it straight forward to bus it or would a taxi be easier?

on the bus (Lynx) you'll need to go first to DTD, catch Lynx 50 and stop at Seaworld (ask for a transfer ticket when you get on the fist bus, you need exact change for the fare, $2pp per trip)
Once at Seaworld, either stay at the same stop and hop on Lynx 08 to get to the Outlets on International Drive, or cross the road and go to the stop on the other side to hop onto Lynx 08 in the other direction for the outlets on vineland

We are also keen to look about a Walmart so would love info on one thats close by.

the closest one is on vineland (535) and you'll need to take a cab. No bus to there.

Where is worth visiting?

If you want some brands, go to an outlet.
Walmart = ASDA so you might want to skip it as you have the same back home

Would a mall or outlet be best? Or both?

basically :
Mall = this year's collection/styles
Outlets = past years' collections/styles at a lower price.

We were thinking make up, Ralph Lauren, Converse or Vans and Hollister would be the shops we would hope to come across.

I'd say Outlets at the top of Idrive for the widest choice.

Firstly how does ME work as we will pre clear immigration?

At MCO collect bags, bring them to the DME counter, and take them with you on the bus (bus hold)

How do the two baggage claims work?

If you clear immigration and customs in Dublin, then you won't see your bags until Orlando
If you don't clear immigration in Dublin, you'll need to collect your bags at PHL, clear customs, and drop your bags just after customs.
Then you'll collect your bags again in orlando

Should we keep our suitcases or have them brought to our room at OKW later? We will arrive in the late evening to MCO.

keep them with you

And secondly - we are planning on bringing an extra suitcase or two for the home leg - does anyone know if we should book this before we fly or just add it on our return check in at MCO?
If anyone knows a rough cost of additional baggage too it would be a great help but if not I can give AL a ring

An extra suitcase is usually $100 each way
you can prebook them (some airlines give discounts, other don't) during online check in, for each way of the trip

So, if you take your extra suitcases from Ireland, you will pay for each extra suitcase (even if empty) from Ireland to Orlando, and you'll need to pay again from Orlando to Ireland
so $200 for one suitcase.

you can put a smaller suitcase inside another suitcase
this way you won't pay for the extra suitcase from Ireland to Orlando. And you'll only pay $100 per extra suitcase for the way home (pay at online check in for the way back home, or pay at the airport)

Or you can choose to buy the suitcases in Orlando before going back


Remember that it's one extra suitcase per passenger. A 3rd suitcase will cost an additionnal $200 (on most airlines)
so, since there are 2 of you, and if you check 2 extra suitcases, check one under your name and one under you're cousin's name. Do not check 3 suitcases under your name and one under your cousin's name, that would be more expensive.

 

[scoobydooby]

Really Walmart is not ASDA even if I think the same company owns them. Walmart is ASDA on speed and super sized. I think it's worth a look at least once!

 

[kizzabel]

It is but it's quite time consuming.

on the bus (Lynx) you'll need to go first to DTD, catch Lynx 50 and stop at Seaworld (ask for a transfer ticket when you get on the fist bus, you need exact change for the fare, $2pp per trip)
Once at Seaworld, either stay at the same stop and hop on Lynx 08 to get to the Outlets on International Drive, or cross the road and go to the stop on the other side to hop onto Lynx 08 in the other direction for the outlets on vineland

the closest one is on vineland (535) and you'll need to take a cab. No bus to there.

If you want some brands, go to an outlet.
Walmart = ASDA so you might want to skip it as you have the same back home

basically :
Mall = this year's collection/styles
Outlets = past years' collections/styles at a lower price.

I'd say Outlets at the top of Idrive for the widest choice.

At MCO collect bags, bring them to the DME counter, and take them with you on the bus (bus hold)

If you clear immigration and customs in Dublin, then you won't see your bags until Orlando
If you don't clear immigration in Dublin, you'll need to collect your bags at PHL, clear customs, and drop your bags just after customs.
Then you'll collect your bags again in orlando

keep them with you

An extra suitcase is usually $100 each way
you can prebook them (some airlines give discounts, other don't) during online check in, for each way of the trip

So, if you take your extra suitcases from Ireland, you will pay for each extra suitcase (even if empty) from Ireland to Orlando, and you'll need to pay again from Orlando to Ireland
so $200 for one suitcase.

you can put a smaller suitcase inside another suitcase
this way you won't pay for the extra suitcase from Ireland to Orlando. And you'll only pay $100 per extra suitcase for the way home (pay at online check in for the way back home, or pay at the airport)

Or you can choose to buy the suitcases in Orlando before going back

Remember that it's one extra suitcase per passenger. A 3rd suitcase will cost an additionnal $200 (on most airlines)
so, since there are 2 of you, and if you check 2 extra suitcases, check one under your name and one under you're cousin's name. Do not check 3 suitcases under your name and one under your cousin's name, that would be more expensive.

We don't have Asda in Ireland and aren't going near Philly! You must have got your wires crossed with another thread!
Thanks for the info! And for the heads up on the 3rd additional bag!
I have one suitcase that fits well into my big suitcase so that's what we'll go with.
I understand the difference between a mall & outlet but was just wondering where is best. We have an outlet nearby but to be honest it's all tat and very out dated so I wouldn't bother with the outlets if they are going to be like home.

 

[kizzabel]

Really Walmart is not ASDA even if I think the same company owns them. Walmart is ASDA on speed and super sized. I think it's worth a look at least once!

I love a good perusal of a big supermarket ;-) if only just to see what mad sweets we can pick up!

 

[Elise79]

We don't have Asda in Ireland and aren't going near Philly! You must have got your wires crossed with another thread! Thanks for the info! And for the heads up on the 3rd additional bag! I have one suitcase that fits well into my big suitcase so that's what we'll go with. I understand the difference between a mall & outlet but was just wondering where is best. We have an outlet nearby but to be honest it's all tat and very out dated so I wouldn't bother with the outlets if they are going to be like home.

I prefer a mall - I find the outlet shops hit or miss and recently the savings haven't been that great.

We usually go to the Florida Mall but I don't know if they have the brands you want - they have a website (can't link as I am on my phone) so have a look.

 

[edinburghlass]

There is a whole day shopping trip you can do which includes Walmart, an outlet and Florida Mall which might suit you?

Most of the websites that sell park tickets feature this trip.

 

[chmurf]

and aren't going near Philly! You must have got your wires crossed with another thread!

I need some rest ...
too much football on TV I guess ... well ... we're going home too, so I might get some sleep now.

I understand the difference between a mall & outlet but was just wondering where is best.

I mentionned this to say that what's best it what you're going shopping for.

If you go for latest fashion and brands, do the malls (Mall at the Millenia is a bit more posh than Florida Mall)

If you go for brands but at a more affordable price, then outlets is for you (but as Elise79 said, it's hit or miss, we even found higher prices at the outlets than at Sears at the Florida Mall, same item ...)
If you only want to go shopping without any real preference for style or cost, then a combination of both.
If you go for everyday supplies and clothes (plus groceries) then walmart is for you (they have a huge relatively cheap disney themed department) but it's your standard department store on steroids.

In the end, it's about what you're looking for (and that's why I mentionned what you find in Malls vs. Outlets, to describe 2 different shopping goals in order to make a decision on where to go, I probably should have been a bit more specific)

I find the mall to be easier and less time consuming. But is that just me ?

We have an outlet nearby but to be honest it's all tat and very out dated so I wouldn't bother with the outlets if they are going to be like home.

The outlets at the top of Idrive (near universal) have a wider choice. It's usually pretty good.

In the end it will depend on how much time you plan for shopping.
We easily spend 4 or 5hrs at the idrive outlets and barely can do half of it.

I can't relate to the outlets near you, so I can't tell if it's better or on par. But it's usually pretty good in Orlando. ( to put it simply, we always come back with a huge load of shopping bags ... and a very depleted bank account )

 

[kizzabel]

I need some rest ...
too much football on TV I guess ... well ... we're going home too, so I might get some sleep now.




I mentionned this to say that what's best it what you're going shopping for.

If you go for latest fashion and brands, do the malls (Mall at the Millenia is a bit more posh than Florida Mall)

If you go for brands but at a more affordable price, then outlets is for you (but as Elise79 said, it's hit or miss, we even found higher prices at the outlets than at Sears at the Florida Mall, same item ...)
If you only want to go shopping without any real preference for style or cost, then a combination of both.
If you go for everyday supplies and clothes (plus groceries) then walmart is for you (they have a huge relatively cheap disney themed department) but it's your standard department store on steroids.

In the end, it's about what you're looking for (and that's why I mentionned what you find in Malls vs. Outlets, to describe 2 different shopping goals in order to make a decision on where to go, I probably should have been a bit more specific)

I find the mall to be easier and less time consuming. But is that just me ?



The outlets at the top of Idrive (near universal) have a wider choice. It's usually pretty good.

In the end it will depend on how much time you plan for shopping.
We easily spend 4 or 5hrs at the idrive outlets and barely can do half of it.

I can't relate to the outlets near you, so I can't tell if it's better or on par. But it's usually pretty good in Orlando. ( to put it simply, we always come back with a huge load of shopping bags ... and a very depleted bank account )

I think the mall may be best so! I'm off to google it. Thanks for all your help. I think the extra suitcase will be warranted!!

There is a whole day shopping trip you can do which includes Walmart, an outlet and Florida Mall which might suit you?

Most of the websites that sell park tickets feature this trip.

Oh that sounds like a great way to kill two birds with one stone! I'll have a look

I prefer a mall - I find the outlet shops hit or miss and recently the savings haven't been that great.

We usually go to the Florida Mall but I don't know if they have the brands you want - they have a website (can't link as I am on my phone) so have a look.

Thanks for your help. Just going to have a good look at all our options for shopping

 

[queendisney]

Just to add to all the above....

For make up go to the Malls...the outlets are rubbish for make up. You tend to get a LOT of freebies in Saks 5th Avenue in the Florida Mall. If you want lots of make up get it in different stores in the mall as you'll get more freebies.

You can get to a Walmart by bus. Go to the Ticket and Transportation Centre (TTC), this is where the Monorail hub is and also where the boats go to the MK, pick up the Lynx 56 and this will take you to Walmart in no time at all. Just ask the driver to stop at the correct stop for you. The bus back is literally across the road from it.

You can also catch the 50 Lynx from the TTC to SeaWorld to pick up the Lynx 8 if its easier then catching it from DTD. It really doesn't take much time to the Premium Outlet at Vineland (nearest to Disney) but the one at the top of IDrive is bigger, although the Vineland one is still big...

 

[chmurf]

also signup for their newsletter or vip club

you'll be able'to print vouchers for coupon books to pick up at guest relations (florida mall and outlets,sign up for all'of'them)
you'll also find coupons for some stores'at the premium outlets website

 

[queendisney]

also signup for their newsletter or vip club

you'll be able'to print vouchers for coupon books to pick up at guest relations (florida mall and outlets,sign up for all'of'them)
you'll also find coupons for some stores'at the premium outlets website

also you can get a Orlando Magicard which will enable you to get the discount books...you can send off for it or download it...

http://www.visitorlando.com/EN-GL/discounts-tickets/free-magicard-orlando-s-discount-card/

 

[kizzabel]

Just to add to all the above....

For make up go to the Malls...the outlets are rubbish for make up. You tend to get a LOT of freebies in Saks 5th Avenue in the Florida Mall. If you want lots of make up get it in different stores in the mall as you'll get more freebies.

You can get to a Walmart by bus. Go to the Ticket and Transportation Centre (TTC), this is where the Monorail hub is and also where the boats go to the MK, pick up the Lynx 56 and this will take you to Walmart in no time at all. Just ask the driver to stop at the correct stop for you. The bus back is literally across the road from it.

You can also catch the 50 Lynx from the TTC to SeaWorld to pick up the Lynx 8 if its easier then catching it from DTD. It really doesn't take much time to the Premium Outlet at Vineland (nearest to Disney) but the one at the top of IDrive is bigger, although the Vineland one is still big...

Wow thanks so much for all your tips!!
I will definitely pick up one of the Magicards & the bus to Walmart doesn't sound too bad at all! Thanks again.

 

[kizzabel]

also signup for their newsletter or vip club

you'll be able'to print vouchers for coupon books to pick up at guest relations (florida mall and outlets,sign up for all'of'them)
you'll also find coupons for some stores'at the premium outlets website

Thanks chmurf