Orlando and Tampa Bay marketplace and shops

[old lady]

Are they all considered tourists’ traps?

 

[MrKnight]

What do you mean by "marketplace and shops" are you referring to outlet malls?

If you are referring to outlet malls then yes, IMO those are huge tourist traps as they cater primarily to tourists. You will not find a local come anywhere near these.

If you are referring to local malls (such as Millenia, Florida Mall, etc.) then no, these are actual shopping malls that cater to locals but also welcome tourists.

 

[bankr63]

The only real trap in Orlando is the Human Trap built by the Mouse. Everything else offsite pales by comparison.

Tourist/souvenir shops outside the world are very competitive. I also think there are deals to be had at the outlets, same as any other outlet mall in the US. You have to be an educated consumer and know how to spot a true deal, but that applies everywhere, doesn't it?

 

[DOOM1001]

What do you mean by "marketplace and shops" are you referring to outlet malls?

If you are referring to outlet malls then yes, IMO those are huge tourist traps as they cater primarily to tourists. You will not find a local come anywhere near these.

If you are referring to local malls (such as Millenia, Florida Mall, etc.) then no, these are actual shopping malls that cater to locals but also welcome tourists.

i dont agree with that,I'm a local and very much go to the outlets,probably five times for every time I go to a regular mall.I'm honestly not a huge fan of the regular malls in Orlando,Millenia is nice and all but for actually getting deals and finding stuff theres not much there.Florida mall is hectic and chaotic and not in my favorite area of town,I can find some of the same stores in Florida mall closer to me.I do avoid the outlets during peak times and I mostly go to the Vineland location,not a fan of the International drive location,not the safest area.I've been to the ones in Tampa and Daytona,they're not as big as the Orlando ones but are nicer.

 

[hrhdhd]

Most of the outlets have outlet-only merchandise, stuff they make for sale at the outlets, rather than overstocks and unsold merchandise from regular stores. Some people think that means the prices are low. But the quality is often not the same.

 

[MrKnight]

Most of the outlets have outlet-only merchandise, stuff they make for sale at the outlets, rather than overstocks and unsold merchandise from regular stores. Some people think that means the prices are low. But the quality is often not the same.

This.. I have never been a fan of the outlet malls, IMO the quality is not the same as a normal mall and the deals are often not worth the hassle of dealing with the crowds of tourist groups and crazy parking lots.