Shopping in & around WDW, where do you like best?

[tim june and sam]

Precursor to Trip Report, a few "IMHO" observations about recent trip... from a man who quite likes shopping!

Premium Outlets
I know this is how Outlets work, but did think that the offerings at many main stores were not as good this time as (say) two years ago. Nike, Timberland, Adidas, Levi's all a bit thin on good stock?

Florida Mall
Department stores all had a lot to offer, many with mid-season sales on at the mo'? Bought extra luggage and a nice watch at way good prices. Other stores all much of a muchness though?

Mall at Millennia
Once you overcome the extra gloss of the big "names" up there, boy is that a good visit. We visited Tiffany & Co. and I managed to treat DW to early birthday pressie. Felt daunted at going in what with all smart staff and 6 foot wide doorman, but once in you were treated like royalty despite T-shirts and shorts.

That's my 10c, what does anyone else think?

 

[Miffy2003]

I was a bit underwhelmed by the Premium Outlets I must admit - I think most people love it there though so maybe I was expecting too much? Very few of the shops there (apart from a great discounted toy store) were our sort of "thing"

I love the Florida Mall and could spend hours shopping here There is something for everyone in our family here


We also love WalMart & Super Target. That probably makes me a very sad case, though

 

[tim june and sam]

Anyone else like me and find Wal-Mart too big and a bit daunting.

Went in for Gatorade (very cheap compared to UK, got enough to last me 6-9 months) and found I got lost in all the isles...???

 

[Goofyish]

Where's Kev - he's the new shopping expert

 

[tim june and sam]

Many men like shopping, but won't admit it??

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Florida Mall is best overall as there is a good variety of stores with bargains to be had, especially on jewellery/sportswear and cosmetics.

Mall At Millenia is classier, really like the Tommy Bahama store - great for silk shirts. Could (and do) spend ages in there.

Premium Outlets is a bit hit and miss, never really bought too much there.

 

[ERICS MUM]

We also love WalMart & Super Target. That probably makes me a very sad case, though

That makes me sad too! I love both shops and spend hours in them, buying stuff i never knew i needed. I also love bookshops such as Borders and Books a Million. I know books are heavy to bring home but I'm a sucker for them and find such lovely bargains.

Also I am into crafts and I LIVE in the big craft superstores in orlando.

No wonder I need extra bags for my homeward journey!!!


Linda

 

[tim june and sam]

No wonder I need extra bags for my homeward journey!!!

We had to get one this time too - but almost exclusively for the candy collected at MNSSHP and a day at Sea World. Recommend the latter day as it was included in usual ticket, wasn't publicised ahead (to our knowledge), lasted 'til 9.00 p.m. (including late, dark Shamu show) and the candy handed out was superb.

 

[tink too]

I found the Premium Outlets a waste of time last December. Apart from a couple of T's from Tommy Hilfiger store, the only other thing we bought was fudge! Mind you, it was delicious and kinda made the trip worthwhile!

We almost always go to Belz Mall and then hardly buy anything at all - mostly sports wear and more trainers for DH!

We did get good bargains last December at the Reebok store on I-Drive - and the store was deserted every time we went in!

 

[Shooby doo]

I use Premium Outlet for all my Sports gear,you get fed up going to UK shops when the biggest T-shirt you can get is XL!! We love the Florida Mall,a bit for everyone in there & there's always a sale on!Books-a-million good for authors that are out of print here. We also used to like Belz but it was in a sorry state on our last visit!
SD aw:

 

[disneyholic family]

Anyone else like me and find Wal-Mart too big and a bit daunting.

Went in for Gatorade (very cheap compared to UK, got enough to last me 6-9 months) and found I got lost in all the isles...???

we can't stand Walmart....initially it was on principle (certain geographic loyalties, owing to our origins - i.e. we're originally from metropolitan Detroit, birthplace of kmart)......
but then we actually went into a walmart and i quite nearly broke out in hives....i cannot stand the way it's set up....if you go into a kmart or target, you can see to the back of the store......but in a walmart, it's set up like a warehouse, where the shelves go practically up to the ceiling.....it's a very overwhelming feeling....besides feeling claustrophobic, it gives you the feeling that you're in a warehouse rather than a store....not to my liking.......

but really mostly, it's regional loyalty and basic hatred (watch South Park and you'll get an idea)....

 

[basas]

but in a walmart, it's set up like a warehouse, where the shelves go practically up to the ceiling.....it's a very overwhelming feeling....besides feeling claustrophobic, it gives you the feeling that you're in a warehouse rather than a store....not to my liking.......

but really mostly, it's regional loyalty and basic hatred (watch South Park and you'll get an idea)....

Don't go into a Costco or Sam's Club...

 

[JohnnySharp2]

we can't stand Walmart....initially it was on principal (certain geographic loyalties, owing to our origins - i.e. we're originally from metropolitan Detroit, birthplace of kmart)......
but then we actually went into a walmart and i quite nearly broke out in hives

I do not like Walmart either, went in once and haven't been back since.
I know a lot of people who love it though - we all have different opinions (it would be really boring if we all liked it).

 

[JohnnySharp2]

One store I really like is Dylan's candy store - near the food court at the Florida Mall - spent ages in there in August, still got a couple of packs of tangerine bubble gum

 

[mushumadness]

i love walmart , world of disney, belz and florida mall

 

[jockey]

I love Walmart- got a laptop there last year!!! Also like Mall at Mallenia and Florida Mall!

 

[tim june and sam]

What's anyone's experience of Circuit City for electrical goods?

I am mindful that mains electric goods are no good US to UK due to different voltage, but had expected to find good range of games, etc for our new PSP handheld, but reality was choice was sparse.

Was I just looking in the wrong place and should have gone to CC?

 

[disneyholic family]

Don't go into a Costco or Sam's Club...

actually i like costco and sam's club (actually i love costco-- sam's club is just ok in comparison to costco)...
but those ARE warehouse stores....and by the way, when you walk into a costco, you can see to the back of the store....the center area is very open without those high sheved aisles....much much less dense shelving than walmart...

I do not like Walmart either, went in once and haven't been back since.
I know a lot of people who love it though - we all have different opinions (it would be really boring if we all liked it). ...

absolutely.....

 

[DisneyAdamUK]

Is belz still open, i heard a few months back they has shut to refurbish it, is it open?

 

[CustardTart]

I always enjoy an afternoon in the Florida Mall and next year I'm determined to get to the Mall at Millenia. I also love shopping onsite, especially at DTD. TBH I'm not a big Walmart or outlet fan so don't bother with those anymore.