Shopping near WDW (not outlet malls)

[donkthemagicllama]

Can anyone recommend somewhere to go shopping near WDW? We're from Canada and don't yet have places like Victoria's Secret, H&M, Abercrombie and Fitch, etc. My DW would really like to visit a mall on our upcoming trip, and that's the sort of thing she'll be looking for.

Thanks in advance!

-donk

 

[Jason71]

The Mall at Millenia has an amazing atmosphere, although the stores are very pricey. Take I-4 east to the Conroy Road exit, #78 (a little past Universal).

Florida Mall is huge, and has a bit more diverse store selection. Take I-4 to State Road 528, then take exit 4 and follow the signs.

 

[Figment22]

Here are the websites for both the Florida Mall and the Mall at Millenia. This way you can see what stores are at each mall. Both are great shopping experiences. I always hit the Florida Mall when in Orlando because I love Nordstrom!

Florida Mall: http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=139

Mall at Millenia: http://www.mallatmillenia.com/

 

[UKDEB]

I love both the Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall and a trip to Orlando wouldn't be complete without a visit to both .

The Florida Mall is much bigger and I also love Nordstrom! Until recently, you'd have needed to go there for A&F, but a new outlet is about to open at Mall at Millenia (I could never understand why they didn't go in there from the start ). There has always been a Hollister there, though (another A&F brand).

If I was forced to choose between them, though it would have to be Mall at Millenia. It's a gorgeous place - almost like a swanky hotel - and has a good mix of expensive designer stores (such as Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo) and chains (Banana Republic, GAP, Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor). I adore the Tommy Bahama store there - I could (and do ) spends hours in there each trip. Ditto the Sanrio store! Then there are the eateries. I haven't tried any of the options in the food court (which, by all accounts are very good), because I have enough trouble choosing between The Cheesecake Factory (gargantuan menu - something for everyone - and cheesecake, of course), Brio Tuscan Grill (enjoy sitting on the indoor terrace and people watching), McCormick & Schmick's (I love the initimate booths) and PF Chang's China Bistro. Can't get enough of the Blue Martini bar, either - I haven't quite worked my way through the martini menu yet! Add to that 3 department stores (Bloomingdales, Macy's and Neiman Marcus) and you have a shopper's paradise. By the way, donk, dh says this is his favourite mall, too. He likes Tommy Bahama, too, but once we've done that he can go and check out the electronics and gadgets stores and then wait for me at the bar in the Cheesecake Factory.

Two other places which I pop into if I have time are Festival Bay and Pointe Orlando, at opposite ends of I-Drive. Festival Bay has taken a while to get off the ground, but it now has enough stores and eateries open to warrant a visit. Pointe Orlando has become a bit of a ghost town since FAO Schwartz moved out, but it's undergoing a huge refurbishment and I can't wait to check it out.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I love both the Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall and a trip to Orlando wouldn't be complete without a visit to both .

The Florida Mall is much bigger and I also love Nordstrom! Until recently, you'd have needed to go there for A&F, but a new outlet is about to open at Mall at Millenia (I could never understand why they didn't go in there from the start ). There has always been a Hollister there, though (another A&F brand).

If I was forced to choose between them, though it would have to be Mall at Millenia. It's a gorgeous place - almost like a swanky hotel - and has a good mix of expensive designer stores (such as Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo) and chains (Banana Republic, GAP, Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor). I adore the Tommy Bahama store there - I could (and do ) spends hours in there each trip. Ditto the Sanrio store! Then there are the eateries. I haven't tried any of the options in the food court (which, by all accounts are very good), because I have enough trouble choosing between The Cheesecake Factory (gargantuan menu - something for everyone - and cheesecake, of course), Brio Tuscan Grill (enjoy sitting on the indoor terrace and people watching), McCormick & Schmick's (I love the initimate booths) and PF Chang's China Bistro. Can't get enough of the Blue Martini bar, either - I haven't quite worked my way through the martini menu yet! Add to that 3 department stores (Bloomingdales, Macy's and Neiman Marcus) and you have a shopper's paradise. By the way, donk, dh says this is his favourite mall, too. He likes Tommy Bahama, too, but once we've done that he can go and check out the electronics and gadgets stores and then wait for me at the bar in the Cheesecake Factory.

Two other places which I pop into if I have time are Festival Bay and Pointe Orlando, at opposite ends of I-Drive. Festival Bay has taken a while to get off the ground, but it now has enough stores and eateries open to warrant a visit. Pointe Orlando has become a bit of a ghost town since FAO Schwartz moved out, but it's undergoing a huge refurbishment and I can't wait to check it out.

Let me add that Cafe MIMI is just across the way from MM and it is very nice. A little on the idea of a Cheesecake Factory but the decor is themed and each room is part of the story. I will not spoil it for you so if you do go there they can tell you. IF you do go there be sure and tell them it is your first time and they will send you home with a sampler of four huge muffins which is their claim to fame. Do not be mislead this is NOT a breakfast place. We discovered it on this our first trip to MM.

 

[damo]

I love the Mall at Millennia. It is very close to Universal Studios, if you are planning on spending any time there. It also has a PF Changs which we love.

On a side note, there is an Abercrombie store in Edmonton. Great reason to go! H&M should follow soon.