which mall ?

[paulie_walnuts]

hiya. having planned more or less every day of our holiday we would like to take in just a little shopping but there are so many malls which do you recommend for a first timer? we dont want to spend our first visit trawling around shops so knowing a little would help many thanks.

 

[orangetiggs]

we love mall at millenia but its more expensive than the others, orlando premuim outlets is always a winner with us as well. We dont really care for florida mall and dont really visit it unless there is a specific shop we want to go to.

I havent been to prime since it changed from beltz but it used to be good.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I like Mall At Millenia, mainly because I like the Tommy Bahama store and often come out with a few bags
It's also quieter than the other malls which I also like, the food court is very good too.
Some of the shops are window shopping material only but with Macy's and Bloomingdales and many other good stores it's the best in my opinion.

Florida Mall is definitely the most popular and is probably the best 'all rounder', with several good anchor department stores and something to appeal to everyone.
Over the years we have spent more time here than all the other malls put together.

I never liked Belz, thought it was over-rated, but will be paying a visit to Prime Outlets in August to see what it is like.

Over the road from here is Festival Bay, I have always liked it here as there are many stores you don't see at the other malls and worth a visit just for the Ron Jon Surf store, many plots remain untaken though so I guess it hasn't reached it's expected potential.

Premium Outlets is easier the best for bargains, though it isn't actually a 'mall', sportswear is very good value here. Can be a bit 'hit and miss' as with all discount stores.

If you are only going to 1 I would say the Florida Mall is the best 'all rounder'.

http://www.mallatmillenia.com/luxurious/luxurious.htm
http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?id=139
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=17
http://www.shopfestivalbaymall.com/html/

 

[wils]

if you do decide to go to Premium Outlets sign up for their free members club and pick up a voucher booklet on arrival for additional discounts - the extra % off we got in Timberland made it almost embarrassing

 

[UKDEB]

Are you looking for discount outlets or regular stores?

My favourite is the Mall at Millenia. If I was restricted to just one shopping trip this would be my "must-do". It's easy to navigate, has some superb dining options and a good mix of department stores, designer outlets and regular shops. It has a lovely bright, airy feel with lots of marble and glass. As well as the main mall, there are standalone stores and restaurants close by. All the dining choices are good, but if you've never been to one before, you shouldn't miss the Cheesecake Factory.

Second on my list would probably be The Florida Mall. It's bigger than the Mall at Millenia, but nowhere near as upscale. You'll find all the usual suspects there as well as a few surprises. The M&Ms store has to be seen to be believed. My favourite there is the Nordstrom department store. There is a big food court as well as a few individual restaurants. Salsa Taqueria & Tequilla Bar is good and Buca di Beppo is huge fun, if not the most authentic Italian you'll ever have eaten.

Orlando Premium Outlets is enormously popular and always packed - so much so that we give it a wide berth these days. If you're looking for bargains, though, there are definitely some to be found here. Don't even think about doing it at weekends (and, in fact, that holds true of shopping in general).

Pr1me Outlets is a similar complex which has recently opened at the top of I-Drive (where Belz used to be). When we were there in January, it was up and running and new stores are opening there all the time. You could combine this with Festival Bay located opposite. Whilst there are a few very good stores there, it's never really taken off and there are far too many empty units, so it wouldn't be one to do in isolation.

 

[UKDEB]

It looks as though I've gone over lots of ground already covered, but there weren't any replies when I started typing!

I like Mall At Millenia, mainly because I like the Tommy Bahama store and often come out with a few bags

Johnny, as you know, this is our favourite store too. Have you been to the new Emporium and Tropical Cafe at Pointe Orlando? The retail side is about the same square footage as the Mall at Millenia store, but laid out differently, and the Cafe is currently our favourite destination in the whole of Orlando I know you struggle to get Josh into restaurants, but it's worth a look if you haven't already.

 

[paulie_walnuts]

thanks for the advice its very much appreciated

 

[Goofyish]

I like the Florida Mall. I'm not a brand name junkie so not too bothered about the designer type outlets.

The Florida Mall is huge and offers so much choice, including a number of large department stores. There is also a few restaurants and a good food court

 

[PudseyChancer]

It would have to be Premium Outlets for me, I don't think I've ever come away disappointed, loads of great shops and ridiculously low prices compared to back home.

 

[Lisash]

I'd say it depends on what you are looking to buy. For trainers & jeans etc I'd definately recommend Premium Outlets as the best place to bag a bargain but as Deb said it does get really busy so go early. Mall at Millenia is my favourite but can be pricey, Florida Mall is a good slightly cheaper alternative

 

[JohnnySharp2]

It looks as though I've gone over lots of ground already covered, but there weren't any replies when I started typing!

Johnny, as you know, this is our favourite store too. Have you been to the new Emporium and Tropical Cafe at Pointe Orlando? The retail side is about the same square footage as the Mall at Millenia store, but laid out differently, and the Cafe is currently our favourite destination in the whole of Orlando I know you struggle to get Josh into restaurants, but it's worth a look if you haven't already.

Yeah I believe you Deb I did think that when I read your post, don't worry I have copied off you in the past also

I haven't been to the Tropical Cafe yet. Our memories of Pointe Orlando are mixed, when we stayed opposite at the Rosen Center many years ago we used to walk across with Josh when he was a baby. He used to love FAO Schwarz...since then it has been sad to see many of the shops closed but hopefully it is now making a comeback.
I am definitely planning a visit in August. We are planning on 'tricking' Josh to go to restaurants by taking his DVD player along, though naturally we would be choosy about where we go we reckon he will follow us anywhere if we have it.
So hopefully we can all go in, worst case scenario is I will go on my own but touch wood all 3 of us will visit.

Tommy Bahama is great, I have a collection of shirts and just love wearing them on holiday as it's the only time we really ever go out.

Thanks for the reminder it is definitely high on my 'to-do' list.

 

[T16GEM]

It would have to be Premium Outlets for me, I don't think I've ever come away disappointed, loads of great shops and ridiculously low prices compared to back home.

Me too! We visit about 3 or 4 times during our stay usually.

I like Millenia too but I only tend to go there to window shop - although the Yankee Candle shop there gets me every time!

 

[amberandolly]

We had a nice meal at Festival bay in fudruckers - there isn't a great deal there but it's worth a visit just to see the bass outdoor shop - that place is AMAZING, I guarantee you will walk around open mouthed at all the guns and hunting equipment!
You can also combine it with a trip to Prime across the road.
Millenia was nice but pricey - it doesn't open till 12 on Sundays and we got there at 10.45.
Florida mall has the best selection of shops imho.