Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Shopping
Whether you're looking for mouse
ears and souvenirs or the latest and great-
est in designer labels, you'll find it in
Orlando. Walt Disney World itself is
home to an almost endless array of shops
spread throughout its parks, resorts, and
Downtown Disney. The House of Mouse,
however, is not the only game in town. If
you venture beyond its boundaries, you'll
discover first-rate shopping malls, outlet
centers, and charming boutiques.
But before you break out your credit
cards, do remember to keep your shopping
wits about you. The malls and their upscale
stores, at times, can charge extremely out-
rageous prices that you'll easily better at
home. And the outlets, which once offered
tremendous bargains, now at times dis-
count only marginally. The key to getting
the best possible deals is to know what is
and isn't
a bargain.
And now, a note on souvenir shopping. If,
after exercising your credit cards elsewhere,
you've still got energy (and money) to burn,
the parks and entertainment districts at Walt
Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Sea-
World feature some of the most distinctive
souvenir shopping you'll find anywhere.
Sure, many of the stores are filled with trin-
kets and T-shirts, but some offer more
unique merchandise that you won't be able
to find anywhere else—Orlando or other-
wise. Besides the listings in this chapter, be
sure to check out some unique shopping
opportunities mentioned in chapter 6,
“Exploring Walt Disney World,” and chap-
ter 7, “Exploring Beyond Disney: Universal
Orlando, SeaWorld & Other Attractions.”
1
THE SHOPPING SCENE
The hottest spots for tourists to shop are at Downtown Disney, CityWalk, and the larger
themed shopping centers scattered along International Drive. Kissimmee, though a very busy
area, has little to offer shoppers other than seashells and T-shirts that, at three for $10, are a
good example of the old saying “you get what you pay for.” I do, however, admit that I have
on occasion found a hidden treasure or two amongst the trinkets, so if you're in the mood for
a bargain and are willing to take the time to hunt for it, you may just get lucky. There are, of
course, more than just a few of the same tourist traps located along I-Drive (mostly at the
northern end) as well as along S.R. 535 in Lake Buena Vista. But don't despair; if you stick
to the places listed in this chapter, you'll find plenty of quality merchandise.
If you're looking for a quieter, out-of-the-way shopping experience, the quaint tree-lined
streets of Winter Park—Park Avenue in particular—are filled with one-of-a-kind bou-
tiques, well-known shops, and antiques stores. Closer to the action, yet still far enough off
the beaten path to remain quaint and quiet, is Market Street in Celebration, which is home
to a small collection of tiny shops. Downtown Orlando has its own collection of unique
shopping spots, with Antique Row (along Orange Ave.) and nearby Ivanhoe featuring
antiques dealers, collectible shops, and better gift stores. If you're in search of a quiet retreat
or an afternoon of simple indulgence, these shopping side trips should provide just the sort
of peaceful experience you're seeking (you won't even mind coming away empty-handed).
