It’s a secret weapon for families visiting Disney World. While the parks are all about magic and rides, the surrounding area is a hidden gem for shopping, offering everything from designer deals to kid-friendly experiences that provide a welcome break from the theme park hustle.
Here is a guide to the top shopping outlets and malls near Walt Disney World, with a fair assessment of what’s good and what’s not-so-good about each one, so you can decide which is right for your family.
1. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
This is often the first stop for savvy shoppers coming to Orlando. Located just a few minutes from Disney property, this outdoor outlet mall is a sprawling, Spanish-style complex with a wide range of popular and luxury brands.
- The Good:
- The Brands: It features a fantastic mix of high-end brands like Prada and Burberry, along with family favorites like the Nike Factory Store, Adidas, and a huge Disney Character Warehouse.
- Location: Its location on Vineland Avenue is incredibly convenient if you are staying in the Disney area.
- Disney Character Warehouse: This store is a huge draw, offering genuine Disney parks merchandise at heavily discounted prices, from apparel to toys and accessories. It’s a great place to snag a bargain, but for this reason there was always queues.
- The Not-So-Good:
- Crowds: The mall can get very crowded, especially in the areas around the Disney store. It’s not a relaxed shopping experience, so be prepared for crowds.
2. Orlando International Premium Outlets
While similar in name and ownership to Vineland, this outlet mall offers a different mix of stores and a distinct atmosphere. Located on International Drive, it’s a bit further from Disney property but still within a reasonable drive.
- The Good:
- Vast Selection: This is the largest outlet mall in the Southeast, with over 180 stores. If you are looking for a specific brand, chance are you will find it here, it has a great selection of hight street brands.
- Layout: The layout is a bit more spread out than Vineland, which can make it feel a little less crowded, even with a huge number of people.
- Amenities: They offer a variety of amenities, including stroller rentals, charging stations, and a good food court.
- The Not-So-Good:
- Distance: It’s a slightly longer drive from Disney (about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic), which can add up if you’re trying to make a quick trip.
- Lack of Disney: It does not have a Disney Character Warehouse, so if that’s your main goal, you’ll need to head to Vineland instead.
3. The Mall at Millenia
For a completely different shopping experience, you’ll want to visit The Mall at Millenia. This is not an outlet mall—it is a traditional, upscale, and beautifully designed indoor mall.
- The Good:
- High-End Brands: If you’re looking for luxury, this is the place to go. It has a stunning selection of high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Hermès, as well as department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
- Atmosphere: It’s an indoor, climate-controlled, and beautiful space. The atmosphere is very relaxed and elegant, a welcome change from the fast-paced outlets.
- Services: The mall offers concierge services, valet parking, and a clean, family-friendly environment.
- The Not-So-Good:
- No Deals: This is not a place for bargains. You will be paying full retail price for everything, so don’t expect deep discounts.
- Location: It’s located further from Disney property than the outlets, which might not be worth the trip if you’re short on time.
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