Orlando Destination Guide

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  Shopping in Orlando

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Shopping
Guide to Shopping in Orlando

To say that the Orlando area is a shopper's paradise is a serious understatement - from tacky and not-so-tacky flea markets, to factory outlets, antiques fairs, some of the largest shopping malls in the nation, and, of course whole complexes focusing on Disney paraphernalia, it's all here. Because of the geography of the place, the various shopping opportunities tend to be spread out over a vast area and consist mainly of massive malls packed with all manner of consumer goodies.

Visitors should make note of the USA's public holidays when some shops and stores may close.

Where to Shop

Best Areas and Biggest Malls
The more conventional malls in the area include Orlando Fashion Square, 3201 East Colonial Drive, with 170 shops, including department store giants JC Penney and Sears and a branch of the Disney Store. Meanwhile Pointe Orlando at 9101 International Drive, is a more upmarket mall with 70 speciality shops, such as Abercrombie and Finch, and Armani.

A few blocks away, at 8445 International Drive, is the Mediterranean Village, with a further 60 speciality shops and a huge food court. The queen of them all, though, is the Florida Mall (8001 South Orange Blossom Trail) with nearly two million square feet of retail space. Packed into this expanse you'll find big names like Sears, JC Penney and J Crew, as well as a further 200 stores, seven cinemas and a large food court. Meanwhile, the Crossroads of Lake Buena Vista, located across from the downtown Disney Marketplace on Routte 535, is where you'll find basics like post office, banks, pharmacies and cleaners.

The Disney World Resort, with its area known as Downtown Disney, is home to two shopping and entertainment malls; Downtown Disney Marketplace contains the world's largest Disney Store, a LEGO information centre and many other stores, while over at Downtown Disney West Side there's a vast Virgin megastore.

The Universal Studios are home to Universal Citywalk, a mixture of cafés, restaurants, bars and various stores, including the Universal Studios Store, where film buffs can buy all their cinema paraphernalia. Other malls include the Altamonte Mall at 451, Altamonte Avenue, with two or three anchor stores and 175 speciality shops. Finally Old Town (5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee) is an entertainment complex which features, among other things, a turn of the century carousel and around 70 speciality shops.

Markets
Orlando can boast two flea markets, although in terms of size and goods on offer they might not exactly meet your expectations. Flea World, on Route 17/92 between Orlando and Sanford is said to be the largest such market under one roof in the US, but you won't find antiques or bric-a-brac here - it's all new stuff. It's open at weekends only. Renninger's Twin Markets is the more traditional flea market, where you can find just about anything for sale.

What to Buy

Orlando's theme park nature means much of your shopping will undoubtedly be done in one of its tourist attractions or other. This means everyone invariably comes home with armloads of souvenirs, from Seaworld's fluffy killer whales and dolphins to more upmarket movie memorabilia from Universal Studios.

The American chainstores are good places to locate American sports and leisurewear, often before lines hit European stores. Look out especially for trainers from manufacturers such as Nike and Adidas. Similarly electronics goods, DVDs and the like are often on sale in the US before other international markets. If buying movies or music however make sure that your system back home is compatible beforehand.

If you want to save money, head for the factory outlets around International Drive. Belz Factory Outlet World (5401 West Oak Ridge Rd), contains more than 180 shops, selling clothes, shoes and just about everything else, while the Dansk Factory Outlet at 5247 International Drive, is the place for discounted dinnerware, china, cookware and the like.

Opening Hours

Shops are open from 09h00-18h00 Mon-Sat and 11h00-18h30 on Sundays.

Tax Refund

The rate of sales tax varies by city and state throughout the US, ranging from 4% to 15%. It is applied to the price at the checkout, although some items are exempt. Currently Florida imposes a sales tax of 6.5%.

There is no federal system for refunding sales tax, although you may qualify for an exemption if you plan to immediately ship your purchase outside the state you buy it in. If purchasing an expensive item you should ask at point of purchase about the possibility of obtaining a tax exemption on that particular item.

 

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