Attendees Delight in More Than 1,000 Stores at Orlando-Area Malls
What a difference a few years make. At least that's the case in Orlando, where nearly overnight, the area has exploded onto the retail scene with a myriad of luxury department stores, big-name chain retailers and international boutiques. Although you can shop virtually anywhere in Orlando from the airports to the theme parks, from fantastic outlet centers to farmers' markets, it's Orlando's nine malls and more than 1,000 stores that draw avid shoppers in search popular brand names, hot new trends and of course, great deals.
Pointe Orlando, just a short walk from the Convention Center, provides excellent shopping, dining and entertainment options. The Pointe offers shopping in more than 40 exciting stores such as AIX Armani Exchange, dining in a host of tantalizing restaurants including The Capital Grille, Tommy Bahama Tropical Café & Emporium and Maggiano's Little Italy as well as entertainment options like Muvico Pointe 21 Theatres, The Grape wine bar and, coming soon, BB King's Blues Club.
Among the newest malls is Festival Bay Mall at International Drive, featuring trendy beachwear and popular names in outdoor gear and western and collegiate garb. Many of Festival Bay 's retailers, including National Book Warehouse and Zirbes' Emporium are new to the Orlando shopping scene, adding to the mall's appeal. Anchor stores including Ron Jon Surf Shop, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Hilo Hattie - The Store of Hawaii, Shepler's Western Wear, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear and Vans Skatepark, plus restaurants like Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant, offer a lineup sure to attract the Generation X in everyone. New in summer 2007 will be Ron Jon Surfpark, offering surfing lessons for all levels of experience in their state-of-the-art surf pools.
The Mall at Millenia brings together a luxurious blend of trendy and classic tastes. The stunning two-level shopping complex opened in 2002 and is anchored by the world-famous Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Neiman Marcus. The mall's more than 120 stores appeal to a variety of preferences, from the contemporary Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn Kids and Urban Outfitters, to the elegant and refined Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Company. Shoppers also get a sneak peek at cutting-edge fashion footage shot at designer collection events in New York, London, Milan and Paris through a partnership with the Videofashion Network. Complementing the mall's retail offerings are seven full-service restaurants including McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Brio Tuscan Grille, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and The Cheesecake Factory, as well as a dozen casual eateries in the Orangerie Cafés. End your day with a refreshing cocktail at Blue Martini.
First-class fashion. Exceptional eateries. Handsome home goods. Shoppers are in for a real treat when they visit The Florida Mall. This retail showcase features an impressive array of more than 180 stores including Dillard's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Dylan's Candy Bar, Bare Escentuals, J. Crew and Kenneth Cole Reaction. Orlando's largest mall, it truly offers something for everyone in the family, including Build-A-Bear Workshop, Playmobil Fun Park Orlando and M&M World for the little ones. Among the mall's delectable dining options are California Pizza Kitchen and Buca di Beppo as well SALSA Taqueria & Tequila Bar.
Orlando boasts six additional shopping malls - Altamonte Mall,Orlando Fashion Square, Osceola Square Mall, Oviedo Marketplace, Seminole Towne Center and the West Oaks Mall, each with its own distinctive flair and endless shopping possibilities. These malls boost Orlando's unbeatable shopping experiences with restaurants, movie theaters, popular department stores such as Belk and Dillard's, and specialty shops like Restoration Hardware and Williams-Sonoma.
No matter which mall - or malls - you choose to visit during your stay, an afternoon spent shopping is always time well spent.