Any shopping to be done? Just take a trip to The Mall at Millenia, which offers both local and international brands. Foreign visitors will be pleased to know that a bureau de change/Wechsel is at hand, so there's simply no stopping you from grabbing the designer apparel you've set your heart on! The multi-lingual staff will assist you in getting around, just in case language is a barrier. To pump up the energy during your shopping frenzy, visit restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory and The Capital Grille.
With more than 200 shopping-and-dining outlets, Florida Mall is the largest shopping spot in Central Florida. Visitors come from all over the state and the nation to browse through the racks of retail outlets such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard's and JC Penney. You'll also find plenty of specialty stores here, including those offering adventure gear, books, electronics, toys, videos, leather and more. If you're hungry, dine in the mall's food court, or at restaurants such as La Casona or Versailles Latin Cuisine. If an afternoon expedition does not afford you enough time to buy all you want, check into the Adam's Mark Hotel on the premises.
At 50,000 sq. ft., this is the world's largest World of Disney store with the world's biggest collection (8,000 items) of Disney memorabilia, souvenirs, toys and gotta-have-its. To keep it all straight, departments feature a specific theme from favorite Disney movies, ranging from Sleeping Beauty to The Little Mermaid and 101 Dalmatians, among others. Going beyond toys, the store offers an enormous range of Disney-logo items from clothing to tableware and linens, jewelry and toys.
The most important thing to know about Downtown Disney Marketplace is that you don't have to be a park patron to shop here. An open-air shopping enclave, it is built at the edge of a lake and offers 26 stores, including the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Lego Imagination Center and, of course, the World of Disney, billed as the planet's largest Disney merchandise store. A number of restaurants are tucked in here, including Bongo's, Blues Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, and Wolfgang Puck Express.
Parents, teachers and best of all, kids, love Lego. Those brightly colored building toys set kids' imagination into action as they use the pieces to build...well, stuff. Budding architects will love this 4,000 sq. ft. center, where they'll find giant flying machines, dragons and spaceships constructed from Lego pieces. Popular sets allow children to build their own pirate ships, water worlds, medieval and modern cities and doll houses. Outside is a 3,000 sq. ft. play area, boasting a jungle gym, life-size space-alien family and countless Lego blocks with no restrictions on use or imagination.
Located in the heart of Orlando, Corona Cigar Company offers a truly unique cigar atmosphere. The interior decoration is Central American and includes genuine Nicaraguan furnishings throughout. They stock over one million cigars from all over the world and numerous accessories too. Corona Cigar Company also has a variety of Cuban sandwiches, beers and wines to complement a good smoke. This is the place to go to enjoy a good meal, a few drinks, and a cigar.
Thornton Park is an upscale and sophisticated shopping district, teeming with boutiques, restaurants and bars within downtown Orlando. Nearby Lake Eola Park also offers a relaxing setting to unwind. Every second Thursday of the month, Thornton Park hosts a wine and art walk to celebrate the arts in the community.
Eola is known for its excellent wine tasting sessions. They have an impressive drink selection with more than 70 wines and 30 bottled beers. Tasty appetizers and comfortable seating area make it a good place to chill out. The outdoor area offers a more casual take on this 'beautiful people, great wine' atmosphere. Wines and cheeses clearly rule the roost, but there's more variety on weekends.
In operation since 1975, Soul Train Music claims to carry the area's largest selection of blues, reggae, gospel, rhythm and blues, dance music and videos. It draws a loyal local clientèle, as well as tourists who've heard of the store's reputation. Soul Train carries mostly CDs, but purists will also find a selection of vinyl records.
If you're looking for something special to perk up your home or a souvenir to commemorate your Orlando trip, add Foreign Accents to your list of shopping stops. Here, you'll find works of art imported from Europe, Indonesia, Mexico and many other nations. The fine art is a big attraction, as are the store's catalogs, from which shoppers can order upscale furniture. The home accessory items, crystal chandeliers, gilt mirrors and artwork are the perfect gifts for friends and family.
The style of clothing you'll find at Etoile might best be described as hipster meets artist meets funky vintage. The emphasis here is on unique, handcrafted goods (both new and gently used) that are locally sourced. Etoile is the perfect place to find that perfect piece to add to your wardrobe. Colorful scarves, worn leather handbags, beaded jewelry and quirky printed tees are just a few of the things you'll spot on the shelves.
Orlando Fashion Square Mall is anchored by JC Penney, Sears, Gayfers and Burdines. You'll also find more than 165 specialty stores, including Mayors Jewelers. If you're hungry, visit the Veranda Food Court. It houses such quick-bite eateries as Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips, Panda Express, Nature's Table, and Sbarro. Stroller rentals are available.