What is a vacation without some serious shopping!

 

Grab your purse. Send dad and the kids to an attraction (okay, if they must go, there is plenty for them to do as well!) and head for one of the great shopping complexes in the International Drive Resort Area.

 

You will need to leave room in your suitcase for some special souvenirs of your own! From luxury to practical, famous-name boutiques and outlets have endless choices at unbelievable prices. Orlando’s International Drive Resort Area is a well-known destination for serious shoppers looking for great bargains.

 

More than 485 shops and outlets make shopping in this popular destination an attraction that is not to be missed! Offering electronics, sportswear, souvenirs, name brand designer outlets…all at great prices, the area is known for its “shop until you drop” experience. Many outlets and malls offer discount coupons and special promotions. All of the area’s theme parks have unique shopping outlets.

 

To help plan your shopping extravaganza in the International Drive Resort Area, checkout the Shopping! for detailed listings. A map and information on the I-Ride Trolley Service is also provided. Visitors may order an International Drive Resort Area Official Visitors Guide with maps and discount coupons valued at over $500.

 

There is more good news! The I-Ride Trolley service provides transportation to designer, brand name and outlet stores in the popular shopping corridor. The Official Visitors Guide offers a Trolley map and details of the shopping area and outlet malls. Visitors enjoy the convenience of the comfortable, air-conditioned trolleys that provide transportation to most locations in the International Drive Resort Area. Hop on board an I-Ride Trolley…it’s the fun way to get around International Drive! And with the increasing price of gas and other rising costs of travel, taking the Trolley will save visitors dollars while traveling around the I-Drive area.

 

Costs: Single fare, $1.25 per ride; senior fare 65 and over, $0.25 per ride. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlimited ride passes are available: (one-day pass, $4.00 per person); (three-day pass, $6.00 per person); (five-day pass, $8.00 per person); (seven-day pass, $10.00 per person) (14-day pass, $17.00 per person).

 

Shopping, dining and entertainment! Festival Bay Mall at International Drive continues to grow as a lifestyle retail and entertainment establishment. The anchor tenants of Festival Bay Mall are all unique to the Orlando market and include an unusual mix of stores, each celebrating active lifestyles in a different way.

 

More shopping and entertainment experiences include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Cinemark 20 movie theatres, Vans Skate Park, Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear, Jones New York Outlet, Sheplers Western Wear and the not-to-be-missed Ron Jon Surf Shop.

 

The 15,000-square-foot Ron Jon Surf Shop features an island look with authentic bamboo and sisal-rope structures, thatched roofs and sand-textured walkways. A beach scene, complete with a 1934-replica Ford Woody, sand dunes and a lighted Ron Jon billboard, greets customers at the store entrance. Inside, island-themed surf shacks display swimsuits, tank tops, sunglasses, sandals, surfboards, skateboards and thousands of other items. Ron Jon offers a unique venue for spotlighting area performers as well as hosting surf and skate stars. Live music, demonstrations and autograph sessions. www.ronjons.com.

 

The mall’s tropical design, featuring intricate mosaic tiles and a series of inter-connected walkways and plazas around a waterfront, reflects an upbeat Florida lifestyle. Also, play a round of golf at the indoor, glow in the dark, Putting Edge. Restaurants available to recharge for shopping! Hours of operation: Mon-Sat: 10am - 9pm / Sun: 11am - 7pm. 407-351-7718. www.shopfestivalbaymall.com.

 

Prime Outlets International Orlando (formerly Belz Outlets)

This huge center has completed its $300 million expansion and renovation. Thirty-six new stores opened including: Victoria’s Secret Outlet, Kate Spade, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Michael Kors, J. Crew Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Betsey Johnson and Dooney & Bourke Outlet. The outlet center has a total of 175 stores, many showcasing luxury designers; food court with eight restaurants and a full-service restaurant, Kafe Kalik. www.primeoutlets.com. 407-352-9600. Hours of operation: Mon-Sat: 10am – 11 pm / Sun: 10am - 9pm.

 

Orlando Premium Outlets has recently opened new stores including Gymboree Outlet, Joe’s Jeans, Michael Kors and Wolford as part of its expansion. In addition, this upscale outlet center has more than 110 stores and designer shops including Barneys New York Outlet, MaxMara, Adidas, Armani Exchange, Banana Republic Factory Store, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, Mikasa, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Puma, Reebok, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. Dining available. Group tours available. www.premiumoutlets.com/orlando. 407-238-7787. Hours of operation: Mon-Sat: 10am – 11 pm / Sun: 10am - 9pm.

 

With an extreme makeover that includes new shops and restaurants in a setting reminiscent of a city streetscape, Pointe Orlando has taken on a new look to complement this hip, new shopping complex. Have lunch, shop, see a movie, shop some more! Perfect location directly across from the Convention Center!

 

Shopping includes Tommy Bahama Café and Emporium. The store offers a full selection of men’s and women’s wear as well as home furnishings. The restaurant features a new menu with signature dishes including Saba Steak Salad, Tommy’s World Famous Coconut Shrimp and the Barbados Brownie.

 

Also: The Discovery Channel Store, Victoria’s Secret, AlX Armani Exchange, Chico’s, Bath & Body Works, Express, Boardwalk Surf & Sport, Footlocker. 407-248-2838. www.pointeorlando.com. Hours of operation: Mon-Sat: 10am – 10 pm / Sun: 11am - 9pm.

 

10/08