Things To Do in Orlando

Whether you're looking for mouse ears and wizard wands or the latest and greatest in designer labels, you'll find it in Orlando (ranked fourth among the top shopping destinations in the country, falling in behind New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas). Walt Disney World itself is home to an almost endless array of shops spread throughout its parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. The House of Mouse, however, is not the only game in town. If you venture beyond its boundaries, you'll discover first-rate shopping malls, outlet centers, and charming boutiques.

Orlando is a hotbed for outlet activity, partly because international visitors, with their often-stronger currencies, are prone to buying frenzies. As at most modern outlet malls, not all of the items you find for sale here will have come from higher-priced “regular” stores; much of the stock has been specially manufactured for the outlet market (although Consumer Reports doesn’t think the quality is substantially different from retail). You’ll usually find prices between 30 and 50 percent off sales at retail stores, and after the holiday rush, discounts go deeper.

The Shopping Scene

The hottest spots for tourists to shop are at Disney Springs, CityWalk, and the larger themed shopping centers scattered along International Drive. Kissimmee, though a very busy area, has little to offer shoppers other than seashells and T-shirts that, at three for $10, are a good example of the old saying "you get what you pay for." (You might, on occasion, find a hidden treasure or two among the trinkets, so if you're in the mood for a bargain and are willing to take the time to hunt for it, you may just get lucky.) There are more than just a few of the same tourist traps located along I-Drive (mostly at the northern end) as well as along S.R. 535 in Lake Buena Vista.

If you're looking for a quieter, out-of-the-way shopping experience, the quaint tree-lined streets of Winter Park—Park Avenue in particular—are filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, well-known shops, and antiques stores. Closer to the action, yet still far enough off the beaten path to remain quaint and quiet, is Market Street in Celebration, which is home to a small collection of tiny shops. Downtown Orlando has its own unique shopping spots, with Antique Row (along Orange Ave.) and nearby Ivanhoe featuring antiques dealers, collectible shops, and better gift stores. If you're in search of a quiet retreat or an afternoon of simple indulgence, these shopping side trips should provide just the sort of peaceful experience you're seeking (you won't even mind coming away empty-handed).

Many Orlando area stores, particularly those in malls or other shopping centers, are open from 9 or 10am until 9 or 10pm Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6pm on Sunday. It is always best to check before you go, as shopping hours, like those at the parks, can change during the holidays, as well as seasonally. Sales tax in Osceola County, which includes Kissimmee, the U.S. 192 corridor, and all of Disney's All-Star resorts, is 7%. In Orange County, which includes the International Drive area, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, most (but not all) of Disney World, and most of the lesser attractions, it's 6.5%. In Seminole County, about 40 miles north of Walt Disney World, the rate is 7%. No matter where you are, plan on adding a few extra dollars in taxes to your bill when you get to the cash register.

One thing that's no different here than the rest of the country: If you arrive during the holiday season, from the end of November to January 1, it's best to avoid local shopping malls, especially on weekends. They're just as crazy and crowded as those back home—maybe even worse. And no matter what time of year it is, don't leave your good judgment at the door when you're shopping the outlet malls. Although there are some bargains to be found, the prices on many items aren't really much better than you can find at home in many cases. The selection, however, may be much larger than you're used to—especially if you're from outside the United States.

Ship It -- Because Orlando is geared to travelers, many retailers offer to ship packages home for a few dollars more (Disney definitely does). So, if you're pondering an extralarge purchase, or even just one you would rather not have to carry (especially in the age of outrageous airline baggage fees), simply ask. If a retailer doesn't offer such a service, check with your hotel. Many a concierge or business center staffer can arrange a pickup by UPS, the U.S. Postal Service, or another carrier -- or, at the very least, point you in the direction of the carrier located closest to the hotel. Anything's better than dragging that 6-foot stuffed Pluto through the not-so-friendly skies.

Homegrown Souvenirs -- Oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits rank high on the list of Florida's top local products. Orange Blossom Indian River Citrus, 5151 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando (800/624-8835; www.orange-blossom.com), is one of the top sellers during the late-fall-to-late-spring season.

For those of who you actually have the energy after a day at the parks and simply can't call it quits, Orlando has plenty of after-dark venues suitable for a night out on the town. That said, even if you're Orlando veterans and not first-timers (the ones most likely to overdo it), if you try to go-go-go from morning until night, you will be completely exhausted after only a few days and will end up needing a vacation after your vacation.

The success of Universal's CityWalk, a district filled with a variety of clubs, shops, and themed restaurants, shows that many visitors have the pizzazz to withstand life after a day of schlepping around the House of Mouse. But don't think Disney Springs is hurting for business—its shops and restaurants are typically filled to capacity.

The Orlando Weekly is a free magazine found in red boxes throughout Central Florida. It highlights more offbeat performances. You can see it online at www.orlandoweekly.com. Another good source on the Internet is www.visitorlando.com, operated by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

First-Run Films

Orlando has a number of movie multiplexes in the mainstream tourist areas. Most offer discounted tickets for children under 12 and discounted matinees; some also offer discounts to students and seniors (bring ID).

Some of the top draws include AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24, at Disney Springs' West Side (407/827-1308); Studio Movie Grill - Sunset Walk, on US 192 southwest of Disney (321/333-4450), Cinemark Orlando and XD, on North International Drive (407/352-1042; www.cinemark.com); Regal Pointe Orlando, at Pointe Orlando on International Drive (844/462-7342; www.regmovies.com), which also sports an IMAX screen; and Universal Cinemark at Universal CityWalk Orlando, at CityWalk (407/354-3374; www.universalorlando.com).