But whilst these malls are big and offer a wide range of goods, if ‘big’ is important, at the time of writing (January 2010) the mall claiming to be Florida’s biggest involves a drive to the east coast.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is on Florida’s east coast, just north of Miami.  It involves a drive of several hours, so we took the opportunity to visit the area when we flew into Miami instead of ‘our usual’ Orlando (most scheduled airlines permit open-jaw arrangements, where you fly into one airport but return home from another - an ideal arrangement if you wish to visit Miami, Fort Lauderdale or the Florida Keys as well as the Central Florida attractions).  Another reason to find yourself in Fort Lauderdale is to join a cruise (perhaps to the Caribbean).  And whilst in the area, a visit to Sawgrass Mills is a must for shopaholics.

Sawgrass Mills

Sawgrass Mills claims to be Florida’s largest retail and entertainment centre, featuring more than 350 name-brand outlets.  A mixture of open air and ‘covered’ shopping areas makes this a very pleasant place to visit and spend a few hours - and also spend a few dollars. And with seven day opening well into the evening, there is no need to rush and miss any shopping opportunities.

Shops

Many of the names here are well known to international visitors.  Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Ron Jons - as well as names better known to locals.  With over 350 to choose from, it is easy to be parted from your dollars.  It’s also easy to get carried away - remember how much space was left in your suitcase.  Or, for visitors from Europe travelling by scheduled airline, make full use of your luggage allowance - if this will require buying an extra suitcase you are in the right place to save money on this as well.

Entertainment

As well as a cinema, there is also the opportunity to eat - either a snack, fast food or a sit-down restaurant.

How To Get There

Sawgrass Mills is located at the crossroads of West Sunrise Blvd. and Flamingo Road just 15 miles from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and 30 miles from the Miami International Airport.

When it comes to eating there is so much choice you won’t nowhere to go there are restaurants just about everywhere and of course there a fast food places such as MacDonald’s and KFC. But of course you can also shop at Wal-Mart and make your own food which is better if you’re on a budget.  There is everything in America that there is in every country so you would find something you liked.

If you like going out at the night time then there are clubs pubs and also family entertainment such as old town and down town Disney which is a Disney run place. Which is free and there are shops and theatres and performances which kids and adults will enjoy. Old Town is a little town on the 192 between marker 10/11 which is good if you want to go out for an hour or for 5 hours there is always things to do look around the shops watch the live band, have cold or hot drink, food or something real British like good old fish and chips or look at all the kitted up cars and motorcycles that run down the main street on Friday and Saturday evenings. There are all sorts of shops from sweet shops to clothes, jewellery, Florida merchandise shops. Old town also have a now large “Fun Spot” There is also a place called boardwalk which is also run by Disney where there is shops and restaurants where you can chill and on the night you can also see the fireworks from magic kingdom and Epcot.

There are really good places to go shopping like the Florida mall to the Osceola mall to lake Buena vista there are expensive brands for small prices.

But one thing we reckon is better than shopping at great prices - is shopping at even lower prices!

Thanksgiving

European visitors to Florida may not be too familiar with Thanksgiving.  It is a major celebration for Americans, and is the fourth Thursday in November.  A few shops continue trading for the day, but the majority of shops and many restaurants close for the day.

The Thanksgiving sales traditionally start on the Friday following Thanksgiving.  But be prepared for an early start - the best bargains are to be had at 5am (yes, really, 5am - that’s 5 o’clock in the morning.  The middle of the night!).

But is it worth an early start?  Many Americans certainly think so, as the shops are busy from the start.

Where to shop

The choice of where to shop for bargains is overwhelming.  The best way to find out where the best offers are is to buy the local newspaper ‘The Orlando Sentinel’ during the week before Thanksgiving.  The Sunday edition is packed with adverts for all the local stores, and makes great reading over a cold drink, lazing by the pool at your villa.  Examples of shops which have fabulous discounts are Wal-Mart, Super Target, Michaels, Best Buy……and many others.

What to buy

Villa owners are often to be found buying electronic goods.  Brand name televisions, video and DVD players enable them to provide extra luxury for guests.  We were delighted to pick up an additional DVD and video combination unit for just $48 (typical price in the UK at the time £75 or much higher).  But these may not be so attractive to visitors from overseas, who have different voltage to contend with.  European visitors may look for portable items such as laptop computers, MP3 players - but do check the voltage required to recharge the batteries.

To avoid concern about voltages, there are bargains to be had on toys, crafts (40% off any one item, or 20% off total bills are typical offers) etc.  DVDs and music are often on offer (the Shrek 2 DVD for $5 was a welcome addition to our choice of films - usual cost of Blockbuster films around $14, which is still great value) - but don’t forget to check if your DVD player at home plays Region 1 discs.

Getting up early

These bargains require a very early start - numbers are limited (but still there are often many hundreds of each item).  We recommend shopping, and then catching up with breakfast at one of the excellent offerings, such as the I-HOP (International House of Pancakes)

Festival Bay is next to the Belz Designer Outlet shopping mall - or rather next to what used to be Belz, as this mall is now known as Prime.  And it is easy to find - just head north on International Drive, and you will drive past Festival Bay, on the right towards the top of I-Drive.  The I-Ride trolley service runs right by Festival Bay, which can also be approached from The Mall at Millenia.

Festival Bay is now well established, albeit with several units still unoccupied.  As these empty stores are filled, so this will become a more serious competitor to the existing malls.  But already there are some exciting shopping opportunities.

Ron Jon’s

Ron Jon’s Surf Shop is one of the anchor stores at Festival Bay.  Renowned for its wide choice of surfwear, a visit to Ron Jon’s used to mean a trip along the Interstate to Cocoa Beach.  But not any more - Ron Jon’s has come to Orlando!  Whilst there are other surfwear stores in the area (PacSun have several outlets), this really is a welcome addition, packed full of surf labels.

Bass Pro

Outdoor activities are catered for at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, specialising in not just fishing equipment (the name gives that much away), but also other outdoor activities such as boating and hiking.  Why not treat yourself to one of the power boats lined up outside?

Vans Skate Park

Vans Skate Park provides the opportunity to practice skateboard and roller blade skills.

Other Stores

The range of other stores continues to increase.  Our favourites include shops specialising in Hawaiian fashions and products, an excellent discounted book store - and, of course, the opportunity to stop for an ice cream or coffee.

Cinema

A multi-screen cinema is the prime entertainment on offer - the opportunity to put your feet up and relax in front of a blockbuster movie (visitors from overseas will no doubt get the opportunity to catch a film several months ahead of its release in their home country).

Our Verdict

Festival Bay promises to deliver even more as it continues to develop.  Its location provides the opportunity for a real shopping blitz - by starting at the Mall at Millenia, and then joining I-Drive and working south through Prime, Festival Bay and the Premium Outlets.

You will also find on one of the Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques here - this is where my little daughter loves to go and enjoys having her hair and make up down, as well as dressing up in one of her favourite disney costumes.  The last time we went we went for the full package where you get a photo shoot included.  My daughter looked amazing when they had finished and the photos are an ever lasting memory.  It was well worth the money!  Everyone was commenting on her as we walked through Downtown Disney.  She also remembers that moment and she is only 6.  A must for every little girl. 

You will also find great shops with all the Disney Merchandise;  if you forgot to buy a particular item in one of the parks, you will hopefully be able to purchase it here.  There are also various other retailers, as well as some great themed restaurants.  

There are also some great entertainment venues, like Cirque de Soleil which is located in Downtown Disney. 

I have listed a few of  shops/restaurants, etc, which you can find at Downtown Disney below:-

World of Disney - if you are looking for loads of fun whilst shopping, this is the place to go.  It is one of the largest stores and has so much to choose from.  This is where you will also find the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique mentioned above. 

Once Upon a Toy - Play happily ever after at this amazing toy store that offers the largest assortment of toys and games in all of Disney.  From princesses to pirates you will find some great toys in here.

Lego Imagination Centre - this shop is great, especially if you kids are into lego.  Not only can they buy some great lego sets (which my son has plenty) they get to play and make models with the lego stands outside.  This has kept my kids occupied for hours (for free) whilst we sat and watched enjoyed a cup of coffee. 

Disney Days of Christmas - this is my favourite shop at Downtown Disney - its Christmas all year round.  You also get to personalise a lot of the ornaments so they make them very personal to your visit. 

Rainforest Cafe and the new T-Rex restaurants can also be found at Downtown Disney.  We have visit the Rainforest cafe a few times now, and the kids love it.  We have never eaten in the T-Rex one, but have had a sneek look inside.  If you kids love dinosaurs this is the resturant to visit.  It has large interactive models of dinosaurs dotted around the restaurant that move at certain times.  You will also DinoBear (part of the build a bear workshop) in her.  My son loved this as he was able to choose his own dinosaur and dress it.  Quite appropriate for a boy!

This is just a taster of what can be found at Downtown Disney. 

Don’t forget to make a visit on your next trip.  We hope you enjoy it.

Lake Buena Vista is the place to shop for all your designer goods at a cheaper cost whether it’s Nike you’re after or Tommy Hilfiger. Why not make it a day of shopping to enjoy and even visit the food court for lunch. Shops that are at Lake Buena Vista include Tommy Hilfiger and Tommy Hilfiger kids, Nike, Gap, Adidas, Dress Barn, Coach, DKNY, Dior, and much much more

Florida Mall

Turn right follow 192 down past Wal-Mart for about a good 15 mins when you get to what they call “Kissimmee gate” this is a gate thing that is on the right hand side of the street which is above the road at a main set of traffic lights.

On the left hand side at theses lights there is pc world/office world

You need to turn left down the orange blossom trail this is a very long road you will pass tub-a-ware main Depot- you would be heading towards the airport (Int) passing this under the toll bridge, pass home depot on right, carry on until you come to rooms to go which is on the right, just past this you will see signs for Florida mall – turn right you will see lots of shops if you go into any of them they lead you into the Florida mall

When you drive down the orange blossom trail you think it goes on forever which it does but with practice you will find the short cuts …lol.

Farmers Market

On Saturdays and Sundays – Farmers market – Disney stuff much cheaper to buy, come from the villa turn right onto the 192 follow the road down for a good 20 mins pass rail way on the road- and past what they call the Kissimmee Gate - pass Kissimmee airport for another 5 minutes – you will see a bridge - just past under the bridge on the left hand side Farmers Market go early lots to buy….

In between our shopping we went to the Golden Corral a lot, it is buffet style food “eat all you want for about £3.00-breakfast, £4.50 Lunch, £7.50 Evening Dinner.” Children half price, we felt it was very Good value. 

The wal-mart is less than 5 minutes in the car from our villa, Florida Lets a Dream.

Wal-Mart Supermarket

Locations –

1.        Corner of 192 and Bass Road Close to the villa.

2.        Corner of North Poinciana Boulevard and 535 (near The Official Ticket Center)

Target Supermarket.

 Please note Super Targets sell fresh food

Locations –

1.      Super Target between 192 Market 13 and 12 past Sam’s club

2.      Target - East on Highway 192 on left near K Mart and Home Depot.

Publix Super Market

Locations –

Corner of 192 and 535 (marker 12) in the Shopping Plaza

Between Marker 8 and Marker 9 near and on the same side as Bennigan’s

Restaurants & Fast Food Outlets

These are just a small selection of Restaurants along the Highway 192

Before Marker 15

Outbacker Steak House -Casual dining steak restaurants with an atmosphere suggestive of the rustic Australian outback

Between Markers 13 and 12

Applebee’s - Applebee’s® was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, by Bill and T.J. Palmer. The Palmers envisioned a restaurant that would provide full service, consistently good food, reasonable prices and quality service in a neighbourhood setting.

Between Markers 12 and 11

Smokey Bones - Smokey Bones has a wide variety on their menu. There is the “traditional” (usually slow-smoked) barbeque menu, including burgers, chicken and BBQ Baby Back and St. Louis Ribs, as well as a line of salads, other non-barbeque entrees, and desserts.

Cattleman’s Steak House

Taco Bell

Pizza Hut

Between Markers 11 and 10

Perkins - Family restaurants that feature in-store bakeries and serve a variety of distinctive entreés

Ramono’s Macaroni Grill - serves a wide variety of Italian food and offers a children’s menu.

Cracker Barrel Store & Restaurant

Uno Pizzeria, Restaurant – Famous for Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza but also offer a varied menu

Chili’s Grill & Bar, Restaurant - Offers both Mexican style food and typical American food. Includes fajitas, quesadillas, salads, baby back ribs, buffalo wings, grilled shrimp

Longhorn Steak House – Capture the flavour and fun of the wild west. Great steaks, burgers and fresh salads. We really enjoy the fresh bread delivered to your table.

Between Markers 9 and 8

Bennigans - Neighbourhood American tavern with an Irish twist, includes appetizers, sandwiches, steaks and lots more.

Logan’s Roadhouse – Well known for mesquite-grilled steaks, chicken, fresh burgers, baby-back ribs, seafood, and specialty salads. Enjoy the bottomless buckets of in-shell peanuts.

Shopaholics will, for some reason known to themselves, want to spend days wandering around the retail Hell that is Festival Bay Mall or The Florida Mall.

Yes, with The Florida Mall’s 1.9 million square feet of shopping including, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, and over 260 specialty stores you are sure to find more than what you are looking for – probably a divorce, if you (like many of us) do not consider this to be a great way to spend a holiday!

These large shopping malls are also a bit of a drive away from where we Brits tend to stay in villas in the Davenport/Kissimmee/US27 areas.

Let me suggest two smaller malls which I find I can cope with, and which are closer:

My second choice would be Orlando Premium Outlets.8200 Vineland AvenueOrlando, FL32821 407.238.7787. It has 150 shops which has to be enough for anyone, and hosts the Levi’s shop where I always buy my jeans (in leg lengths seemingly impossible to buy in the UK)

My favourite mall, however, is Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores 15657 S Apopka Vineland Rd (SR 535) Orlando, FL 32821 407.238.9301.

The stores at Lake Buena Vista offer factory direct items at savings up to 75%.  There are less than 50 stores, but these are generally the ones you need for holiday shopping – great for trainers!  It is really accessible, with the car park in the middle and store front parking. As advertised, it is a quiet and relaxed village setting and in addition to the usual forgettable food court there is an Internet Café, The World of Coffee, for specialty coffees, desserts and a selection of food items from Greece and the Middle East. 

I am deliriously happy to wait there (on an outside table when it’s not too hot) with a cup of coffee and a baklava, while my wife exhausts every inch of retail space throughout the mall.

Try Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores for your shopping. It could be a marriage saver!

Andy Brownlie

 Place to go when in Kissimmee

A good place to go when you come to Kissimmee is to visit The Farmers Market on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and not just the tourist ones on the 192.

All you need to do is, head out to St Cloud east 192 between Kissimmee and St Cloud, go under the bridge, left onto the slip road and it’s on the left. OSCEOLA FLEA AND FARMERS MARKET with over 900 booths to choose from. It is all under cover so no need to worry when its 80’ degrees in Florida, as it’s pretty cool in there.

We like to get there early as we can as they have a large area for new, used merchandise and every time we go, we always come back with a bargain. They also have a food area where you can get coffee, tea cold drinks and good snack foods. The highlight of this area is the karaoke stage where local singers get up and sing country and Dixie songs. They are very talented as well and somehow we always end up singing along with them.

Christmas they have a very good Santa with a sleigh this is where the kids can have their photo’s done with Santa he also gives all the children a present.

There are antique and collectables booths as well as Florida souvenirs at very good discounted prices.

We bought some carving knives form there around 10 years ago, at the time I remember the stall holder, boasting that they would always remain sharp. I have to say that every one is as good as when we 1st bought them. Of course if you wanted to bring items like these home to the UK they would have to go in your hold luggage and not your hand luggage, if you are flying out from America.

Go have a singsong at the Farmers Market, even just for a stroll along to see what is on offer, we have found that things that can be bought at the Disney Parks, seem much cheaper at the Farmers Market & you will enjoy it.