Florida Agian, Can't Wait

[IN51GHT]

After going to Orlando last year (against my better judgement) & loving every moment, we have booked to go again next year.

Doing all Disney parks, Discovery Cove, Sea world & Kennedy Space Center.

Mrs wants a couple of days shopping, any suggestions as to good shopping venues?

[2222]

Other then the parks at has few if any redeeming features and once you've done those.......
With so many places in the world to see, why would you ever want to go back there?

Eta I'm referring to Orlando rather than Florida, which has many nice places to visit.

[garylythgoe]

Hi,

2 weeks today I'm off to Florida (Orlando) for the fourth time.

I've been/done/seen everything there, but it's still good fun and there's new things every time I've been.

In terms of shopping, I believe there are two shopping malls (Florida Mall and Mall at Millenia), and various outlets etc.

It helps if you have things you want/need to buy, that they sell. I.e. I know that I want to pick up a specific watch that I've been after (significantly cheaper over there), loads of trainers (I'm a sneakerhead), a trip to a Honda dealer for a few bits, and general clothes/odds/sods that I see.

Best days IMO for shopping are weekends, as the parks are busiest at weekends.

Gaz

[Blib]

If you took 'the car', you'd be there in three hours.

[toon10]

I'm off in August. It's always enjoyable but I've been so many times before. Not my choice but my parents go every year and need a driver (they're getting on and Dad had his license taken away.) My brother did the duty the last couple of years. Still, my other half has never been and looking forward to it as is my son.

[pherlopolus]

I find it takes about 6 months after a trip to florida before we start thinking of the next!

[IN51GHT]

Blib said:

If you took 'the car', you'd be there in three hours.

Apart from the fact we'd have to make 4 trips & have to refuel every 20seconds!!

[IN51GHT]

Anybody done the "extended" bus tour where you actually get off the bus? Is it wort the extra?

[Matt Harper]

2222 said:

Other then the parks at has few if any redeeming features and once you've done those.......
With so many places in the world to see, why would you ever want to go back there?

Eta I'm referring to Orlando rather than Florida, which has many nice places to visit.

Have you ever actually visited the City of Orlando and the environs to the north and east of the metro area, versus the tourist hell that is Kissimmee/Davenport/Lake BV? It doesn't sound like you have.

[IN51GHT]

Matt Harper said:

Have you ever actually visited the City of Orlando and the environs to the north and east of the metro area, versus the tourist hell that is Kissimmee/Davenport/Lake BV? It doesn't sound like you have.

I'd love some pointers as to places to go in the city for a day trip

[Original Poster]

We go in 10 days, can't wait!

2 main malls are Mall at Millennia and Florida Mall, I personally prefer Florida Mall. You've also got the outlets as well which aren't bad for a trip for a couple of hours.

[toon10]

Original Poster said:

We go in 10 days, can't wait!

2 main malls are Mall at Millennia and Florida Mall, I personally prefer Florida Mall. You've also got the outlets as well which aren't bad for a trip for a couple of hours.

Pretty much where we end up. Is Premier Outlets stil going?

[2222]

Matt Harper said:

2222 said:

Other then the parks at has few if any redeeming features and once you've done those.......
With so many places in the world to see, why would you ever want to go back there?

Eta I'm referring to Orlando rather than Florida, which has many nice places to visit.

Have you ever actually visited the City of Orlando and the environs to the north and east of the metro area, versus the tourist hell that is Kissimmee/Davenport/Lake BV? It doesn't sound like you have.

No, we were in the hell that is Kissimmee.

Did get across to Daytona beach which I quite liked.

[Matt Harper]

toon10 said:

Original Poster said:

We go in 10 days, can't wait!

2 main malls are Mall at Millennia and Florida Mall, I personally prefer Florida Mall. You've also got the outlets as well which aren't bad for a trip for a couple of hours.

Pretty much where we end up. Is Premier Outlets stil going?

Millennia is more high-end than FL Mall and the parking lot is better patrolled/more secure (lots of theft from vehicles at FL Mall). Also consider Town Center at Waterford Lakes at intersection of SR408 East/West Expressway and Alafaya Trail - not an 'enclosed' mall, but a nice shopping experience. There is also West Oaks Mall on W Colonial Dr in Ocoee (NW Orlando).
Orlando Premium Outlets is the main 'discount' shopping area (again - not an enclosed mall per se) at intersection of I-Drive and Oak Ridge Road.

[Matt Harper]

IN51GHT said:

I'd love some pointers as to places to go in the city for a day trip

Give me some idea of your circumstances/interests and I'll try to help if I can. I'm English, but have lived in metro Orlando for the past 13 years, so am reasonably familiar with this area.

So, are children involved? Day and or night? Relaxed or action-packed? Driving or public transport? Indoor or outdoor? Arts/Sports/Dining/Boozing?

What are you looking for?

[rix]

Just totted it up in my head and I've been on 9 trips in the last 20 years, some in combination with Other parts of the world/states, but sometimes solely based in the Orlando area. We always take trips out in the car there's some lovely places within a couple of hours drive, for example cedar key which is a bit further, on the west coast of Fl north of Tampa. Tempted to have another trip this year even tho we can only get a week off work!

It's definately a bit 'marmite' but I could never get bored of the compete package.

[YankeePorker]

Currently live in Florida and have taken my children to the parks in Orlando twice. Hateful jungle of stucco, concrete and plastic IMO and have sworn never to go again in my life. Told my family that if they want to see me in Orlando again they can wait until I croak and take me in an urn!

Why go there when there are amazing national parks to see? Each to their own I guess.

[IN51GHT]

Matt Harper said:

Give me some idea of your circumstances/interests and I'll try to help if I can. I'm English, but have lived in metro Orlando for the past 13 years, so am reasonably familiar with this area.

So, are children involved? Day and or night? Relaxed or action-packed? Driving or public transport? Indoor or outdoor? Arts/Sports/Dining/Boozing?

What are you looking for?

Looking to go for a day, through to the evening, taking in a bit of "non mall" shopping, somewhere nice to eat, with my 10 & 13 y/o daughters & my wife

[bad company]

YankeePorker said:

Why go there when there are amazing national parks to see?

In Florida?

Agree with the rest of your post tho.

Oh and Sawgrass Mills has the best shops imo.

Edited by bad company on Friday 25th April 12:46

[Black can man]

Try Everglade city & Silver springs , great off the beaten track places to visit in Florida.