Minutes from Outlet Shopping!

Outlet Shopping in Orlando

A view of the Premium Outlet Mall in Orlando on Vineland Road.

Visitors to Orlando will be pleasantly surprised to find that they have access to not one, but two, major outlet malls–with hundreds of brand name stores and only a few miles between both locations. Both Orlando shopping centers are called the Premium Outlet Mall and have many of the same stores in common, so which mall should you pick?

Location, location, location

For travelers who are staying and playing on International Drive, shopping is just one of many activities available to them, and while the retail Festival Bay mall has been struggling for some time, the Premium Outlet Mall right up the road has been expanding and thriving.

On the north end of International Drive, the Premium Outlet Mall has outlet versions of Niemen Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue, as well as numerous clothing and shoe stores, such as Children’s Place, Gap, Stride Rite, Bass Shoes, Columbia, and the North Face, just to name a few.

Over the years, this Premium Outlets Mall has added train rides and bungee jumps to entice parents to spend a little extra money on their kids, and there is the ubiquitous food court offering all manner of fast food, including ethnic dishes like Chinese, Italian and Mexican fare.

Parking tips

Parking can be particularly grueling experience if you insist on parking closer to the actual stores, but if you don’t mind walking the extra distance–especially if you are planning on visiting the food court–park in the far lot by the Reebok outlet store. And if you don’t want to deal with parking at all, Premium Outlets does offer a valet service.

On the south end of International Drive are the Premium Outlets on Vineland Road. There are over 200 brand names at Premium Outlets, including American Eagle, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Fendi, and many more. Here the parking situation is slightly better, thanks to a multistory parking garage. Valet parking is also available, as well as I-Drive trolley service that is available up and down the length of International Drive.

With a playground area, food court, and plenty of name brand bargains, restaurants and Disney hotels are just a short drive away. Both of the outlet malls are popular with international tourists, especially around the holidays, when stores tend to run out of winter wear rather quickly.

No matter which outlet mall you choose, you will find plenty of upscale items at great prices at either Premium Outlet Mall–and you might even find a decent parking place.