Best shopping malls in Orlando

No trip to the epicenter of consumerism is complete without an excursion to Orlando’s prolific shopping malls and outlet malls. While the cheesy tourist shops on I-Drive specialize in super cheap, low quality souvenirs and $2 T-shirts, several shopping venues off Interstate 4 (I-4) offer premium goods at bargain prices. The two malls below boast the most comprehensive selection of brands and promote a luxurious yet affordable shopping experience. They are a mere five-minute drive between each other, and easily accessible from all Orlando hotels, such as the Westin Imagine Orlando.

The Mall at Millenia (4200 Conroy Road, Orlando): One of the hottest and newest mega-malls in America, the Mall at Millenia is a contemporary two-level upscale shopping experience, with all your corporate favorites like Abercrombie & Fitch, big department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, and couture boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, David Yurman, and Jimmy Choo. Millenia wows with its grandiose high ceilings and state-of-the-art screens and projectors, displaying international fashion shows. With few space constraints in Orlando, well-endowed retail outposts showcase fabulous selections and insane sales to lure in the Orlando crowds.

Prime Outlets Mall (4953 International Drive, Orlando): The Prime Outlets Mall re-invents the outlet experience. This is one outlet center that has clothes and accessories from recent seasons and sizes other than XXL! Prime Outlets offers top stores such as Armani, Diesel, Coach, Michael Kors, Tumi, Nike, Baccarat/Lalique, 7 for All Mankind, and Armani Exchange in a fashionable outdoor setting. This is probably the most popular outlet mall in all of Orlando, so be prepared to rummage through piles of clothes if you arrive late in the afternoon. It’s better to go early with fewer crowds when folded clothes are on display.

- Paul Rubio