When I think of Orlando, the first images that usually come to mind are roller coasters at Universal, the fireworks above Cinderella’s Castle at Disney, or lazy afternoons floating in a resort pool. But for me, one of the most irresistible parts of spending summer in Orlando has nothing to do with rides or characters—it’s the shopping.
I still remember my first trip to Orlando on a scorching July afternoon. The Florida sun was so strong it felt like I was walking into an oven every time I stepped outside. But when I entered one of the massive outlet malls, with air conditioning blasting and sale signs hanging everywhere, I felt like I had discovered a whole other kind of theme park. In Orlando, shopping is an attraction of its own.
Orlando is one of the best places in the United States to shop for discounts. Between its world-class outlets, sprawling malls, and discount centers, you can easily fill an entire suitcase (or two) with designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and souvenirs—all at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. Over time, I’ve learned to navigate the chaos, find the best bargains, and even uncover hidden perks that many first-time visitors miss.
For travelers coming to Orlando for the first time, especially in summer, here are ten detailed tips I’ve put together to help you master outlet shopping. These are based on my own experiences, trial and error, and plenty of hours spent digging through clearance racks under the Florida sun.
1. Start with Orlando International Premium Outlets
If I had to pick one shopping destination in Orlando that always makes me giddy, it would be Orlando International Premium Outlets on International Drive.
Located about ten minutes from Universal Studios, this outlet mall is a monster—it’s the largest outlet shopping destination in Florida. Every time I visit, I feel like I need a game plan just to navigate the maze of stores.
What makes it special: You’ll find everything from high-end brands like Prada, Burberry, and Versace, to accessible favorites like Nike, Adidas, Gap, and Levi’s. I once walked out with a Michael Kors handbag for under \$120 when it retailed for almost \$300. The discounts here are real, and if you’re willing to dig a little, you’ll uncover gems.
My tip for first-timers: Download the Simon Premium Outlets app before you go. I didn’t do this my first visit and missed out on exclusive coupons. Now I always check the app and often get an additional 10–15% off.
Extra travel hack: Book a hotel nearby so you can shop in shorter bursts. I once stayed at the Hyatt Place Orlando/Convention Center (booked via Booking.com), and being just minutes away made it easy to drop off bags and return without dragging heavy shopping bags around.
2. Don’t Miss Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
If the International location feels overwhelming, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is a more upscale and slightly less chaotic alternative. It’s closer to Disney, which makes it ideal if you’re staying in Lake Buena Vista.
What I love here: The luxury brands feel a bit more concentrated. Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Tory Burch all have outlet stores here. I once picked up a pair of Ferragamo flats for less than half the retail price—it was one of those “pinch me” moments.
Food break: After a few hours, I usually crave a break. There’s a food court with classic fast options, but I often hop on an Uber to nearby Disney Springs for a proper meal. I recommend The Boathouse for fresh seafood and a view over the lake—it feels like a reward after carrying shopping bags all day. Reservations can be made easily on OpenTable.
3. Shop Early in the Day
It might sound obvious, but in Orlando, timing makes all the difference. The first time I visited International Premium Outlets in the afternoon, it was swarming with tourists and locals. The parking lot was a battlefield, and inside, fitting rooms had lines longer than some Disney rides.
Now, I always shop in the morning. By arriving at 10 a.m. (when most outlets open), I get first pick of the shelves, the atmosphere is calmer, and parking is still available.
Summer bonus: Orlando afternoons can be brutally hot and stormy. By finishing shopping early, I avoid being caught outside when thunderstorms roll in. That means I’m back at the hotel or at a restaurant by the time the skies open up.
4. Always Ask for Extra Discounts
Here’s one of my favorite little-known tricks: many outlet stores offer extra discounts if you simply ask.
At the Nike outlet, for example, I’ve received an additional 20% off clearance shoes just by asking if there were any “today-only promotions.” At Coach, I was handed a coupon for 15% off my total purchase at checkout.
It feels a little awkward the first time, but trust me—most cashiers are used to it. I once struck up a conversation with a store clerk at Polo Ralph Lauren, and he quietly mentioned that if I signed up for their mailing list, I’d get another 10% off. It worked instantly.
Pro tip: Stop by the outlet information desk first thing when you arrive. Many malls sell coupon books for around \$5, but if you show proof of being a tourist (like an out-of-state ID or international passport), they often hand them out for free.
5. Bring the Right Luggage
One of the most painful lessons I learned in Orlando was on my second trip. I had shopped all day at Vineland Premium Outlets, only to realize I had no space left in my suitcase. I ended up buying an extra duffel bag at Samsonite (ironically at a discount), but checking an extra bag at the airport cost me almost as much as the savings from my bargains.
Now, I always bring one expandable suitcase and a foldable duffel bag with me to Orlando. The outlets have great deals on luggage too, so sometimes I’ll just upgrade mid-trip.
If you’re flying into Orlando, I recommend checking baggage fees on your airline before booking. Platforms like Expedia and Google Flights make it easy to compare not just ticket prices but also baggage policies.
6. Take Advantage of Florida’s Tax-Free Days
Florida offers a sales tax holiday every summer, usually in late July or early August, which means certain categories like clothing, footwear, and school supplies are exempt from state sales tax. On my last summer visit, I intentionally planned my outlet trip during this period, and it saved me nearly \$80 in taxes.
If you’re traveling with family, this is especially valuable, since kids’ clothing and sneakers can add up quickly. I always double-check Florida’s Department of Revenue website before my trip to confirm the dates.
7. Plan Your Meals Around Shopping
Shopping days are exhausting, and if you don’t plan for food breaks, you’ll end up eating greasy fast food at the food court out of desperation. I’ve done it, and it never feels satisfying.
Now, I build meals into my shopping days:
- Near International Premium Outlets, I usually grab lunch at Miller’s Ale House on International Drive—it’s casual, affordable, and portions are generous.
- Near Vineland Premium Outlets, I sometimes book dinner at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs (reservations on OpenTable). It’s pricier, but the wine list is fantastic, and it feels like a reward after a day of bargain hunting.
Booking restaurant reservations in advance is a must during summer when Orlando is flooded with tourists.
8. Look Beyond the Outlets
While the outlets are the crown jewels of Orlando shopping, they’re not the whole story.
The Mall at Millenia is a high-end indoor mall with stores like Louis Vuitton, Apple, and Neiman Marcus. It’s beautiful, air-conditioned, and far less chaotic than the outlets. I once spent an entire rainy afternoon there, sipping coffee at the café inside Bloomingdale’s before browsing designer shops.
Florida Mall, on the other hand, is massive and more family-friendly. It has everything from Macy’s to an indoor Crayola Experience for kids. On a hot day, it doubles as both shopping destination and entertainment center.
9. Always Compare Prices Online
This might sound counterintuitive, but I’ve found that outlet prices aren’t always the cheapest option. Before I buy, I often pull out my phone and check Amazon or the brand’s official website. Sometimes the outlet price is unbeatable; other times, I realize I’m not actually saving much.
One time at Adidas, I nearly bought a pair of sneakers for \$75 before realizing they were \$65 online. It was a good reminder that “outlet” doesn’t automatically mean “best deal.”
Tip: Sign up for email lists of your favorite brands before your trip. Many outlets accept those digital coupons, and sometimes you’ll stack them with in-store promotions for huge savings.
10. Save Time by Booking the Right Accommodation and Transport
After a full day of outlet shopping, the last thing you want is a long commute back to your hotel. I’ve learned to book accommodations strategically.
- If I’m focusing on International Premium Outlets, I choose hotels around International Drive. One stay at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando (booked on Hotels.com) saved me endless Uber rides.
- For Vineland Premium Outlets, I often pick hotels near Lake Buena Vista, like the Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area.
For transport, renting a car through Expedia has often been cheaper than relying solely on Uber, especially if I plan to hit multiple malls in one trip. Orlando traffic can be intense, but the freedom of having a car pays off when you’re carrying multiple shopping bags.
Shopping in Orlando is its own adventure. The first time I came, I thought I’d spend all my time at Disney and Universal, but the outlets pulled me in like a magnet. Over time, I’ve learned that shopping here is not just about the bargains—it’s about the experience: the thrill of finding designer shoes at half price, the satisfaction of stacking coupons, the joy of treating yourself to a great meal after hours of hunting for deals.
For first-time visitors, the outlets can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy—arriving early, asking for discounts, planning your meals, and booking hotels nearby—you can turn shopping into one of the highlights of your Orlando vacation. And when you’re packing your bags to head home, bursting at the seams with outlet treasures, you’ll realize that Orlando’s magic doesn’t just live inside the theme parks—it spills out into its shopping malls too.
