Free Things To Do In Orlando

Well, that was brief, wasn't it? Everything else costs money...and lots of it!

But let's see if we can be a bit more creative:

When I go to the states I'm always fascinated by visiting supermarkets. I'm not bothered about stores much, but the supermarkets and watching the Americans do their shopping is a mind-numbing, artery hardening, journey to the Goliath Casket Company!

Leave your hotel, turning left onto Major Blvd. Almost immediately turn right onto Kirkman Drive. About 3-4 miles out, on the left is the entrance to an incredible residential complex. I can't remember the name, but it's worth the visit.

Also, you will find the scurge of America, formally known as Wal-Mart. It makes ASDA look like a high-street news agent. It's certainly worth a visit. Pay particular attention to the portions that are sold. Unbelievable!

You will find Wal-Mart's throughout America. A much more upmarket brand similar to Wal-mart is a store group called Target. Personally, I prefer visiting Target as it caters to a better informed customer base.

Continuing on the shopping theme, it's certainly worth a visit to The Florida Mall. This is typical of many shopping centres across America. American upmarket standards would be represented in: Nordstroms, Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillards, all of which are located within the mall. The closest we have to compare with these might be Selfridges, but they all put M&S to shame. Mary and I visited the Abercrombie & Fitch store while we were there, which is reflective of young teens. The Mall is open from 0900-2200 Monday-Saturday and 1200-1800 on Sundays.

There are several stores in the Mall that I think you will find interesting and certainly worth a visit:

• Williams Sonoma (Kitchen Goods)
• Brookstone (Gadgets)
• Sharper Image (Fancier Gadgets)
  

There is another chain called Restoration Hardware, but I can't recall whether it's in the Florida Mall or the Mall in Savannah. It features unique items for home restoration and decor. Very interesting place to visit.

Continuing ad nauseum on the shopping theme, which is America's favourite pastime, well, actually it's second to eating, there are the Belz Factory Outlets. I think the typical reaction to these places is OMG (Oh My Gawd!).

In all fairness, I go to these places to buy jeans, shoes, and sometimes kid's clothes. And in all seriousness, I cannot recommend enough that you go to America with empty suitcases and literally buy your clothes as you travel. It is impossible to find the same values in the UK.

Once you tire of Belz in Orlando, no worries, you'll find another one in St Augustine, and on up near Savannah!

So all-in-all this summarises the American ethos:

I shop then drop then shop some more!