Orlando's Florida Mall a True Shopping Experience

One of dozens of malls throughout the country owned by the Simon Company, The Florida Mall is the largest mall in the Orlando area. Situated close to downtown Orlando, minutes from the Orlando International Airport, and within easy driving distance of popular area attractions such as Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Adventure Park, and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, The Florida Mall boasts more than 260 stores that appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

In all, this mall offers 1.9 million square-feet of shopping space, including six anchor department stores: J.C. Penney, Macy's, Sears, Dillards, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. The remainder of the stores range from typical mall shops found in most malls to more exclusive designer shops usually located at upscale locations, including Louis Vuitton, Harry and David, Pottery Barn, Coach, Euro Moda, Armani, bebe, Steve Madden, and several others. This eclectic mall even includes an expansive M&M World, where guests can choose M&Ms in every color of the rainbow and indulge in a variety of M&M-related items.

In addition, The Florida Mall features an extensive food court area, with nearly two dozen eateries from which to choose. These order-at-the-counter restaurants include everything from a taqueria and tequila bar, a crepe market, and a barbecue restaurant, to more typical mall fare such as pizza, hot dogs, burgers, subs and ice cream. Restaurants with wait staff number about half a dozen and are spread throughout the mall. Ample seating at most eliminates long lines, even during busy shopping seasons.

The mall also boasts a unique service for visitors who need help navigating this busy tourist destination. The Expedia Local Expert Concierge Service helps mall guests purchase tickets to local theme parks, attractions, dinner shows, and other entertainment. Upon request, the Expedia representative is also available to help with other travel plans.

Also located at the Florida Mall is the Florida Hotel and Conference Center. This Art Deco-style, 11-story hotel features 510 rooms and is popular with both leisure and business clients. Accommodations range from standard guest rooms to spacious suites, and amenities include 24-hour room service, in-room refrigerators and safes, and full business services. Guests may also take advantage of a modern fitness center, a heated pool and whirlpool, and an on-site Starbucks, located in the lobby. A restaurant, Cricket's Grille, is also situated inside the hotel and serves all three meals. The hotel's large ballroom is a popular spot for weddings.

During most of the year, The Florida Mall is open daily from 10 a.m. until about 9 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Holiday hours are usually extended, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours may vary for the mall's six anchor department stores.