Orlando outlet malls: Shopping guide

Orlando is known as the home of theme parks, golf courses and warm weather. But it's also a shopper's paradise. The dozens of Orlando outlet malls make the Central Florida city a mecca for bargain hunters. Some of the factory outlets offer discounts of more than 75 percent on brand-name merchandise.

Shoppers should plan ahead before heading to Orlando outlet malls. Arrive early to avoid long waits for parking or consider taking a shuttle service to and from the outlets of your choice. Go online to sign up for store VIP clubs that can include extra savings and special offers.

Orlando International Premium Outlets
If you only have time to go to one Orlando outlet mall, make it Orlando International Premium Outlets. There are more than 180 designer and name-brand stores offering huge savings off retail prices, ranging from 25 percent to more than 65 percent-off deals. The location is ideal, less than three miles from Universal Studios and 10 miles from Walt Disney World Resort.

There are plenty of hotels in the area for visitors who want to have an easy route to amusement parks and shopping. Trolleys transport tourists around the outlet mall. Parking is free, but there's not much of it.

The shops offer designer brand merchandise that attract shoppers from all over the world, though tourists will see plenty of Orlando natives making the most of the bargains. Clothing, cosmetics, sporting goods and electronics are among the merchandise available for sale at deep discounts. Coach, LaCosta, J. Crew, Neiman-Marcus and Juicy Couture are among the shops to browse. There are over a dozen restaurants in the area, where shoppers can take a break and refuel.

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
Orlando outlet malls are not confined to International Drive, though there are plenty of them there. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offer savings of 25 percent to 65 percent on designer labels and name brand merchandise from Tommy Hilfiger, Coach Outlet, Burberry, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, BOSE, Cole Haan and Nike.

Vineland Premium Outlets offers more than 150 stores. 

Parking is free and this mall offers outdoor and covered parking, a good thing in Central Florida, known for sudden rainstorms. Vineland Premium Outelts also offers valet parking.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
This is smaller than the other two major Orlando outlet malls and easier to navigate. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores has shuttles to transport shoppers to and from participating hotels in Kissimmee, Orlando and surrounding areas. Check the mall's website for a printable coupon book and the latest shopping deals.

Buena Vista offers an outdoor playground for children.

Cox Media Group