Shopping driving from Orlando to Cape Canaveral?

[love*2*cruise]

We will be drivng from Orlando to Cape Canaveral the day before our cruise after overnighting in an Orlando Airport Hotel...are there any good shopping places or malls on the way?

We (DD age 12/13 & me) are looking to pick up some fun cruise gear & fun clothes instead of lugging them from Europe.

[poncho1973]

Not really. Although that fully depends on when your cruise is.

I live by the airport and our area is growing rapidly. Currently, your drive from OIA to the port doesn't hit anything interesting until you hit Cocoa.

You leave the airport and get on 528 E... for the first 30 miles or so.. you see all of Jack and Squat. For the next 15 miles or so... you see slightly more, a few gas stations and strip malls, but nothing much

You can take the 520 split (528 will turn into 1A and take you DIRECTLY to the port, but you can take 520 to Cocoa and Cocoa Beach which eventually hits 1A about 3 miles south of the port) and find more shopping. There is the Merritt Square Mall, which is pretty small... but is a mall. You will also pass a K-Mart, a Target (you have to turn left on Crockett Blvd, but it is really close) and a Super Wal-Mart.

***********

If your cruise is late 2008 or early 2009... there will be everything you need just north of the airport. We're getting a Super Target, Super Wal-Mart, Best Buy, about 20 new restaurants, book stores, Kohl's, etc etc. Some are opening this Spring... the rest should be open within a year.

You could visit all these before you leave for the port.

[NancyIL]

It's not on the way, but you could make a stop at Ron Jon's Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach: http://ronjons.com/

[vanna]

Originally Posted by poncho1973

We're getting a Super Target, Super Wal-Mart, Best Buy, about 20 new restaurants, book stores, Kohl's, etc etc. Some are opening this Spring... the rest should be open within a year.

Wow you must live REALLY close to me. I knew about the Walmart, Target & Kohl's but where's Best Buy & bookstore going? Enquiring minds want to know.

Sorry to hijack the thread.

[poncho1973]

Have you seen the massive land they are clearing at Lee Vista and 436?

That is a new outdoor shopping complex (think Winter Park Village or Waterford Lakes) called "The Current @ Lee Vista" going in behind Cracker Barrel and the new strip mall with Starbuck's/Chipotle/Beef's in it.

Super Target is the main anchor there and will be in the Northwest corner of the property... if you are good with directions.

http://www.katzassociates.com/pdf/th..._lee_vista.pdf

From what I've read...

all of the blue stores locked

Best Buy is a lock

the yellow book store was set to be Books-a-Million, but they haven't locked and it looks like they are trying to woo a bigger chain like Barnes & Noble instead

they are trying to fill almost all of the white retail stores around the map with tons more restaurants as they FINALLY realized the area is severely under-represented by restaurants... something I'm sure you and I could have told them if they asked... although Pei-Wei and Longhorn would be nice.



***JUST AS A SIDE NOTE TO ANYONE CRUISING AND RENTING A CAR***

Do not UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES fill up your car at the gas station at Semoran and Butler National. It is the single highest gas station you will ever find. It is right next door to Cracker Barrel and has a Wendy's attached to it.

http://www.orlandogasprices.com/

Take a look at that. At the time of my linking that, the cheapest gas in town was $2.85. The average price was $2.96. Their price was $4.49.

They do not post their price at the curb, you have to drive up to the pump to see it. People assume this is the only gas station, as it is the only one they see coming out of the airport.

Simply drive less than a mile North and you will find 3 perfectly normal gas stations... Mobil, 7-11 and Racetrac... which are all under the average of $2.96 when I linked this.

[love*2*cruise]

Great info & recomendations - thanks so much...we may have to take some of the suggestions for the trip back to Orlando.

Another crazy question, when we are back in the US we always hit Marshalls or Ross...are these chains as good in Florida as in other States? Any that are particularly worth checking out? Or is there a local equivalent that we should not miss? My DD likes some of the designer stuff & I refuse to pay the regular prices...this way we are both happy!

Any good recomendations for a place to have a nice evening meal in Cape Canaveral? Either something very tipical for the area or more in the direction of seafood. We will be staying at the Radison by the Port, but will still have the rent-a-car.

[poncho1973]

Originally Posted by love*2*cruise

Another crazy question, when we are back in the US we always hit Marshalls or Ross...are these chains as good in Florida as in other States? Any that are particularly worth checking out? Or is there a local equivalent that we should not miss? My DD likes some of the designer stuff & I refuse to pay the regular prices...this way we are both happy!

Any good recomendations for a place to have a nice evening meal in Cape Canaveral? Either something very tipical for the area or more in the direction of seafood. We will be staying at the Radison by the Port, but will still have the rent-a-car.

I think they are uniform. I don't shop there, but I've been in them in a couple of different states. They all seem the exact same to me. Again... depending on WHEN you are coming. They are building one within spitting distance of the airport. Just depends on when it opens. They also have them over on the coast.

When you say "nice" what do you mean? Nice FANCY or Nice CLEAN, GOOD AND CHEAP?

[jamespmc]

Grills, right near the port. When your ship leaves all the lunchtime diners will be out waving. http://www.visitgrills.com/

[vanna]

Originally Posted by love*2*cruise

[color=blue]Another crazy question, when we are back in the US we always hit Marshalls or Ross...are these chains as good in Florida as in other States? Any that are particularly worth checking out? Or is there a local equivalent that we should not miss?

There is a Marshall's & Ross near the Florida Mall area. It's not on your way to the Cape but it's about 15 min from the airport. You would take 528 west and follow it until you see the Orange Blossom Trail exit. You can't miss it as you will see the huge mall on your right.

[vanna]

Thanks for all the info Pancho!

I've been praying for a bookstore. If we get a Barnes & Noble or Border's my husband and son may never find me.

What area are you in? I'm in the Lake Nona area.

[poncho1973]

I'm in the non-ordinance finding and exploding part of the Lee Vista area.

[love*2*cruise]

We are there in March 2008, so unfortunately too early for the new mall to open...I guess we will simply have to return again!

[love*2*cruise]

Originally Posted by poncho1973

When you say "nice" what do you mean? Nice FANCY or Nice CLEAN, GOOD AND CHEAP?

I guess what I mean by "nice" is that it looks good, different then what's available in Europe...and for a reasonable price.

- for my DD that's hard to interpret, sometimes she gets into brands & sometimes she goes for the particular look, whatever that is at the moment (almost a teenager, do I need to say more?)

- for me, as I'm not only tall but I'm also a Plus size (18/20/22) I love shopping in the US - there is always so much available that actually fits! I tend to go for clothes that I could also wear to the office or more on the fancy side.

Any recomendations for this direction of thinking are more then appreciated!

Being away for over 20 years sure makes a difference as shops come & go & to add that we like to try new areas of the US each time we come back...so hard to know where to shop...but what sure helps is that we love to shop & usually end up with 2 more suitcases then we came with as there are lots of things that just get our attention & "oh i really need this!"

[poncho1973]

I was more referring to "nice" in regards to eating.

However, I would take the advice of Vanna. Shopping near the Florida Mall is a lot better than over on the coast.

The new Kohl's open the beginning of March. I'm not sure of the exact date but it's the first week or so (I'm thinking the 8th). It is just a hop from the airport. Kohl's is enjoyed by both my wife and my mother. It's about the only store they both shop at. (http://www.kohls.com) and they have great sales.

Attached you will see my crude map

The green blobs are where most of the airport hotels are (obviously the airport and the Airport Hyatt are in the grey area labeled "ORLANDO INT'L AIRPORT) and if you are staying near the airport, you are probably staying there.

The red X is the gas station you should NEVER refil your rental car at.

The blue blobs are good gas stations of various brands.

The lime green arrow points to the Florida Mall (about 5 miles away)

The purple box shows where Kohl's is.

[love*2*cruise]

Dear everone, Thanks for all the advice - this is so great prepping for a trip like this...taking advantage of local knowledge & expertise...

It looks like we'll stick around Orlando to get the shopping done there first prior to heading towards the coast....Poncho, thanks for the map, it sure helps to get the orientation & I'll check out Hohls, it looks like they have a good variety of stuff...

Now Poncho, it's funny that you specifically mention the Hyatt as one of the hotels at the airport...I'm booked there with the second option of the Marriot...which one is the better choice? We arrive mega late but plan to make the first morning stress free at a 'nice' place, starting off with a breakfast & perhaps a swim to conquer the jetlag...and then shpping we go...and drive down to Cape Canaveral.

As to the 'nice' for restaurants...yes clean is a definite must...I'm craving lobster, like there is no tomorrow...but my DD does prefer meat, even though she loves the shrimp & stuff at Bubba Gump's. So I guess something with a variety, not too dressy a place where people tend to go on dates to...something fun and different would be the ideal thing to try; at a reasonable price. We also love the cheesecakefactory for both the food & the 'collector pins' to add to her collection.

[poncho1973]

Right near the airport there is:

Chili's - Southwestern US food & ribs
Tony Roma's - BBQ and Steak/Burgers
Bennigan's - Faux-Irish... really not the best place, but in a pinch it's ok
TGI Friday's - American bar food
Denny's - cheaper diner type place focusing on breakfast, but open all day
Beef O'Brady's - American bar food

There are a bunch of fast food places like Taco Bell, KFC, Subway, Firehouse Subs, Chipotle, Boston Market, Wendy's, Burger King, McDonald's, etc

Over near the Florida Mall there is:

Garibaldi's - It used to be called Frontera, but this little place is right near the Mall
Bucca di Beppo - Italian joint with large family style portions (you share in your group)
Olive Garden - Italian with great breadsticks
Boston Lobster Feast - Ok, it's not cheap and it's not the fanciest place you'll find... but you will be in heaven for the sheer quantity of lobster, steak, crab and sushi... it's insane. They have an "early bird" special coupon you can print from online.
Outback Steakhouse - Aussie steakhouse... good steaks
HuHot Mongolian Grill - crazy place where you go to a buffet and watch them prepare it.

There are tons of places around the Mall and some inside, but this is just a sampling.




Edited to add:
I've never stayed at either hotel. I think they are both good. Stay wherever is easiest for you. If you arrive late, it might be nice just to crash right at the airport.

[Chamo]

Although you'll be tired after your transatlantic trip you're best bet is to head to the Florida Mall area on your arrival date.

Keep in mind stores are open late in the USA 9:30pm with some stores even open 24 hours such as Walmart.

The mall stores will generally open at around 10am. (you better off getting up Saturday and heading for the ship straight to take advantage of lunch there- after all you already paid for it).

Like someone posted take the Beeline (528) west bound exit Orange Blossom Trail exit to right. You see the signs as you exit the airport.

Compared to UK prices you will find things real CHEAP! Shop were the locals do and you will come out smiling (stay away from the overpriced jean store on International Drive). If I would live in the UK I would bring nothing and buy everything on arrival in Florida (been to the UK often prices are a killer across the pond now for us US Dollar earners)

Check out Marshall, Bealls, and Target (these two are in strip malls adjecent to the Florida Mall), then if you need more stuff head to the Florida Mall's department stores. I like the strip mall stores better since it faster and easier to get in and out. Target is great for swim stuff, t-shirts, snorkling equipment, and toiletries (Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste etc). Wal-mart carry same stuff as Target but cheaper in price and in some people opinions lower quality than Target.

If you think you can handle the shopping on arrival, just bring your Mastercard and get ready to rumble when you land Friday.

Our first cruise is the Disney Eastern sailing on March 1. Hope the Spy Satillite does not crash anywhere near CC on March 6.

[love*2*cruise]

I love all this advice from you all at CC cruitc...makes the anticipation for the upcoming trip just fantastic! & so well planned out...

Poncho, you have my mouth watering with all the restauraunt ideas...I remember the Boston Lobster Feast, ate there twice last time as it was a hit...seafood heaven! I'm glad we'll be back in Orlando after the cruise to try out a few more places that you recomended.

Chamo, you read minds that's exactly what we do...pack the bare essentials and shop for the rest. Coming back once a year I learned to bring at least two empty suitcases and shop till we drop. This way not only do we support the US economy a bit while happily saving money compared to European prices. Additionally, we do get more original and fun stuff that no body else has back home...this is perticularly important to the soon to be teenager. (Already informed the creditcard company that unusual spending will occur - as last time they froze my card as they thought someone stole it and was spending out like crazy...when it was only us having a blast)

You will love the Disney Magic, we did it once for Holloween & had a true blast...the ship is so beautiful & Disney sure does it right!! That's part of the reason we are back on the Disney cruise as my DD decided that this would be the perfect "transition from childhood to becoming a teenager" and one more time that it would be OK to party with the characters...

[JsMom2]

We are also traveling from Europe, and wanted to get some US shopping in before our cruise in September. We are staying at WDW for a week, and I'd planned on renting a car to go shopping on ur last day, and then driving to the port.

Isn't there an outlet mall in the area?

Thanks!

[poncho1973]

There will be people who knock me for this... but Orlando outlet malls are a joke.

Seriously... if you pay attention to what you pay at home and you make a REAL comparison... you'll see you aren't saving much.

I've been to some superior outlets in my life. I lived within an hour of a Gap Outlet that was a TRUE warehouse outlet... you could buy jeans for $5 a pair (Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy) but sometimes they needed some repairs. You had to try on every pair because sometimes they were defective. THAT'S AN OUTLET.

These are almost full price locations for pawning off sales racks that didn't sell.

There is a reason the locals won't shop there. There are reasons that the locals don't eat on I-Drive. There are legit reasons that the people who live in Orlando don't do things that millions of tourists do each time they visit... that reason is... we're smart enough to know better.