Shopping/Windsor Palms

**pedster** · 12-04-2003, 13:47

Hi,
First timer from UK,staying in a villa at Windsor Palms -looking for info. on Windsor Palms, best shopping areas around Orlando,best way to deal with our spending money (travellers cheques),or any relevant info will be much appreciated.[8D]

**blott** · 12-04-2003, 13:57

Hi Pedster, welcome to the forums.

Your profile doesn't say if you're from UK but, if you are, then the very best way to take your 'spends' is in US$ travellers' cheques which are treated like cash in USA. This means you can use them to pay in restaurants, shops, etc and you'll be given change without any charges. Note that some smaller places can't cope with $50 or above checks and take some small denominations too. American Express do US$ travellers' cheques for two so that two people sign them on collection but only one needs to sign them to cash them. If you don't get these, make sure each person has their own supply of TCs in case of emergencies.

Take some US$s in cash too, including some $1 bills for baggage trollies, porters, toll roads, etc.

And... don't forget your credit card - useful for emergencies and shopping although note that many credit cards charge an additional fee for any spending in foreign currency (check out the print on the back of your statement).

**fiona** · 12-04-2003, 14:19

Hi Pedster I am sure the villa owner will be sending you info on Windsor Palms. We are just down the road from there so can advise on the nearest shopping plaza - Formosa Gardens. This has a selection of restaurants, TGIF, Outback, Red Lobster, Carrabbas, Giordanos, plus a couple of takeaways. There is a Winn-dixie supermarket open from 6am - 11pm. It's good for essentials and has an excellent deli section, but there is a Publix a couple of minutes up the road which is open the same hours. You turn left at the traffic lights on the 192 and it's shortly on the right hand side.

Regarding serious shopping (!) try the Millenium Mall, Beltz Factory, Premium Outlet Mall, Lake Buena Vista Mall and the Florida Mall. If you have a look on here under shopping you'll find lots of tips.

**pedster** · 13-04-2003, 13:56

Thanks for the replies,much appreciated - kids are 14 & 11,apart from Disney & Universal Studios, what are the must do's with/for the kids and any other info.(however basic on anything) would be helpful.

**fiona** · 13-04-2003, 16:19

Are the children girls or boys? This will make a difference to the suggestions!!

**pedster** · 13-04-2003, 16:52

14 year old is a boy
11 year old is a girl

**Matt** · 13-04-2003, 19:02

Pedster,

Where to start with things to do??? Apart from Disney, Universal and IOA, Sea World and Busch Gardens, some other great things to do which will not take a full day can be found down I-Drive.

Try Ripleys Believe it or Not Museum, Wonderworks, Skull Kingdom (if your brave enough), or why not take an airboat ride at boggy creek.

I think you'll find that anything you do, both kids will love (including the big kids!!)

Matt

**fiona** · 13-04-2003, 19:39

Shopping will be of limited interest to the boy I assume, but as I have 2 daughters aged 17 and 14 who can shop for England I can suggest LBV, Millenia Mall and the absolute must of Premium Outlet Mall.

They show no interest in the things on I Drive - except food! Love IOA, MGM, MK, US and SW. Often a concert on at the Hard Rock Live, we have seen Oasis and Meatloaf so far.

Cinema complex at Citywalk is a great hit, we have to compromise between the girly films and all action ones Chris might want to see!

Water parks a great success. Treat with respect during the summer months regarding sun, and take sensible precautions.

Disney is a short drive away, lots to do at Downtown in the evening - also a cinema, restaurants etc.

Chilling out by the pool is a great success as well!

**imported_n/a** · 21-04-2003, 00:13

If the kids or yourselves want to go horseriding, there are some excellent riding stables in the Orlando area.

Also, we arrange other activities for our guests like Skydiving, Tandem Paraglider Flights, Helicopter Rides etc. If you would like any info on these, give me a shout!

I find all of the Mouse Theme Parks to be too expensive to go to every day! What do the rest of you regulars think to the way the prices keep going up?[xx(]