It has never been difficult to find shopping opportunities during a Florida vacation. The variety and choice is certainly impressive - and the opening of the Festival Bay mall has been a welcome addition.
Festival Bay is next to the Belz Designer Outlet shopping mall - or rather next to what used to be Belz, as this mall is now known as Prime. And it is easy to find - just head north on International Drive, and you will drive past Festival Bay, on the right towards the top of I-Drive. The I-Ride trolley service runs right by Festival Bay, which can also be approached from The Mall at Millenia.
At the time of our last visit (December 2005), Festival Bay was well established, albeit with several units still unoccupied. As these empty stores are filled, so this will become a more serious competitor to the existing malls. But already there are some exciting shopping opportunities.
Ron Jon's
Ron Jon's Surf Shop is one of the anchor stores at Festival Bay. Renowned for its wide choice of surfwear, a visit to Ron Jon's used to mean a trip along the Interstate to Cocoa Beach. But not any more - Ron Jon's has come to Orlando! Whilst there are other surfwear stores in the area (PacSun have several outlets), this really is a welcome addition, packed full of surf labels.
Bass Pro
Outdoor activities are catered for at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, specialising in not just fishing equipment (the name gives that much away), but also other outdoor activities such as boating and hiking. Why not treat yourself to one of the power boats lined up outside?
Vans Skate Park
Vans Skate Park provides the opportunity to practice skateboard and roller blade skills.
Other Stores
The range of other stores continues to increase. Our favourites include shops specialising in Hawaiian fashions and products, an excellent discounted book store - and, of course, the opportunity to stop for an ice cream or coffee.
Cinema
A 20 screen cinema is the prime entertainment on offer - the opportunity to put your feet up and relax in front of a blockbuster movie (visitors from overseas will no doubt get the opportunity to catch a film several months ahead of its release in their home country).
Our Verdict
Festival Bay promises to deliver even more as it continues to develop. Its location provides the opportunity for a real shopping blitz - by starting at the Mall at Millenia, and then joining I-Drive and working south through Belz (Prime), Festival Bay and the Premium Outlets.
Festival Bay is next to the Belz Designer Outlet shopping mall - or rather next to what used to be Belz, as this mall is now known as Prime. And it is easy to find - just head north on International Drive, and you will drive past Festival Bay, on the right towards the top of I-Drive. The I-Ride trolley service runs right by Festival Bay, which can also be approached from The Mall at Millenia.
At the time of our last visit (December 2005), Festival Bay was well established, albeit with several units still unoccupied. As these empty stores are filled, so this will become a more serious competitor to the existing malls. But already there are some exciting shopping opportunities.
Ron Jon's
Ron Jon's Surf Shop is one of the anchor stores at Festival Bay. Renowned for its wide choice of surfwear, a visit to Ron Jon's used to mean a trip along the Interstate to Cocoa Beach. But not any more - Ron Jon's has come to Orlando! Whilst there are other surfwear stores in the area (PacSun have several outlets), this really is a welcome addition, packed full of surf labels.
Bass Pro
Outdoor activities are catered for at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, specialising in not just fishing equipment (the name gives that much away), but also other outdoor activities such as boating and hiking. Why not treat yourself to one of the power boats lined up outside?
Vans Skate Park
Vans Skate Park provides the opportunity to practice skateboard and roller blade skills.
Other Stores
The range of other stores continues to increase. Our favourites include shops specialising in Hawaiian fashions and products, an excellent discounted book store - and, of course, the opportunity to stop for an ice cream or coffee.
Cinema
A 20 screen cinema is the prime entertainment on offer - the opportunity to put your feet up and relax in front of a blockbuster movie (visitors from overseas will no doubt get the opportunity to catch a film several months ahead of its release in their home country).
Our Verdict
Festival Bay promises to deliver even more as it continues to develop. Its location provides the opportunity for a real shopping blitz - by starting at the Mall at Millenia, and then joining I-Drive and working south through Belz (Prime), Festival Bay and the Premium Outlets.