Orlando has Mickey Mouse.  And Universal Studios.  And water parks up the wazoo.  Hell, we have an entire part of town commonly referred to as “the attractions”.

You came for the amusement parks, we get it.

But what locals (and celebrities) (and celebrities who are also locals) also get is that Orlando offers unbeatable shopping. Whether you’re a bargain hunter (that’s me!), a label whore (Oh! Hi! Also me!) or just a casual window shopper (not at all me) – you’ll find the perfect shopping experience in Orlando.

Here’s what you need to know, from a self proclaimed local Orlando shopping expert (me again!):

Mall at Millenia is THE place for gawking and designer labels

I’m not talking about Hollister and Banana Republic (although you will find these havens of yuppy wanna be somebodys at Millenia as well).  I’m talking about the stores that make your thinks she’s a big deal because she’s a lawyer friend look like a welfare mom.

Louis Vitton.  Gucci.  Chanel.  Jimmy Choo (angels sing in here, people, I swear).

And not outlet Gucci or Chanel.  Real, actual, requires armed guards at the entrance Gucci and Chanel.

Think Rodeo Drive with a roof.  And fewer celerities.

IKEA is a true shopping maven’s worst nightmare

I hate IKEA.  Hate.  IKEA takes everything that is fantastic about shopping and sucks the soul from it.  I am loathe to even tell you that one exists in the Orlando area for fear that you will not be able to ignore the siren call of inexpensive, cheaply made, contemporary crap.

But it’s located right next door to the Mall at Millenia.  If you’re into that kind of thing.

Prime Outlets kicks Premium Outlets outdated butt

A Practical Find From Premium Outlet

There are two outlet malls located between Mall at Millenia and the attractions.  Both of them are located right along I-4.  Both of them have names that begin with a P.  Which means it is completely understandable how someone could take an entire day off work to enjoy one awesome outlet mall and find herself smack dab in the middle of another not nearly as awesome outlet mall.  And not realize it until she’d been at said another mall for roughly two hours.

I’m just saying.

Prime Outlets is the newer of the two P-Outlets in Orlando.  And while both offer an extensive selection of designer outlet stores (including BCBG and Coach that will make you swoon), only one (Prime) offers you the opportunity to pick through oversized bins of underwear at the Victoria Secret Outlet Store.

You just can’t beat a Victoria’s Secret bra for $9.99.

You have to endure The Florida Mall in order to enjoy Sephora and Aveda

The Florida Mall was designed by a moron.  It boasts 270 stores on one level, creating a sprawling disaster of indiscriminate hallways, courts and wings to navigate through.

But?  It boasts 270 stores.  In one place.  And most importantly, it is the only place in Orlando to find a Sephora and an official Aveda store.  If you’re traveling into Orlando from one of the thousands of cities that do not offer a Sephora, you simply have to take the time to visit The Florida Mall in order to experience the cosmetic mecca.

Just bring your walking shoes, water, and a map.

(You can’t actually get a map of the mall.  I made that part up.  Although, if you could that would be a genius idea.)

Flea Markets are actually awesome.

This might surprise you, but I’m a bit of a shopping snob.  So I was not at all impressed with the endless roadside billboards telling me about all of the “BIGGEST FLEA MARKETS IN THE WORLD!” or the “FLEA MARKETS WITH AIR CONDITIONING!”

It’s called a flea market.  Ew.

And then one Sunday a friend of mine dragged me into one under the guise of searching for a really great knock off purse.  My eyes were opened and my life forever changed.  Florida flea markets (and farmer’s markets if you can find them) offer some of the most fantastic deals on absolutely everything.  From unique jewelry and imported African art to luggage sets and kitchen utensils, you’ll find a booth offering you half off of anything your heart desires – and things your heart didn’t even know it wanted.

Trust me on this.  If you see a sign for a flea market, pull over. Immediately.  (And don’t be ashamed to bring in your own hand sanitizer.)

Now, you’ll notice on this little map that most of the places mentioned here are in the same general area.

Map of Orlando Shopping

That’s not to say that these are the only places you can shop in Central Florida.  But if you’re looking for a central location for your visit, this is obviously a good area to start.

Because of the proximity of the amusement parks, you’ll find literally hundreds of hotels, restaurants and clubs to choose from in the area.  While you’re in the neighborhood, I highly recommend the Brazilian Steakhouse (or Churrascaria), Texas de Brazil.

Click here to access the map directly on Google Maps.

Success

All photos provide by Britt Reints and her iPhone.

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

Here is my Thursday Thirteen list, a suggestion of things to do with tweens in L.A. I thought up most of it at the mall last week, as I was waiting outside a store for my two tween girls to emerge with their purchases. It’s amazing what you can get accomplished in seven hours.

1. Hot Topic - This could really cover items 1 – 13 on this list, since as far as my two girls are concerned there isn’t any need to venture anywhere else. Give them a backpack full of snacks and a fully-charged cell phone and they could probably stay in there for weeks spending my hard earned cash on Juno t-shirts and black glitter nail polish.

2. Art Museums – We’ve been taking our kids to art museums since they were babies, but it’s gotten particularly entertaining lately to hear their expert commentary. It’s always amusing to hear things like, “OMG – naked!” when standing before a majestic sculpture by Rodin, or “I TOTALLY want that for my new bunk bed comforter” while contemplating a canvas by Jackson Pollack.

3. Soup Kitchen –I’ve never actually visited a soup kitchen with my tweens, but it’s something all the PC parenting guides say you should do in order to teach your kids to be grateful for what they have. In all honesty, I’m not sure how my two girls would fare – I’d really be embarrassed if they sat down at a table, waited for a menu and then asked the homeless guy sitting next to them if he recommends the buffalo wings or the grilled cheese.

4. The movies – Any movie will do. Just sitting in a nice cool theater chowing down on hot buttered popcorn and Junior Mints is enough to keep them happy. The 9 – 12 year old set aren’t very discerning moviegoers; In fact, it may be the only time you’ll hear “Garfield: The Movie” and “awesome” in the same sentence.

5. Target – Maybe this is only applicable to tween girls, but mine love the aisles filled with cheap loot, cds and video games. Also, lots of eco t-shirts that say things like ‘Tree Hugger’ which is apparently all the rage now. You might just get them to listen to your Hendrix albums after all.

6. Yogurt shop – Yogurt is the new black. Menchies is our favorite, but Pinkberry or any other one will do. But try and take them to Baskin-Robbins and be prepared for much eye-rolling as they’re forced to mingle with the four-year-olds enjoying a scoop of Shrek Swirl with their grandpas.

7. Starbucks – This is the new version of sneaking a sip of your mom’s wine when you were seven. Tweens like the idea of sipping a grown-up coffee drink (I order decaf for mine) and it’s great for coffee addicts like me who can get their daily fix guilt-free. You know, it’s for the children.

8. Bowling Alley – They may last for one game of bowling, but what they really want to do is head to the arcade for some DDR (Dance Dance Revolution for you total squares.) Bring a bat or rolled-up newspaper if you have girls, though – the last time I was there a small crowd of teen boys gathered to watch my daughters and their friends bouncing around to the music until I shooed them away.

9. California Pizza Kitchen –According to the highly scientific poll I conducted with my girls and their friends while driving back from the mall in my van last week, this is the sanctioned eatery to dine with your parents. Added bonus – it’s the only place they don’t feel embarrassed about ordering from the kids menu since “the macaroni and cheese, like, rules.”

10. The Library – Believe it or not, tweens are rediscovering the library, mainly for the treasure trove of manga books they have there. At $9.99 each, it gets expensive to keep buying them at Barnes & Noble. However, do not even suggest they try out any of the library-sponsored teen events such as cupcake making or scrapbooking – you may as well tell them to invite their crowd over for a rousing game of rummy.

11. The beach – The beach is ideal for tweens and their unpredictable moods. They can indulge both their sloth-ly instincts by laying on their towels all day, or burn off energy by hitting the waves for some boogie-boarding. Also, the close proximity of a snack bar serving pizza and every variety of greasy, deep fried food will make them think they’ve died and gone to heaven

12. The park – My girls are just starting to notice boys, and members of the opposite sex are in abundance here, especially during soccer season. Bring along that bat that you took to the bowling alley

13. At home, with their parents – They’re not going to want to be seen with their dad and me for long, so we’re savoring all these days just hanging out together. So what if they roll their eyes when I suggest the fifth game of CandyLand?

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

Just because it’s a sweltering night in L.A. doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself in your air-conditioned house downing pints of Ben and Jerry’s. Sure it’s fun, but sooner or later that freezer of yours will be empty and you’ll have to run out for more ice cream anyways, so why not make a night of it? Here are some ways to enjoy the nightlife in L.A. – don’t stay out too late and you can still stop at 7-Eleven on the way home for another pint of Cherry Garcia.

A movie at a cemetery may not be your idea of a fun (and even romantic) evening but lots of people think this event is anything but dead. Join the crowds at the Cinespia outdoor movie screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery where you can enjoy old classics and new hits like “The Thin Man” and “27 Dresses” alongside the final resting places of stars such as Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplin. Bring along a meal, a bottle of wine and party with the festive crowd amongst the crypts. Don’t forget to bring some dessert to share with the ghost of William Randolph Hearst, who is said to frequently visit the crypt of his mistress, Marion Davies.

I can only describe Summer Sessions at the Getty as a sort of highbrow wave. The well-heeled denizens of the art world come together with the pulsating bodies of twenty-somethings looking for a good free outdoor event with strong booze. But it sure is fun! Come dance to high-energy electronica and world music spun by first-rate DJs in the Getty Center courtyard, and then cool off with a drink at one of their outdoor bars. The strangest thing I saw the last time I was there was an elderly museum employee tearing up the dance floor to a techno remix of “I Will Survive.” Really!

Technically not in Los Angeles, but only a short 90-minute drive for the adventurous. The W Hotel in San Diego has a great rooftop bar called the Sand Bar that features a heated sand floor (yes, real sand to get inside your shoes), fire pits, private cabanas and nightly movie screenings. The best part? Unlike a real beach, there’s no sunscreen required, and a waiter delivers your drink on a tray instead of you having to fish it out of your own ice chest.

For a rooftop bar closer to home, there’s the Roof Bar at the Standard Downtown. Order a mai-tai and then lay down on one the vibrating space-pod waterbeds (you may have to wait a while for your turn.) This place is teeming with hipsters, so make sure you have your best Prada bag (or excellent knock-off) slung over your shoulder that night. There’s a live DJ on Sunday afternoons, but the cover is a steep $20 – I guess with a name like Roof Bar you’d have to expect the prices to be sky-high.

Photo: StandardHotels.com

Since our launch in December, we have had thousands of people request a private beta invitation to visit our site. We appreciate everyone’s participation, comments and reviews. It has helped direct our development, given us new ideas and provided encouragement in the midnight hours. Here is a review of blog post coverage we received recently:

Rob Lovitt, at MSNBC in his Online Comparison Sites Move Beyond Price asks you to, “consider the newest kid on the meta-search block, Kango.com, which should probably be called a meta-research site. Currently in private beta, it’s being built on the proposition that finding the right trip is as important as finding the lowest price.” We think Rob has described us well with his newly coined term, “meta-research.”

Jeremy Liew at Lightspeed Venture Partners wrote about the Semantic Web in Travel. He agreed with our approach to the semantic web. He stated, “I am a believer in approaching the semantic web top down rather than bottom up, i.e. by inferring structure from domain knowledge rather than requiring all websites to mark up their content in RDF.” He subsequently pointed to the only two firms in travel taking this approach, TripIt and Kango.

EyeForTravel.com commented that Kango “aggregates and organizes the myriad of the Internet’s travel community and review sites into one place.”

SmartBlog described us as “a resource that brings all your choices to ONE place, filters them based on your preferences, and helps you make a faster, better decision based on more than 20M opinions from 1,000+ web sites.”

I have recapped a list of all the blogs and analyst coverage for quick review right here. If you would like to see more discussion on this coverage, go here and here.

December, 2007–Private Beta Coverage

• Dan Kaplan at VentureBeat
• Erick Schonfeld at TechCrunch
• Andy Beal of Marketing Pilgrim.
• Rafe Needleman of Webware (CNET)
• Anne Zelenka from GigaOm

January, 2008– Analyst and Blog Feedback From Kango’s Private Beta,

• Diane from Jupiter Research
• Tim from Business of Online Travel
• Claude from Les Explorers
• Blog Search Engine
• HotelMarketing.com
• Jens from Tourism Internet Marketing

We hope some of this coverage piqued your interest and you too will join our private beta and the conversations about Kango. Invitations are still sent out periodically to coincide with new features on our site. As HotelMarketing said, visit Kango to discover “a more satisfying vacation experience”.