Outlet Mall Near Walt Disney World – Is It Worth Visiting?

I get asked this question all the time “should I make time on my vacation to go to the outlet mall?”. It absolutely can be! But I need to give you some more information on why sometimes it’s worth making time to go during your Disney vacations, and sometimes it isn’t.

Orlando Premium Outlets

What kind of mall is it and where are they?

There are 2 outlet malls that are in the Orlando area, they are both part of the “Premium Outlets” franchise that most people are familiar with. The company has malls internationally with 22 centers in Florida alone. They have a wide range of stores that varies by location. The two malls that will be convenient on your theme park vacation are the Orlando International Premium Outlets located off of International Drive, and the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. The International Drive one is closer to Universal Orlando Resort and the Vineland one is closer to the Walt Disney World area.

Addresses:

4951 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819

8200 Vineland Ave
Orlando, FL 32821

What Is Disney Character Warehouse?

The Character Warehouse store is where you can find authentic Disney merchandise on sale with much of it coming from the Disney theme parks. It is the primary reason many Disney fans (me included) visit the outlet malls while on vacation.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t other reasons to visit besides the Disney outlet store. I have been known over the years to find some great deals at Sketchers, Nike and Old Navy to name a few. I have also enjoyed lunch at Shake Shack in the food court more than once! But usually my primary reason for being there is to look for great deals at the Character Warehouse. Most times I hit the one on Vineland Avenue but when I’m at Universal I do visit International Drive.

Below is one of my most favourite frivolous things I purchased at the store on International Drive. It was so fun, and if I remember it was 60% off – so I HAD to have it!

It just looks SO great in my display cabinet!

Sometimes it’s a hit – and sometimes it’s a miss, and there is no rhyme or reason. Unfortunately these stores have become a magnet for resellers who buy up a lot of the discounted merch to re-sell online. You can find many of them sharing what is available on social media if you want to see before you go. The problem with some of the resellers is that they know what will be a big hit and what is a steep discount, so they have scooped up some of the best items before you even arrive. The stores have put limits on some of the more popular items and the Cast Members do their best to enforce it so that everyone can have a fair chance to buy them

Is it busy?

Yes, it’s usually busy, in my experience the one on Vineland is the busiest. I have been there at different times of the day and in the past few years there has always been a line to get in. The line generally moves quickly, but it depends how long it is! They only allow so many people in to the store at one time, but I’m grateful for that. If they just let everyone in it would be super crowded and chaotic and would really make things uncomfortable inside.

Disney Outlet Store International Drive

Are there good deals?

YES! The discounts are steep – the question is if the items on sale are things you WANT to buy. We have all been there, you see an item on sale for 60% less than the original price and all of a sudden it becomes much more appealing. We all make this mistake and I have to ask myself if I REALLY want it or if it’s just because it’s on sale.

That being said, I have found some great t-shirts, souvenirs, toys, mugs, bags, pins and display items on my multiple visits to these official Disney outlets.

You will also usually find Disney items from a previous year or season. Think of the festivals at Epcot, when they are done they sell of the overstock here. Also shirts and items dated with the year are usually on sale the following year. Disney Cruise Line usually has ‘dated’ merchandise that can end up here for you to buy. The selection is essentially clearance merchandise, so don’t go expecting to find specific items.

Given it’s the clearance merch, sizes for the clothing are the sizes that don’t sell in the stores. If you are an extra small or XXXL you will be in luck, they can have quite a selection for you. I have been lucky to find my size in some styles, but again that isn’t the norm.

Let’s just say I don’t always love this store, especially when I find a whole bunch of stuff that I paid regular price for on the previous trip – that stings quite a bit!

Now I can’t send you to an outlet mall without calling out the “Ticket Deals“. PLEASE if you read anything in this article, remember the saying “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is”. The tickets come with a catch and you will find ‘discounted tickets’ at the Orlando Outlets because of the proximity to the theme parks. They promise the deep discounts, but what is required to GET the discounts? A time share? A presentation? Purchase of something else? Make sure you read the fine print and don’t say you weren’t warned.

Should you go?

If you have a day in your Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World vacation schedule that you can afford the time then yes! A good outlet mall is always a fun way to spend some time, especially if you will explore a few stores and not JUST the Character Warehouse. Is it a “must do” for me on vacation? No. I will go the odd time, but there is just too much to do inside the bubble that I don’t want to spend the time getting there.