Ah, day fifteen in Orlando – the land where the sun always shines, your wallet weeps just a little more each day, and Disney magic somehow seeps into your bloodstream (possibly through osmosis). We’ve not ticked off the roller coasters, but soaked up the Florida rays, and even eaten questionable food with little regret. But today? Today was a full-blown shopping spree, wrapped in sunshine, sass, and a sprinkling of Mickey Mouse glitter.
Hitting the Shops Before the Sun Was Even Warm
Up Before the Birds (Sort Of)
Despite absolutely zero need to rise early, our internal holiday clocks betrayed us. Up at the crack of dawn – though admittedly we weren’t exactly sprinting – we found ourselves pottering around the hotel room like retirees with nowhere to be. The plan was to meet our travel companions, Helen and Brian, at the very civilised hour of 09:30. But did we lie in and luxuriate in the glorious softness of a Disney mattress? Absolutely not.
Breakfast of Champions
Breakfast today was a no-nonsense, power-packed start: granola and yoghurt paired with cold-pressed coffee. Very trendy. Very healthy. Very much not Mickey-shaped waffles. Still, it did the job, and with our bags slung over shoulders and bank cards trembling in fear, we set off on what could only be described as a financially risky endeavour: a full day of shopping.
Disney Springs – Sunshine, Shopping and Sweet Treats
Retail and Rodents
Our first stop was Disney Springs. If you’ve never been, imagine someone built a swanky shopping complex, filled it with Disney everything, and then let the Florida sun bake it to perfection. Michele, who I’m convinced was once a Disney character in a past life, practically skipped into the first shop like a kid on Christmas morning.
It was a sun-drenched morning of pure Disney consumerism – and we loved every second. There were Lilo & Stitch trinkets, enough Star Wars memorabilia to kit out an entire spaceship, and, of course, the classic Disney favourites we all grew up with. Whether you’re team Mickey or team villain (I see you, Maleficent fans), there was something for everyone.
The $24 Ice Cream That Was Almost Worth It
After two solid hours of retail cardio, we paused for sustenance. And by sustenance, I mean ice cream. Now, in any sane world, $24 would buy you a decent dinner for two. In Disney Springs? It gets you one gloriously over-the-top, shareable, Instagrammable tub of frozen delight. Ridiculously overpriced? Yes. Completely delicious? Also yes. Worth it for the photo alone? Probably.
Walmart – Aisles of Chaos and Brian’s Retail Rage
Retail Reality Check
From the fantasy land of Disney Springs, we headed into the very real, very fluorescent world of Walmart. But not just any Walmart – this was the largest Walmart I’ve ever set foot in. Possibly the largest in Florida. Possibly the largest on Earth, though I may be exaggerating.
Enter Brian, our resident retail expert and current store manager. He quickly went from intrigued to muttering expletives under his breath as we traversed aisles that seemingly had no end. “Who set this layout?!” “Why is this signage so inconsistent?!” “This endcap is a disgrace!” We may have only been in for a few bits and bobs, but we left with a full trolley, frayed nerves, and one very grumpy Brian who could probably teach Walmart a thing or two.
The Grand Finale: Orlando Premium Outlets
Shop ‘Til We Drop (Literally)
Last but by no means least, we made our way to the Orlando Premium Outlets. Think Cheshire Oaks back home in the UK, but if someone fed it steroids and gave it a tan. This was where shopping dreams are made – or where credit limits are hit.
To maximise efficiency (and arguably to prevent spousal arguments), we split up: Michele and I went one way, Helen and Brian the other. It was the retail equivalent of a military operation. Mission: hunt bargains, strike quick, avoid unnecessary detours to Crocs.
Bagging the Bargains
My own shopping resolve began to crumble somewhere between Tommy Hilfiger and Under Armour. I didn’t stand a chance. There were markdowns that whispered sweet nothings to my wallet, signs promising 70% off, and sales associates who clearly knew they had us tourists in the palm of their hands.
Meanwhile, Michele was deep into the racks at Calvin Klein and Penguin, eyes alight with that unshakeable shopper’s gleam. “We’ll never find these deals back home!” she exclaimed triumphantly, and just like that, another bag joined our growing collection.
The Final Supper: Burgers, Beers and Football Flashbacks
Back to the Ford Garage
After successfully shopping until we could shop no more, we retreated to our hotel, slightly sunburnt and entirely exhausted. But there was one more treat in store: dinner at the Ford Garage Bar and Grill. It was just a short ten-minute walk from the hotel – which felt like a marathon by this point – but worth every aching step.
This was the same place where Brian and I had watched the We Europa final just a few nights earlier, nursing beers and yelling at a telly like true football fans. Tonight, however, we swapped chants for cheeseburgers.
Burgers, Beers, and Banter
There’s something immensely satisfying about a well-cooked burger at the end of a long day. Add a pint of beer and good company, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo. All four of us tucked into our meals with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for buffet breakfasts.
The Ford Garage does a solid job of balancing kitsch Americana with genuinely tasty food. Burgers were stacked high, chips (sorry, fries) were golden and crispy, and the beers flowed freely. There was plenty of banter, recaps of our purchases, and only a little moaning about sore feet.
Bags Packed and Ready to Roll
The Bittersweet Goodbye
Back at the hotel, reality began to set in: tomorrow, we check out and begin the journey back to the UK. The bags are packed – just – and every nook and cranny is filled with new clothes, souvenirs, and a questionable amount of Disney-themed tea towels.
It’s been a trip of thrills, spills, and more shopping than I care to admit. But day fifteen felt like the perfect full stop. A day of sun, sass, and spending. As we tucked ourselves into bed, aching feet elevated and final beers in hand, we couldn’t help but smile. Tomorrow may bring airports and goodbye hugs, but today was for retail therapy done right.
