Bigger than the average mall, but not more exciting
Written: May 02 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Neat architecture, easy to drive to, decent food court, huge movie theater
Cons: It's still a mall. No place for kids to play.
The Bottom Line: It's a nice place to visit, but don't plan your vacation around it.
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| jhawkmama's Full Review: Arizona Mills |
Mall of America it ain't. That's not to say this isn't a nice place to get out of the Arizona heat for an afternoon. I planned a half day of my vacation (while my hubby was playing golf at the nearby Raven Golf Club) to explore the mall alone since I was on my first vacation in 5 years without kids! I had printed off an internet coupon for a free savings book before leaving Kansas, so I cruised the vast perimeter of the mall in search of Entrance 1. While cruising I learned that there were more than five such entrances, so it was a good thing I drove to the right one.
The Mills open at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday (11 on Sunday) and I was almost a half hour early. After I saw some mall walkers head in, I followed to figure out the lay of the land before the crowds arrived. Because I got there early I grabbed a great parking space from the well marked lot dotted with "Where did you park?" signs. There is a bus stop outside entrance 1, so public transportation is an option.
It was too early to redeem my coupon so I consulted a ready map display to find a restroom that was close by. No problem. And when I came out I was across from a store that was already open. Ross is a discount store along the lines of TJ Maxx. Lots of clothes that are hard to sort through, shoes, toys, and home accessories. I actually bought some huge beach towels for $8 and games for both my boys for less than $9 each. Lots of name brand irregulars here, but you have to look hard to find a really good bargain.
By the time I finished in Ross, the mall kiosks were open and I went to redeem my coupon. Turns out I really didn't need one, I just needed to come from more than 50 miles away! While the coupon book I got was a nice gesture, most of the coupons were modest percent-off offers on large purchases ($50 or more), which didn't fit my shopping pattern for the day. I did, however pick up a map of the Mills, which made it easy to figure out where my next stops would be. For easy navigating, the mall is broken up into neighborhoods, each identified by the entrance number it contains. A pleasant voice reminds what neighborhood and entrance your are in as soon as you walk through a main door.
There aren't many unique stores in this mall, and none of the "destinations" that I expected. There is a huge theater complex and a snazzy looking IMAX theater, but neither fit my time frame for the day. One thing that seemed sorely lacking from a newer "jumbo" mall was a space for the rugrats to release some energy. I didn't see a play space, carousel, train, or anything like it. The mall does have a Rainforest Cafe, the chain restaurant that feels like having lunch inside a rain forest with a concrete floor and animals from Disney World. It is a great place for kids around 4 and up, even though the food is pricey. I took my almost 2-year-old to one and ended up having to leave when he was traumatized by the "lifelike" actions of the gorillas! There were a lot of unhappy kids at this mall (or maybe it seemed that way because I didn't have mine!), and maybe part of that woe is the lack of a space of their own.
Most of my time was spent in the Burlington Coat Factory and the JC Penny outlet, hardly unique offerings. There are other outlets like Off 5th (Saks) and Off Rodeo Drive, but those aren't my fashion choices. There are shoes (Reebok) and hats, and jewelry too, but nothing that shouted outrageous value.
The food court offers a great variety: Nathan's Hot Dogs, baked potatoes, sushi, tempura, Sbarro's pizza, and Subway among others. There is a nice little Haagen Dazs stand as well. There are a couple of eat-on options, including Rainforest Cafe and Johnny Rockets hamburgers. If you want to venture just outside the mall there are more options including Joe's Crab Shack and Krispy Kreme donuts.
Even if it wasn't exciting, the Mills is a nicely executed shopping experience. The circular layout makes it easy to find your way back to your entrance, and I had no trouble finding necessities like bathrooms and ATMs. And while the early crowd was small, it grew to rather oppressive by lunchtime on the Friday I visited. I doubt I would make the effort to go on the weekend--just too many people for my taste.
The mall was easy to find from the highway (it practically sits right on it on one side), and the parking was easy to navigate. If you can, park under one of the few trees in the lot for a little extra "cool car" insurance!
The mall looked to be convenient to several area hotels, including the Pointe South Mountain Resort, which features its own waterpark. If you happened to be staying nearby, the Mills would be a good diversion, but I don't think I would choose my hotel location solely on plans to visit the mall.
DIRECTIONS (taken from the Arizona Mills web site)
Arizona Mills is conveniently located at the Southeast corner of US Hwy. 60 and I-10. From I-10, exit Baseline Road East, From US Hwy 60, exit Priest Drive South.
5000 Arizona Mills Circle
Tempe, AZ 85282
OPERATING HOURS
Monday through Saturday 10am to 9.30pm
Sunday 11am to 7pm
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Singles
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
jhawkmama
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Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 2 members
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