We're spilling the beans on one of Lakeland's most unique hidden gems. It may seem unassuming from the outside, but the Lakeland Antique Mall offers 44,000 sqft of vintage wares, antiques, and collectibles. Plan a day — or maybe a week — to browse for that perfect piece among its oddities.

Life finds a way — to surprise shoppers, that is. | Photo by LALtoday

The antique mall is located off of US Highway 98 North, near the Lakeland Square Mall. You'll know you're in the right place when you see the life-size horse statue in front of the building. Look out when you walk inside — the mall's greeter is a huge velociraptor. Not a real one, of course, but a realistic statue of a dinosaur from "Jurassic Park."

You could be the proud new owner of a Space Mountain ride vehicle. | Photo by LALtoday

Also at the front of the store are Disney World memorabilia, including a real ride car from Space Mountain. You may start sensing a theme. This antique mall is known as a theme park lover's paradise. Search for Disney collectibles or bring home a prop that was used at Universal Studios, no park admission required. At one point, it even had a $50,000 car from a Snow White ride for sale.

With 250+ vendors, the booths go on for aisles, and aisles, and aisles. Browse for vinyl records, holiday decor, housewares, and clothing from the years of yore. Nostalgia runs wild here, so you might find a toy you loved when you were a child, or those plates your grandma always had.

Take home a vintage piece of Florida's history. | Photo by LALtoday

If you're hoping to see the whole store in a quick trip, think again. We recommend spending a few hours here to see everything the mall has to offer. Pro tip: The mall is pet-friendly, so you can make a doggie date out of it.

Visit the Lakeland Antique Mall at 3530 US Hwy. 98 N. It's open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.