I really never liked LAX that much. It DEFINATELY is not as fun or entertaining as Orlando can be. It has the standard Chilli's express, Cinnabon, CPK & all those "airport-type" eateries. Parts of the airport can be kinda dingy & old but that's just my opinion & obviously it depends on which terminal you are in.
DEFINATELY lacks in good retail, mostly bookstores & cheesy tourist stores. There is a See's candy store which, especially since you are from the east coast, is SO worth checking out. Two words.... Butterscotch Lollypops!
I also remember a "Body Shop" store and a couple leather goods type stores but that's it. Kinda sparce.