Coffee and wine recommentations; also, which grocery store?

[limace]

We'll be using Wegoshop for our trip next week, and need to get our shopping list to Marge. I'm struggling with which variety of wine to request, as I'm not sure what is available in Orlando vs what we get here on the West Coast.

Here, for an everyday wine, we'll buy Lindeman's Bin 65 chardonnay, Yellowtail, or Barefoot, either chard, merlot, or syrah. Are those available in Orlando? If not, any recommendations in the cheapskate six dollar range? How about some recommendations in the fifteen dollar or so range?

We normally grind our own coffee, so are not familiar with what's good pre-ground. Is the Kenyan at AKV our best bet?

And I was planning to have her go to Alberstons, since that's where I shop at home, but is there a cheaper place? How does it work if you want her to get hard alcohol, too?

Thanks!

[Indy BuzzLiteBeer]

Interesting. I would like to hear more about this! Sorry to post with no answers but these are some questions I didn't even know to ask yet!

[Sandy321]

I am ordering from Marge as well! She said for Rum or vodka it would be extra for an extra stop -

but I'm ordering from Publix, they have an online add that showed beer and wine - DH wanted Sam Adam's Winter Lager (a seasonal brew) I emailed the list and wrote we'd be flexible Sam Adam's regular would be fine - she called and said she knew she could get Winter Lager - so no worries, and it was about $13 for a 12pak!!

For wine - I know they (Publix) carry the same type of "cheap" (under $10) we have - look in the add - but I think I'm going with buying some in Epcot!!

www.publix.com

upper right hand click on "weekly ad"
1.5 Liter Mondavi Cabernet $9.49
1.5 L Beringer White Zin $8.99
12 pak Heinikin or Amstel Light $12.99

[twinklebug]

I love marge's service. She does everything she can to accommodate her customers. :goodvibes I think I may order from her in Feb if she has an opening, as even though we'll be in a studio I prefer if my kids can eat healthy in-room options to the standard grease-fare they tend to in the parks.

If you know what brand coffee you want, ask her if it's possible to get it in the area. I simply pre-grind and bag each day's use along with with filters to bring with us.

I know there are Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts in the area now - so if your preference is for either of these she can get it.

[limace]

Sandy-thanks for the genius idea to look at online ads! I hadn't even thought of that. I just spent some time on the Albertsons site and made some changes based on that. I was happy to see they have Seattle's Best coffee, which we like. Albertsons prices look lower than Publix but I'm not familiar with Publix enough to be sure.

[twinklebug]

Limace, You're right, Publix is one of the more expensive stores in the area according to my mom who lives near Disney.

[fkj2]

How far in advance is it advisable to schedule the service?

I'm new to this concept, usually just using the DDP. But if friends join me in March, they may want to conserve $$$ and do more in-room cooking.

Any other suggestions for grocery delivery? Thanks.

[SLM]

We also used Marge's excellent service this past August-we ordered Barefoot wines from her with no problem. She does a great job with fruit and produce selection. We also grind our own coffee before leaving-it goes in our checked bags. I also pack my own tea bags and packets of sugar-seems silly to order that and take most of it home.

[limace]

I just talked to Marge and she was very nice. She recommends Publix, but I'm definitely thinking they aren't the cheapest. She says she thinks the Albertsons near WDW is closing down? Anyone know anyting about that.

[franandaj]

Publix is similar to "Whole Paychecks" in pricing, but we're going to shop there anyways later this month just to treat ourselves. Normally I shop at Ralph's at home.

They should have a lot of the same wines we have here, but I've noticed they usually cost $2-3 more per bottle. If they don't have the Chardonnays you requested I really like the Talus wines for both Chardonnay and Merlot. Also $5 at Ralph's is the Fish Eye wine which is pretty good once I got "over" the whole screwtop thing. :rolleyes: I also like the BV Coastal series for $10-15 wines and they have national distribution.

[Sandy321]

Publix is similar to "Whole Paychecks" in pricing, but we're going to shop there anyways later this month just to treat ourselves. Normally I shop at Ralph's at home.

They should have a lot of the same wines we have here, but I've noticed they usually cost $2-3 more per bottle. If they don't have the Chardonnays you requested I really like the Talus wines for both Chardonnay and Merlot. Also $5 at Ralph's is the Fish Eye wine which is pretty good once I got "over" the whole screwtop thing. :rolleyes: I also like the BV Coastal series for $10-15 wines and they have national distribution.

I think Fish Eye does very well - and many wineries are moving away from cork (environmental issues - screw tops are going green!!) They have good box wines too! (for beach when you cant bring glass!)

I'm not familiar with publix, albertson's ralphs - etc - I just looked at the ads and the price for cereal and the wines I usually get were the same...

and I was most happy about being able to order a special celebration cake!! (Decadent Chocolate Ganache ) I've ordered from Disney and last time was disgusted with how Grand Floridian handled it, and the charge for it -

I didnt find the publix site very user friendly - dd wanted a specific kind of peanut butter crackers (not the orange cheese peanut butter) so I found I could go on Peapod.com to find pictures of items (that I didnt know the name brand of!! ) and since we are arriving on a Thursday - the ad I'm looking at expires - so the Buy 1 Get 1 foods will be different, I might've ordered differently if we had different dates!

[kritter]

Who is Marge?

Last trip we ordered food, beer, wine, and TGIF Margaritta mixes from www.GardenGrocer.com with no troubles!!:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[Horace Horsecollar]

In general, the same wine seems to cost a buck or two more in Florida than in California or Illinois, even at Costco. I assume the difference is due to tax rates on wine. (Florida has to make up for not having a state income tax somehow.)

Publix has a large selection of lower-priced (under $8) wines. You'll find all the major brands. Their selection is a bit weak in the $12-20 range.

One good thing about using WeGoShop and Publix is that you can check the Publix ad. I don't know which Publix store Marge shops at, but, before submitting my list to Marge, I go to http://store.publix.com/publix/ and check the ad for the following store which is near WDW. (Just make sure you pay attention to ad dates.)

Publix
Regency Village Shopping Center
8145 Vineland Ave
Orlando, FL 32821-6847
Main: (407) 238-9924

[dmartin69]

Who is Marge?

Last trip we ordered food, beer, wine, and TGIF Margaritta mixes from www.GardenGrocer.com with no troubles!!:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Kritter,

Marge Runs the Wegoshop branch in Orlando. The main benefit of Wegoshop is they can get what you want from any local store. unlike garden grocer that has a limited list of items. Marge also strives for the best customer service that can be provided...

[dgaston]

If you are getting any hard liquor, I recommend the ABC stores. I saw all of the brands OP mentioned there. Also Lindeman's was on special 2 for $10. Publix had many of the same wines, priced just a little higher Christmas week.

HTH

[LoveKermit]

Does she only get liquor or can she do a basic grocery list? How does delivery work--same as Garden Grocer? And how much more expensive is it than shopping ourselves (we rent a car). We are getting in SO late but DH still wants to stop at a quickie mart for pop and stuff. I wish I could talk him into a delivery service....

Even better--remember a world where we could just carry-on a fridge pack of pop......Sigh......

[Sandy321]

If you are getting any hard liquor, I recommend the ABC stores. I saw all of the brands OP mentioned there. Also Lindeman's was on special 2 for $10. Publix had many of the same wines, priced just a little higher Christmas week.

HTH

I know wegoshop prices did an increase..

Marge will go to 2 stores - the 2nd stop (for liquour, I had thought about getting a bottle of rum! yo ho!) was an extra $5... I thought that sounded reasonable...

Yes she does the basic grocery list - like PP I went to Publix.com to get an idea of items, my main purpose in going to Publix was the cake - Publix cakes got good reviews on the cake thread... (I'm getting a decedant chocolate, chocolate fudge/ganache cake for 8 - 10 people for $22) Marge called me and gave me the phone number of the Publix she uses (407-397-1171) and went over my items - gave me her number and told me to either email or call if I had any other additions... and to call when the plane lands (snow expected on our departure day)

I've read many threads both garden grocer and wegoshop get great reviews - I was swayed by the positive comments about Marge and went that way -

[limace]

I think, depending where you have her shop, wegosop has the potential to be cheaper than garden grocery. You pay Marge a delivery fee, but pay actual costs for groceries, whereas garden grocer has a set price for their groceries and they seem to run higher. Both have great reviews, and I'm thrilled to not have to waste money on renting a car and time on shopping.

And ABC stores! So funny-I thought they were only in Hawaii (our running joke in Honolulu was "If we get lost, I'll meet you at the ABC Store...they are every fthree feet there).

[dgaston]

The ABC stores are nothing like the ABC stores in Hawaii where you could find anything you might need. In Florida, they're just liquor stores.

[Horace Horsecollar]

The ABC stores are nothing like the ABC stores in Hawaii where you could find anything you might need. In Florida, they're just liquor stores.
Yes. The only thing the two chains have in common is that they both have ABC in their name.

ABC Stores is a chain of convenience stores selling food, all sorts of beverages, souvenirs, gifts, apparel, and more. The stores are in Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and Las Vegas. In some parts of Waikiki, there's one (sometimes more than one) on every block. Most stores are in or near resort hotels. See http://www.abcstores.com/

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is a Florida chain of large, well-stocked stores selling wine, beer, liquor, and gourmet foods. See http://www.abcfws.com/

ABC Market is a convenience store on Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim, in walking distance from Disneyland. It's not related to either of the ABC chains above.

There are other unrelated stores with ABC in their names throughout the United States, such as the ABC Discount Wine and Liquor chain in Kansas. See http://www.abcdiscountliquor.com/

[LoveKermit]

**What is her delivery charge?**

Is it okay to just go through the Wegoshop website, or should I contact this "Marge" directly? If so, can someone PM me?

Also, does she just deliver to bell services, similar to GG? We are arriving in the middle of the night. I am desperate to avoid a stop (though DH feels different). Then, we can have bell services retrieve it when we get there (or the next morning).

Or....maybe I don't have her deliver until our first full day...

This may have just gotten better.

[limace]

Ah ha! See, I've learned something new, and it's only 8 in the morning. That's a pretty good start to the day :) (Although I have to admit it would have been fun to have Marge pick up one of the "liquor leis" you can get at the Hawaiian ABC stores).

Just got my confirmation back from Marge and it looks like she's going to shop at Albertsons as I requested.

My sister did end up picking up some coffee to bring, and also bought some of those Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets; curious to see how those work.

[LUVMICKEY]

We have had WeGoShop (Marge) several times and she is so great, we would never have anyone else as long as they stay in business. There is a $17 service charge for up to $50, a $22 charge for up to $100 and so on. I know GG was $12 SC, but you had to place a minium order of $40 and buy from their site.

[LoveKermit]

We have had WeGoShop (Marge) several times and she is so great, we would never have anyone else as long as they stay in business. There is a $17 service charge for up to $50, a $22 charge for up to $100 and so on. I know GG was $12 SC, but you had to place a minium order of $40 and buy from their site.

Thanks! So, I can really order some diapers (don't ask), pop and some snacks (about $20)?

Again, delivery to bell services?

Thanks again!

[cymomtx]

Publix is similar to "Whole Paychecks" in pricing, but we're going to shop there anyways later this month just to treat ourselves. Normally I shop at Ralph's at home.

They should have a lot of the same wines we have here, but I've noticed they usually cost $2-3 more per bottle. If they don't have the Chardonnays you requested I really like the Talus wines for both Chardonnay and Merlot. Also $5 at Ralph's is the Fish Eye wine which is pretty good once I got "over" the whole screwtop thing. :rolleyes: I also like the BV Coastal series for $10-15 wines and they have national distribution.

Just attended a wine tasting at a local wine bar, the screw top's are actually better for the wine. The cork's interfere with the fermentation of the wine and can change the taste. The screw tops were developed in New Zeeland and are better for the wine.

[Horace Horsecollar]

Just attended a wine tasting at a local wine bar, the screw top's are actually better for the wine. The cork's interfere with the fermentation of the wine and can change the taste. The screw tops were developed in New Zeeland and are better for the wine.
The wine industry in New Zeeland produces more than 2/3 of its wine bottles with screw tops rather than with natural or synthetic corks.

However, the Stelvin Closure (which is the brand name of the screw tops widely used for wine bottles) was developed in France, not New Zeeland. It's now part of Alcan.

Many respected wineries have switched primarily or entirely to the "Stelvin Closure." There are wines that retail for more than $100 per bottle with screw tops.

All wines (except possibly sparkling wines) on the wine list at The Wave at Disney's Contemporary use screw tops.

[LoveKermit]

So, I see on the website that they charge 10% for leaving with bell services. Are most of you around when they come? Do they call you when they are "almost there" and you collect your stuff?

Please help finish the thought.

Thanks!

[bellesister]

Why wegoshop over Garden Grocer? I've used the latter but am curious. Also, was planning on paying too much for wine in Epcot and bringing it to BVC? How foolish is that?:confused3

[twinklebug]

Why wegoshop over Garden Grocer? I've used the latter but am curious. Also, was planning on paying too much for wine in Epcot and bringing it to BVC? How foolish is that?:confused3

I think it's a personal preference. Marge runs her business more like an extension of your family - you tell "auntie marge" what your food preferences are, brands, stores and can even pass along coupons for her to use. She simply bills you a service fee.

GardenGrocer is a business where you order what they've indicated they're willing to go buy for you at their prices.

Neither way is wrong. They're just different business strategies.


I have tried both services - WGS twice, GG once. I've experienced awful treatment from the owner of GG (as well as overhearing a tantrum he had on a different day at the WL front desk over room numbers).
On the other hand, I have only had a wonderful experiences with Marge... I'm not saying she's perfect - who is? But, those are my reasons for using WGS.

[Horace Horsecollar]

Why wegoshop over Garden Grocer? I've used the latter but am curious. Also, was planning on paying too much for wine in Epcot and bringing it to BVC? How foolish is that?:confused3
I like that WeGoShop charges the grocery store's actual cash register receipt total plus a reasonable shopping/delivery charge (though they also appreciate a tip).

I also like that anything and everything in the store is available to me. If I know the exact brand and size that I want, I can specify it. If I just have a general idea, I can just provide a description and Marge will use her judgement and experience.

I can save some money if I check the Publix ad online and pick items off of it.

By saving the grocery list as a file on my hard drive, I can reuse the same grocery list year after year, just changing what I want to change that year.

I've never used Garden Grocer. People on this board like Garden Grocer too. But the last time I checked, Garden Grocer was based on picking items through a web interface, not using a freeform list. And the prices were Garden Grocer's prices, not regular grocery store prices.

[LUVMICKEY]

So, I see on the website that they charge 10% for leaving with bell services. Are most of you around when they come? Do they call you when they are "almost there" and you collect your stuff?

Please help finish the thought.

Thanks!
We have always picked a time for Marge to deliver to us. She has always sent us an e-mail confirming the time we request. The form you fill out with your grocery list ask you for a delivery time. And in that e-mail she asks us to call her after we check-in. We have always done that and it works very well for us. Marge has always called us when she is on her way to our resort too and we like meeting her there. She has always been on time. On our trip in December we were lucky enough to get our room right away. When she called us that she was on her way to deliver our groceries, she came right to our room with them. We have always given her a nice tip because we think she does a great job. Marge is a real time and money saver for us.