Car service to Publix.... and beyond :o)

[Anna114]

My husband and I decided to do something a little different next May. We are staying at VWL, in a one bedroom for 10 days, for our 30th wedding anniversary. Our last trip, we cooked a little more then we usually do. Egg sandwiches by my husband are MUCH better then an croissant sandwich at Roaring Forks. I've used Garden Grocer and SO recommend using them in the short run. However, we are planning on staying at the resort more then we usually do. We love to cook together... I know, we are total nerds. Does anyone know of a specific service that takes you to one or two stops and brings you back? This is a bit out of my comfort zone I'm not a taxi person by any means and I'm from NY lol. We would like to go to Publix and maybe a liquor store. I hoping to do this with minimal expense. TIA being the planner that I am.

 

[Disney_Alli]

Your cheapest option is probably going to be Uber or Lyft.

 

[Spartan86]

Uber really is a nice service. Have used it several times on and off property. I have little doubt it or Lyft would be the most cost effective. And you meet some great people!

 

[disneynutz]

Publix now has a delivery service, "Instacart".

Bill

 

[Sandisw]

The other option is to rent a car for a day. I have done this. Picked up at the Dolphin and returned the next day. Cost me about $30 and I could make my run to the liquor store and get water, etc.

We also picked it up in early afternoon after a day at Epcot and then the next day, used it to drive to Animal Kingdom (not a fan of the buses). When we were done at AK, we dropped it off, walked back to Epcot, got a nice drink, and headed back to our resort...we were staying at BLT at the time. It was worth it!

There is also a car rental drop off near the gas station just as you leave MK and I believe they may have a shuttle to pick/drop off to your resort. Might be worth checking this out too!

 

[Anna114]

The other option is to rent a car for a day. I have done this. Picked up at the Dolphin and returned the next day. Cost me about $30 and I could make my run to the liquor store and get water, etc.

We also picked it up in early afternoon after a day at Epcot and then the next day, used it to drive to Animal Kingdom (not a fan of the buses). When we were done at AK, we dropped it off, walked back to Epcot, got a nice drink, and headed back to our resort...we were staying at BLT at the time. It was worth it!

There is also a car rental drop off near the gas station just as you leave MK and I believe they may have a shuttle to pick/drop off to your resort. Might be worth checking this out too!

Did you have a coupon for the rental. I'm looking at $60.00 before taxes and fees. I like the idea of the rental car for the day. I figure we could take the bus to the Studios, take the boat to Swan and Dolphin and do the reverse back or eat at Beaches and Cream take the bus to MK from BC and a boat back to VWL. I have plenty of time. My problem with Uber is I don't want to rush through Publix and forget something because time is money for a taxi/uber driver. I was looking at Uber fares. Does anyone know if the $.11 (outside the cost of the initial ride) per minute is how much it would cost me to have them wait? In other words $6.60 to sit and wait for an hour? That seems highly unlikely. Would it be better to take the ride and have them leave. Set up another ride for an hour later? As I've said I've never use Uber.

 

[bumbershoot]

I like renting (Alamo or National) from the Car Care Center. That's the one that has the shuttle. Picks you up from where you are (they need at least an hour notice) and drops you off where you want onsite during their open hours (Google wdw car care center to get the applicable page for exact info).

Rental cars are priced for 24 hour periods so you can really plan out a day of using it to take advantage.

 

[mj2vacation]

Uber or Lyft unless you rent the car for a day. If you are a Costco member, they typically have the best rental prices. The Publix in Celebration is open until 11PM. They have an adjoining liquor store.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

We used Uber last Oct and went to that Publix in Celebration. We probably finished in a half hour, and just used the Uber app to request another driver for the return to Boardwalk Villas for under $6 each way.

 

[Sandisw]

Did you have a coupon for the rental. I'm looking at $60.00 before taxes and fees. I like the idea of the rental car for the day. I figure we could take the bus to the Studios, take the boat to Swan and Dolphin and do the reverse back or eat at Beaches and Cream take the bus to MK from BC and a boat back to VWL. I have plenty of time. My problem with Uber is I don't want to rush through Publix and forget something because time is money for a taxi/uber driver. I was looking at Uber fares. Does anyone know if the $.11 (outside the cost of the initial ride) per minute is how much it would cost me to have them wait? In other words $6.60 to sit and wait for an hour? That seems highly unlikely. Would it be better to take the ride and have them leave. Set up another ride for an hour later? As I've said I've never use Uber.

It was a few years ago and I think I was able to do a last minute special. It was a weekday too so don't know if that made a difference? But there are different ways to save. If you go to www.mouseavers.com, they usually have different ideas and sometimes special codes.

I have never used Uber. I have used the taxi's but to go between resorts. That was usually around $20, including tip. Again, a few years back...

 

[Spartan86]

Did you have a coupon for the rental. I'm looking at $60.00 before taxes and fees. I like the idea of the rental car for the day. I figure we could take the bus to the Studios, take the boat to Swan and Dolphin and do the reverse back or eat at Beaches and Cream take the bus to MK from BC and a boat back to VWL. I have plenty of time. My problem with Uber is I don't want to rush through Publix and forget something because time is money for a taxi/uber driver. I was looking at Uber fares. Does anyone know if the $.11 (outside the cost of the initial ride) per minute is how much it would cost me to have them wait? In other words $6.60 to sit and wait for an hour? That seems highly unlikely. Would it be better to take the ride and have them leave. Set up another ride for an hour later? As I've said I've never use Uber.

I can understand feeling a little iffy about Uber. It is an different kind of idea to hop in a private car with a stranger. But I think you'll be surprised by how well the system works. Download the uber app and just play around with it a bit. Be careful, it is pretty easy to initiate a ride request - I did it once in LA prior to my first ride, but if you cancel within 5 mins there is no charge. Anyway, you will see the cars in your area that are currently providing service. Once you set your destination in the app, you will be provided a choice of different levels of service depending on what is available. The basic service is Uber X and is smaller sedans and 2-3 people. That would be perfect for Publix. Other options are Uber XL which is large vehicles and Uber Black which is more luxury type cars. I have only used X. Once you hit the "request UberX" (or other level of service) button a request goes out. Once a driver accepts it - usually within 10-30 seconds in my experience you will see a driver name, picture and vehicle type for your pickup. You will also then be able to watch their progress on the map as they come your way. Once you are aboard you can monitor your progress on the app and even share the info with another party, family etc who can monitor your progress as well. Overall I have felt very safe and comfortable with all my drivers. The two I used on Disney property happened to both be retired cast members. So, as I said earlier, Interesting people. Great service. I can see why the taxi companies fight it so much. They don't offer anywhere near the service and value IMHO.

 

[Anna114]

I can understand feeling a little iffy about Uber. It is an different kind of idea to hop in a private car with a stranger. But I think you'll be surprised by how well the system works. Download the uber app and just play around with it a bit. Be careful, it is pretty easy to initiate a ride request - I did it once in LA prior to my first ride, but if you cancel within 5 mins there is no charge. Anyway, you will see the cars in your area that are currently providing service. Once you set your destination in the app, you will be provided a choice of different levels of service depending on what is available. The basic service is Uber X and is smaller sedans and 2-3 people. That would be perfect for Publix. Other options are Uber XL which is large vehicles and Uber Black which is more luxury type cars. I have only used X. Once you hit the "request UberX" (or other level of service) button a request goes out. Once a driver accepts it - usually within 10-30 seconds in my experience you will see a driver name, picture and vehicle type for your pickup. You will also then be able to watch their progress on the map as they come your way. Once you are aboard you can monitor your progress on the app and even share the info with another party, family etc who can monitor your progress as well. Overall I have felt very safe and comfortable with all my drivers. The two I used on Disney property happened to both be retired cast members. So, as I said earlier, Interesting people. Great service. I can see why the taxi companies fight it so much. They don't offer anywhere near the service and value IMHO.

Thank you SO much for the great information. You've given me so much to think about. I will plan my menus. I want to eliminate too much waste. Hence the reason I don't want to be rushed through Publix. Thank you again for the great information.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to give me feedback. I've been DVC for 8 years have been going to WDW for years. However, you Disers are the best. Thanks!

 

[mustinjourney]

Did you have a coupon for the rental. I'm looking at $60.00 before taxes and fees. I like the idea of the rental car for the day. I figure we could take the bus to the Studios, take the boat to Swan and Dolphin and do the reverse back or eat at Beaches and Cream take the bus to MK from BC and a boat back to VWL. I have plenty of time. My problem with Uber is I don't want to rush through Publix and forget something because time is money for a taxi/uber driver. I was looking at Uber fares. Does anyone know if the $.11 (outside the cost of the initial ride) per minute is how much it would cost me to have them wait? In other words $6.60 to sit and wait for an hour? That seems highly unlikely. Would it be better to take the ride and have them leave. Set up another ride for an hour later? As I've said I've never use Uber.

Unless you plan on tipping the uber driver well, I would not suggest asking them to wait while you shop at a grocery store. It's taking money out of their pocket since they get most of their money per mile driven. They might wait for you at the liquor store since that is usually a 2 or 3 minute stop...but again, it'd be best to give them an extra tip for that.

 

[Anna114]

Unless you plan on tipping the uber driver well, I would not suggest asking them to wait while you shop at a grocery store. It's taking money out of their pocket since they get most of their money per mile driven. They might wait for you at the liquor store since that is usually a 2 or 3 minute stop...but again, it'd be best to give them an extra tip for that.

Thanks, I thought of that too. I figure I'll finish at the store and call for another car. It's really important for me not to be rushed. I so, don't want to over buy because I was in a rush.