Convenient supermarket on the way from Orlando airport

[hpriamson]

What's the best & easiest supermarket to stop at on the way from the airport (MCO) to Universal? We'll have a car.

 

[johde]

There's a Super Walmart on Turkey Lake Rd. that's fairly close to Universal.

 

[AJ1983]

Going to latch on to this thread, because I was going to ask a similar question. We won't have a car, and are just going to ask the taxi to stop somewhere that we could purchase a few beer, water,and Pepsi to tide us over for our 2 nights at Universal. Can this be done at a convenience store or would we have to go to an actual grocery store to get these three items?

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

If you get off at Sand Lake Rd. from I-4 there are several grocery stores in that area to choose from: Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Fresh Market.

To the above poster- yes, you can get all of that at a convenience store. There's a Walgreens on Kirkman and Vineland roads right across from Universal. They have all of that there.

 

[chmurf]

There is a walmart and a super target off sand lake road ( you need to cross the median if you go from mco towards I4 or universal)

Just have a look at google earth along sand lake, they're fairly close to florida mall

 

[keishashadow]

Going to latch on to this thread, because I was going to ask a similar question. We won't have a car, and are just going to ask the taxi to stop somewhere that we could purchase a few beer, water,and Pepsi to tide us over for our 2 nights at Universal. Can this be done at a convenience store or would we have to go to an actual grocery store to get these three items?

we usually rent a car but had wondered if using a taxi & having it stop would be viable as to 'cost'. not sure if the meter would still be 'ticking' or not while in the store, which can add up quickly.

perhaps arranging town car service with a stop would be more cost effective?

 

[AJ1983]

41, member: 77945"]we usually rent a car but had wondered if using a taxi & having it stop would be viable as to 'cost'. not sure if the meter would still be 'ticking' or not while in the store, which can add up quickly.

perhaps arranging town car service with a stop would be more cost effective?[/QUOTE]
Hey there i wasnt too concerned about the cost i was asking if you can purchase beer at a convenience store in florida. Because we literally only need three items id prefer to go the quicker route if possible as opposed to a grocery store.

 

[johde]

Hey there i wasnt too concerned about the cost i was asking if you can purchase beer at a convenience store in florida. Because we literally only need three items id prefer to go the quicker route if possible as opposed to a grocery store.

I know if you're looking for just beer/wine coolers etc., you should have no problem finding it at one of the convenience stores/drug stores in the area. I'm not sure about getting hard liquor in Florida. There are several Walgreen's, CVS's etc. on International Drive close to Universal. There's a Walgreens on the Corner of International Drive and Universal BLVD that's fairly convenient to that area. But, the prices are a little higher than other stores like the Walmart or Publix in the area unless the item is on sale.

 

[macraven]

i usually just walk from rpr to the walgreen/little mall that is about a short walk from PBH.

if i buy a lot, i take a cab back from there to rpr.
only cost me $5 to do that last time.

if you have a taxi, you are paying for the time you have a grocery stop.
you can check into the hotel and walk to either of the two places for the alcohol and food snacks.
catch a taxi to return to the hotel.

 

[goodhonk]

There is a snarl of traffic at I4 and Sand Lake almost all the time, especially trying to get on Turkey lake. If you don't know what lane you need you will experience misery. I hate it when I have to go over there. The Wal-Mart there is inconvenient from the Freeway and is busy even at 6AM on Saturday's.

Instead if you are coming across the 528 Bee Line to I-4 there is a Publix at Universal Drive, easy off, easy on, very little traffic. Exit to the right (north) and it will be immediately on your left. Leaving, turn right out of the parking lot and right onto 528 headed to I-4. And this Publix never has a crowd (I live right there).

 

[hpriamson]

Thank you goodhonk

There is a snarl of traffic at I4 and Sand Lake almost all the time, especially trying to get on Turkey lake. If you don't know what lane you need you will experience misery. I hate it when I have to go over there. The Wal-Mart there is inconvenient from the Freeway and is busy even at 6AM on Saturday's.

Instead if you are coming across the 528 Bee Line to I-4 there is a Publix at Universal Drive, easy off, easy on, very little traffic. Exit to the right (north) and it will be immediately on your left. Leaving, turn right out of the parking lot and right onto 528 headed to I-4. And this Publix never has a crowd (I live right there).

Thank you. Looking at google maps, it looks like it would also be a straight shot up Universal Drive to Universal from there - I assume that's not a good idea?

 

[PammyK]

Thank you goodhonk


Thank you. Looking at google maps, it looks like it would also be a straight shot up Universal Drive to Universal from there - I assume that's not a good idea?

It really depends on timing and traffic. With normal conditions, it is probably quicker to just hop back on 528 to I4 east to the Universal exit because you'll be driving highway speeds with fewer traffic lights.
If there is a crash or other traffic snarl on 528 or I4, heading up Universal Blvd is definitely a viable choice, just be prepared for several traffic signals and lots of drivers who may exhibit strange behaviors because they don't know where they're going.

If you have the WAZE app on your mobile device, it should show you any potential backups and will recommend the fastest route.

 

[goodhonk]

lots of drivers who may exhibit strange behaviors because they don't know where they're going.

I see that your local. Also the light northbound at Universal and Sand Lake takes 2 & 1/2 minutes for a cycle from beginning of red to green. And the light at Universal and International Drive can be tedious.

So I second your suggestion to hop back on 528 to I4. Sometimes in the afternoons 528 starts to back up (West bound) just after Universal, but it still goes pretty fast. This is the way I always go to Universal. Some slowness on I4 occasionally depending on the time of day, but the exit is easy off and easy into the parking area.