Crossroads Shopping / Dining Area

[ww52]

Not sure the right forum to post this - so if a mod moves it, I understand.

I read a while ago that there might be a lot of construction around the Crossroads shopping / dining plaza. Expansions to the highway system and ideas to alleviate traffic. Pretty sure the mini-golf place has been gone for a while (not that we've ever been there, but it's sort of a landmark from the highway).

Anyway, despite how insanely overpriced it is, Goodings was always where we got food for the room. You know, it's just a tradition, and it's not like Disney is a cheap vacation, right?

Is it still there? Any updates on what is going on in that whole area? We may want to have a meal or two at one of the chains too (travelling with small kids0.

 

[OneinThree]

We may want to have a meal or two at one of the chains too (travelling with small kids0

You might consider checking out what is known locally as "Restaurant Row", about 5-10 minutes from Crossroads down Apopka-Vineland road, right onto Sand Lake Rd. This also allows you to avoid the now dreaded I-4 debacle. There, you find one of the best grocers in the country as well -Publix, in Plaza Venezia (which will allow you to buy your groceries at a top notch store without a second mortgage).

 

[Ninja Mom]

Thanks. This conversation helps me out. I have shopped at that Publix store (Sand Lake Rd) and it's not bad. I find it better than the Walmart on SR 535 & Poinciana for lunch meat and fresh fruit. Nothing beats Walmart's prices and single location for sundries, liquors or groceries.

Which stores have the best lunch meat counter? The Publix store wasn't big on lunch meat brand variety and I have picky eaters.

~NM

 

[ww52]

OneInThree -
Using Google Maps it looks like I exit WDW as if I'm going to Crossroads, but make a left onto 535 (which apparently turns into 435) - Apopka-Vineland road; then right on Sand Lake and then it's on the left. (Whoops - looks like it's on the right) You say it's no more than 10 minutes away from Crossroads. We've often thought of going to Publix or Winn-Dixie but old habits are tough to break. Goodings is a sort of tradition.

But this is our first trip with grandkids and cost savings will be important to my son and family. This is a sort of "passing the torch" trip since he's the one doing a lot of the planning after I've done it for our 8 trips over about 30 years. So maybe Publix and "restaurant row" starts a new tradition!

BTW - does Publix sell beer/wine? Not that we're planning a "drinking vacation" or anything - but, well, two small children and a hot day at the parks....

EDIT - again...
Looks like there are two off of Sand Lake - one to the left and one to the right. And the one to left speaks of Publix Liquors as well - so I think that's the one?

One last EDIT - probably either one is OK. Odd they have two so close together.

 

[OneinThree]

OneInThree -
Using Google Maps it looks like I exit WDW as if I'm going to Crossroads, but make a left onto 535 (which apparently turns into 435) - Apopka-Vineland road; then right on Sand Lake and then it's on the left. (Whoops - looks like it's on the right) You say it's no more than 10 minutes away from Crossroads. We've often thought of going to Publix or Winn-Dixie but old habits are tough to break. Goodings is a sort of tradition.

But this is our first trip with grandkids and cost savings will be important to my son and family. This is a sort of "passing the torch" trip since he's the one doing a lot of the planning after I've done it for our 8 trips over about 30 years. So maybe Publix and "restaurant row" starts a new tradition!

BTW - does Publix sell beer/wine? Not that we're planning a "drinking vacation" or anything - but, well, two small children and a hot day at the parks....

EDIT - again...
Looks like there are two off of Sand Lake - one to the left and one to the right. And the one to left speaks of Publix Liquors as well - so I think that's the one?

The Publix on the left (Plaza Venezia) is newer than the one on the right (The Marketplace), but is a converted Albertson's store. The one on the right was designed to be an upscale grocery store in keeping with the neighborhood. Both will have beer/wine. The reason I pointed you toward Sand Lake Rd is because Publix is renown for quality and service -just a better store than Winn-Dixie (which, there is one on your right just beyond Crossroads). The other reason, is that you mentioned restaurants, of which there are numerous ones (from fast food to some of Orlando's finest dining) just minutes away from the more touristy Crossroads.