Disney free shuttle Vs Limo

[JerryR]

I booked today for a trip home to the Boardwalk in April/07, and was asked by the helpful lady at member services if we'd like to use the free Disney Shuttle service. I answered no, because that doesn't give users an opportunity to stop for a 1/2 hour at a grocery store to pick up needed supplies for our time there. She then suggested we might want to consider using the free bus service, and then take a taxi from the Boardwalk to a grocery store, since that might be a cheaper option.
We have used FL Tours on previous visits, and have very much enjoyed the excellent service, while at the same time realizing that the cost was very favorable on a per person basis, compared to Meers. That convenience of having a dedicated service for ourselves vs using Meers public transit has been our deciding factor.
Now, with the free service by Disney, which claims 24/7 availability to meet individual schedules, I am wondering if any members have had similar experiences, and how they made out using the free shuttle, and then taxi to the grocery store from the hotel. I mean, nothing is competitive with free!
For instance, how far is a grocery store from the hotel, and what might be the approximate cost of such a venture?
JerryR in Nova Scotia

 

[mj2vacation]

the Magical Express is pretty nice. Best part is they take the bags from the airport to the room and back.

There is a Publix about 4 miles from the boardwalk (International Drive and 192)

 

[buzz5985]

I have used the Magical Express twice since last December 2005. I have had great luck with it. From touchdown, to our DVC has been about 1 hour. Our bags getting to our room, I am not sure because we do not normally wait around for them.

I used GardenGrocer this last trip and loved them. We paid $10 for delivery and didn't find their prices too out of line with the stores around home. We knew we wouldn't be around so told them to deliver to bell services if we weren't around. And that is exactly what happened. Cold items were ice cold when delivered. You know the important items, Beer, wine. etc. LOL

Janis

 

[VMS]

We used Magical Express for a trip a few weeks ago -- and we normally rent a car. I thought ME was great -- very stress free. We also just ordered groceries and had them delivered.

 

[JerryR]

I have the information I was seeking. In the end, I decided to call the front desk at BWV, and ask. They advised we consider ordering groceries from Goodings in Buena Visa, which is about 4 miles away. She siad the fee for delivery would be about $10.00.
She then connected me to Taxi Services, who advised that a trip to Publix, about 5 miles away, would be $13.00 one-way, and to Goodings about $11.00 one-way.
We are inclined to want to see what we're buying at the time of purchase, and not rely on someone in the store to make selections for us, expecially in fresh meat and produce area, so would likely decide to take the taxi route as compared to the delivery route.
This sceneario, using the Disney Magic shuttle service from the airport and return, is definately the cheapest route, and since we wouldn't be rushed to get everything purchased within the 1/2 hour limit offered by limo service from the airport, or have to contend with small children in the grocery store, is perhaps the most sensible route to go.
I think this answers all options adequately. Thanks to those who replied. Hope this helps others considering same options.
Jerry R in Nova Scotia

 

[janette]

We've used ME for the last several trips. To get groceries I've just rented a car for the day. Depending on our flight times I've either picked it up at the airport and dropped it at The Dolphin or done a one day rental from The Dolphin. It usually costs about $30/40 but I save the $$ for grocery delivery and also have a car to go to the outlets and do other errands.

 

[drakethib]

you could try wegoshop?

 

[castleri]

There is also a new super Walmart that map quest says is about 2.5 miles from OKW - I would take that, Publix or Winn dixie ( about 1.5 miles from DTD) over Goodings as their prices will kill any savings you might have over buying right at the resort. We are doing ME for the first time in 2 days and have a car reserved to do the shopping. Will pick it up at the Dolphin. Have a great trip.

 

[JerryR]

Yes, that's a possiblity! I sort of got the idea that Goodings might be a bit pricy.
We are not renting a car, as we can see no value in that, seeing as how there's nowhere else we want to go, except to WDW. Suffering from "been there, done that" syndrome, but not ever at WDW.
Thanks for all the comments.
Jerry in Amherst, Nova Scotia

 

[Synonymous]

I don't think I'd use ME. When we went in December, my b-i-l arrived in the morning, used ME and his bags didn't get to the room until almost midnight.

 

[tomandrobin]

We always use the magical express when we get a chance. No hassle with luggage, 15 minutes from off plane on to the bus, 30 minute ride to Disney, luggage arrives later in the day ( we always take a carry on with a change of clothes just in case). Have groceries delivered. All of these little time savings things make our vacation better, more relaxing that first day.

Maybe we have been lucky, but our experience with Magical Express has been great!