? for the "locals" about grocery stores

[TravelinGal]

The two stores I hear the most about in Orlando are Winn Dixie and Publix.
Which store tends to have the best prices?

We have a WD customer card.
We are staying in Emerald Island (with a car, of course).

Thanks!
Robin

 

[ducklite]

I've only been to Winn-Dixie a couple times, it seems that Publix has better prices. They also have MUCH better service, and their produce and meat seems fresher.

They do'tn require you to have a stupid card to get the discounts either!

Anne

 

[minnie29uk]

I love Publix,because I love their icecream selection!!!!!
We always stop off here on the way to the villa and stock up,

Lynn

 

[Sylvester McBean]

publix all the way.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

another vote for Publix.. many of the WD's are closing down. I want to say (at least I heard) that 7 of them are in the Olrando area...now that could be anywhere in Orlando. I know here in Lee county, 5 of them will be closing... going out of business... they cannot compete with Publix & the Super Wal-Marts.

 

[CPM]

I'd also have to agree with Publix.
I have to say that I don't shop at Publix while at WDW. It's more convenient to shop at Winn Dixie for me. It's usually closer to where we stay.
So, for the amount of stuff I buy it's fine. It's also one of the nicer Winn Dixies in the state. There is also an ABC liquor in the same plaza and a great place to get a pedicure
It's just past Crossroads, after Palm Parkway on the right. Very close.

 

[mbb]

for WinnDixie

It was just more convenient for us to shop there (Hwy 27 at Woodridge) this time, and better selection overall, than the Cagan Crossings WalMart, we felt Less of a lineup as well...and as my mom remarked, the ECV's were always available and recharged.

The discount card is free, and we definitely saved some money..on our first order, we "saved" $38..

Best prices on milk and eggs, though..hands down, CVS and Walgreen's...gallon of milk, was $2.62. (As a side note, here in Canada, we pay $6.67 for the same thing!!! We drank lots of milk!! )

HTH!!

 

[ujpest_doza]

From Emerald Island Goodings/Winn Dixie is closest, but Publix is better.

Goodings/Winn Dixie is in the shopping centre at the corner of 192 and Formosa Gardens which is the road that leads to Emerald Island so is very conveniant, but the range of goods isn't great and neither are the prices.

Publix is about 1/1.5 miles west of here on 192 at Orange Lake country club.
It is also in a small parade of other shops and is a lot cheaper and has a much better range of goods.

 

[ducklite]

To the OP:

Bottom line--you got four responses from LOCALS who all tell you Publix is the only way to go. Take that as solid advice.

Anne

 

[TravelinGal]

Thanks for the replies!

And an extra thanks to ujpest_doza for specifically mentioning where the stores are in relation to EI.

Sounds like Publix will be our primary choice, but I'll take along our WD card just in case.

Since we will have a little one with us, milk will be a major necessity. He drinks, on average, three to four 10 oz bottles (well, sippy cups actually) each day.

Speaking of sippy cups - has anyone seen Nuby (soft silicone top) sippy cups there at your local WalMart (only place we can find them here anyway)? It's the only thing he likes to use and I can just see having a crisis with him losing a sippy or two - or having the seal break in them (If you've used them, you know what I mean). I plan to take enough along (6), but it's good to know if they are there in an emergency.

Thanks again!
Robin

 

[Sylvester McBean]

Speaking of sippy cups - has anyone seen Nuby (soft silicone top) sippy cups there at your local WalMart (only place we can find them here anyway)? It's the only thing he likes to use and I can just see having a crisis with him losing a sippy or two - or having the seal break in them (If you've used them, you know what I mean). I plan to take enough along (6), but it's good to know if they are there in an emergency.

Thanks again!
Robin

our wal-marts have them. so I'm assuming the ones in Orlando do as well.

 

[Mainebound]

From Emerald Island Goodings/Winn Dixie is closest, but Publix is better.

Goodings/Winn Dixie is in the shopping centre at the corner of 192 and Formosa Gardens which is the road that leads to Emerald Island so is very conveniant, but the range of goods isn't great and neither are the prices.

Publix is about 1/1.5 miles west of here on 192 at Orange Lake country club.
It is also in a small parade of other shops and is a lot cheaper and has a much better range of goods.

I write both from a perspective as a former Florida resident who learned fast to shop at Publix rather than WD and as a tourist who has stayed in Emerald Island and shopped at the Goodings/Winn Dixie which Ujpest Doza refers to. I agree that that G/WD market is subpar (dark, old, poor produce selection, poor customer service), but we were too busy/lazy to find the closest Publix. This time around we will definitely be shopping at the Publix.

 

[kcarp]

There is also an ABC liquor in the same plaza

How far is this ABC liquor from the corner of 192 and Formosa Gardens and how do you get there?

Thanks

 

[ujpest_doza]

How far is this ABC liquor from the corner of 192 and Formosa Gardens and how do you get there?

Thanks

The ABC Liquor store that that CPM refers to is next to WinnDIxie at Crossroads, Lake Buena Vista. This is probably a 10/15 minutes at most drive from Emerald Island.

I honestly can't remember whether there was an ABC Liquor store next to either Publix at Orange lake or Winn Dixie/Goodings at Formosa Gardens as i didn't look for one as i only wanted beer for the house not spirits.

Strange one really, as US supermarkets don't appear to sell spirits, only Beer, whereas here in England supermarkets sell Wine, Beer and all manner of spirits too.

 

[ducklite]

Strange one really, as US supermarkets don't appear to sell spirits, only Beer, whereas here in England supermarkets sell Wine, Beer and all manner of spirits too.

It varies State by State. In New York you can buy beer, but not wine or spirits in markets. In New Jersey you can buy no alcohol at all in markets. In Vermont it's like Florida. In some states alcohol is ONLY available at state run facilities. I want to think that Nevada allows alcohol sales of all types in markets.

Anne

 

[Sylvester McBean]

Strange one really, as US supermarkets don't appear to sell spirits, only Beer, whereas here in England supermarkets sell Wine, Beer and all manner of spirits too.

and we formed a new country to escape YOUR church laws. now they're so out of whack over here down to the city. on any sunday night you can go to a restaurant in Florida and get 2 for 1 or free adult beverages during happy hour. but you can't buy them before 11:00 or noon depending. I lived in a city in Illinois where it was illegal to buy alcohol on a sunday.

 

[kcarp]

I assume the WD on the corner of 192 and Formosa Gardens is the closest supermarket to our home. Anyone know the closest liquor store in this area?

Thanks

 

[DaveCN]

Publix hands down. And the ones in the "tourist' areas tend to be higher. For instance, the ones on 192 in the hotel area have higher prices than the one we go to at John Young and Columbia.

Meat and produce is nice and fresh. Good service.

 

[DaveCN]

It varies State by State. In New York you can buy beer, but not wine or spirits in markets. In New Jersey you can buy no alcohol at all in markets. In Vermont it's like Florida. In some states alcohol is ONLY available at state run facilities. I want to think that Nevada allows alcohol sales of all types in markets.

Anne

In Kentucky, many places are "dry" -no liquor or been sales at all. Where we live, it used to be Sunday was beer only. Now its seven days for everything. But, groceries only have beer. Wine and Liquor is at a Liquor Store. Most Groceries have an attached Liquor store. mind you.

 

[kcarp]

Most Groceries have an attached Liquor store. mind you.

Do you or anyone else know if the WD @ Formosa Gardens has a liquor store attached?

Thanks