Garden Grocer vs WeGoShop vs on resort grocery purchases

[Inga]

Hi

During our past trips we have purchased from WeGoShop and thought this time we would look at the Garden Grocer as there are such positive reviews on Allears.net. However, when beginning to build a shopping cart in Garden Grocer, it became apparent that the on-site store was significantly cheaper than Garden Grocer, in particular for milk and eggs. This was surprising! There were other items such as bottled water that seemed more expensive on property, but in general we were very surprised how expensive everything seemed to be with Garden Grocer, particularly with our past experience with WeGoShop or when we have done our own shopping at Supertarget. Have others had the same experience or are we not being realistic and this is just the going rate for groceries in Florida these days? Seems ridiculous to be paying $.49 for one banana or 1.89 for one orange in Florida! Comments please...thanks!

Inga

 

[wendow]

I'm not really sure what is up either but I started building my shopping cart last night with Garden Grocer and I also noticed the prices were pretty similar to the resort store. And yes, especially with milk, eggs, lunch meat, cheese...not sure why I'd pay a $14 delivery fee + tip when I can easily grab those items from the resort store. After seeing that, we've pretty much decided to just take an extra suitcase with snacks, bagels, bread, cereal, pasta, etc and buy a few fresh items from the resort store.

I'd also love to hear others thoughts on this!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I've used both over the years, and prefer We Go Shop, for a couple of reasons:

First, you're paying actual cost, plus delivery, which I just like better. They give you the store receipt. There's also a discount on a second shop, if you were to need one part-way through your trip.

Second, they'll shop anywhere you like. So, if you have a specialty food item, they can get exactly the brand/size you want. For example, when my youngest was a toddler, we liked these single-size vegetables from Wal-Mart--they were like the fruit cups, only vegetables, and were great to serve a young child who wasn't ready for the entire family meal.

Third, you can get a much wider selection of non-food items, if you wish. This is particularly important if you fly and have weight/space considerations when packing. We Go Shop will be happy to pick up sunscreen, flip-flops, Clorox wipes, misting fans--whatever you might want to have along.

Fourth, they'll shop at more than one store if you need them to. I never bothered--I just had them hit the Super Wal-Mart, but if you had your heart set on, say, muffins from Publix and you needed a gallon pitcher from Target, they could do that.

 

[Inga]

I'm not really sure what is up either but I started building my shopping cart last night with Garden Grocer and I also noticed the prices were pretty similar to the resort store. And yes, especially with milk, eggs, lunch meat, cheese...not sure why I'd pay a $14 delivery fee + tip when I can easily grab those items from the resort store. After seeing that, we've pretty much decided to just take an extra suitcase with snacks, bagels, bread, cereal, pasta, etc and buy a few fresh items from the resort store.

I'd also love to hear others thoughts on this!

This is what we are leaning towards, although being from Canada we really can't bring fruit and yogurt type stuff across the border so I suspect we will be looking to pack more dry goods than originally anticipated. We won't have a car during our Disney stay this time around tho I really enjoy the grocery shop upon arrival...love shopping where there are different items to choose from vs home...although that is changing too as there are fewer and fewer items that we can't get in both countries!

Inga

 

[Inga]

I've used both over the years, and prefer We Go Shop, for a couple of reasons:

First, you're paying actual cost, plus delivery, which I just like better. They give you the store receipt. There's also a discount on a second shop, if you were to need one part-way through your trip..

This is what I remember as well...I am curious why folks would go with Garden Grocer vs WeGoShop....

Inga

 

[firstwdw]

Next time we will try We go shop. We used Garden Grocer this past spring. They did get us some special items not listed on their site which was really helpful and nice. Our groceries were at POR when we arrived on ME. We tipped GG and also bell services to deliver to the room. But GG forgot an item! It took 3 calls and 12 hours for them to deliver the item to Bell Services. Plus a few trips over to Bell Services to get it( first trip it hadn't been delivered yet). I know everyone makes mistakes but I wouldn't have tipped GG in the first place. And of course the forgotten item was rather important.

 

[Kathi OD]

We've used GG for our past 5 or so trips. The reason I use them over WeGoShop, is that I'm not familiar with the stores in the area and I like "seeing" what I'm purchasing.

I'd bet there are a lot of people like me, where "seeing" the item serves as a comfort when you aren't familiar with the store.

 

[dward1961]

Another vote for we go shop, we have used them several times. The service is great, they bring everything to your room, give you the receipt too. You can request the brands that you are used to and like. If you are ok with substitutes you can put that on your order. They will confirm your delivery and call you when they are on the way to deliver.

I would recommend them to anyone.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We've used GG for our past 5 or so trips. The reason I use them over WeGoShop, is that I'm not familiar with the stores in the area and I like "seeing" what I'm purchasing.

I'd bet there are a lot of people like me, where "seeing" the item serves as a comfort when you aren't familiar with the store.

I understand what you're saying, but what I do is, "shop" at home first. By that, I mean that I go to my local Super Wal-Mart and see what brands they have. You could also do this with Target (especially a Super Target), and I think We Go Shop will also do Costco/BJ's--I don't have either near me, so I never asked.

We don't have Publix, Winn/Dixie, etc. up here in New England, so you're right that I don't really know their store brands and selection. Having stayed offsite with a car, I do really like Publix, and would, after several personal visits, be comfortable with ordering food from there. As I mentioned, though, I have We Go Shop pick up non-food items like sunscreen, so Super Wal-Mart just works for me, personally. Also, it's darn near impossible to find flip-flops around here in the dead of winter--and they're a huge treat for my kids when they show up with the groceries.

That said, there's nothing wrong with some people liking Garden Grocer, it's just a personal preference.

 

[Inga]

Thank you all for your comments. So it seems the main reason why folks prefer GG to WGS is seeing the exact item vs leaving it up to the personal shopper to potentially decide brand. Not an issue for us, so so far WGS seems to be winning for us if that is the primary difference...
Inga

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Inga, just so you know, We Go Shop WILL buy specific brands if they can find them. This is why I do Wal-Mart or Target with them. My family likes Prego spaghetti sauce. If my local Wal-mart has Prego, I know the Kissimmee one will, too. You can say "no substitutions", "whatever's cheapest", or "or equivalent".

 

[staciepm]

If you go to Walmart.com you can search and see what is available in the Orlando stores. You can get prices of non grocery items and some grocery items.. You can then find an Orlando store and see if it is available. You can also pull up the Orlando sales ad. Just a way to know what you are ordering. Luckily I live in driving distance, so we bring everything with us.

 

[Linda T.]

We also use We Go Shop, and Amy is really easy to work with. I like that she brings your groceries to your room along with the receipt of your purchases.

 

[babeydoll02]

Do you have to be in your room for the delivery? While reading thru we go shop's website, it states there is a two hour time frame for them to deliver the groceries. Will they bring it to the front desk? I've never used a service like this before, but we are definitely interested. We will be flying and I have 2 young kids. Snacks and space are important! ; )

 

[weswife]

I might try one of the services! Is there a minimum purchase? Is there a delivery charge? We are on the DP so I do not think we need a huge order. Snacks, drinks and a few breakfast items.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

No minimum purchase for WeGoShop, but there is a delivery fee, depending on the order size. The do expect a tip (one can be automatically added).

They'll deliver to the front desk, Bell Services will hold your order, and they have cold storage if you order, say, milk.

 

[njmom47]

We did this (I think we used WeGoShop), loved it, and will definitely do it again!
They left our groceries with Bell Services, who in turn kept the cold stuff refrigerated, and we picked it up (DH didn't want to wait for them to deliver!).

 

[Kimmumum]

We use GG. No specific reason other than we found it quick and easy and had good reviews.

As a side note.....We always order a couple cases of water (way cheaper than getting a bottle in the parks). When we leave, if we have any water or pop left over, we drop it off at the bell services. They are outside in the heat all day and have always LOVED the surprise of a cold beverage. Just passing along a little magic

 

[Colleen27]

Do you have to be in your room for the delivery? While reading thru we go shop's website, it states there is a two hour time frame for them to deliver the groceries. Will they bring it to the front desk? I've never used a service like this before, but we are definitely interested. We will be flying and I have 2 young kids. Snacks and space are important! ; )

Unless you have alcohol, they'll deliver to bell services. If you have an age-restricted product they have to deliver personally to be sure the recipient is really old enough to buy it.

We've never used GG because of their prices. WGS is more cost-effective and more user-friendly, I think. I like the fact that I can tell them "store brand" or "no substitutions" on an item-by-item basis.

 

[weswife]

Thanks for the reply! I did view the GG site, I also looked at We shop. In regard to We shop, I am not sure which store to look at. I want to look at what is available and the price.