Garden Grocer was great, alcohol in comments-varry nice.

[DebDisney]

It's been about a month since BWV but just a quick note on Gardengrocer. Great experience, we used "comments" to request pinapple, 24 bottles of Mic Ultra, 4 bottles of some kind of White Zin-DW said it was just what she ordered and a pint of rum. Anyway all the fruit was very fresh and crisp and the rest of the order was perfect as well as the alcohol. We did a $20 tip on line (order was around $225, so I dont know if thats a lot or not enough, but whoever picked it did a great job she said. We will use them for our June trip for sure.

Just FYI...this is from GG's website:

"Gratuities (tips) are certainly not necessary but up to the discretion of the individual."

 

[Waggy182]

OT Warning: I get it, it's OFF TOPIC, but I am going to say it anyway.

What gets me more than a little irritated when I read posts like these is the discussion of tipping, or rather trying to figure out how to not tip, or tip the least amount possible.

GardenGrocer is a SERVICE, like a lot of the things at a vacation resort area, (not just Walt Disney World). Someone sees a need, or at least a convenience service as in this case, and they proceed to make a business from it. Awesome! Small business is the backbone of America.

When I see people that have spent unbelievable amounts of money for a resort room scrimping on a tip. . . it really makes my blood boil. GardenGrocer charges $12, a measly sum considering the alternative of having to schlep yourself to the store, navigating your way through an unfamiliar market, and schleping everything back. The time alone would be several hours.

My rule of thumb: Tip, and tip big. That's part of MY vacation. It's budgeted, planned for, and I enjoy it. I'm not rich, I work like everyone else. But so do the people offering these great services for our vacation enjoyment and convenience.

 

[mickeysaver]

We love GardenGrocer and plan to use them for our upcoming trip. It's a wonderful time and moneysaver. Yes, I could buy multiple bottles of water at the parks, but why pay over $2 a bottle when I can pay pennies?

I gladly sing their praises. I also have no problem tipping them and bell services well for the delivery of the items to my room. It's still cheaper! Maggie

 

[DebDisney]

OT Warning: I get it, it's OFF TOPIC, but I am going to say it anyway.

What gets me more than a little irritated when I read posts like these is the discussion of tipping, or rather trying to figure out how to not tip, or tip the least amount possible.

GardenGrocer is a SERVICE, like a lot of the things at a vacation resort area, (not just Walt Disney World). Someone sees a need, or at least a convenience service as in this case, and they proceed to make a business from it. Awesome! Small business is the backbone of America.

When I see people that have spent unbelievable amounts of money for a resort room scrimping on a tip. . . it really makes my blood boil. GardenGrocer charges $12, a measly sum considering the alternative of having to schlep yourself to the store, navigating your way through an unfamiliar market, and schleping everything back. The time alone would be several hours.

My rule of thumb: Tip, and tip big. That's part of MY vacation. It's budgeted, planned for, and I enjoy it. I'm not rich, I work like everyone else. But so do the people offering these great services for our vacation enjoyment and convenience.

Just so we're clear here...I was in no way suggesting people NOT tip GG (or anyone). I was merely pointing out to the original poster that as GG itself does not request or recommend tips, I'm sure whatever tip they give was much appreciated. And people should do whatever they're comfortable with.

I myself ALWAYS tip as I know I am more fortunate than many and greatly appreciate when I get great or even good service. I also believe you get better service if you do tip well. I learned this at an early age from my father and still follow it.

I realize I didn't explain myself fully in my original post because I was shooting it off in a hurry as I had an anxious toddler tugging at my leg, however, I ask you to please not jump to conclusions about people's motivations. I was merely trying to reassure the original poster so they didn't stress too much about their tip.

 

[Waggy182]

. . .however, I ask you to please not jump to conclusions about people's motivations. I was merely trying to reassure the original poster so they didn't stress too much about their tip.

Not really directed at you. My input was a culmination of numerous comments I have seen on the subject of tipping. Not directed at you whatsoever, I apologize that I did not make that clear.

I realize everyone needs to do what they are comfortable with. My aggravation is with the people who wave the flag of "I paid X number of dollars for this trip,. . . I don't need to tip. . ." or such nonsense. Really lights my fire.

Off soapbox now. . .

 

[jade1]

Not really directed at you. My input was a culmination of numerous comments I have seen on the subject of tipping. Not directed at you whatsoever, I apologize that I did not make that clear.

I realize everyone needs to do what they are comfortable with. My aggravation is with the people who wave the flag of "I paid X number of dollars for this trip,. . . I don't need to tip. . ." or such nonsense. Really lights my fire.

Off soapbox now. . .

I appreciate your input. I started it to promote a great experience and to inform others on ordering items not on the website (like alcohol). I threw down the tip comment to actually get feedback as I also want the service to thrive. The other point is since it was our first time we assumed we would tip on line (with the order) and then when they brought the order to our room as well. Well it turned out we picked the order up ourselves (actually DW) at 2AM so not exactly a tipping situation. Anyway we will be ordering for about 10 of us for June so we will see how large the order gets (I think around $500) and try to tip accordingly.

What would you tip on line and then in person if you ordered $500?

 

[hemispheredancer]

Can you call ahead to find out if they have a specific alcoholic beverage (Mike's Hard Cranberry) and are they in 6 or 12 packs? Looking to possible do this for snacks and breakfast items for a 5 day October trip.

 

[russct]

Quick question, when you ordered alcohol in comments area, how did they calculate your total cost-did they email you back confirming it would be with your order including total price with alcohol. Just wondering as not typically on their list of items. Thanks in advance!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I used them this past December and will again in November. They were great! We were in the room when they arrived and they packed everything away.

I did order beer and wine in Dec and was happy to hear that they will get rum and vodka for us on our next trip...we are more tropical cocktail drinkers.

They are very prompt at returning emails and phone calls as well....A+++ for their service!

ETA: I tipped online but I believe I gave the guy another tip in person...I was so grateful for the service.

 

[jade1]

Quick question, when you ordered alcohol in comments area, how did they calculate your total cost-did they email you back confirming it would be with your order including total price with alcohol. Just wondering as not typically on their list of items. Thanks in advance!

I actually meant to bring that up. When we ordered the bill was around $135, we did a $20 tip and put in comments we wanted a pineapple, a case of Mic Ultra, pint of Rum and 3 bottles of some specific but common Zin (DW would remember). So as far as we knew they would not deliver any of these items. To the delight of all, it was exactly what was asked for and DW received a call to pay for the balance of the order (after she arrived at WDW) which she did with a CC I believe.

As far specifics-I am convinced you could request a common size and quantity of alcohol and it will show up correctly. As for cost you may be able to call ahead but we just chose to wait and pay the difference.

 

[jade1]

Quick question, when you ordered alcohol in comments area, how did they calculate your total cost-did they email you back confirming it would be with your order including total price with alcohol. Just wondering as not typically on their list of items. Thanks in advance!

I'm going to see if DW can confirm what the extra charges were upon arrival and maybe we can see what the alcohol charges were. I looked through the thread and I am no longer sure on the original bill and the extra costs upon arrival. I can say to some degree its irrelevant to us because it worked so well and was worth the costs we paid.

 

[russct]

Thanks Jade1-I agree, who cares about the cost. CONVIENCE is everything. thx

 

[edgrlisa]

Thanx to everyone who replied to my posting!!!!!!! I just ordered from them yesterday and I must say it was relatively easy. Oh and by the way I did tip

 

[garnet1240]

How long before your trip do you place order?

 

[edgrlisa]

I placed my order on 5/14/07 and we will be arriving on 5/19/07

 

[jade1]

How long before your trip do you place order?

We did a week out as well but we were limitied to "after 5PM" the day we wanted because it was a little late. I think we will plan about 3 weeks out next time.

 

[LisaS]

How long before your trip do you place order?

I placed our order 3 weeks in advance and had my pick of delivery times but we were going at a time of year that's not too busy. They can only make so many deliveries per day so if you are going at a busy time, you will definitely want to order a few weeks ahead of time. Just be aware that your CC is charged at the time you place the order.

 

[cmd0819]

Hi,
If anyone has purchased alcohol from GardenGrocer, could you tell me how expensive you found it? I'm assuming it is at least cheaper than buying drinks at the pool or bar?

Thanks!

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

When stuff is delivered to bell services, do they put the cold stuff in a fridg while it waits for you to pick it up?

 

[LisaS]

When stuff is delivered to bell services, do they put the cold stuff in a fridg while it waits for you to pick it up?

Yes Bell Services will put your cold items in a refrigerator. Based on other posts I've read, they also have a freezer to hold your frozen foods.