Gas stations in Orlando area--how bad?

[Cindy B]

I've been reading trip reports/comments on how there have been some gas station issues due to supply/demand-power issues, and other things.

How bad is it? We are leaving soon (very soon!). I'll tank up in GA, on the drive down, but I will eventually have to get some in Orlando area.

Is the prices hideous? They're all about $1.75 per gallon here.

 

[orvilleair]

Bump. Couple of dudes from my town started a web site called gaspricewatch.com. You search by zip code. I tried the web site, and the prices were more than 4 days old ($1.73).

 

[poohandwendy]

I don't know how they are now, but the day after the hurricane (sat night), the night we were leaving WDW for home...we ran out of gas at a gas station...yes AT the actual gas station. We went from station to station trying to find gas and NONE...for about 10 miles!!! I mean NONE..... (don't ask why we only started out with less than a 1/4 tank...we hadn't used our car all week and just didn't think!

But, our story has a REALLY happy ending, if you will endulge me a few minutes......

While inside the gas station, my DD and I were standing in line to see if we could get the clerk to find a phone # for a taxi cab while my DH and son were trying to find a store open that carried gas cans... We were REALLY in a huge bind...AAA had me on hold for FOREVER, we really did not know what to do. A young man in line behind me overheard our predicament (I think my saying I would like to slit my wrists and end it all now may have caught his attention, LOL...we really were in a bad way we had no idea if there was ANY gas even anywhere near our location).

He said, "Don't worry, I'll help you get gas, I have a can at home." Well, being the suspicious type and the fact that he was a bit rough around the edges, I wasn't too sure about him. But he insisted that he could help. My DH ended up leaving with him (THAT was a scary thing, I thought for sure he was going to rob my DH and leave him on the highway) We were desperate for help, exhausted, totally out of our element and not using the best judgement that night.....and my DH is 6'5" and weighs about 260...so I sort of felt sure that he could handle this guy...but, still pretty scary.

Sure enough, 20 minutes later they returned with a can full of gas! He apparently had filled it that morning, just in case. To top it off...he vehemently refused any payment whatsoever (actually was insulted that we offered, I think)...I gave him a HUGE hug and told him he was an angel! He said, "You know, as a local, I see myself as the host and you as the guest, what goes around comes around.... someday I may need help" I couldn't agree with his sentiments more. And we will be sure to pass along the favor when we have the opportunity presents itself. ...Unfortunately, we were so beside ourselves with relief, we didn't get his name. I really could KICK myself for that.

I have the address for the local Orlando newspaper and am sending them a letter to the editor to thank him, I hope it is published so that we can at least recognize his wonderful generosity and act of kindness. I am sure he will know who we are talking about. It was...yet again....another example that there really are GOOD people out there...and one should never judge a book by it's cover.

I am so incredibly thankful for our 'mysterious angel'...if you happen to be a DIS member.....God Bless you and yours!

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Gas ranges anywhere from $1.65 to $1.75 right now here, IF you can find it. I've seen very, very, very long lines for gas all week long if you can find a station that has it. I lucked out and got gas right when Costco got their shipment 2 days ago.

 

[beavismom]

Things are getting back to normal here and most stations have gas now. The prices are averaging around $1.75-$1.80. They are not allowed to raise the prices due to the hurricane and will be reported and fined if they do.

 

[Cindy B]

So, in about 3 days, it should be better?

We will top off in GA, but I know we will need some when we get there.

$1.75 is about average here as well.--at least we get full serve for nothing. The one nice thing is never having to pump your own gas!

How will you know if a station doesn't have gas? (I have visions of running on fumes because no gas station near Universal has any gas?)

Does anyone know if the BJ's on Conroy has a gas station attached to it?

 

[poohandwendy]

How will you know if a station doesn't have gas? (I have visions of running on fumes because no gas station near Universal has any gas?)

LOL, that was the biggest problem for us, knowing which stations didn't have gas. At least on saturday, there was so much confusion. At every station we tried (unsuccessfully) people were parked at the pumps just standing there...why, I do not know, I guess they thought the gas would just materialize somehow. It made you think they were actually getting gas, then you would pull up and sure enough...no gas.

Look for plastic bags covering the actual pumps.

Honestly, I would imagine this is getting better every day. And by the time you go, it may be a non-issue. I wouldn't get too worked up about it, just try to make sure you always have at least a 1/2 tank. With that much gas, it is unlikely you will ever be THAT far from fuel. Maybe see if you can find the phone #'s of a few easy-tofind gas stations down there and call them while you are there to get an update of their fuel status?

Hope you have a great trip!!!

 

[syncer55]

Doesn't look good with the recent news about rising oil prices again.

 

[RitaZ.]

We were in Orlando in June and at WDW right before Charley hit. Both times, the gas pricer were lower than what we are paying where we live.

 

[GaTech]

Some helpful links...

GasBuddy for low & high gas prices by city. Just enter your zip code at the top and it will list the lowest gas prices by station.

AAA Fuel Cost Calculator to calculate your total trip cost.

 

[JayBee]

Cindy-I'd fill up my tank about 30-45 minutes before you get to Orlando-a full tank should last -right? WE never use our car at WDW, just the WDW transportation.