Groceries outside Disney vs at resort

[wiccan92]

So I know a lot of people utilize places like Garden Grocer to have their groceries delivered but my family does not feel it would be worth it for our trip. We are not big on breakfast meals so we figure on bringing our own dry goods/non-cold items from home. My question is, what about cold stuff? Is it better to stop at a store around Disney or to grab the few items we need in a resort store?

 

[jeepnjudy]

If you have transportation, the grocery stores will typically be cheaper than buying anything within the resort stores. However, if you lack transportation then it would be more costly once you pay for a taxi.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

We have transportation, since we drive to Disney.

But we tend to bring everything we need for breakfast.

And we don't go off site unless we have to. Nor do we have grocery delivery.

 

[jiminy14]

There are a couple Speedway (old Hess) stations on property where you could pick up some cold items like milk and juice. They would probably be cheaper than the resort gift shops. Not sure where you are staying, but the one across from the Boardwalk is probably the easiest one to get in and out of. There is also a Super Target and a Publix about 10 minutes from the Animal Kingdom Lodge and a Walmart that is not too far from Disney Springs.

 

[PlainJane]

We've shopped the grocery stores, Walmart, Target, the hotel store, and brought food that wouldn't require a cooler from home.

If we're staying a week or less, and especially if we're in a small unit (regular room or studio) and definitely if we don't have a car we've often relied on the hotel stores.

Walmart will be cheaper, but it's kind of far and for just a few items it would not be worth the time spent to me.

Another thing to consider for bigger shopping trips is the resort type you are staying at. When we stay at a resort with parking right by our door (ex. OKW) unloading a big shopping run is a breeze. When staying at a resort with interior hallways and far away parking (ex. BWV) it becomes much more of a hassle. You could enlist bell services, but that eats into your savings.

 

[wiccan92]

We are taking the Auto Train so transportation won't be an issue, we will have our car. But we definitely don't want to waste too much time driving and shopping around. We are staying at CBR if that helps.

The Speedway station could work - we could just grab what we need at the end of our first night. Is it typically open late?
What about a convenience store instead of a grocery store? (I'm from NJ and we have Wawa's every few blocks!).

 

[PlainJane]

If you're staying at CBR, you'll be pretty close to the HESS by Boardwalk. Otherwise if you drive in by the one across from Disney Springs that would be on the way to CBR.

In my experience they've never price gouged on gas, like the stations right outside the gates, so I'd be most likely to go there for price.

Whatever you do, do not go to the grocery store right outside Disney Springs. It is crazy expensive.

 

[jiminy14]

The Speedway stores are convenience stores similar to Wawa but without the deli counter and hoagies. They have a cold case which contains milk, juice, beer, and some frozen items. They also sell a small selection of grocery staples like bread, soda, and water. The prices are pretty good but not as competitive as some of the grocery stores. The Speedway across from the Boardwalk would probably be your best bet. CBR is located midway between both the Disney Springs and Boardwalk stores. Based on the nightmare that traffic can be around Disney Springs, I would suggest going to the Boardwalk area store.
If you need gas while at Disney, they offer the best prices in the area. BTW, Wawa has opened several stores in the Orlando area with one located about 10 minutes from the AKL should you need a Wawa hoagie fix.

 

[PlainJane]

The Speedway stores are convenience stores similar to Wawa but without the deli counter and hoagies. They have a cold case which contains milk, juice, beer, and some frozen items. They also sell a small selection of grocery staples like bread, soda, and water. The prices are pretty good but not as competitive as some of the grocery stores. The Speedway across from the Boardwalk would probably be your best bet. CBR is located midway between both the Disney Springs and Boardwalk stores. Based on the nightmare that traffic can be around Disney Springs, I would suggest going to the Boardwalk area store.
If you need gas while at Disney, they offer the best prices in the area. BTW, Wawa has opened several stores in the Orlando area with one located about 10 minutes from the AKL should you need a Wawa hoagie fix.

Whoops! I didn't realize they had changed over from Hess to Speedway.

 

[ElenaRN]

We rent a car and hubby always takes a trip to the grocery store on our first night after kids are in bed. It's much cheaper than the resort stores.

 

[RebYork]

We will be staying at AoA May 23-28. We expect that our room will not be ready when we arrive on the 23rd, so we are not going to buy any groceries then. We will try to go later that night to shop and we wanted to go to a supermarket like wal mart or publix. Where is the nearest publix, wal-mart, or target located? Could someone show a map of where these are located as far as how far off the grounds? Also, is it possible to get a microwave for a room at Little Mermaid, for a fee of course? Thanks!!!

 

[Halle]

There is a Winn Dixie about three miles from Disney Springs. Goodings is the crazy expensive store that a previous poster referred to.

 

[wiccan92]

If you're staying at CBR, you'll be pretty close to the HESS by Boardwalk. Otherwise if you drive in by the one across from Disney Springs that would be on the way to CBR.

In my experience they've never price gouged on gas, like the stations right outside the gates, so I'd be most likely to go there for price.

Whatever you do, do not go to the grocery store right outside Disney Springs. It is crazy expensive.

The Speedway stores are convenience stores similar to Wawa but without the deli counter and hoagies. They have a cold case which contains milk, juice, beer, and some frozen items. They also sell a small selection of grocery staples like bread, soda, and water. The prices are pretty good but not as competitive as some of the grocery stores. The Speedway across from the Boardwalk would probably be your best bet. CBR is located midway between both the Disney Springs and Boardwalk stores. Based on the nightmare that traffic can be around Disney Springs, I would suggest going to the Boardwalk area store.
If you need gas while at Disney, they offer the best prices in the area. BTW, Wawa has opened several stores in the Orlando area with one located about 10 minutes from the AKL should you need a Wawa hoagie fix.

HALLELUJAH!! Wawa is a staple in this area lol It's not even the hoagie fix that some of us may need, it'll be the coffee! Thank you both for your input on where to grab my groceries. This definitely helps a lot.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you have a car and are shopping for groceries, you might want to get into the room and be sure you have a working refrigerator before buying any cold stuff.

Taking Hotel Plaza Blvd from Disney Springs marketplace, go to the end. Turn left (onto Rte. 535 and away from the expensive Goodings market straight across). Straight through next light, not following 535 which goes left. A few blocks on the right is a less expensive market, either a Winn Dixie or a Publix I forget which.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[wiccan92]

Another quick question, I saw a pic of the fridge in CBR but it didn't do it much justice. Would you say it's smaller than a dorm room fridge? Big enough to hold a gallon of milk and creamer right?

 

[sarah4770]

Another quick question, I saw a pic of the fridge in CBR but it didn't do it much justice. Would you say it's smaller than a dorm room fridge? Big enough to hold a gallon of milk and creamer right?

Half a gallon maybe. I never tried a gallon. If you run out, as far as milk and bread the resort stores are more expensive, but not outrageous.

 

[5kidsmommy]

It will hold a gallon of milk, we stayed at CBR in November. They are basically dorm fridges. minus the freezer space.