grocery delivery questions - 1st timer

[Simba's Mom]

I did Walmart delivery for AoA in February. I downloaded the Walmart app and ordered my groceries through the app - I didn’t sign up for Walmart + but that was more expense than the one time delivery fee and I knew that I would never use Walmart+. I picked a delivery time within a couple of hours of my arrival time (flew in) and was sent an email stating that one of my items on the order wasn’t available and since I asked for no substitutions I was refunded that item. Delivery was made to bell services at AoA and I picked up the groceries both shelf stable and refrigerated once I located my room. I borrowed the luggage cart from bell services and took the items to my room myself - I did tip bell services when I returned the cart even though they didn’t technically deliver the groceries (they received them for me).

I placed the order with Walmart a couple of days in advance of leaving. They gave me a choice of dates and times to deliver. It was my firest time to do grocery delivery but it was very easy with Walmart.

Great to hear your review! We've used Instacart in the past, but we've decided that for price comparison (Instacart seems kind of expensive) we might go with Walmart next trip.

 

[mmouse50]

FYI - I just googled the closest Walmart location to AoA using the address on the Disney website.

 

[Souly127]

Ive read that the rooms do not have a refridgerator but can request a cooler. How do you keep items cold?

 

[snacks]

Ive read that the rooms do not have a refridgerator but can request a cooler. How do you keep items cold?

Every onsite room has a beverage cooler, a minifridge, or a full size refrigerator.

 

[WLWildlife]

If I am in a room with a beverage cooler I pack a collapsible cooler in my suitcase. I line it with a couple of garbage bags to prevent it from leaking and fill it with ice from the ice machine.

 

[dansdad]

Ive read that the rooms do not have a refridgerator but can request a cooler. How do you keep items cold?

Every room we've had, from Deluxe to Value, has had a mini fridge that keeps everything (dairy, leftovers, meds,etc) perfectly chilled/cold.

 

[WLWildlife]

I have stayed deluxe and value. The mini fridge in my studio is always great. My experience with the beverage cooler was the opposite. We had to throw a lot away because it wasn't cold enough. A cooler of ice keeps food COLD and left more room in the beverage cooler for drinks. I realize this is not an appealing option for everyone, but it works for us when we stay value.

 

[Souly127]

Thanks so much. Great idea for the collapse cooler with ice.

 

[kevinnissen]

We have done both Instacart and Amazon with no issues!

 

[Dbktmc]

Has anyone used Kroger for their delivery? I’ve used most services but I think I want to try Kroger this year.

 

[cloverkat]

Has anyone used Kroger for their delivery? I’ve used most services but I think I want to try Kroger this year.

I used Kroger the beginning of this month. and it worked out very well. I had to pay a delivery fee because I don’t have Kroger Boost but you get a lower fee depending on the delivery time chosen. I liked that I could get the sale prices and digital coupons that I would use at home.
I was also able to get $25 off my first delivery order from one of the Florida warehouses. I found that coupon by filtering coupons in the app for shipping offers.

 

[mlbrv]

I have used www.gardengrocer.com several times over the last few years and they have been great! I order about a week before my trip and it has always been delivered on time. Disney hotels do a great job of refrigerating any items that need it. I believe in 2023 the delivery fee was $15.00 from the website + gratuity. I do not remember if I was charged by the hotel. Super convenient to also order a case of water so you aren't spending so much at the parks.

 

[Dave006]

Has anyone used Kroger for their delivery? I’ve used most services but I think I want to try Kroger this year.

Yes Kroger has lower prices than Instacart that marks up every item. Kroger uses a fleet of their own Refrigerated trucks that deliver from a central distribution center. As @cloverkat commented, Kroger accepts digital coupons and, Kroger in-store sale prices.

Dave

 

[MyDogTink]

Related but slightly off OP’s topic- I chatted with DVC MS this morning. I plan on ordering non-perishables from Target. I asked how long bell services at VGF will hold the package. I was told one week and that there’s a fee for holding the package that ranges from $6 to $8 PER DAY. I was surprised at the per day statement but didn’t push it. I was told to include my name and arrival date on the package.

 

[Dave006]

Related but slightly off OP’s topic- I chatted with DVC MS this morning. I plan on ordering non-perishables from Target. I asked how long bell services at VGF will hold the package. I was told one week and that there’s a fee for holding the package that ranges from $6 to $8 PER DAY. I was surprised at the per day statement but didn’t push it. I was told to include my name and arrival date on the package.

Yes that is considered a mailed package. Same thing would happen with an Amazon web order, and those are even more expensive as Amazon may break up your order in to multiple boxes / envelopes. So yes there are additional security restrictions, and a daily fee. To avoid this fee go with a local delivery option or just pay fee.

Dave

 

[rdaky]

Has anyone used Kroger for their delivery? I’ve used most services but I think I want to try Kroger this year.

They are fantastic and they use refrigerated trucks and do not accept tips. As a local, we use them for our regular grocery haul, but they also deliver to the resorts. You can get a one time delivery fee for $9-10 if you don't already have their delivery subscription.

I'm sure I've said this before, but as a local, I would also be really hesitant to use some of the local grocery services, even if they have a great reputation among tourists. I know people who have worked for them for extra income and not only are their employees a revolving door because they're crappy places to work, your perishables will absolutely sit in the back of someone's hot car for 2-3 hours, depending on how many deliveries the driver is expected to handle at a time.