Grocery stop -- need help choosing store -- thanks!

[Miffy]

Not sure if Transportation is the right forum for this question, but I wasn't sure where else to post.

We're taking the train to Orlando in a couple of weeks and are using a town car service to get to WL. We intend to take advantage of the grocery stop, but I'm not sure which grocery store to request, since I don't know what kinds of selections Florida grocery stores offer.

One of the main things we want to get is fresh fruit, and I want to make sure we stop at a store that will have a good, fresh selection. Also, we'll be picking up bottled water, and I'd like a decent selection in that department, too.

Will Publix fit the bill? Any particular location?

I was thinking of requesting Whole Foods, but in NYC their prices for things like a case of bottled water are ridiculously high, and they don't carry a couple of other essential items we want to get.

I've actually been thinking of doing a combo -- grocery stop + Garden Grocer. Or is that unnecessary?

Thanks for any light you can shed on this!

 

[pepe of ohio]

We do the train and there's a Publix in route from the Kissimmee station and I believe there's one around the Orlando as well....we prefer Publix for their Boars Head deli......their veggie and fruit section was decent in selection....prices are not bad......

Doing a delivery service and grocery stop seems like over kill to me....the delivery fee alone will eat up any savings......you can pick up most anything at Publix's....it's just for a weeks vacation.......

 

[pepe of ohio]

On route 193, that heads into WDW, there's a Sam's Club too, if you're into that type of shopping.....when our daughter sometimes picks us up, we stop there.......alcohol added store on the outside......but for regular shopping, can't beat Publix.....but there's Walmart, Target too but they are usually jam packed....Publix is not that huge of a store......wife does the deli meats and cheeses and I cruise the rest of the store for other items.....rarely in there 30 minutes but come out with a buggy full......

 

[Miffy]

Thanks, Pepe.

We're getting off in Orlando. I have to admit that I've never been in a Sam's Club, so I'm not sure what the selection would be.

We're mainly looking for some grocery store staples (water, milk, toilet paper, and of course beer!) and fresh fruit. The deli's probably not relevant, since we're vegetarians, although good bread and cheese are welcome. I think this makes the Publix sound fine.

We'll have a list--and high incentive to get to WL as soon as possible!--so we'll be in and out quickly.

Thanks, Pepe, for your posts. As always, very helpful.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Thanks, Pepe.

We're getting off in Orlando. I have to admit that I've never been in a Sam's Club, so I'm not sure what the selection would be.

We're mainly looking for some grocery store staples (water, milk, toilet paper, and of course beer!) and fresh fruit. The deli's probably not relevant, since we're vegetarians, although good bread and cheese are welcome. I think this makes the Publix sound fine.

We'll have a list--and high incentive to get to WL as soon as possible!--so we'll be in and out quickly.

Thanks, Pepe, for your posts. As always, very helpful.

What can I say.....using the train, a car service, grocery stop and staying at WL....you're my hero......have a great trip and do report back!!

 

[Miffy]

We leave in 16 days and 4 hours! I couldn't be more psyched!!!!!!

Pepe -- You are my hero! So much great advice and help.

Have a wonderful day today.

 

[OKW Lover]

Publix is a good choice for what you need. Good prices and a large selection.

I'm curious about a couple of things though:

• You mention wanting a decent selection of bottled water. What are you looking for? Different sizes? Specific brands? Anyway, you'll likely find what you're looking for at Publix.
• You also mentioned toilet paper. You can cross that one off the list since they will provide that at WL. Or are you looking for something special?

 

[Miffy]

Publix is a good choice for what you need. Good prices and a large selection.

I'm curious about a couple of things though:

• You mention wanting a decent selection of bottled water. What are you looking for? Different sizes? Specific brands? Anyway, you'll likely find what you're looking for at Publix.
• You also mentioned toilet paper. You can cross that one off the list since they will provide that at WL. Or are you looking for something special?

I'd prefer Poland Spring--I want to get a case or 2 of water in a size that's easy to carry around to the parks.

As for toilet paper, well, I like Charmin Ultra Soft. I always bring my own. Embarrassing to admit, but true!

 

[OKW Lover]

Makes sense. I'm not sure you'll find Poland Springs (aren't they mostly found in the NorthEast?) but you'll find some good quality choices at Publix.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We leave in 16 days and 4 hours! I couldn't be more psyched!!!!!!

Pepe -- You are my hero! So much great advice and help.

Have a wonderful day today.

I'm jealous but we're at 56 days before returning to WL, over 10 stays there and really lost count.....make sure you catch the movie on the beach, take some microwave pop corn and pop in the QS and head on down with a cooler of beverages.....really neat to unwind and then catch the Electrical Parade.....

 

[chartle]

Thanks, Pepe.

1. We're getting off in Orlando. I have to admit that I've never been in a Sam's Club, so I'm not sure what the selection would be.

2. We're mainly looking for some grocery store staples (water, milk, toilet paper, and of course beer!) and fresh fruit. The deli's probably not relevant, since we're vegetarians, although good bread and cheese are welcome. I think this makes the Publix sound fine.

We'll have a list--and high incentive to get to WL as soon as possible!--so we'll be in and out quickly.

Thanks, Pepe, for your posts. As always, very helpful.

1. Sams is a warehouse club so while they have veggies and fruit its in large quantity and you buy a bag not hand pick everything.

2. Though I have never been to a Publix, it looks like the mainline A&P, Kroger's, Giant Eagle (our area), maybe Wegman's for you supermarket and sounds like what you want.

 

[Halle]

I'd prefer Poland Spring--I want to get a case or 2 of water in a size that's easy to carry around to the parks.

As for toilet paper, well, I like Charmin Ultra Soft. I always bring my own. Embarrassing to admit, but true!

WOW!!! DH and I prefer Poland Springs and Charmin (I pack the later). I don't know if Publix carries PS water but I do know that Whole Foods carries the PS Sparkling water. We use WEGO Shop for grocery delivery, they will go to more than one store for no additional charge. Have a great stay.

 

[Miffy]

WOW!!! DH and I prefer Poland Springs and Charmin (I pack the later). I don't know if Publix carries PS water but I do know that Whole Foods carries the PS Sparkling water. We use WEGO Shop for grocery delivery, they will go to more than one store for no additional charge. Have a great stay.

I usually pack the tp, too, and will pack some even with the grocery stop!

I'm getting plain old spring water, not sparkling. I definitely don't want to chance not having lots of water, which is a necessity in Orlando. I can't even brush my teeth with the tap water!

I've been thinking about having the groceries delivered, instead, which is what I've done when I've flown and used DME. I've got nearly 2 more weeks to make this Very Important Decision!

 

[Lewisc]

Poland Springs is owned by Nestle. I think it's a regional brand.

The car service/driver has a say in where you stop. Many places won't offer a free stop at a store like COSTCO, Sams Club and sometimes stores like WalMart and Target. Too many guests can't finish and check out in the time allocated for a free stop. They also won't stop at store which is out of the way, both distance wise and time wise. Whole Foods may be in that category.

I'm sure a driver will stop wherever you want, as long as you're willing to pay extra.

edited to add Poland Springs is a regional brand. Available in NY, MA, VT, NH, NJ, CT, RI and PA. Zephyrhills is their regional brand available in Florida.