Grocery Stores on Xmas Eve?

[pbharris4]

Are the grocery stores open later in the evening on Xmas Eve (like 6pm or later)? We're planning on getting just a few things, but don't check in until Xmas Eve. I am sure Wal Mart will be open, but who knows what those lines will be like! What about Publix or Goodings?

 

[MissD]

Just about all stores--even the 24 hour Wal-Marts--close at 6 PM on Christmas Eve.

 

[pbharris4]

That's what I was thinking. Thanks for the info! Are all things Disney i.e. restaurants, parks, transportation closed as wll at 6pm?

 

[MissD]

Hmmm. I'm not sure about that one, but I would think the park hours are on the WDW website.

DH is a postal worker so we have never been able to vacation that close to Christmas.

We need some pixiedust that they will let him have a few days in Mid-Dec this year---or else DS and I will have to leave him home

 

[Doctor P]

Christmas Eve is a big night at WDW and the parks tend to be open much later than 6:00 pm. We have done Candlelight Processional twice on Xmas Eve and in one case went to DD afterwards.

 

[pbharris4]

Thanks! This is our 1st Xmas there and besides the decorations and a few events, I don't know what to expect.

MissD...sending some pixiedust your way...


Pam

 

[Deb & Bill]

The hotel store should have milk, bread, etc if you need to purchase a few things after you get there and the grocery stores are closed.

 

[MissD]

Thanks! This is our 1st Xmas there and besides the decorations and a few events, I don't know what to expect.

MissD...sending some pixiedust your way...


Pam

Thanks Pam!
Hope you have a fabulous and magical holiday trip!

 

[disneybride96]

I manage a grocery store. Although not in FL, if all holds true, you do not want to be at a grocery store at 6pm on Christmas Eve. It every year it amazes me that our society can never plan ahead. I let a lady in after close one year because there was something she just had to have....popcicles. You will have enough lines to stand in at WDW...forget the grocery if at all possible.

 

[canwegosoon]

You could email Publix to ask when they usually close for Christmas Eve.

 

[MissD]

You could email Publix to ask when they usually close for Christmas Eve.

We've lived in FL for 20+ years. Everything-Publix, Wal-mart, Goodings, Winn-Dixie, etc. closes at 6 on Christmas Eve. Wal-Mart usually reopens at 9 PM Christmas night (or at least that's what they did when I worked there), but I'm not sure about the others reopen.

The chain restaurants close as well. We learned this the hard way the first year--after 5 PM church services, we ended up having Christmas Eve dinner at Burger King...the only place open for miles.

Pam, Gardengrocer.com may be an option for you. You can have your items waiting for you when you arrive.

 

[dvc guy]

Everything at WDW is open on Christmas eve.
I was amazed how many chain restaurants and other tourist type places were open on Christmas eve and Christmas day.To be safe make Dining plans on property and enjoy. We are headed back for our 8th holiday trip

 

[dgaston]

I pre-ordered a turkey and fixings from Publix and was able to pick it up about 4pm. WDW was open until midnight at several venues, including MK. We had Christmas Eve dinner at Rose and Crown and thoroughly enjoyed the holiday 9:30 IllumiNations show.

 

[pbharris4]

Thank you all! I'm going to try to get to a grocery store for a few things. If not I could hit the resort store for the milk, oj, etc. We're picky about the brands we like..like Tropicana OJ with no pulp. We're a PFF..Pulp Free Family.

I also have a 3 yo. need I say more? She loves to dip her salad in ketchup! Eww...I know. If it looks different, smells different in any way..it's not the same. Gardengrocer.com does sound like a good idea. I'll have to check that out.

 

[PamOKW]

The parks will be open late. I can't be 100% sure but I seem to recall that Goodings' never closes -- at least that used to be the case. You might try sending them an e-mail. They have a site www.goodings.com

You mention this is your first Christmas at WDW and don't know what to expect. My first time I didn't expect to have really cold weather. So many things are at night that it was a problem when temps were in the high 30'-low 40's. Another trip at Christmas, it never did get that cold. My advice (I think it's still on my tag) -- bring gloves (priceless), a hat, and fleece to layer...just in case. If you're coming from somewhere cold, go ahead and bring the jacket you wear to the airport. Hope it stays in the closet at WDW but you might be happy to have it. Also pack your swim suit and shorts. Could be you'll need all of them on the same trip.