Has anyone walked to Goodings from DD?

[Homesick]

We are planning a trip to OKW in Feb., and we are taking my sisters family with us. They would like to cook some meals in our room, so we need to take them grocery shopping. Stopping on the way to the resort is not an option. I was wondering, rather than taking a taxi to Goodings supermarket, can we walk from DD and then take a taxi back to OKW?
Also, is there a cheaper supermarket nearby that wouldn't cost much more for the taxi ride?
I know there are not a lot of bargains at Goodings, but it just seems to be the most convenient once you are at OKW. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[PamOKW]

I haven't done it, but if it weren't too hot it's probably possible. You would have to allow a good few hours for this trek so you might want to weigh your time against the cost of a cab. There is a Publix grocery that is about a 10 minute additional ride away from Gooding's. I'm not sure what the cab cost would be. It might eat up your grocery savings if you are not going to be doing a really big shopping trip.

 

[Homesick]

Thanks Pam.
I have only ever been to Goodings once, and that was in Jan. of '99. We took a taxi there and
in my memory, it didn't seem too far from DD. But evidently it would be quite a walk. Thanks for saving me from attempting it.

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not positive how long it is but I'm guessing at least a mile, and you've got to cross that very busy road and walk some once you are in the shopping center. Figure you have to wait 10 minutes for the bus....then it's 10 minutes to DD and add in a 30-40 minute walk you've spent an hour or more before you even get into the store. A cab will get you there in about 5 minutes.

 

[jimh13432]

I'm not sure if its quite a mile but I agree with Pam. Crossing at that intersection is NOT a good idea. Its definitely worth a taxi ride to Publix (or Goodings if you want to pay their prices).

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I did this trip in October. I didn't walk, but I rode out and back in my electric wheelchair. I took about twenty minutes each way at a speed equivalent to a very fast walk or a slow jog. I recon it was equivalent to a 30-40 minute walk DD to Crossroads. Its sidewalks all the way, much of it shaded with trees. Hotels are set back from the road somewhat, so you could get very wet running for cover if a rainstorm strikes.

ALL of the crossings have button controlled pedestrian lights, that even give you a countdown as to how many seconds before the cars are set loose again. I had no difficulty crossing the roads, including the big highway at Crossroads.

Goodings staff will call a taxi for your return, or you can use the phone in the lobby.

I also tried the Publix on the 192 down near Animal Kingdom Lodge. taxi fare abuot $15 (from Boardwalk)plus tip, each way. Crossroads a little less. Publ;ix was a bit bigger, but Goodings had by far the best delicatessan section.

There is also The Gourmey Pantry at the Marketplace. This has gone downhill in the last couple of years, but still has a few ready prepared meals, which just (and only just) have an edge over what you will be able to buy ar your resort's own store.

Andrew

 

[msdis]

Depending on your sense of adventure and how hot it is, I think it's a doable event. There are sidewalks the whole way, and there are crosswalk lights. If you stay on the left all the way down you should be fine. We have walked from the now Sheraton(formerly Day's Inn) next to Pizza Hut down to the shopping center and I really enjoy all the little businesses along the way. There is a LOT to offer in such a short distance. My thoughts are, if you can walk around Disney as much as we all do, then a little trek to the grocery store is no big deal. And if you find it too long a walk after you get there and do all your shopping, then call for a cab, at least you won't have to pay both ways. We usually pack all we can in 1-2 suitcases, then buy whatever else we need in the resort store. We bring the smaller, more expensive stuff from home and buy the bulkier items like beverages, bread, and some refrigerated things from the store. It may cost us 20 dollars MORE than at home for everything we buy, but if it saves us time and hassle and the cost of other transportation then it evens out.

 

[disneyvacationmom]

We walked from DD to Goodings in about 20 minutes. It was hot-middle of August but it was shaded most of the way. The crossings were fine with the pedestrian crossings. We bussed it to DD from our hotel and then did the walk. We stopped for a drink at the McDonalds and actually had fun. Very reasonable walk. Have fun.

 

[Caskbill]

According to my mapping software, which has always been extremely accurate, the distance along Hotel Plaza Blvd, beginning at the intersection with Buena Vista Drive, and ending with the intersection with CR535, is <b>0.85 miles.</b>

You would have a short walk from DD bus area to the beginning intersection, and once you cross CR535, you've got a decent little walk, a good long block or so.

Overall, I'd guess the total walk to be just a little over a mile.

For comparison, at Epcot, the walk around the lake at World Showcase is exactly 1-mile long. (I'll be posting more on this information in one of my Pathways Revealed reports this week).

If as others have said, you can cross route 535 OK, then you might just go for it.

Have a great time at Disney.

P.S., we won't be there in Feb, but had we been, we'd have been more than willing to have given you a ride. If you can state the exact date and approximate time you want to get groceries, maybe you'll find somebody here on the DIS who will need to get groceries also, and will have a car, and would be willing to help you out.

 

[vernon]

I've walked this in July, it was HOT but took only about 20 minutes. If you have a lot of shopping to do ( wih heavy items i.e. beer ) I would suggest a taxi. A possible compromise would be to walk there, eat at Crossroads ( I'd suggest Olive Garden or Jungle Jims depending on your taste) then take a taxi home.

 

[mickeyc]

In August while friends were shopping at DD I walked to Goodings. It took a little over 20 minutes and I am a fast walker. Depending upon how much time you have and amount of groceries it is a time consuming trip on foot. I did not mind the walk; however, if I had some time constraints I would take the taxi. Enjoy your vacation! Also, Publix has better prices.

 

[Homesick]

Thanks everyone for the information. I guess well just decide when we get there, depending on the weather, time, and if we feel like trying it. My wife and I were there in September, and after spending the morning walking around MGM, we walked from there to Boardwalk, then to Epcot, around the lake, and then out to the bus stops. We don't mind walking, but I don't think we'll do that again.
As I said, my sister wants to grocery shop to save some money on meals. My wife and I love eating at the restaurants, but we're only paying for two now, so I can understand her thinking. This is why we love DVC; because we can take our family members along, who I know would probably never have gone on their own.
I'm in that depressing time right now, waiting on our next trip, so its great to be able to come here and read all the great posts. Its nice to know there are other people out there who love WDW as much as we do. We live in a rural area, and people around here just keep asking us,"why would you want to keep going back?". Its hard to explain it to someone who's never been there. But I guess you all probably know that.
Thanks again.

 

[DeeP]

Just another thought.....
If you are going to pay for a taxi to take you back and also pay the higher prices at Goodings, why not just rent a car for the day and go to Publix? You can rent a car from National at the car care center near MK. National will come and pick you up at OKW and take you to get the car and do the reverse when you return the car. This way you will have a car for 24 hours and not only can you go grocery shopping but you could go to Beltz Outlets and anywhere else you want.

 

[Tigger1]

I did not see any mention of how you are getting to Disney. I assume you are flying in and possible taking Mears to Disney???

There is a service, called Tiffanys, that picks you up at the airport, will take you shopping for 30 minutes, then take you right to your hotel. When your stay is over they pick you up and take you to the airport. I think the service is about $75.00 round trip for everyone in your group. If there is 3 or more passengers you will likely save over other services and get to grocery shop. Also you do not have to wait for others to be dropped off at other hotels.

I learned about this service on this board. I have never used it since I drive but would if I flew. Others have posted very good reports about the service.

Hope this helps.

Tigger