I like to choose my own fruit!

[rentayenta]

Wondering what the most cost effective way (transportation and store) to buy groceries for our trip? We won't have a car. I like to choose my own food especially produce and meat. We ordered from Garden Grocer in 2007 and while it was fine it was mostly snacky/breakfast food as we were at the POR. This time we'll be at SSR and THV and want to take advantage of the grill at the THV.

I guess my question is how can I get to the best store cheap?

 

[JWG]

Since you're staying at SSR, I'd almost guess it's cheapest to cab through the "Disney Resort Area Hotes" (all the non-Disney hotels across from DTD) and to the little grocery store at the end of that street right off property.

Many will likely tell you to go to a Publix down the street or over to the closes Walmart or Target, but I think the additional cab fare would offset any additional savings on the food items.

I haven't been to the closest Target, apparently it's new (year old) and it's never come up on our Garmin. We, when we have a car, have always gone to the Target down International Drive. It's horrible. Always out of most common things you want. Wouldn't want to cab there and then not be able to get what you want.

 

[allshookup]

I agree that a cab is your best bet, but if I were you I would call around for the best price. We asked up front at Yellow Cab & they quoted up $10 to Winn Dixie. That was a few years ago, and I heard it went up but it should only be maybe $12 one way now? Just have them drop you off at Winn Dixie, Publix or Walmart & call when you are done. Goodings is closer, but much more expensive & IMHO, if you get the Winn Dixie or Publix discount card it will definitely offset the cost of the cab. You can even buy some T-shirts or other Florida souvenirs for much less than what you'd pay at WDW.

 

[TDS'93]

We stayed at SSR last March and rented a car from Dollar for a single day. They have a desk in the Regal Sun just across the street from Downtown Disney. We were able to walk over and back. It was only about $30 for the day. We picked it up in the morning and returned it the next morning. We did a grocery run, as well as a few other stops.

 

[jco_direwolf]

One day Rental Car from National, Pickup/Dropoff at Dolphin/Swan was $33 including all the taxes and fees.

We hit the Target and Publix off 192 (Right across the road from each other.) We have a 1yo so there is no way we could carry on a plane the diapers and milk we need.

It doesn't take too many Disney meals/sodas before it's break even for the $33. And both stores are open late, so dad goes out while the little ones sleeps.

johno

 

[rentayenta]

to everyone for the replies. If DH and the kids make me do a day at Universal than renting a car might be the way to go but I cannot imagine going to Universal before MK.

I agree that a cab is your best bet, but if I were you I would call around for the best price. We asked up front at Yellow Cab & they quoted up $10 to Winn Dixie. That was a few years ago, and I heard it went up but it should only be maybe $12 one way now? Just have them drop you off at Winn Dixie, Publix or Walmart & call when you are done. Goodings is closer, but much more expensive & IMHO, if you get the Winn Dixie or Publix discount card it will definitely offset the cost of the cab. You can even buy some T-shirts or other Florida souvenirs for much less than what you'd pay at WDW.

I haven't been to a Winn Dixie or Publix before, are they regular supermarkets like Kroger or Albertson's (now Fresh Market)?


I am thinking the cab might be the way to go especially if it's just like $15 each way and we don't do anything other than WDW which is my preference.

 

[SLM]

I'm picky about fruit and fresh vegetables, but I let the people from Marge's business (WeGo?) pick our things last year. I was able to check everything when it arrived and was fine. She assured me I didn't have to take anything I didn't want, but we stuck to easy things-grapes, watermelon, bananas, a few oranges and we ate it all. I specified organic for the baby carrots and got exactly what I wanted. My husband said it's so worth not going to the grocery store, lugging bags upstairs...

 

[ddoconnell]

Publix & Winn Dixie are both just as good as Kroger, so either one would be fine. If we ever fly down, we rent a car to do the grocery run as well as any other errands we need to do off property...it runs about $30 or so because we don't have to get a "Family" car to hold everyone, just the one person to make the different runs. Then we control when and where we go...we have had to hit 3 stores sometimes to find the one thing we really needed. Good luck!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm picky about fruit and fresh vegetables, but I let the people from Marge's business (WeGo?) pick our things last year. I was able to check everything when it arrived and was fine. She assured me I didn't have to take anything I didn't want, but we stuck to easy things-grapes, watermelon, bananas, a few oranges and we ate it all. I specified organic for the baby carrots and got exactly what I wanted. My husband said it's so worth not going to the grocery store, lugging bags upstairs...

That's good to know. What is WeGo? It sounds like a delivery service and it's best to be there when they deliver so I can check it all out.

Publix & Winn Dixie are both just as good as Kroger, so either one would be fine. If we ever fly down, we rent a car to do the grocery run as well as any other errands we need to do off property...it runs about $30 or so because we don't have to get a "Family" car to hold everyone, just the one person to make the different runs. Then we control when and where we go...we have had to hit 3 stores sometimes to find the one thing we really needed. Good luck!

My favorite is Whole Foods but a Kroger-like store will suffice. I love Win-Co. Thier bulk section makes me happy.

 

[Cee]

Last time we were staying at SSR/THV we had a car and went to the Winn Dixie.

 

[FindTheMickeys]

If we're planning on eating in the room a lot, we rent a car on the first day in Orlando and go to Publix. This year, we're also doing a day at Universal so we'll get double duty out of the car rental...

 

[jco_direwolf]

I haven't been to a Winn Dixie or Publix before, are they regular supermarkets like Kroger or Albertson's (now Fresh Market)?

My mom who is lived for many years in Ohio, but has lived in FL for 20 years. STILL talks about going to Kroger's when she MEANS Publix.

Publix and Winn Dixie are just the chains in the south. If you like Albertson's there should be one down there too. There are also Super Targets (one east and one west of WDW) which have the supermarkets in them.

 

[rentayenta]

Last time we were staying at SSR/THV we had a car and went to the Winn Dixie.

Did you use your grill at the THV? I have this imagage of sitting on the deck, having a drink, kids playing, and DH grilling.

If we're planning on eating in the room a lot, we rent a car on the first day in Orlando and go to Publix. This year, we're also doing a day at Universal so we'll get double duty out of the car rental...

For sure breakfast daily, my 11 y/o makes a mean omlette, and we'll grill for dinner a couple of times- just chill enjoy the resort and our villa. Plus we'll need these late night munchies and midday snacks. About getting a car and Universal- we'd have to shop and do Universal the same day. Does rope drop have the same importance at Universal as it does at WDW? I'd want to have our food the day we arrive so we'd have to rent the car two days since flying from SLC won't get us there until 4 pm at the earliest.

My mom who is lived for many years in Ohio, but has lived in FL for 20 years. STILL talks about going to Kroger's when she MEANS Publix.

Publix and Winn Dixie are just the chains in the south. If you like Albertson's there should be one down there too. There are also Super Targets (one east and one west of WDW) which have the supermarkets in them.

Good to know,thanks! We have Super Targets here too. I prefer to shop where I am familiar, for food anyway.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I agree with the renting of a car for a day. You can grocery shop and also eat off property while you have the car which will save you money. Renting a car usually cost us between $25=$30 dollars.
There is also an Avis rental counter at the Hilton which is like an 8 minute walk from DTD.
We ususally rent a car on our 2nd day that way if we have forgotten any toiletries we can pick those up on the grocery run.

 

[spiceycat]

here are the ones that are across from one another
target - the first one (if this is gone put in zipcode 32830 in find store locator)
http://sites.target.com/site/en/spo...tingLong=-81.56782661558478&_requestid=817600


here is publix
http://store.publix.com/publix/cgi/...me=&region=&place=32830&mapx=&mapy=&x=47&y=12


us 192 is changing it name to 530. not sure why?


also next to the walmart on 532 across the street is a Publix - this is an older publix.

there is another publix
http://store.publix.com/publix/cgi/...ame=&region=&place=32830&mapx=&mapy=&x=64&y=7

here is the walmart - the first one vineland

http://www.walmart.com/storeLocator...tt=ALL&rx_title=&rx_dest=/index.gsp&x=30&y=10

 

[dianeschlicht]

We like the Publix on 530 and have a discount card there that we use every trip. LOVE their bakery department. They have decent produce too.

 

[dgaston]

Publix also stocks Boar Head's meats and cheeses in their deli, and has the best desserts in the bakery. You can go online and see all the different choices. I've also ordered holiday dinners in the box from the deli. I am definitely a Publix fan.

 

[rentayenta]

I agree with the renting of a car for a day. You can grocery shop and also eat off property while you have the car which will save you money. Renting a car usually cost us between $25=$30 dollars.
There is also an Avis rental counter at the Hilton which is like an 8 minute walk from DTD.
We ususally rent a car on our 2nd day that way if we have forgotten any toiletries we can pick those up on the grocery run.

And with us being at SSR, I hear DTD is close.

here are the ones that are across from one another
target - the first one (if this is gone put in zipcode 32830 in find store locator)
http://sites.target.com/site/en/spo...tingLong=-81.56782661558478&_requestid=817600


here is publix
http://store.publix.com/publix/cgi/...me=&region=&place=32830&mapx=&mapy=&x=47&y=12


us 192 is changing it name to 530. not sure why?


also next to the walmart on 532 across the street is a Publix - this is an older publix.

there is another publix
http://store.publix.com/publix/cgi/...ame=&region=&place=32830&mapx=&mapy=&x=64&y=7

here is the walmart - the first one vineland

http://www.walmart.com/storeLocator...tt=ALL&rx_title=&rx_dest=/index.gsp&x=30&y=10

This is great, thanks for the info!

We like the Publix on 530 and have a discount card there that we use every trip. LOVE their bakery department. They have decent produce too.

How can I get a discount card? Is it free?

Publix also stocks Boar Head's meats and cheeses in their deli, and has the best desserts in the bakery. You can go online and see all the different choices. I've also ordered holiday dinners in the box from the deli. I am definitely a Publix fan.

Sounds like the best option.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

How can I get a discount card? Is it free?

Publix has no discount card, they discount things and do a lot of buy one get one free. Winn Dixie has a discount card and you can apply for it right there at the store and get it, no cost. Albertson's are no longer in Florida, they all closed several months ago!

 

[rentayenta]

Publix has no discount card, they discount things and do a lot of buy one get one free. Winn Dixie has a discount card and you can apply for it right there at the store and get it, no cost. Albertson's are no longer in Florida, they all closed several months ago!

Our Albertson's closed too and became Fresh Markets. Still as spendy as Albertson's though. I don't see them lasting long.