Most economical approach

[GoofyJ]

Which is more economical, shipping packages of snacks and beverages, renting a car for a grocery run or using one of the grocery delivery services?

Shipping food and beverages is probably out just from a cost standpoint.

We understand checking rental rates online, but where/ how to get to the 'on site car rental agency.' What about refueling prior to returning, where is the closest store with alcohol, etc...

Grocery service would probably be best but unsure of which one, both seem to have favorable posts. How are they at selecting fresh fruits which seem to spoil so quickly?

We are staying at BLT 10/2/11 - 10/8/11 and doing the dining plan so groceries should be limited to snacks and beverages; 2 plus cases of beer, 5 plus wines and numerous juice and milk and fresh fruits.

 

[seelyt2]

We've never rented a car or had items shipped, so I can only speak from my own experience. I have packed light, non-perishsable items in my suitcase like mac-n-cheese, noodle side dishes, coffee, filters, powder laundry detergent, etc, making sure that I didn't go over airline guidelines for additional weight charge. I ordered the rest of the heavy and perishable items from Garden Grocer. What might factor in here is how much were you willing to spend in groceries and are you cooking all/most of your meals? At GG you can get free delivery over $200, which is what we did. $200 might sound like a lot, but it's what I normally spend in a week anyhow. If I remember right, if you spend under $200 the delivery fee is $12. Still not bad, but I was determined to get to that $200 mark even if it meant taking away goodies in the park (forgo ice-cream, popcorn , water, soda, etc.) because I had purchased them instead through GG. This system might not work for everyone, but since we don't rent a car it works for us. I have seen a poster who ordered some items from Amazon and got free delivery. That wouldn't be a bad option, either.

My advice is plan a menu, see how much it costs and do a cost comparison. Good luck and happy planning!

 

[Chellymouse]

We have been using Garden Grocer for the last 4 years and we love them. We've never had a problem, our order has always been correct and delivered on time. If you are ordering adult beverages, you will need to fax them a copy of your ID. We choose GG over we go shop because we don't want to have to hang around the resort to pay the we go shop folks (they charge an astronomical fee to use your credit card to pay ahead of time). I highly recommend them!

 

[spiceycat]

does your state charge you a tax for food?

well Al does - so it is cheaper for me to buy in Fl.

 

[com_op_2000]

Right outside of MK is a Hess Gas station. You can pick up most of what you are looking for right there, without every leaving WDW. If you decide that you want to make a run to the grocery store; the best choice for a grocery is either the Publix or Super Target on Hwy 192.
Leave MK to Hwy 192
Go west on 192 about 3 - 4 miles, the Publix is on the right and Super Target is across the street.

 

[DisneyManFamily4]

Right outside of MK is a Hess Gas station. You can pick up most of what you are looking for right there, without every leaving WDW. If you decide that you want to make a run to the grocery store; the best choice for a grocery is either the Publix or Super Target on Hwy 192.
Leave MK to Hwy 192
Go west on 192 about 3 - 4 miles, the Publix is on the right and Super Target is across the street.

Is the Hess Gas Station within walking distance of MK? We are staying at AKV, without a rental car. I waited too long and now Garden Grocer is not delivering the first day of our trip. We will have to wait at least a day before getting our groceries.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The Car Care center seems to have $30 + some taxes for 1 day rentals, so that's what I would do. I prefer to do my own shopping.

 

[aclov]

The Car Care center seems to have $30 + some taxes for 1 day rentals, so that's what I would do. I prefer to do my own shopping.

My best friend and I did this, rented a car to meet some friends for dinner but really took advantage of it. We went to the outlet mall and stopped at Starbuck's before returning the car!

 

[disneynutz]

We have used all three ways to get food and drinks. Mixed results with all tree but the one that we now use at least twice a year is the car rental. We use the car for shopping off site, restaurants off site and to get around on property to bypass Disney transportation. December is a yearly vacation time for us and using a bus to get from resort to resort to look at decorations is impossible. The car is faster and never crowed, and we don't have to drive through Typhoon Lagoon when we leave DTD.

Bill

 

[crisi]

It depends.

If you pack food or ship it, you'll still need to get perishables. We've discovered that if we aren't using much food, packing the things that are packable in our suitcase, and buying milk and eggs when we are down there at the Disney store (which isn't cheap) works out the most economical. (Cereal, peanut butter, jam, coffee, sugar, snacks, Crystal Light, salt and pepper get packed. Milk, half and half, butter, eggs, and we pick up soda in 2 liter bottles, and sometimes a bottle of booze - gets bought). It isn't worth the GG delivery fee.

If we get a lot of stuff, Garden Grocer or We Go Shop becomes the most economical solution. If we are going to do that, we don't tend to pack much in the way of food to bring down, we have GG get everything. Now the variety and quantity makes any delivery fee worth it.

Paying for a rental car to grocery shop has never worked out to be worth the time or money if the only reason we want a car is for groceries. If you want the car for other things, that's different.

 

[crisi]

It depends.

If you pack food or ship it, you'll still need to get perishables. We've discovered that if we aren't using much food, packing the things that are packable in our suitcase, and buying milk and eggs when we are down there at the Disney store (which isn't cheap) works out the most economical. (Cereal, peanut butter, jam, coffee, sugar, snacks, Crystal Light, salt and pepper get packed. Milk, half and half, butter, eggs, and we pick up soda in 2 liter bottles, and sometimes a bottle of booze - gets bought). It isn't worth the GG delivery fee.

If we get a lot of stuff, Garden Grocer or We Go Shop becomes the most economical solution. If we are going to do that, we don't tend to pack much in the way of food to bring down, we have GG get everything. Now the variety and quantity makes any delivery fee worth it.

Paying for a rental car to grocery shop has never worked out to be worth the time or money if the only reason we want a car is for groceries. If you want the car for other things, that's different.

 

[disneynutz]

I see that CRISI is trying to bump her post count.

On a side note, GG inflates the prices that you pay while WeGo doesn't. On one of our GG deliveries, the store price tag was on a small roast that was on our list and they charged us cost plus $5.00 for that one item alone.

Bill

 

[SmilingGrump]

Be careful about packing dense things like peanut butter in your suitcase as there's a strong probabilty that your luggage will be hand searched by security at the airports because to the x-ray machines, those items look like bombs.

We always rent a car to buy our groceries and it gives the DW an excuse to go shopping at the outlets too.

Another option is to hire a towncar/limo from the airport and they'll do a 15min stop at a grocery store on the way in. Costs a bit more then renting a car (about $50) but it can be more convenient.

 

[Lisa71]

I would pack what you need for the first day and then use Garden Grocer. We loved them, and they have a large variety of food. You can get alcohol many places in the parks, so one day is on biggie. Just my 2 cents. Have fun!! Renting a car seems like a big expense for a day of stuff.

 

[disneynutz]

I would pack what you need for the first day and then use Garden Grocer. We loved them, and they have a large variety of food. You can get alcohol many places in the parks, so one day is on biggie. Just my 2 cents. Have fun!! Renting a car seems like a big expense for a day of stuff.

For 1 day I can see your point, but after you pay the GG markup, delivery fee, fuel surcharge, and tip, it might be a break even. With a car you can buy the booze at a discounter which may also be a cost savings.

Bill

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

DH and I are getting a few items from the Screen Door in late September, but can't figure out what to do about buying water. Its a little high, but ok for just a few items.

However, individual 20 oz. waters through the screen door is $3.50. That is not good in 90+ degree weather.

I think we are going to walk to the Hess station next to Boardwalk.

 

[crisi]

A lot of people have Costco deliver the water. BW MAY charge you a fee.

 

[mufasa0505]

My time while on vacation is more important than the money I'd save. We use Garden Grocer because then we don't have to worry about anything.