off site for first time in 10 years. So many questions! Help appreciated.

[razster]

Hi guys,

We are DVC members of many years and are staying off site this year for first time in a decade. Sadly my father passed away at the age of 59 which has been a real shock and my mum has understandably been hit very hard. We are therefore taking mum with us this year, so a studio wasn't going to work for us. We decided on a villa on the 27 just after the 192 junction on way to clermont.

We are not at all used to self catering, or that area of Florida. We would like it to be a special and enjoyable experience. If you have any recommendations for places to shop, eat, visit in fact anything about villa living (we are coming from the UK) please do share any tips. We will also have a gas BBQ which we have paid an additional rental for, is there a recommended place for meats and BBQ eats etc.

All in all we would welcome anything at all that may make things easier, more fun or more enlightened

Thank you all in advance.

Raz

 

[Tondee]

We stayed outside of the DW resort this summer in a condo. We went to the grocery store after we unpacked and only "ate out" in the parks. Make sure to look around your kitchen to see what pots and pans you have to cook with before you go to the store. I would also look on google maps to see what kind of restaurants are around and then look on trip advisor to see how they rate. You may want to make an ADR for Disney Springs. They have several restaurants and we enjoyed T-Rex cafe. It was odd not being in the disney bubble but we enjoyed having a large space while we were there.

 

[mossy1]

All in all we would welcome anything at all that may make things easier, more fun or more enlightened

Thank you all in advance.

Raz

Here is a map that was shared by a member (Sympatico) here many years ago. It has a lot of information on it. More so for places to stay and communities but it also features the local food outlets. I hope you find this helpful. Have a great trip! https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewe...z=13&ie=UTF8&mid=1aRuXZ9U1ePA-F-kfM_faXt4x5Oc

 

[MommaBerd]

I would plan for arrival day to be a "settling in" day. As PP said, take stock or pots/pans/ cookware provided. I drive down, so the everyday items that aren't provided are things like zip-top baggies or other storage containers, napkins, salt/pepper, non-stick spray or oil, etc. I even buy disposable cookware (like foil pans and paper plates). It makes "villa living " that much easier. If you are at fast food restaurants, pick up some extras like ketchup or sweetener, if you use them.

There are a couple of grocery delivery services in the area. I've never used them, but plenty others on this board have... Garden Grocer, WeGoShop, and Amazon Prime Pantry (but you have to be a Prime member). That's just a few suggestions off the top of my head. If you go to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions forum here, you'all get lots of great advice and ideas.

 

[hiroMYhero]

It sounds like you'll be staying in Highgrove. We've stayed there 3 times and the homes were wonderful!

Shopping is closeby at the Cagan Crossing intersection. Walmart (groceries) is there as well as Starbucks and fast food restaurants. There's an Irish Pub directly outside the Highgrove gates and there are restaurants in the Cagan Crossing apartment complex.

Publix (groceries) is on 192 close to the 27 interchange.

Moving this to the Orlando boards so you'll get more replies.

 

[Woodview]

From an Irish villa owner who visits the Hwy 27 area twice a year.

As pointed out Cagan's Crossing with Walmart is your nearest .

It is on your RIGHT After leaving Hwy 192. ( Heading towards Clearmont )

Further on , still on your right , there is a Publix .

Now for eating places ....... you are staying in a good area.

Go Back onto Hwy 192 .... as if you are going to Disney.

There is the new " Manny,s Chop House " on your Right.

Go on for 2 miles approx. AND just as you go UNDER Bridge .... Slow down as

both on your Right .... Longhorns , Olive Gardens , Sweet Tomatoes etc . &

on your left ... Logans , Millers Ale House etc. Are Eating Places that will not break the bank.

There are Many Manny things to do while staying away from Disney. and using Hwy 27

You could .... as we do... after food ..... go to the Boardwalk for the entertainment , boat trips & fireworks ...

from the Lighthouse pier

 

[razster]

Thanks so much guys! We are staying near greater groves I think? This is all really useful information. Sorry for posting on the wrong board and thanks for moving it.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Thanks so much guys! We are staying near greater groves I think? This is all really useful information. Sorry for posting on the wrong board and thanks for moving it.

No problem at all. It's easy to move to another board.

If you are in need of a quick sandwich, the Wawa gas stations have excellent sandwiches and coffee beverages.

Last month we ate at Shula Burgers that sits in front of the Target store on 192. Those were great hamburgers and the service was great. My DH said the on tap beer was also very good.

Farther north on the 27 there is a Keke's restaurant that is popular for breakfast.

As you travel to the parks, take 192 to Sherberth Road. Sherberth gets you onto property near AK Lodge. It's very easy to get anywhere on property from that point and you skip all the traffic on 192.

 

[glassslippergirl]

My sympathies on your loss.

My challenge in "hotel" cooking is the lack of seasonings. I never remember to bring salt, so everything tastes blah. I agree with PP to buy some aluminum foil for easy clean up, and definitely get some non-stick spray. I'd recommend shopping at Publix over Wal-mart for a few reasons. First, the meat is generally higher quality. I don't know how long you are staying, but you probably don't want to shop everyday, and Publix meats will stay fresh in the fridge longer. Second, Publix sells some really good "prepared" meats, like chicken that is already lemon pepper seasoned, steaks that are already marinated, ready-made kabobs. My husband love their meatballs. These are all in the fresh meat case-- not frozen! This will save you money on seasonings and prep time-- they are ready for the grill. In the fish counter, you can choose your fish and your sauce. They will prepare it in a bag that just has to go in the oven (they tell you time and temp), and it's phenomenal. Third, Publix has a quality deli; buy some cold cuts to make quick sandwich meals for the days when you're too tired to cook. They offer Boars Head products, which are really superior. Other than Boars Head, which is worth the splurge, save money buy buying Publix brand products-- they are often better than the name brand counterparts. For a real treat, get some Publix Premium ice cream for easy desserts-- it's my favorite! In Florida, there's good fresh fruits and vegetables all year. Zucchini, squash, and corn on the cob are all great on the grill-- that aluminum foil will come in handy. Enjoy!

 

[Tomh]

Awesome Question. Google Earth is indeed your friend here. We are staying in a house rental in the same area, a bit South of the 192 / 27 intersection this year, also our first time off site. We had already scoped out the WalMart just North of that intersection, and the Publix South of that intersection also on 27. In addition, there are CVS, and Walgreens Pharmacies on 27, both North, and South of the 192 intersection, and numerous restaurants to choose from both on 27, and 192. Looks like it has everything we could ever need, all pretty conveniently nearby!

 

[razster]

You guys have been so very helpful thanks so much! I appreciate you taking time to give your detailed replies.

 

[razster]

No problem at all. It's easy to move to another board.

If you are in need of a quick sandwich, the Wawa gas stations have excellent sandwiches and coffee beverages.

Last month we ate at Shula Burgers that sits in front of the Target store on 192. Those were great hamburgers and the service was great. My DH said the on tap beer was also very good.

Farther north on the 27 there is a Keke's restaurant that is popular for breakfast.

As you travel to the parks, take 192 to Sherberth Road. Sherberth gets you onto property near AK Lodge. It's very easy to get anywhere on property from that point and you skip all the traffic on 192.

I have never used a wawa but we do like a hearty American sandwich so will definitely give that a go.

 

[pigletto]

One tip that has worked for us is to make a "menu" or meal outline before travelling. From there you can make a grocery list. Going to SuperTarget or Walmart or some giant store in a new place without a list, when you are exhausted from travel, will drain your patience and wallet. You will also likely forget 10 or 12 items and have to go back.
We decide way ahead of time how much cooking we will or won't do and make a menu for the week including snacks and drinks for the villa. Then on check in day we do a big shop and we are set for the week. We keep the ideas simple (pancakes, fruit, sandwiches etc) and eat out almost every day for dinner.
I would also suggest entering the addresses of the places you want to go into your GPS before you leave. If you don't have one, it would help to borrow or buy one in my opinion. It saves us so much time to be able to touch a button and head straight to the restaurant when we are tired and hungry, or find the park we are going to easily in the morning.

These little things make staying offsite a breeze. We stayed offsite for the first time in 2015 after 8 or 9 onsite trips and we LOVE the space.

 

[razster]

One tip that has worked for us is to make a "menu" or meal outline before travelling. From there you can make a grocery list. Going to SuperTarget or Walmart or some giant store in a new place without a list, when you are exhausted from travel, will drain your patience and wallet. You will also likely forget 10 or 12 items and have to go back.
We decide way ahead of time how much cooking we will or won't do and make a menu for the week including snacks and drinks for the villa. Then on check in day we do a big shop and we are set for the week. We keep the ideas simple (pancakes, fruit, sandwiches etc) and eat out almost every day for dinner.
I would also suggest entering the addresses of the places you want to go into your GPS before you leave. If you don't have one, it would help to borrow or buy one in my opinion. It saves us so much time to be able to touch a button and head straight to the restaurant when we are tired and hungry, or find the park we are going to easily in the morning.

These little things make staying offsite a breeze. We stayed offsite for the first time in 2015 after 8 or 9 onsite trips and we LOVE the space.

This sounds tremendously sensible advice! We will start a shopping list of essentials and meal ideas this evening. I know I won't be able to stop DH with his 'kid in a candy store' mentality But we can always try. I know we will end up with items we'll never eat but at least this way we may have some chance Thanks!

 

[leanne11]

u will lov offsite.. vry easy to get around..we luv the cheap-o buffets for our huge brood..a long day is easy to hit a golden corral and keep everyone satisfied..brekfst is easy at condo..this is a must..i wake up early get it cooked they can eat quickly dressed quickly and at MK gate b4 an on site value bus could make it..we do miss the bubble..but we cant afford the food court and dis food for 7 days..plus we have a huge house with its own pool.. and remember u can always go back onsite next visit..good luck..u will b amazed at the souvenoir prices when off site..

 

[NH-to-FL]

I think Woodview covered the most important points. Between the Walmart and many Publix in the area you will be able to get everything you need. There is also a super Target on 192.

Also note that Publix has a nice deli for make to order sandwiches and prepared foods and a bakery area with plenty of prepared desserts.

As for meats we have found good meat at Publix.