orange lakes cc-best/closest/cheapest groceries

[socalgirl]

hi,
where's the best place to shop once we're there? we'll have a rental car. how to get there from orange lakes?
thanks,
gayle

 

[bunny213]

Hi from Texas -
We go to OLCC twice a year, 2 weeks each time. I usually shop at Publix right there at the other end of OLCC. You don't even have to leave the property if you go around the back way. If I need other things and I have the time I drive down to Walmart on 192. It's a little bit of a drive, but worth it. Don't try to shop at Goodings across the highway - they are so expensive!! If you're staying at OLCC, you'll have everything there that you have at home, in your kitchen. It's much more reasonable to cook at home then going out to eat. They have a small grocery store - but I find them a little pricey.
They have a pizza place there that will deliver to your unit. They have sandwiches too. The restaurant on site is good and so is the nightly buffets. The breakfasts buffet is wonderful.
Even if you don't want to eat the night they have the Luau - go over for the show. It's fun.
There is a restaurant (JT's) right outside the complex that has wonderful chicken wings and baked potato skins, and there is an Italian restaurant - Bruno's - on the other side of the highway that is very reasonable and quiet. There is also a Chinese restaurant by Publix that you can order from. Publix will also take coupons if you do that sort of thing.
I love it down there and we've been going for about 10 years. I feel like it's my home away from home. If you have any other questions - just ask away.....
The pools are wonderful. The grounds are well kept and if you should happen to find that your unit needs something just call housekeeping. It's a great place to come "home" to, after the parks and with that back road of getting to Disney open - it's so convenient. We go two weeks in June and two weeks in October/Nov. Have a wonderful time - Barbara in Texas

 

[socalgirl]

barbara,
i appreciate your response. is publix on-site or up the road?

we don't own there' we're exchanging into there. we arrive on a friday. i've heard lots of rumors/opinions of which unit i may or may not be able to get. of course, i'd like to be by the new village where the water slide is for the kids. but until they were built, i was told the tennis villas were the best to request. we have a 2bdr for 2 weeks-can't wait!

what night is the luau? i hope it's on a non-park day for us. we'll be there for 2 weeks and only 7 of those will be park days (plus a few water parks), so we plan on enjoying the resort too.

are the breakfast buffets reasonable? do they get crowded in the early am with everyone trying to get out for park openings?

how long will it take us to get back and forth from the parks? we're planning on taking afternoon breaks and eat an early dinner back at the condo. with the earlier closing hours than expected for our summer trip, we're not sure how well this is going to work out!

i appreciate any and all additional info you may have. thanks for letting me ask so many questions!
gayle



p.s. we're in southern ca. this will be our first trip and can't wait-10 days to go!

 

[bunny213]

Dear Gayle,
I can't believe you're leaving in 10 days - so are we!! We are driving from Fort Worth over there. We plan to arrive at OLCC on June 16th!! This is the time of year we are in the 3 bedroom penthouse one. We have the 2 bedroom one in October/November. It is a wonderful exchange and I think you will be very pleased. Where in S. Cal. are you located?
The Publix is right there at the back entrance of OLCC. You don't have to get out on 192 to get there. (That's good, because sometimes the traffic is heavy). Like I said there is a small Chinese restaurant/take-out, the Publix market, a dry cleaners, a small liquor store and a hair salon in this little strip center.
No matter which unit you may get - there is a shuttle tram that travels the complex, I think it's every 15 mins. or so. The new pool is wonderful, but our kids have always enjoyed any of the pools. There is a putt-putt course by the main clubhouse, and we've been able to buy a weeks pass for $15.00 for the whole family - unlimited play. There is a small in-house movie theater in the clubhouse, and shuffleboard and other games available. They have Bingo everyday at the main pool and activities for the children too. There is a fee for some.
Every night there is something going on, except for Sunday night I think. The luau is on Thursday evening. If anyone in your family plays golf - there are three courses, and a driving range.
The breakfast buffet is about 6.95. It's never been too crowded when we've gone, and it's all you care to eat. If you figure that you're not sitting in traffic and waiting on line somewhere it may make a difference. We usually eat breakfast in the condo.
If you take that short cut mentioned in another post, it will not take you very long to get on Disney property. DH says about 20 minutes or so - from there it's clear sailing until you get to the parking lots!! We do go back and forth and it really isn't bad at all.
Since you are driving maybe you can pack your food staples and bring them from home. I use coupons all the time, especially when they triple my .75 ones, it's a real savings. Salt, pepper, sugar, mayo, catsup, etc. it all adds up. This time we are driving our Motorhm, because I made res. at the FW campground for 3 days.
My "e" mail is bfisher76034@yahoo.com. Feel free to get in touch again. We would be glad to answer any other questions or maybe even see you down there. We'll have my 2 Daughters and 4 grandchildren with us, ages 7.4. 2, and 11 mos. Wish me luck!!!!!!!
Barbara