Quest for Fresh Orange Juice

[juncker]

The last time that we visited Florida, I tried to make a point of getting some good fresh squeezed Florida Orange Juice, however our quest failed miserably. We had a car and drove around specifically looking for somewhere to get a jug of the ‘good stuff’, but couldn’t find any. We did come across Orange World on US-192. This is the building that is shaped like half of a giant orange. We bought a half gallon of ‘fresh squeezed’ OJ from there, but it was horrible. It was so bad, that we dumped it out so I don’t think I’ll ever go back there again. We also attempted just going to the grocery store (Publix I believe), and they just had Minute Maid type OJ.

Can anyone point me to somewhere that I can buy some good fresh squeezed Orange Juice in the Disney area to keep in our DVC refrigerator the next time we visit? I've found restaurants that offer good juice, but I want to find a store that will sell me a jug.

 

[spiceycat]

you can try the pick you own or the fruit stands.

don't know if they will have the orange juice - but they definitely have floridia oranges.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Whole Foods on Sand Lake Drive has it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

They are only opened in the season that oranges are ready to sell, but we really enjoy everything that we buy at Whites Red Hill Groves. In December (I think) they have a wonderful red pulp navel orange!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-hill-groves-whites-orlando

 

[hakepb]

One of the most frustrating part of Disney, to me, is being in the "citrus state" and being subjected to the orange swill labeled Minute Maid, thanks to the Coke sponsorship. At least Tropicana tries to taste like an orange.

That was about the only nice thing being off-site. Most off-site breakfast places had a decent OJ.

I recall a trip one time going to a U-pick place not too far away. Orange season was done, but they had grapefruit. Wow! Fresh grapefruit is amazing, no bitter taste at all. Makes me think Aluani might be worth it if I can get fresh pinenapple.

 

[LisaS]

When we're at WDW we buy "Tropicana Pure Premium, Lots of Pulp", (it used to be called "Grove Stand"). It is the same brand of OJ we buy here at home but it tastes so much better when we buy it in Florida, almost as good as freshly squeezed. If you can't find what you are looking for then give "Tropicana Pure Premium, Lots of Pulp" a try.

 

[Disney Princess]

We buy Simply Orange here at home. We think it tastes great. You can buy pulp free if you prefer, but they have one called "country stand orange juice". We actually love all the "simply" juices - apple and lemonade are great too. If you can't find the "real" stuff, buying a jug of that for the fridge might be a good substitute.

 

[Beth]

My family is in the "citrus business" - there aren't many of us left.

Personally, we purchase "Florida's Natural" in the grocery store. We know directly where it's processed - and we take our own fruit there. ...We like the idea of thinking that a little bit of our own oranges are in every glass!

 

[jekjones1558]

Isn't it sad that fresh squeezed is so hard to find in Florida? During the winter citrus season our local grocery store in MN squeezes oranges on site. Even better is their fresh squeezed tangerine juice.
We have bought all the commercial brands previous posters have mentioned when we are in Florida. None of them is as good as fresh squeezed, IMHO. So, ironically, we do without fresh squeezed when we are in Florida!

 

[RumpleMom]

We only buy Florida's Natural orange juice. We really like it and it is made exclusively with USA oranges.

 

[spiceycat]

My family is in the "citrus business" - there aren't many of us left.

Personally, we purchase "Florida's Natural" in the grocery store. We know directly where it's processed - and we take our own fruit there. ...We like the idea of thinking that a little bit of our own oranges are in every glass!

definitely love florida's natural - it is the BEST!!!

 

[BLLB]

When we stop at Publix on the way from MCO, we buy Indian River orange juice. It is made in Florida, I found it on indianriverjuice dot com. It is one of our Disney traditions.

 

[Candy Orlando]

We also only buy Florida's Natural orange juice because it's made with USA oranges.

 

[Chuck S]

When we stop at Publix on the way from MCO, we buy Indian River orange juice. It is made in Florida, I found it on indianriverjuice dot com. It is one of our Disney traditions.

The Indian River brand is very good. Disney stopped selling "fresh squeezed" orange juice years ago after some of their guests became ill. One of the offsite plants that made the juice for Disney had bacterial contamination. So now they only serve pasteurized juices and specifically Minute Maid because it is a Coca-Cola product. Here at home I tend to buy valencia oranges and juice them myself, especially when they are on sale.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Since I am allergic to something in the Minute Maid, I only drink OJ I can either squeeze myself, or where I KNOW it is from US Oranges. Florida Natural is good, but so much of it has additives in it. We have found one unbranded gallon jug of OJ labeled just plain Orange juice who's label simply says Oranges from Florida on the label. It's usually the cheapest jug at the Publix we go to, and is very good.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Unless you can get down to Vero Beach.. The best ever is Hale's. Fresh squeezed, unpasturized, right off the tree. They also have great grapefruit juice.

It just might be worth the drive.
MG

 

[DVCconvert]

There's a fruit stand on 192 on the right before you reach the publix - just beyond the crossroad you'd take for WH/Formosa than has excellent fresh OJ.

And yes Hale's OJ in Vero is worth the trip!

 

[robert@dvcstore]

If you are ever down in the Vero Beach area, there are some great places near the resort that sell Indian River fresh squeezed. That may quench your OJ thirst.

Robert

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hales is only opened "in season.". We were disappointed to find it closed in June!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Hales is only opened "in season.". We were disappointed to find it closed in June!

Interesting. We visit in May and October, and have always been fortunate enough to find it open.
I know they have different types of oranges that are ready for harvest at different times if year, but I guess it doesn't cover all 12 months.
That said, they have a lot more than just OJ..

MG