Tiffany Towncar grocery stop still 30 minutes

[Horace Horsecollar]

I just phoned the reservation number for Tiffany Towncar, because I've read on this board that the grocery stop is now just 20 minutes, not the previous 30 minutes. (We're planning another WDW trip, and we again plan to use a town car service.)

We've used Tiffany Towncar's grocery stop service three times. Each time, we prepared a shopping list in advance, so that we could shop quickly. Each time, we were taken to a different Publix. And, each time, it took about 25 minutes to find everything in an unfamiliar grocery store, to check out, and to get back to the car.

The woman who answered the phone assured me that the grocery stop is still 30 minutes. I asked about the 20 minutes. She assured me that there's no such information on Tiffany Towncar's website. (She's right; in fact, their website says nothing at all about grocery stops.)

I asked what happens if someone goes over 30 minutes. She said they charge $5 per minute! I have no intention of going over 30 minutes, and I agree that Tiffany Towncar has a right to charge, but $5 per minute seems unreasonable to me.

The woman who answered the phone also suggested faxing a grocery order to Albertson's. I can see where that would save time for the driver and the passengers, but I'd prefer to pick out my own food at Publix, especially produce and bakery products.

If, by the time I make my reservation, FL Tours' rates and Tiffany Towncar's rates are the same (or if I can justify FL Tours' premium pricing because of superior service), I'll book with current DIS sponsor FL Tours. If not, I'll book with former DIS sponsor Tiffany Towncar.

In either case, I'll make sure that I get a written confirmation of a 30-minute grocery stop at Publix.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I just saw that Cartier Towncar's website at http://www.cartiertowncar.com/index.htm says that Cartier provides only a 20 minutes grocery stop. That would keep me from using Cartier.

Perhaps someone confused Tiffany and Cartier, and that's how the misinformation about Tiffany started.

 

[tjmw2727]

Wonderful - thanks for the info!

We use TTC often and I just made a new reservation e-mail.

I make a grocery list by items as they would be grouped in my own grocery, even though its not the same I do find the groupings very similar. I usually get in and out in 15-25 minutes depending on the length of our trip and the length of the lines. I don't feel comfortable with a faxed list but if that's what its coming to I will do so.

I can only imagine the stress on the drivers to make as many trips as possible right now with the gas prices so high. I don't think it is any excuse for some of the bad reports but I can't imagine what they are dealing with right now.

I also try and remember that for the 2-3 bad reports (some of which wouldn't bother me) there are hundreds more a day that go well or great that we don't read about.

Have a great trip.

TJ

 

[Lambert808]

The 20 minute grocery stop isn't just rumor. This is the email they sent to me when I requested a grocery stop for our first trip this year -
'HELLO,

THE STORE IS PUBLIX AND THE STOP IF 20 MIN MAX 30 MIN ANYTHING OVER
30 MINUTES IS $1.00 A MINUTE. BOOSTER SEAT IS REQUESTED.


THANK YOU,

MARITZA
RESERVATIONS'

That is a complete copy of their email to me with no changes. It greatly concerns me that the OP spoke to them and was told 30 mintues, then $5 per minute afterwards when I just got this email response on 5/21/2004 11:27PM. And it was specified I would be taken to Publix - not that I had a choice to fax in to Albertsons.

Edited to add, so I guess it is still 30 minutes, but they prefer you to cut it down to 20 min. The inconsistency in their information is what greatly bothers me. I like to know exactly what I pay for, and exactly what to expect.

 

[Lambert808]

I just called (4:05pm EST) and spoke to Keith. He is the supervisor of the drivers. He said it is a 20 minute grocery stop, 30 minute max and then $1/minute. He said if there is any question of concern on this to please feel free to call him and speak to him to clarify.

I hope this helps!

 

[tjmw2727]

Thanks Sherri I was going to call myself (and probably still will closer to the trip)!!

I watch the threads about towncars carefully. I don't like to do a rental car as I am the solo adult traveling with two young dd's. I am not the best driver when I am out of my area and don't drive once on WDW property so a rental dosen't work. Safety and convenience are important to me and I have always felt comfortable with TTC.

We love to do a quiet breakfast in the room and having drinks and snacks are a must or I would probably use Mears. So, having the driver at the airport, and then at the resort as well as the grocery stop are all very important to me. I know that I can keep my grocery stop to 20-25 minutes but 20 could be cutting it close and I don't need the stress. FWIW I always tip the driver who does the grocery stop more than the customary tip for his/her extra time. The driver on the return trip gets customary tip as he isn't making an extra stop.

I think if the town cars all go down to 20 minutes I will probably get a grocery delivery from netgrocer and just grin and bear it with Mears (Ughhhgg perish the thought).

The one time I tried another company I was left stranded at the Dolphin on the return trip. It was very stressful as my girls were 4 and 6 at the time. Thanks to the bellstaff at the Dolphin we did make it in time for the flight. After that I have used TTC 2x and knock wood all was well again.

Have a wonderful trip!
TJ

 

[Lambert808]

TJ - We are 2 adults, 1 child, but I feel the same as you. This is our first WDW trip and we don't want to rent a car. I want to sleep, eat, breath Disney on our trip. LOL! So we will use internal transportation only, stay onsite, and take a service to get to and from the airport. I saw your response to me about TTC on my thread - thanks It is always so great to hear some of the good since usually the people with the bad experiences speak the loudest (myself included!)

Keith was very nice and informative on the phone and I felt comfortable with my choice. I think that is what it is all about. I have months to go, but am already thinking about my grocery stop. LOL!