Originally Posted By Doo-Dah We will be staying at PO. We were not planning on renting a car, but some people in our group need to go to the grocery store. The prices and delivery fees seem high at Garden Grocery. Are there any other options? The prices look good for Winn-Dixie and Publix. Which one is closer, and any idea on costs for a taxi? Thanks for your help!
Originally Posted By Doobie I'd recommend a Publix. There's one at the corner of 192 and I-Drive south that's close and very easy to get to. I would NOT recommend Goodings at Crossroads. They've definitely fallen on hard times and the place is not well stocked. There's also a Walmart that's easy to get to if you'd prefer that but I'd recommend Publix. It's the very one I shop at regularly Sorry ... don't know on a taxi price. Doobie.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Goodings has fallen on hard times? Boy, how things have changed. We stopped at Goodings before heading to our hotel back in 1999, and had a real case of sticker shock from some of the prices there. This even, coming from Southern California. What's the deal with Goodings now?
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Goodings was ALWAYS too pricey. Back in the early 90s we'd avoid it like the plaque and go to Publix. But, I'm sure they did good business from the Hotel Row resorts. I think you can get quotes of taxi prices. Just do a Google and some of the sites will let you punch in the city and so forth.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <But, I'm sure they did good business from the Hotel Row resorts.> Seems like that would still be the case. I was wondering about Doobie's comment on Gooding's falling on hard times.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Well, if I were a Concierge at one of the hotels and were asked my advice I would probably have sent people down to the Publix or the Wal Mart once it opened. So, maybe it was some of that. To be honest, there has been some turnover throughout that Crossroads Plaza so maybe the property manager jacked up the rents and it is hurting Goodings. I thought Goodings was a chain at one time. If so, their website only shows the Disney store and no others.
Originally Posted By Doobie There used to be a few Goodings in the area but Crossroads is the last one. I don't know what's happened with the company - if it's just the recession, or something else - but to my knowledge that's the last one and when I go in there the shelves are at least half empty which is a very weird sight unless a hurricane or the apocalypse is coming. I don't know anything specific, just that my memory is the company is having difficulties. Doobie.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Those with direct knowledge of Fort Wilderness, please correct me if I'm mistaken. I believe there is a grocery store in Fort Wilderness on the level of what you would find at almost any full service campground. Small, not much variety but plenty of staples. My guess is they charge premium prices, but it may be off set by not having to take a cab. When I stay on property without a car I have Costco deliver a flat of water. It's spring water so not as tasty as the bottles sold in the park, but I get 24 small bottles for the price of 2 large ones in the parks.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA I recall a small grocery/convenience store across from Pioneer Hall. Of course, this was back in the 'old days' -- (1987-1990)
Originally Posted By Doo-Dah Thank you so much! This is great information! Deb that tip about water from Costco will save us so much money. Thank you!
Originally Posted By Doobie There is still the one across from Pioneer Hall and another elsewhere on the bus route. My recollection is they're pretty much what you find at all the resorts with DVC. Staples in small quantities at high prices. Great in a pinch, but not sure if you'd want to count on it to stock your fridge. I'd recommend the cab trip for most people but definitely check it out and it it works, that's wonderful. Doobie.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb For the Costco thing (original idea by LP's own 999Haunts), you can just go online and order. Give them the exact address for your resort and the day you need it delivered. The manager at POR was *wonderful* about it and brought it out to us as we were checking in. We were able to store it with the luggage while waiting for our room (we checked in about 7 AM). I wish Costco did more food items on the Internet, but at least the water saves lots of money. Doobie, I was hoping the Fort Wilderness store would be better than the other resort stores. Disappointing to read otherwise, but not surprising.
Originally Posted By -em The Fort Wilderness Store in the middle of the complex (Meadows) has a lot more food than the one by Pioneer Hall (Settlement) and IMO does have a slightly bigger food selection than DVC. As for grocery stores- If taking a taxi I would hit the Winn Dixie on 535 as its the closest most reasonable choice. I prefer Publix but Taxi fare negates saving IMO. To take a taxi from DTD to MK is roughly 30 bucks one way. I would estimate taxi fare to Winn Dixie about 15 dollars and to Publix or Walmart about 35 dollars one way from DTD -em
Originally Posted By Doobie I've only been to the Meadows once so if you say it has a lot more, I definitely believe you. Also, unless I'm mistaken, unless you're staying at Ft. Wilderness, there's no way to get there other than taking a Ft. Wilderness bus from the Outpost. Definitely agree on the taxi. I misread the first post and thought they might have a car. If only a taxi, go to what's closest. Doobie.
Originally Posted By -em >>I've only been to the Meadows once so if you say it has a lot more, I definitely believe you. Also, unless I'm mistaken, unless you're staying at Ft. Wilderness, there's no way to get there other than taking a Ft. Wilderness bus from the Outpost.<< That is definitely true about the bus
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Can't believe Goodings is still open at Crossroads. Has to be based on tourists who don't know any better and for years have heard folks online tell them to go there to 'stock up' before checking in. I was in there (not my choice) in July of 09 and the place literally looked like it was about to shut down. It used to be very high end (with prices to match) and part of a local chain that at one time had as many as a dozen stores in Central FLA. But since Celebration and Dr. Phillips stores closed, it was the only one. Anyway, in addition to expensive (borderline gouging) it was (in '09) dirty, depressing with lots of empty shelves and food that I would have no trust in buying as it could have been there forever. Really shocked it is still open...
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Wow, with taxi fares like that you might find the delivery charge worthwhile. You will also save valuable time by going the delivery route. I suppose it depends how much of what type of groceries you get. I smell a business opportunity for locals . $20/hr to take tourists on a grocery run.
Originally Posted By Doo-Dah I'm kind of new to all of this. I'm only familiar with using the bus system to get to the parks. How do you get to the outpost to get to get to Ft. Wilderness? Are the prices at Ft. Wilderness a lot higher than Winn Dixie? If a couple people are splitting the cab fare, they might go for the cheaper groceries. Deb, I love the idea of the Locals Grocery Run business. That is brillant! I wish I had a grocery fairy... I could wave a magic wand and poof there are all my groceries! Thanks again for your help!
Originally Posted By Doo-Dah I just found WeGoShop.com. They will go shopping for me at the store that I chose, and deliver it to my hotel. The service fee is $22 for up to $100 of groceries. Cheaper than a taxi, and saves a lot of time.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb That sounds great! I'll have to keep that in mind for the next time I stay on property. That will probably Fall of '12 so I hope they're still in business by then.
