How do I get groceries for my DVC vacation?
Buying or bringing grocery items with you can save you money and perhaps time. Even if you don't want to cook and utilize the fabulous kitchen in your DVC Villas, you may want to consider that some water items and quick-serve breakfast items will be cheaper and save you money and time. Parents with young children may find it more convenient to order diapers or formula to be delivered to the room rather than taking up luggage space.
There are a lot of options to get groceries to your room. These services are becoming more popular as you use them at your home to be familiar with the ones you use now. I can't say that I've used all of these at Disney, but I have used most of them.
I've listed some of the most popular sources for DVC grocery delivery, but I know there are more available. The grocery delivery business is quickly changing, and options can shift rapidly, so please consult the website before committing.
DVC Grocery Policy
DVC Bell Services will be happy to store your products for you before you arrive. Disney may charge you a flat rate of $6 to store your products. If you want Bell Services to bring them to your room, the service is free but tip them for their service. If you're going to pick up the packages yourself, then you can. Just visit the Bell Services Desk, and they will accommodate you. Each resort has refrigerators and freezers should you need them to keep your items cold before arrival.
If ordering and having groceries shipped, it's a good rule not to get the packages delivered to the resort too early. No more than a week for sure. Be sure to read the best practices on getting items delivered in a section later in this blog.
Bringing Your Groceries From Home
If you drive to your DVC resort, the easiest idea may be to bring your groceries with you. For sure, you can get what you want and not rely on grocery services, not having what you need, or offering substitutions. Besides, some products offered by delivery services may come in larger sizes than you need. But you can be assured of not having too many products by bringing items from home. Wasting products that you don't need can negate some of your grocery savings.
Many people don't have this option since they aren't driving. But it's an excellent choice to save money and time if you are.
Packing Groceries In Checked Luggage
So you like the idea of bringing items from home, but you are flying. You may be able to pack some of your luggage with nonperishable items and not have to buy them when you get to Disney. Of course, since you'll likely be checking your baggage, you will want to consider any charges for additional luggage or added weight that may offset some of your savings. Some airlines will charge for extra bags, while others, such as Southwest, have a free bags policy for the first few.
Using A Car Service
That's right; some car services will allow you to make a quick grocery stop on the way from the airport to Disney. They may charge you for it, but it is a way to get your products on the way to the resort. Make sure you have your list made in advance to use the driver's time efficiently.
If you don't have a car and want to make a trip to the grocery yourself when you get to the villa, then consider a taxi, Uber, or Lyft service to get you there. Grocery stores are near Disney property, so the rides to and from may not be too costly.
Buying Your Groceries From Disney
You can buy limited groceries from Disney. This probably won't be everything you want, and the prices are much higher than delivery or pick-ups at grocery stores, but every DVC resort has a gift shop with many items to offer. Typical items available are similar to those at a convenience store.
Here is a sample order form, including prices. These items are particular to a resort. The web location is
https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/faq/pre-arrival-checklist#grocery-order.
Guests should take a photo of the grocery order and email it to the address. Orders are ready after 5 p.m. on the check-in date for pick-up or delivery.
Disney will charge you a $10 service fee on all orders. DVC members get a 10% discount on items.
Grocery Pick-up
Grocery pick-up is also something that many guests use at home. If so, you may be familiar with it. Wal-mart is the primary chain that offers this service, but Aldi, Publix, and others offer it at selected locations in Orlando. There is no membership needed to get grocery pick-up. Users go online and choose the products they want, and the store employees will do the shopping for them. The user picks a window of time, and the order will be available then. You may find grocery pick-up a viable option if you have a car.
Grocery Delivery-Garden Grocer
Garden Grocer has been serving guests at Walt-Disney World for many years. Guests will shop on the gardengrocer.com website for this service and choose items from the listings. At checkout, choose a delivery window. The process is straightforward. In addition to the food costs, there is a $14/delivery fee for orders totaling under $200. This fee is waived if the food total is over $200. The minimum order is $40, and tipping is optional.
Grocery Shopping Service-Dizzy Dolphin
Dizzy Dolphin was founded by DVC members Chris, Laura, and Ron. From their website, www.dizzydolphindelivery.com guests can add any items they want. You specify the exact brand and size, or you can be more general and let the shoppers at Dizzy Dolphin choose your products.
Dizzy Dolphin will price the items on your list and send it back for approval. This process may take a day or two. You can make changes to the list until payment. If you have further changes, then you can contact them directly.
Dizzy Dolphin charges a $14 delivery fee for orders under $250. The cost is waived for orders above $250. There is a $50 minimum order. Tipping is optional. Dizzy Dolphin will deliver your groceries to Bell Services, who will store your products until you are ready for them.
Grocery Delivery-Amazon Prime/Amazon Now
There is no doubt that many of you will know how Amazon Prime works. There is an exhaustive list of available products online or on the app. If listed as prime, these products can be delivered to your resort in as little as two days. Currently, Amazon Prime membership is $119 annually or $12.99/month. If you already have a membership, you don't need to purchase an additional one. This site is good for groceries and other items you may need for your vacation. Things that need to be refrigerated or frozen are not offered.
Amazon Now is a delivery service that will deliver groceries to guests at DVC Villas on the same day. This service is included in the Amazon Prime membership. The delivery fee is free if you can allow at least two hours for delivery. Delivery required in a one-hour window costs $10.00. Tips are not allowed.
Grocery Delivery-Wal-Mart Plus
Wal-mart offers free unlimited delivery for $12.95/month or $98/year. Like Amazon Now, delivery can be as soon as the same day. Using the app, add products to the cart, choose a delivery time, and your order will be dropped off at the resort. Tipping is allowed, and there is a $35 minimum for orders.
Grocery Delivery-Instacart
Instacart will make deliveries from Publix, Aldi, Costco, CVS, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Target. If you already have an Instacart account, the service will not cost you any more. A one-year membership is $99 or $9.99/month. If you aren't a member of Instacart, the cost will vary based on the order size and how soon you need it.
Grocery Delivery-Vacation Grocery Delivery
Vacation Grocery Delivery (www.vacationgrocerydeliveryfl.com)is a relatively new delivery service. This company is run by former and current cast members. They shop store sales, use coupons, and other promotions that change weekly. You won’t know the exact price until the order is completed. Vacation Grocery Delivery charges a $25 Delivery Fee and a 5% Service Fee. A $20 Authorization is charged at checkout as a refundable deposit. Alcohol orders include a $10 handling fee and an additional 5% service charge.
How To Get Your Groceries Packages To The Right Resort
The addresses of the DVC resorts are shown here. Please put the lead guest's name on the reservation, the arrival date, and the resort address to ensure your package is delivered to you.
Lead guests name; Arrival Date; Address of the resort.
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