Where to buy groceries near the Orlando tourist areas

Airfare, accommodations and attractions usually make up the bulk of expenses for an Orlando vacation, and eating out at a restaurant is often an additional expense, especially for travelers staying along International Drive--but it doesn't have to be that way. For travelers who don't want to rack up hefty restaurant bills every day of their vacation, there are several shopping centers with grocery stores near the I-Drive tourist corridor and Walt Disney World that make it possible for visitors to purchase the ingredients necessary for a "home cooked" meal--or at least a less expense, hotel heated meal.

The Walmart Supercenter on Sand Lake Road and John Young Parkway just east of International Drive is open 24 hours a day and can get crowded even late at night, especially when the traffic picks up on I-Drive. Just west of International Drive on Sand Lake Road is the decidedly upscale Dr. Phillips area of town, with a large Publix supermarket anchoring the main shopping center located about a mile past the exit for I-4.

For visitors staying at a Walt Disney World resort, the Crossroads Shopping Center at State Road 535 (Apopka-Vineland Road) and Hotel Plaza Blvd. has a small Goodings grocery store tucked away in the midst of the popular chain restaurants. About a half mile north of Crossroads on 535 is a Winn Dixie grocery store, which also caters to tourists, and the nearest Publix is another half mile beyond the Winn Dixie.

The grocery stores catering to Orlando tourists tend to have more crowds, sunscreen, beach towels and Disney souvenirs than stores in other parts of town, but the prices and selection are far better than any "convenience shop" located on International Drive or within an actual resort.