No matter how much you’ve planned ahead for your Disney World trip, sometimes you just need to run an errand. Or an emergency strikes.
Cinderella Castle
While Disney offers plenty of amenities (there’s even a [very] mini “grocery store” inside many Disney hotel gift shops!), sometimes you’ve gotta venture off-property for some reason or another. We like to think Disney World has it ALL but…that’s not 100% true. And if you need to run an urgent errand, we’ve got you covered! Here’s where we recommend you refill your gas tank, run out for groceries…well, you get the point.
All of the items on this list are NOT found on Disney World property with the exception of the first one. That said, if you want more options or are wondering where to find these places as you enter or exit Disney property, you’ll be in the know.
Gas Stations
There are 3 gas stations on property in Disney World — all are Speedways. One is near Disney Springs, directly across from the Lime Garage. That’s a convenient spot if you find yourself in that area!
Disney Springs Speedway
Another is on E Buena Vista Drive, near the EPCOT resorts. You’ll find yourself close by there if you’re staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, or if you’re driving around the general EPCOT area.
Speedway Gas Station
Lastly, there’s a Speedway as you’re driving towards the Transportation and Ticket Center. It’s just a couple of turns from the Magic Kingdom parking lot, and makes for a super easy stop if you’re exiting that lot. Not a fan of Speedway or looking for somewhere off-site? We got you.
Red markers are gas stations outside of Disney World ©Google Maps
Near Disney World, you’ll find plenty more gas stations around the east side of the property. That’s over near the Disney Springs area resorts!
Grocery Stores
If you’re staying on property, you’ll find essentials like bread, milk, and toothpaste — and even some ingredients to whip up a few simple meals — at your hotel store. But sometimes you’re in the mood for some bigger shopping (or you just want to avoid that Disney price hike on groceries!).
There’s some groceries up for grabs here!
While there are no grocery stores on Disney property, there are quite a few nearby, depending on where you’re staying. Your best bets are probably either the Publix at Regency Village (directly east of property) or the Publix at Lakeside Village Center (a bit farther of a drive, but convenient if you’re staying north of property).
You can also opt for the Winn-Dixie on South Apopka Vineland Road! That’s also due east from Disney World.
The RED markers are grocery stores! ©Google Maps.
Lastly, don’t forget that there’s always the option to have your groceries delivered to your hotel front desk. You can use services like Shipt or Instacart with the same account you use at home — just remember to change the delivery address! Your goodies will be refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to pick them up — or, you can have them delivered straight to your room for a handling fee of $6.
Big-Box Stores
If you need a trip to your local Walmart or Target, you’ve got a few options nearby. Your most convenient Target choice is the recently-opened location on Daryl Carter Parkway — that’s a super quick drive from property! But if you’re staying on the southwest side of Disney World (think near Disney’s Animal Kingdom), you may want to try the Target on Rolling Oaks Blvd, in Kissimmee. That one’s a Super Target, so you’ll have a larger selection to shop (plus groceries!).
Red markers are Targets! ©Google Maps
As far as Walmarts go, there are 2 of those, too! These are a bit of a farther drive, but they’re still pretty convenient. You can opt for the location on Vineland Road (east of property) or on N Old Lake Wilson Road (that’s west!).
Red markers are Walmarts! ©Google Maps
No matter which store you choose to visit, you have an option nearby!
Hospitals
If you need to go to the emergency room, your best immediate bet is to alert a Cast Member if you’re in an emergency situation. They will call paramedics to assist you or help you get to a First Aid Center.
If you can get there yourself, your closest options are AdventHealth Celebration (which functions more as an urgent care) and the Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital (which is a full-fledged hospital). If for some reason you cannot get to that hospital, you can visit either Orlando Lake Hospital or Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital. All are labeled on the map below.
Red markers are hospitals ©Google Maps
Remember though, like we mentioned, should you need medical attention in the theme parks, medical professionals are always on-hand to assist. Real nurses work full-time on-site in the First Aid Centers, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if needed. But if you’re outside of the parks, at your hotel, etc., and need attention, these are your options.
Pharmacies
That Publix at Lakeside Village we mentioned doubles as a pharmacy — but you’ll also be able to find some closer options! Your best choice is probably the Walgreens on South Apopka Vineland Road — again, that’s east of property. It’s an easy drive that doesn’t require you to get on the interstate.
Red marker is the Walgreens near Disney World ©Google Maps
That’s your most convenient option, but you can explore the map below to figure out some others that may work for you. As you can see, there are quite a few choices south of Disney World!
So many pharmacies! ©Google Maps
Most pharmacies in the area are either Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or Publix, so do keep that in mind if you’re ordering a prescription that needs to be picked up.
Next time you need to run an errand in Disney World, we hope you don’t stress about venturing off-property. There are plenty of amenities around, and they’re all within a convenient driving distance of your hotel. Stay tuned to DFB — we’ll keep bringing ya plenty of Disney tips and tricks!
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Where do you go when you head off-property around Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
The post 5 Things Disney World DOESN’T Have…And Where to Find Them! first appeared on the disney food blog.
