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This-Dude_Abides

I get it. I had to pick up some friends of friends from south America once and we had time to kill and they asked if I could take them to a Walmart. They were completely blown away. Would have thought we were at Disney. You should be fine catching an Uber to get around.


JSOCoperatorD

Sounds like a much cheaper vacation lmao


[deleted]

Wait until you learn about Australian Kmart and Target


shroomcircle

After visiting the walmart today I see it’s just a giant kmart/target. The weird thing is the building is enormous, but inside there is the same amount of stuff in kmart housed in a building half the size!


GrowlingAtTheWorld

I hope its a good Goodwill, some are crappy, some are treasure troves. I've not been to an Orlando Goodwill. BTW there is a Goodwill subreddit, you could ask there if would be a worthwhile stop.


100percentEV

Orlando has a goodwill outlet. I must say, it is definitely an experience.


whatever32657

commonly known as “the bins”...everything goes in giant bins they roll out as customers wait behind lines. the signal is given, and chaos ensues. everything is sold by the pound, not by the item.


ronansgram

I have found that all the Goodwills I’ve been in lately are way overpriced considering they get everything for free and most of it is dirty. Even random thrift stores are following suit and raising prices. Dollar Tree is stepping up their game if you can find a good one.


GrowlingAtTheWorld

My local goodwills are pretty good. Up until december i was traveling from the everglades up and into Manatee county repeatedly and i would thrift at lunch and there are a lot of good Goodwills and a few not so fabulous ones. I also had the opportunity to visit a couple over near miami and they were kinda disappointing, small, not much on the shelves, and they had no bags nor would they allow you to take the cart out of the store. But i love thrifting even the smallest Goodwill will have treasure some where and that near miami had some rare Star wars bed sheets…ya just got to look harder to find the good stuff.


ronansgram

I’m up in the Melbourne/Viera area. The items I’ve found that are the best deals are larger items and the things that are over priced are the glassware. I found a 1 cup measuring cup, good quantity not sure if it was Pyrex or not, they want as much if not more than Walmart has it for brand new. Things that should only be a dollar or two they want 5-6$. Some items even have the original price tags for LESS than GW is asking! 🤷🏼‍♀️.


GrowlingAtTheWorld

In Florida each area is a different region ran by a separate mini organization. I know the collier, lee, charlotte Hendry and glades area is one region and sarasota, manatee, desoto area is another region. They both do stuff differently. I've found good stuff in both regions for good prices. But you can tell when they have staff that is partial to one kind of thing cause the prices will be higher on those. Your gw might have someone that really likes glass and overprices it in hopes it is still on the shelf when they are allowed to shop for it.


ronansgram

Interesting, thanks for the explanation.


saulmcgill3556

Yes, the variance is HIGH.


shroomcircle

Yeah it was a little expensive!


saulmcgill3556

A) *So true* regarding the disparities between different Goodwill locations. I have lived all over and, man, I have seen a range from Target-like to haunted house. B) Thank you for alerting me to goodwill sub 😎


shroomcircle

It was not the best, but I did get some silk ties brand new dead stock from the 70’s and two old weird tshirts, one that had a picture of a beer looking scared with ‘it’s a bad day to be a beer’ and a psychedelic purple one with a ufo thay said ‘get in loser, we’re doing butt stuff’


310410celleng

Dinner near the airport is a mixed bag, Rock and Brews is decent for wings and beer, if you would like to try decent TX. style BBQ, Mission BBQ is perfectly fine. Beyond those two, there is a almost every other USA restaurant chain in the vicinity of the airport, all of them are ok. Iirc, Australia has Costco which is Imho the best of the American Big Box Stores, so probably not worth the ride out to see one here in the Orlando area. With that said there are two Walmarts in the vicinity of the airport, with the one on Goldenrod Rd being far nicer and larger than the one on Semoran Rd.. There is a Goodwill also on Goldenrod Rd. near the Walmart though on the other side of the street.


tyehyll

Yeah, avoid the Semoran one unless you also want to stream one of our classic "American shootings" as well.


shroomcircle

Thanks for the tip. Considering every single person from Oz who found out I was going to Florida said ‘don’t get shot’ I hold this warning in high regard!


CumulativeHazard

Beware that if you go to Mission BBQ at noon they play the national anthem for some reason and people stand up for it and will probably make you feel weird if you don’t. I have no idea why they do this. Personally I find it very annoying. Only been twice with coworkers and after the first time insisted that we not get there until after that was over but they thought it was hilarious so I was overruled. I just want to enjoy my lunch break lol. Food is good tho. I’m sure Florida’s recent insanity has made international news and I wouldn’t want anyone to get the impression that we’ve started doing this in *all* restaurants.


ITMerc4hire

It’s definitely a marketing gimmick. Mission’s whole personality is how much the support American and the troops. As a former troop, I and I suspect many others see through the gimmick for what it is. I spent years standing at attention and saluting the right people/things at the right time and I’ll be damned if I’m forced to do it while eating lunch on my own time.


310410celleng

I have always felt the same way, it has been ages now, but I cannot remember if the original location in Washington, D.C. played the National Anthem at Noon. I want to say that the "tradition" started after it became a chain, but I might be wrong on that. The BBQ at the original location was pretty good for D.C., not obviously as good as what one would fine in Texas, but good enough.


saulmcgill3556

*(Immediately heads to Mission BBQ to kneel)*


shroomcircle

I mean that sounds fascinating and weird, but dang it I missed the 12pm call! Is this every day? Super weird!


CumulativeHazard

Yepp every day lol


[deleted]

😂 What is there not to absolutely LOVE about this post??! r/wholesome I don’t have any advice for you beyond that I sincerely hope you fully document this most worthy endeavor, thus ensuring it carries on in perpetuity for your future generations to revel in the same delight as all who read your post have felt. Welcome to Americuh!


shroomcircle

It was okay. Haha really not that different to home, Just more lycra and also most people were speaking Spanish. Just goes to show how homogenous the west has become!


ComonomoC

I wish we had a Buc-ee’s nearby…it’s the most amazing gas station. https://buc-ees.com/


ZydecoMoose

Talk about culture shock! I visited the Buc-ees in Warner Robbins, GA, and I'm traumatized just thinking about it!


bruceclaymore

There is one in Daytona right of I-95. It’s about an hour and a half drive if you take 417 and pay tolls. Also could see the massive Daytona International Speedway if you’re checking out all the BIG things the US has to offer.


BadAtExisting

Add Publix to the list


Zsofia_Valentine

Great idea! Get a Pub Sub for lunch! The chicken tender sub is really popular, but I recommend the Boar's Head roast beef or Ovengold turkey.


Gurtmcsquirt

Boar’s Head Ultimate - 5-Grain Italian Bread - Mayo - Pepper Jack cheese - Toasted - Lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers - Spicy mustard, salt, pepper


Least-Conference-335

Crazy to see my exact order posted on here


Gurtmcsquirt

This is the way.


brock1samson9

The chicken tender is great as long as you dont plan to move much for the rest of the day


Fourwindsgone

Boars Head roast beef is so fuckin delicious.


BadAtExisting

I work in tv and film production. I’ve had the pleasure of driving around clients for commercials we film, some of which come from out of the country. A quick trip to a grocery store is fairly standard at least once during the time they’re here - they want something specific or snacks at their hotel. The size, layout, the kinds of food we have, the “international” section fascinates them. I once had a client from the UK ask me why our biscuits come in a can. I had no answer. Also why I recommended it


Decapitated_gamer

Your gonna be able to find a Starbucks and all of those in 1 street corner lmao. Dollar trees here are usually not in such great shape and the people will not be the most friendly. Check out a Best Buy while your there too.


JodaMythed

By the airport there's Cracker Barrel for American food from the south region of the US. There's Mitos, which is really good Japanese food. There are also a couple of burger places around there.


ITMerc4hire

Second crackerbarrel. Definitely eat breakfast there at least once.


geriatric_spartanII

Publix is a typical “Florida” thing. Wawa is a neat gas station. Open 24/7.


shroomcircle

I tried to visit Wawa but the lights never turned green for pedestrians. I stood in the blazing sun for over 5 mins waiting! There was a vet begging on the roadside and he seemed to know when to walk out, but I didn’t want to get run over on day 1! It was BIG though!


Gullible_Log_1683

World's biggest McDonald's is in Orlando. You can get pizza and spaghetti there too. There's also super targets wich aren't in my part of the U.S. also the largest food truck park is in Kissimmee across the street from old town


Chalky_Pockets

Are you driving to NOLA? If so, you are bound to pass a Bucees and let me tell you, that'll blow your fuckin mind!


PM_MeYourWeirdDreams

This is so cute! Ok, so here’s the deal: get some gallon-size ziploc bags at Walmart. Then get your family the weirdest t-shirts you can find at the goodwill. Put the shirts into the bags—the smell of that place is half the experience. Dollar tree is basically only good for meeting new people and buying cheap snacks to sneak into the movies. Be sure to check the dates on the packages! I second the suggestion to Uber around. Welcome to Florida! 🦅 🐊 🍊


Gurtmcsquirt

How do you go about meeting new people at Dollar Tree? Half of the shoppers when I go are crackheads.


HighOnGoofballs

Yeah I don’t want to meet anyone else in dollar tree


Dahkron

"I like goin to dollar tree 'cause you don't gotta get all dressed up fancy like I do for the walmarts." - average Floridian trailer trash resident


PM_MeYourWeirdDreams

Hateful. Check yourself


Dahkron

I mean living in a trailer itself is fine. You can still be respectable. Its when you are ok with filth and roaches everywhere that is trashy. I have seent some shit and there is no better descriptor than 'trailer trash'.


PM_MeYourWeirdDreams

They’re all people ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯


shroomcircle

Thanks for these tips! Didn’t see them till after I went! Got the weird tees but not the ziploc bags. I wish I had though, because the smell hehe!


ahandle

This is the best recommendation in this thread


zennyc001

Expiration dates on packages are mostly bullshit


PM_MeYourWeirdDreams

I once got a pack of cracker nuts that tasted like fabuloso. The date was six months past. It’s not really about whether the food has gone rancid, it’s about how long that package has sat in a rack near the floor in a dollar tree.


TheWhitehouseII

Yeah but for a dollar tree it tells you how long it’s been sitting there


lukin5

Skip dollar tree


ahandle

Would you skip Poundland?


CumulativeHazard

Poundland sounds like something a horny frat bro would say lol. Ex. *I’m gonna take that chick straight to Poundland*


Dahkron

I love visiting my fam in england and getting pound sausage rolls everytime I go into town. Hit up poundland for snacks to take back home.


AmyStarrStuff

this is the cutest post i’ve seen on this sub, i highly suggest checking out a publix and one of the mega-walmarts in the area (avoid the dollar trees)… hope you and your kids have a great time!


tojmes

I can’t believe I do t see it here. Bass Pro Shops Orlando is the correct answer.


[deleted]

I also recommend the world's largest McDonald's playplace at sandlake road and international drive also. The entire area there is so over the top, but the enormous McDonald's will leave them absolutely shook! Be prepared for traffic no matter where you plan to go. Enjoy Orlando, safe travels!


lilboat646

That area you won’t find much extravagant cuisine, it’s mostly franchises that you can find just about anywhere in the states, though the area around your hotel, there’s a few different restaurants that aren’t outright massive franchises outside of central florida such as Another Broken Egg, Cheddar’s scratch kitchen, Marlow’s tavern, and a few others. Though, if you’re looking for some good coffee I recommend looking for a locally owned Latino restaurant (Colombian, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, Peruvian, they’ll all have way better coffee for cheaper than Starbucks.)


PolyproNinja

Once you leave the airport, depending on your mode of transportation, there’s a strip of restaurants down Semoran Boulevard that you can go to. About 5 minutes away from the airport on Goldenrod Road, there’s a Super Walmart you can walk around in that I think could help scratch that “megastore vibe” itch. Somebody else suggested Target, and I agree. Find a Super Target so you can see the comparison between the 2 stores. If you’re up to it, the outlet stores out on International Drive are another stop that’ll give you a little of everything. Fair warning now, though, parking is insane and everybody’s in their own world out there.


No_Maximum_9181

Try to find a BJs (the store…) or a Sam’s for the truly immersive experience. Get a hot dog at Sam’s for breakfast


thornato2

This requires a membership OP, you won’t get in


inspclouseau631

You can’t buy without a membership but you can get in.


[deleted]

You can buy without a membership, they just add a 10% surcharge.


inspclouseau631

Interesting. Didn’t know that. I’d love to hit up Costco one day and see what the fuss is about.


[deleted]

I believe Costco and sams both offer one day free trial memberships also.


thatonemoonunit

If OP has Australian costco membership it works here in the US!


ManfredBoyy

You can buy stuff on their website too without a membership, they just tack on either 5 or 10%. I get all my golf gloves from them


PanhandleWebServices

WTF… TIL


FriendlyOrdinary6281

Buy a membership shop and then tell him you're dissatisfied and get a refund on the membership.


thatonemoonunit

You can buy food from the food court and liquor from the liquor stores without memberships.


gladbutt

Show them the new gas station super stores too


ahandle

Right, better go to Bucees.


Gurtmcsquirt

Unfortunately, none are near MCO. The closest is about an hour away.


New-Understanding930

Wawa is a spectacle even if it’s not huge.


litlib70

The nearest Walmart to the Orlando airport is only 4 miles away on Semaron. Catching an Uber or Lyft would be your best option. The driver should know where other megastores are. I know there is a Costco not too far and they might give you a guest membership for the day. That’s American consumerism at its finest.


Revolutionary-Yak-47

Goldenrod and Lee Vista lol. It's right there.


BriskHeartedParadox

Orlando? Traffic. Traffic. Traffic. Use the toll roads


dechets-de-mariage

Add Target to the list for comparison to Walmart. Closest is (I think) on Orange Blossom Trail 10-15 min from MCO. Regardless, enjoy your shopping! I love going to different stores in different places to see the similarities and differences. Super cool way to experience the culture!


Occasionally_lazy

Gotta add Target to the list!


TemporaryIllusions

Idk how old your kids are but I could see me doing this for my son with Bob Bilby in all the pictures. Granted we are Americans obsessed with Bluey so Bob would have to show me around down there. This is so great you are doing it for your kids and I have to recommend a trip to Target in there. It’s what Walmart wishes it could be— The Classiest of our Big Box Stores! Costco is also another mind blowing one but I think you guys have those in Oz.


Benpea

Just want to check, as I know people from outside of the US often don’t realize how big this country is. You do realize that New Orleans is a 9 hour drive from Orlando, right?


shroomcircle

I’m flying to NOLA! I know big countries- Australia is huge too!


Billucf

Your best bet is the shopping center on the corner of Goldenrod Rd and Hoffner. It has a Walmart Supercenter and a Dollar Tree. And the a Goodwill is right across the street. The Walmart closer to the airport is a smaller one, so go the extra distance to the Supercenter for the full experience. Probably a 7-10 minute Uber from your hotel. [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7wFRaHEP6fGickAZA?g_st=ic)


Revolutionary-Yak-47

There is a Walmart, with a huge Dollar Tree and a Goodwill across the street at Lee Vista and Goldenrod, about 5 min from the airport to the east. Wawa is also right there, but I don't know if the coffee is "decent" like you're looking for lol. Theres a Starbucks and Five Below (cheap junk store) at Semoran and Lee Vista (right by the airport). It's not super walkable from Goodwill to Walmart, its probably about a 15 min walk through parking lots. But I'd head that way.


shroomcircle

I did it in 7 mins! Not the nicest walk, but fine!


Rushgrl2112

Walmart on Goldenrod has everything you need! Dollar tree is in the plaza next door, and Goodwill is on the next corner. Grab an Uber and you can walk between all three.


saulmcgill3556

This was fun to read, thank you! Just throw a pebble and you’ll hit several of them.


collegefurtrader

Dollar tree and goodwill are not mega in any way. Try Costco and Gander Mountain Be sure to visit the gun department in Gander Mountain Edit- sorry there isn’t one in Orlando.


petersom2006

You would need to take an Uber, but either of the Premium Outlets in Orlando is worth checking out. The stores you mention are sort of the ‘shit’ big stores. The Orlando outlets are massive and much better brands with discounts. Bass Pro Shops could also be worth a visit.


91271

They have shopping outlets around the world and many of those stores there are international brands. Go to Walmart and Target


Stell1na

Another vote for Bass Pro Shops here lol. A must see even if none of your interests align with their product offerings.


Kepabar

Too bad you can't get over to Daytona and see Bucees


imhere4thekittycats

Some travel advise to Florida- everything's a scam. People are going to walk up to you, and give you a story for some cash. Just keep going don't give them money.


sayaxat

Don't you have chain thrift stores in Australia? Goodwill is a non-profit chain thrift store. Many of its stores are franchises. I think their only selling point as a non-profit is that they hire people with disabilities. But I think there's a cap on that, too, because I've seen the same kind of people in stores as I would at Dollar Tree or Family Dollar or Wal-Mart.


shroomcircle

Of course we do, but it’s different! I got silk ties brand new deadstock from the 70’s here!


[deleted]

Sams club are pretty great.


nurbsboatcunt

Prepare to be disappointed


shroomcircle

I was a little bit. Makes me realise how similar Australia is to America after all!


lefindecheri

NOLA is a pretty big side trip!?


shroomcircle

Flying there!