I will be leaving on the 11th for PBR - I was originally going to have our ride stop at a grocery store, but I called ahead and found out they charge $17.50 for 45 minutes of shopping! At first, I thought - oh, well, at least I can save a little money by buying sodas, etc., but then I called the Portofino directly, and a very nice person told me that there is a store right across the street from the PBR - probably about 1/2 mile, all told. Anyway, it wouldn't hurt to call your hotel directly!!! Tell them your problem, and ask if there are stores nearby. All I really want to do is save money on soda, etc., and also, yes, get some wine for myself. I'm sure your shuttle service is probably a little more friendly along the lines of stopping, and extra charges, but I plan on checking in, sending my granddaughter out to check out the hotel, and in the meantime, I will walk the small distance and even if I have to pay a taxi $5, I will come out ahead. As far as styrofoam coolers, I do not know if they will have them, but intend on figuring something out - the sodas in the park are, in some cases, $2.99 each. Too much for me, as I am splurging big time on this trip to begin with - (now I can become a cheapskate on soda - go figure). (plus, I did not really get a great deal, as I did this at the last minute without finding a great website like this first.)
I wish you well - hope you have a wonderful time!!! I can't wait to see the PBR in person. If you haven't already seen the photos, go to
http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/Universal/portofino_bay_resort.htm and you will be even more excited!!
If you can, or if you think about it, I would love to hear how your trip went - I will be there from the 11th to the 15th of August.