MCO Gas Station RIPOFF
#376
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#377
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It opened this morning. http://tinyurl.com/phzqtnu
I don't understand why the city didn't spend a few dollars years ago to put up its own signs warning motorists of the ripoff.
#378
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"Kutka, still stinging from his expensive fuel bill, had his own idea: Let Wawa put up another sign — warning consumers of the sky-high prices just up the road."
I don't understand why the city didn't spend a few dollars years ago to put up its own signs warning motorists of the ripoff.
I don't understand why the city didn't spend a few dollars years ago to put up its own signs warning motorists of the ripoff.
However, bringing a Wawa to the area will solve the problem quickly - it creates local jobs, gives the consumers a low-priced alternative to the rogue station, and frankly, I like Wawa's store as a place to get snacks, drinks, the occasional prepared food, and even a few fresh fruit offerings. It's just what that section of Semoran needs - and it will likely DESTROY the rogue station, as most consumers are far more willing to gas up at a name-brand franchise than at a no-name independent, even if the franchise is a few cents higher than the indi. Which, in this case, it won't ever be, I'm sure.
The opening price of $2.99 at Wawa will only be for the first week; it's a marketing strategy I've noticed them using at other locations, sort of like a grand opening sale. After that first week, the price will go up to match the other gas stations in the area, but will typically undercut them by at least two cents per gallon.
I believe I'll be patronising this Wawa myself on my next visit to Orlando. Heck, I might even stop by as I'm leaving MCO, just for a snack and a drink that are cheaper than the in-terminal fare!
#379
Join Date: Sep 2002
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Sadly, I don't think it will destroy the high priced stations. There were already fairly convenient alternatives, the stations rely on people who assume prices don't vary much between nearby stations and who just pull in without even checking the price. I'll admit to doing that myself when travelling, although I've been lucky that the generalization is normally true so I've never been burned by $2.50/gal over going rates.
#380
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#381
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#382
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Illegal. It would be a case of prior restraint (I think that's the proper legal term for it), and the rogue station could sue the city and win.
However, bringing a Wawa to the area will solve the problem quickly - it creates local jobs, gives the consumers a low-priced alternative to the rogue station, and frankly, I like Wawa's store as a place to get snacks, drinks, the occasional prepared food, and even a few fresh fruit offerings. It's just what that section of Semoran needs - and it will likely DESTROY the rogue station, as most consumers are far more willing to gas up at a name-brand franchise than at a no-name independent, even if the franchise is a few cents higher than the indi. Which, in this case, it won't ever be, I'm sure.
The opening price of $2.99 at Wawa will only be for the first week; it's a marketing strategy I've noticed them using at other locations, sort of like a grand opening sale. After that first week, the price will go up to match the other gas stations in the area, but will typically undercut them by at least two cents per gallon.
I believe I'll be patronising this Wawa myself on my next visit to Orlando. Heck, I might even stop by as I'm leaving MCO, just for a snack and a drink that are cheaper than the in-terminal fare!
However, bringing a Wawa to the area will solve the problem quickly - it creates local jobs, gives the consumers a low-priced alternative to the rogue station, and frankly, I like Wawa's store as a place to get snacks, drinks, the occasional prepared food, and even a few fresh fruit offerings. It's just what that section of Semoran needs - and it will likely DESTROY the rogue station, as most consumers are far more willing to gas up at a name-brand franchise than at a no-name independent, even if the franchise is a few cents higher than the indi. Which, in this case, it won't ever be, I'm sure.
The opening price of $2.99 at Wawa will only be for the first week; it's a marketing strategy I've noticed them using at other locations, sort of like a grand opening sale. After that first week, the price will go up to match the other gas stations in the area, but will typically undercut them by at least two cents per gallon.
I believe I'll be patronising this Wawa myself on my next visit to Orlando. Heck, I might even stop by as I'm leaving MCO, just for a snack and a drink that are cheaper than the in-terminal fare!
#383
Join Date: Jun 2005
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1) On 405 just east of 407, on the way from Kennedy Space Center back to MCO.
2) At the Hess leaving MK, then directly to MCO via 417.
3) At the Hess leaving WDW, then to Silver Lake Resort for the night, then to the Grand Floridian for a pre-departure breakfast, then finally directly to MCO via 417.
(OK that's only two locations, but three different post fill-up itineraries.)
#384
Join Date: Sep 2008
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We've been doing this for years, at the Hess by Disney's BoardWalk resort. Compared to Chicago-area gas prices, Hess at WDW always seems cheap to us....^
#385
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 8,222
There was a price difference of a $1.30 per gallon depending on what side of 192 you are on.
#386
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Filled up at Wawa this past Monday. Not $2.99 any more, but still low for the area, let alone the two rip-off joints. Still, a lot of people will get on Semoran heading away from the airport and stop at the first place they come to, not knowing that they can save nearly three bucks a gallon by driving another few hundred yards. I don't see it putting those places out of business (or forcing them to lower their prices) any time soon.
#387
Join Date: Sep 2002
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Me either, I drove past on Monday and saw the half hidden sign on one was still $5.95. I'm sure they make their money from people who assume prices at nearby stations are similar and don't even bother to check.