Cancelling Owners Locker ?

[Sid74]

Hi,

We bought OKW on our first trip to WDW in October 2007. Our first trip home is next month.

It took me almost all of our first year as owners, and an excellent deal, to get DH to agree to a Locker. At the time the plan was to visit WDW in 2009 and 2010, with a visit to DL in 2011, then back to WDW from 2012 onwards.

With the economy as it is the plan has changed to 2009, then 2011, with no visit in between, with possible yearly visits after that, depending on what the economy is doing.

My DH wants me to cancel my Locker, as he doesn't see that we will get the use out of it that we should, he also doesn't like the idea of paying the storage/visit fee for the years it will not be used, as with the change in the interest rate, the fee will be about a third more than it was when I signed us up.

I want to keep it. I hate the idea of throwing things away after using them for 2 weeks, and it is me that ends up collecting, packing and dragging the stuff we need to have with us around. It just makes so much sense to me, but financially I can see DHs point as we won't be back for 2 years.

I will have to cancel my account with Owners Locker in the next few days if I don't want billing for the Locker, but I can't help wondering if I get the Locker to the hotel and show DH how great it would be, whether he would agree.

I am sorry this is so long, and if you have stuck with me, thank you, but I could do with some help on this.

Thanks.

 

[disneynutz]

The OL is the best thing since apple pie. Canceling and opening a new account later may cause you to loose your deal. I would contact OL and see what they have to say.

Good Luck

Bill

 

[robinb]

I would also contact the OL people. They might be able to cut you a deal now since you paid for years that you did not use your yearly delivery service.

 

[Sid74]

Thanks for the fast responses.

I haven't paid anything for my Locker yet, as they only take the money for the Locker 30 days before your first visit and then take the yearly fee after you have returned it to them at the end of your stay.

I am trying to figure out if I should just cancel the service before I even use it for the first time, due to the fact that we will only be visiting every other year for the next 2 or 3 years, and the change in exchange rates, which has put the price up quite a bit from our point of view, or if I should get the Locker and hope that DH will see that it will be useful, so won't mind paying for the years that it is not used.

 

[toniosmom]

Since you are only going to be making yearly visits, figure out how much money you would be wasting on stuff that you would have to throw away at the end of a vacation vs. the cost of the locker. If you travel only once a year, my bet is that the locker costs more.

 

[SamSam]

Since you are only going to be making yearly visits, figure out how much money you would be wasting on stuff that you would have to throw away at the end of a vacation vs. the cost of the locker. If you travel only once a year, my bet is that the locker costs more.

Although I think that you may be right about the cost, to me the OL is much more than about saving money. For me, not needing to gather everything together for each trip, and then needing to put it away after the trip is over is what Owners Locker is all about.

I hadn't realized how much time I spent gathering rain gear, first aid supplies, etc., until after I had my Owner's Locker. Then there is the added ability of keeping supplies in it that I normally wouldn't pack and take each time, like framed pictures, my feather pillow, Brita water filter, etc.

 

[robinb]

Thanks for the fast responses.

I haven't paid anything for my Locker yet, as they only take the money for the Locker 30 days before your first visit and then take the yearly fee after you have returned it to them at the end of your stay.

I am trying to figure out if I should just cancel the service before I even use it for the first time, due to the fact that we will only be visiting every other year for the next 2 or 3 years, and the change in exchange rates, which has put the price up quite a bit from our point of view, or if I should get the Locker and hope that DH will see that it will be useful, so won't mind paying for the years that it is not used.

Sorry I misunderstood you!

I guess that you will have to compare the cost of purchasing and transporting all the stuff you would leave in the OL and the price of the locker itself over two or three years. We go one to two times per year and still have not pulled the trigger on the OL. I keep a tote at home with all my Disney stuff in it and just pack it with everything else when we travel. I think that if you are only going to be visiting the US every 2-3 years it makes sense just to pack things with you or purchase them here and leave them behind. I think that the OL is a really great idea, but it's not for everyone.

 

[castleri]

Although I think that you may be right about the cost, to me the OL is much more than about saving money. For me, not needing to gather everything together for each trip, and then needing to put it away after the trip is over is what Owners Locker is all about.

I hadn't realized how much time I spent gathering rain gear, first aid supplies, etc., until after I had my Owner's Locker. Then there is the added ability of keeping supplies in it that I normally wouldn't pack and take each time, like framed pictures, my feather pillow, Brita water filter, etc.

I was going to say I agree with toniosmom and I also agree with the convenience issue. i don't think an OL would ever be worth the money spent for us but is is for many. I have a rolling duffle bag that has a Christmas tree, lights, extension cords and other decorations in it just for Christmas trips to Disney. It just stays packed until we check it with the other luggage. The same could be done with a piece of luggage for all the things that you keep in an OL. It is packed and then only added to or subtracted from if some things have expiration dates. You have to pack the OL again when you leave so this would be the same only you take it home and store it until the next trip. The only real issues might be liquids in large amounts and you could use the rumrunner flasks to transport those if you really needed them. We travel SW airlines as they have the only non stop out of Providence so don't have to pay for the extra bag. Even the charge on other airlines is less than the OL fee I think although donn't have any experience with overseas flights. If I made multiple trips a year by air then I would consider the OL but for 1 or 2 it just doesn't work for us at this time. It definitely wouldn't if we were only going every other year. I think it is a great service but just not one that is for everyone.

 

[Sid74]

Thank you for all the replies, I really appreciate them.

I see the Locker as more than just somewhere to store suncream and hats, I see it as the difference between feeling comfortable and at home, and just feeling like you are in a nice hotel room.
That, I think, is the difference between me and DH, he figures it doesn't matter whether we have the things that would make us feel at home, as we aren't, we are just visiting.

The other problem is that all the UK long haul carriers have just cut the baggage allowances in half, so we will only have one bag each in future, and the carry on bag has to weigh 6kgs or less, so there is only limited scope for taking things with us next time.

We will have our 2 teenage daughters with us this trip as well, so that is more stuff to remember and make sure that everyone has, as they can't seem to remember for themselves. They will be sharing the pull out in the studios and 1 bedroom, so I was going to get a blow up bed for one of them, a filter jug and crockpot, maybe a sheet set, and a first aid kit to leave. Just the bits that would help, but be heavy or awkward to keep transporting backwards and forwards.

See the Locker makes lots of sense to me, and I have been looking forward to filling it, but DH is the deciding factor and is not convinced anymore.

 

[toniosmom]

I have a rolling duffle bag that has a Christmas tree, lights, extension cords and other decorations in it just for Christmas trips to Disney. It just stays packed until we check it with the other luggage. The same could be done with a piece of luggage for all the things that you keep in an OL.

I do the same thing. We don't usually travel Christmas week, so I don't have to lug decorations like those. However, I keep my rain poncho, first aid kit, basket coffee filters, etc. -- things I don't need to use at home -- right in a piece of luggage so it's ready for my next trip. To be honest, I get so excited about my trips, that I often start getting stuff ready weeks in advance.

 

[thepops]

Thank you for all the replies, I really appreciate them.

I see the Locker as more than just somewhere to store suncream and hats, I see it as the difference between feeling comfortable and at home, and just feeling like you are in a nice hotel room.
That, I think, is the difference between me and DH, he figures it doesn't matter whether we have the things that would make us feel at home, as we aren't, we are just visiting.

The other problem is that all the UK long haul carriers have just cut the baggage allowances in half, so we will only have one bag each in future, and the carry on bag has to weigh 6kgs or less, so there is only limited scope for taking things with us next time.

We will have our 2 teenage daughters with us this trip as well, so that is more stuff to remember and make sure that everyone has, as they can't seem to remember for themselves. They will be sharing the pull out in the studios and 1 bedroom, so I was going to get a blow up bed for one of them, a filter jug and crockpot, maybe a sheet set, and a first aid kit to leave. Just the bits that would help, but be heavy or awkward to keep transporting backwards and forwards.

See the Locker makes lots of sense to me, and I have been looking forward to filling it, but DH is the deciding factor and is not convinced anymore.

I can envision the international carriers starting to charge as well for bags (and extra bags) so that may offset your cost of the OL. (don't forget you have to pay for the bag to go each way, so double the bags cost for your round trip).

Since DH is the deciding factor, and your bags (and therefore the amount of stuff you can bring) will be limited, he might be more apt to have an OL if some of his stuff just "happened" to be left out becuse it didn't fit ?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Do you have to fly on an airline that charges for even the first bag? If so, just think of the OL as a way to reduce those costs. When you are storing that stuff, you aren't using the delivery service, but you also aren't spending extra to bring everything down in luggage when you do come. We can't travel without getting hacked a minimum of $25 a checked bag. If we didn't have an OL, it would be two bags or $50 each way. That's one year's storage fees right there!

 

[utahkennedys]

Do you have to fly on an airline that charges for even the first bag? If so, just think of the OL as a way to reduce those costs. When you are storing that stuff, you aren't using the delivery service, but you also aren't spending extra to bring everything down in luggage when you do come. We can't travel without getting hacked a minimum of $25 a checked bag. If we didn't have an OL, it would be two bags or $50 each way. That's one year's storage fees right there!

I totally agree! The new airline charges, which seem to be getting worse and worse, are what tipped the decision for us. Plus, the thought of packing a light carry on with just clothing and shoes was a HUGE plus for me with 2 little kids.

 

[ToddyLu]

I don't want this to come across as mean in any way, it is just a question...but why does he have to be the deciding factor if you think it will benefit you and your daughters--believe me, I ask myself that same question ever so often. I understand the importance of deciding certain vacation costs with your spouse. But you just seem so excited about it, couldn't he help you make it work for a couple of years?? Just to see? Pitching a hissy fit to get it might work? Just teasing. I want an OL, too. We just purchased DVC this year....I am hoping to nudge DH that way when we are there in Oct. I will wish you luck if you send some pixie dust my way. We do not have children but I could definitely see how it would help store the stuff for teenagers....I have never really thought about OL for the international traveler--good thread.

 

[twinklebug]

Just a thought... do you have a friend in DVC you like & trust who would share a locker with you? It sounds like what you want to store is pretty useful to most families (airbed, crockpot etc) Besides, it might be fun to leave a nice surprise in it for the next family to open it, or you could add pics from each family's visits to decorate the interior of it.

To restock supplies (laundry soap etc), perhaps a checklist of the locker contents, as well as date replaced and by who so each family can see the cost is fairly shared.

 

[Tara]

Thank you for all the replies, I really appreciate them.

I see the Locker as more than just somewhere to store suncream and hats, I see it as the difference between feeling comfortable and at home, and just feeling like you are in a nice hotel room.

This is PRECISELY why we love our Lockers! There's something about being able to be cozy with my fleece blanket while we watch a DVD (or just watch Stacey's top 7 or whatever the new one is called for the millionth time ), or being able to fix a new but broken toy with super glue, or having REAL shampoo to wash my hair with, or our scrapbook that we write in each visit...it makes it much homier.

That, I think, is the difference between me and DH, he figures it doesn't matter whether we have the things that would make us feel at home, as we aren't, we are just visiting.

The other problem is that all the UK long haul carriers have just cut the baggage allowances in half, so we will only have one bag each in future, and the carry on bag has to weigh 6kgs or less, so there is only limited scope for taking things with us next time.

We will have our 2 teenage daughters with us this trip as well, so that is more stuff to remember and make sure that everyone has, as they can't seem to remember for themselves. They will be sharing the pull out in the studios and 1 bedroom, so I was going to get a blow up bed for one of them, a filter jug and crockpot, maybe a sheet set, and a first aid kit to leave. Just the bits that would help, but be heavy or awkward to keep transporting backwards and forwards.

See the Locker makes lots of sense to me, and I have been looking forward to filling it, but DH is the deciding factor and is not convinced anymore.

See, everything you just said makes having the Locker worth it IMO, especially if you got the DIS deal. Not even having to remember or deal with packing extra stuff (let alone paying baggage fees for it) is well worth the cost! My DH thought it was a good idea but he was hooked for good the first time he started the day with coffee brewed from freshly-ground beans thanks to the grinder we now keep in our Locker. Perhaps you just need to find your DH's storage soft spot.

 

[rsinj]

.

 

[jdvm]

Thanks for starting this thread....

We see this a lot...an early adopter (usually the planner/packer) and a skeptic.

99 times out of 100, the skeptic becomes a convert midway through the initial Visit and claims that OL was his (usually!) idea in the fist place.

That's why we have a risk free trial although I've got to say that since the trial offer is for a year that might not help in your case.

You are more than welcome to stop by EPCOT any Tuesday evening to meet other Owner's Locker Members at our wine evenings outside the France pavillion...the are usually a few converts who started out as skeptics there!
john

 

[dianeschlicht]

You are more than welcome to stop by EPCOT any Tuesday evening to meet other Owner's Locker Members at our wine evenings outside the France pavillion...the are usually a few converts who started out as skeptics there!
john

LOL, including my DH! He LOVES the OL now!

 

[jekjones1558]

Count me as the skeptic--and the converted. I am a cost conscious shopper and never go to the grocery or drug store or to Target without my coupons. I even bring chain restaurant (like Red Lobster or Macaroni Grill) coupons along to WDW!! But I got to thinking about all the money we have invested in buying DVC and in yearly fees. Why did we do it? We wanted a different kind of vacation experience that is more like owning a vacation home. Owners Locker makes it really seem as if we OWN a part of WDW because our stuff stays there. And when I compare the fees for OL to the cost of owning DVC, it's literally a drop in the bucket.
I am getting a reminder about the convenience of OL right now. We are renting a vacation condo in Door County, WI right now and I had to pack so much stuff and I still forgot a couple of odds and ends. We come to Door County regularly and I need an OL franchise here!