Has anyone ever shipped thier Luggage to thier Resort before arrival?

[JJ&JSMOM]

We used to ship in boxes but switched to large suitcases. We do not put them in boxes. FedEx will ship them as is. We always have a luggage tag on them and a large shipping label with our check-in date in addition to the hotel address. FedEx then puts their shipping label on the suitcases with a special shipping tag that is designed to go around the handle of the suitcase. I usually grab a few extra for the return ship. I once questioned the counter agent at FedEx about using just suitcases. "No problem. Folks do this all the time." When we ship home the resort either charges our credit card or adds it to our resort bill (same difference really). I make a point of shipping by GROUND. One time they sent express. THAT was expensive! I've read the other posts from folks who have had problems. We never have had an issue. We even shipped to/from Disneyland Hotel. Think about this....you don't have to wait at the luggage carosel in Orlando for your bags...you don't have to wait hours for Magic Express to deliver your bags!!!

We're borrowing luggage from my sister so we don't have to buy any. From what I've read in your post - there are no stickers stuck on the body of the suitcase. Its all put on the handle? I think my sister would have a fit if a label was stuck and it left sticky stuff on the suitcase after we took it off. Shes very particular - I am always hesitant in borrowing anything from her !

 

[Poohbear123]

We used to ship in boxes but switched to large suitcases. We do not put them in boxes. FedEx will ship them as is. We always have a luggage tag on them and a large shipping label with our check-in date in addition to the hotel address. FedEx then puts their shipping label on the suitcases with a special shipping tag that is designed to go around the handle of the suitcase. I usually grab a few extra for the return ship. I once questioned the counter agent at FedEx about using just suitcases. "No problem. Folks do this all the time." When we ship home the resort either charges our credit card or adds it to our resort bill (same difference really). I make a point of shipping by GROUND. One time they sent express. THAT was expensive! I've read the other posts from folks who have had problems. We never have had an issue. We even shipped to/from Disneyland Hotel. Think about this....you don't have to wait at the luggage carosel in Orlando for your bags...you don't have to wait hours for Magic Express to deliver your bags!!!

Thanks Epcot Queen, you answered ALL my Questions! My trip is in August, so I have plenty of time, but should I send it 3 days before arrival, to make sure it gets there? Thanks again!

 

[EpcotQueen]

FedEx may put FedEx Ground labels on the luggage but they come off easily and have left no residue. FedEx is much kinder to the luggae than the airlines.

 

[MamaQuack]

Amen to that EpcotQueen!

We have shipped our luggage and boxes for years. I have used both UPS and FEDX. I too include an extra roll of tape and a sharpie for the labels. We have never had a lost or damaged bag or box. It is so easy. We do still each take a small carry on but that is it. Makes travel so much easier.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Thank you OP!!! I too have shipped pckg for us with food, toiletries, all that, but never thought of the luggage! How cool! And I am sure you have your tracking # and can verify that is arrived. correct? I am always afrain the airline will lose mine!! We have 3 kids, so we have lots of luggage!!! I think for us it may be better just to box it all and get more in there that way!! Wonderful thread - thanks again !!

 

[cruiserkaren]

This sounds like the way to go! I've never thought of it before. But since our next trip we'll have 2 kids it makes sense. I love the idea of being at the airport and not shoving suitcases around while trying to keep up with kids.

I think I get the idea of shipping it down but need some clarification on the way home.

Do you use the same boxes that was used on the way there?

Where and When do you tell them that you will need the boxes shipped back home, bell services, guest relations, front desk...?

Do they charge it to your room?

 

[Poohbear123]

Thank you OP!!! I too have shipped pckg for us with food, toiletries, all that, but never thought of the luggage! How cool! And I am sure you have your tracking # and can verify that is arrived. correct? I am always afrain the airline will lose mine!! We have 3 kids, so we have lots of luggage!!! I think for us it may be better just to box it all and get more in there that way!! Wonderful thread - thanks again !!

Your welcome, I haven't had a thread "catch on" in a very LONG time! I am so surprised it lasted this long. Hope all the info everyone can use!

 

[lovesdumbo]

This sounds like the way to go! I've never thought of it before. But since our next trip we'll have 2 kids it makes sense. I love the idea of being at the airport and not shoving suitcases around while trying to keep up with kids.

I think I get the idea of shipping it down but need some clarification on the way home.

Do you use the same boxes that was used on the way there?

Where and When do you tell them that you will need the boxes shipped back home, bell services, guest relations, front desk...?

Do they charge it to your room?

I've shipped boxes to myself at the resort at least 5 times. I've never had a problem with anything being damaged. I did ship with USPS one time and the box arrived after me but that was my fault for shipping it too late. I have on a few occasions put a smaller box inside the box I'm shipping down so that I have a clean box for the return and since some of the items I shipped were consumable a smaller box worked out great for the return.

I do make a return label and include a small roll of tape so that I can just bring the box all ready to go to the guest relations desk (concierge) of the resort to ship home. They either charge your room or credit card.

I have read on the Dis that folks have been able to get a box at the resort gift shop and ship things home.

 

[Poohbear123]

I've shipped boxes to myself at the resort at least 5 times. I've never had a problem with anything being damaged. I did ship with USPS one time and the box arrived after me but that was my fault for shipping it too late. I have on a few occasions put a smaller box inside the box I'm shipping down so that I have a clean box for the return and since some of the items I shipped were consumable a smaller box worked out great for the return.

I do make a return label and include a small roll of tape so that I can just bring the box all ready to go to the guest relations desk (concierge) of the resort to ship home. They either charge your room or credit card.

I have read on the Dis that folks have been able to get a box at the resort gift shop and ship things home.

Another great tip, thanks!

 

[Chrisypoo]

This is a really great idea. I don't know if I would ship all my stuff that way, but I could absolutely do it with a lot of stuff I have in my carry on (change of clothes, toiletries, etc.) It would also be great for us because we're going to be at WDW for Christmas...I was dreading how I was going to fit presents in our suitcases. This will work out quite nicely and I'll even be able to get a small tree, too!

About how far ahead does everyone ship? I know normally I'm in the 2-3day "zone", but we'll be arriving on December 19th. Should I send about 7 days in advance.

I also did a 'price check' on UPS.com and a 20 lb box will cost about $14 for ground shipping, VA to FL, FedEx.com listed around $10. I'll be able to pack snacks and breakfast stuff as well.

I'm so excited! Add my thanks to everyone for the great tip!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

About how far ahead does everyone ship? I know normally I'm in the 2-3day "zone", but we'll be arriving on December 19th. Should I send about 7 days in advance.

You may want to add a few days for the holiday rush. I think the resort will hold onto a package for 2 weeks. I might ship it on the 10th or 11th just to be safe.

 

[Chrisypoo]

You may want to add a few days for the holiday rush. I think the resort will hold onto a package for 2 weeks. I might ship it on the 10th or 11th just to be safe.

Excellent, thanks!