Owners Locker

[Anal Annie]

....practice, practice, practice.....

...only kidding.

The lids to the Lockers do take some getting used to. One end of the lid has built-in tabs that fit under the lip of the Locker itself. These tabs mean you don't have to put seals on that end of the Locker.

Having said that, it can be annoyingly difficult to put the lid on so that the tabs do their job properly. Once you get the hang of it, you'll appreciate just how clever the design is (I had NOTHING to do with the design...a fantastic company in Miami came up with it) but the first few times putting the lid on can be a challenge.

Now, with one end of the lid hooked to the Locker with the tabs, the other end can be closed and sealed using one or two of the four seals we always include with each delivery.

Let me pause here and say that if the Locker is being used properly, it may take two people to seal the Locker...one person to sit on it to hold the lid down while the other puts the seals on....

There is a small, clear plastic pouch on the outside of the back of the Locker into which we put four numbered, black, breakable seals with each delivery. Just slip the pointed end of the seal into the slots in the lip and then thread this pointed end into the body of the seal (looks like mouse ears, interestingly) that does NOT have the printed number on it. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the pointed ended started but once you do, just snug it up like you would a zip tie.

Also, keep in mind that the bell services desks have extra seals if you need them.....
john

This would be us because ours is so overstuffed the lid bulges!! I sometimes wonder if it is SO bulging if it would cause other lockers stacked on top to be wobbly!!

 

[jekjones1558]

Pretty nice to have one of the Owners Locker CEOs posting an answer. Hi, John! Another example of the above-and-beyond service that defines OL!

 

[MapleGirl]

When I got a new laptop a few years ago, the old one became my WDW laptop and stays in our locker. Now I don't have to mess with that extra step at the TSA screening. All I carry now is a small USB hard drive that holds the photos I took during the trip.

This is brilliant! Thanks for the tip.

 

[goofy4tink]

....practice, practice, practice.....

...only kidding.

The lids to the Lockers do take some getting used to. One end of the lid has built-in tabs that fit under the lip of the Locker itself. These tabs mean you don't have to put seals on that end of the Locker.

Having said that, it can be annoyingly difficult to put the lid on so that the tabs do their job properly. Once you get the hang of it, you'll appreciate just how clever the design is (I had NOTHING to do with the design...a fantastic company in Miami came up with it) but the first few times putting the lid on can be a challenge.

Now, with one end of the lid hooked to the Locker with the tabs, the other end can be closed and sealed using one or two of the four seals we always include with each delivery.

Let me pause here and say that if the Locker is being used properly, it may take two people to seal the Locker...one person to sit on it to hold the lid down while the other puts the seals on....

There is a small, clear plastic pouch on the outside of the back of the Locker into which we put four numbered, black, breakable seals with each delivery. Just slip the pointed end of the seal into the slots in the lip and then thread this pointed end into the body of the seal (looks like mouse ears, interestingly) that does NOT have the printed number on it. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the pointed ended started but once you do, just snug it up like you would a zip tie.

Also, keep in mind that the bell services desks have extra seals if you need them.....
john

Well, who knew that Bell Services has extra ties!!! Thanks for that info John.
Oh, and when I'm solo??? I have been known to sit on my OL, and then afix the ties. Much better fit that way. But, it probably looks pretty odd!!!

 

[MapleGirl]

I've heard of people using their (empty) locker as an extra nigh stand. I love a good multitasker!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I've heard of people using their (empty) locker as an extra nigh stand. I love a good multitasker!

The lid also makes an excellent tray for carrying things down to a BBQ grill.

 

[chasshan]

I just recently passed ROFR for my first contract so have been enjoying reading various DVC threads this morning.

These lockers seem very popular and convenient, though maybe not money saving since we always fly southwest and can never fly with just carry-ons anyway.
I like the idea of trying it for a year like many have recommended.

Just curious, how did everyone do their first fill? Meaning, did you pack an extra suitcase and then off-load into the locker?(even if it meant paying a luggage fee for that suitcase?) Or did you purchase items while in the Orlando area? We won't have a rental car our first trip so I guess that would mean paying for a taxi, and spending valuable park time to shop....that does not sound smart.

I have a hard time putting convenience before saving money, but it seems like this would be worth a try for my large crew.
Anyone have some good suggestions on how best to do that first fill?
Thanks,
Shanna

 

[Micca]

I just recently passed ROFR for my first contract so have been enjoying reading various DVC threads this morning.

These lockers seem very popular and convenient, though maybe not money saving since we always fly southwest and can never fly with just carry-ons anyway.
I like the idea of trying it for a year like many have recommended.

Just curious, how did everyone do their first fill? Meaning, did you pack an extra suitcase and then off-load into the locker?(even if it meant paying a luggage fee for that suitcase?) Or did you purchase items while in the Orlando area? We won't have a rental car our first trip so I guess that would mean paying for a taxi, and spending valuable park time to shop....that does not sound smart.

I have a hard time putting convenience before saving money, but it seems like this would be worth a try for my large crew.
Anyone have some good suggestions on how best to do that first fill?
Thanks,
Shanna

Shanna congrats on passing ROFR & Welcome Home!

On our first fill we brought a few things from home, then made a stop at Walgreens near WDW to stock up on the rest. We had a rental car though so I can see why the cab ride wouldn't be all that cost effective. I guess your best bet would be to bring the items from home but then you're schlepping even more stuff on the plane(but just one time!). Depending on how much stuff you have maybe consider mailing a package to yourself at the resort?

Here ya go John, new idea for your business: van rides for new OL customers to stock up!

 

[SamSam]

I just recently passed ROFR for my first contract so have been enjoying reading various DVC threads this morning.

These lockers seem very popular and convenient, though maybe not money saving since we always fly southwest and can never fly with just carry-ons anyway.
I like the idea of trying it for a year like many have recommended.

Just curious, how did everyone do their first fill? Meaning, did you pack an extra suitcase and then off-load into the locker?(even if it meant paying a luggage fee for that suitcase?) Or did you purchase items while in the Orlando area? We won't have a rental car our first trip so I guess that would mean paying for a taxi, and spending valuable park time to shop....that does not sound smart.

I have a hard time putting convenience before saving money, but it seems like this would be worth a try for my large crew.
Anyone have some good suggestions on how best to do that first fill?
Thanks,
Shanna

We brought some things with us (Southwest - free luggage), we also had a rental car and did a store run (which we always do anyway, for groceries).
I know some people pack up a box at home and ship it to their resort.

You can't beat the convenience, or the service.

 

[chasshan]

Thanks!

Well, as long as you are giving suggestions to John, I've got one......
Instead of a van ride to go shop, what about a shopping service?
So the items are in your locker on your first trip?

The customer could make out a specific list for a specific store, like Walmart, Target, Costco and "Owners Lockers" could make 1 or 2 shopping trips per month to keep things efficient, and give owners a monthly deadline to put in their shopping lists. The items could be pre-paid with a fixed fee to pay for the convenience.

I'm sure there are other shopping services that we could use, but if they are shopping at high-priced local markets, any toiletries, dry goods etc are going to be pricey.

Wait, just had an idea. Instead of mailing a package to my resort and paying for shipping, I could just order products from target or drugstore.com, amazon and get the free shipping. Then all I would need to pack are those items that I already have on hand like mister fans, ponchos, etc.

O.k. now I guess I'm getting off topic. Sorry.

Thanks for the "Welcome Home" and your tip!,
Shanna

 

[goofy4tink]

I just recently passed ROFR for my first contract so have been enjoying reading various DVC threads this morning.

These lockers seem very popular and convenient, though maybe not money saving since we always fly southwest and can never fly with just carry-ons anyway.
I like the idea of trying it for a year like many have recommended.

Just curious, how did everyone do their first fill? Meaning, did you pack an extra suitcase and then off-load into the locker?(even if it meant paying a luggage fee for that suitcase?) Or did you purchase items while in the Orlando area? We won't have a rental car our first trip so I guess that would mean paying for a taxi, and spending valuable park time to shop....that does not sound smart.

I have a hard time putting convenience before saving money, but it seems like this would be worth a try for my large crew.
Anyone have some good suggestions on how best to do that first fill?
Thanks,
Shanna

Welcome Home Shanna!!!
I packed an addlt soft duffle bag with stuff I wanted to leave in my OL the first time I used it. Then, the duffle got folded up and stuffed inside another checked bag going home. Of course, we flew on SW that time so could each have the 2 checked bags!!
I love not having to worry about bringing the same stuff to WDW every single time I go. I can put what I need in my OL and then forget about it. I like knowing that I have heavier clothes for the cold winter visits. I leave specific Disney themed tee shirts in the locker. I like leaving Disney beach towels in it. Full sized toiletries are wonderful to leave behind. Laundry detergent/softener. The list goes on and on.

If you want to buy stuff to have it delivered at your resort, I would recommend either Garden Grocer or WeGoShop. I've used both and they have both worked very well. Yes, there is a delivery charge but it's not much.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

The customer could make out a specific list for a specific store, like Walmart, Target, Costco and "Owners Lockers" could make 1 or 2 shopping trips per month to keep things efficient, and give owners a monthly deadline to put in their shopping lists. The items could be pre-paid with a fixed fee to pay for the convenience.

You pretty much just described wegoshop.com, except that they do individual vice group shopping.

 

[Sur]

Welcome Home Shanna!!!
I packed an addlt soft duffle bag with stuff I wanted to leave in my OL the first time I used it. Then, the duffle got folded up and stuffed inside another checked bag going home. Of course, we flew on SW that time so could each have the 2 checked bags!!
I love not having to worry about bringing the same stuff to WDW every single time I go. I can put what I need in my OL and then forget about it. I like knowing that I have heavier clothes for the cold winter visits. I leave specific Disney themed tee shirts in the locker. I like leaving Disney beach towels in it. Full sized toiletries are wonderful to leave behind. Laundry detergent/softener. The list goes on and on.

If you want to buy stuff to have it delivered at your resort, I would recommend either Garden Grocer or WeGoShop. I've used both and they have both worked very well. Yes, there is a delivery charge but it's not much.

This is exactly what we did and many of the same items for the same reason. The yearly fee is SO worth it for the convenience it provides.

 

[Anal Annie]

I just recently passed ROFR for my first contract so have been enjoying reading various DVC threads this morning.

These lockers seem very popular and convenient, though maybe not money saving since we always fly southwest and can never fly with just carry-ons anyway.
I like the idea of trying it for a year like many have recommended.

Just curious, how did everyone do their first fill? Meaning, did you pack an extra suitcase and then off-load into the locker?(even if it meant paying a luggage fee for that suitcase?) Or did you purchase items while in the Orlando area? We won't have a rental car our first trip so I guess that would mean paying for a taxi, and spending valuable park time to shop....that does not sound smart.

I have a hard time putting convenience before saving money, but it seems like this would be worth a try for my large crew.
Anyone have some good suggestions on how best to do that first fill?
Thanks,
Shanna

At first I started by slowly collecting items one or two at a time that I knew I'd want to put in the locker. I knew I had to convince DH to get the locker & wanted to be able to show him all of the things that I packed each & every trip and how much room they took up in the luggage but I didn't want to go & spend $150 all at once to buy all of these "spare items". (I didn't necessarily want to pack away ALL of our mini umbrellas for example so I bought 3 new ones, here & there, one at a time). Then I managed to find a large cardboard box that was approximately the same size as the locker. I wanted to FILL it but also to be sure I wouldn't try to pack TOO much away.

We had a trip coming up so once the box was full and I had DH convinced we should try it I ordered our locker for our next trip and we've never looked back since. I shipped the box to SSR where we were staying via UPS. It weighed 45 Lbs and I think it cost me something like $18 to send it and I was able to track it - it arrived the day before us. I had noted our reservation on the outside of the box and it was waiting for us at Bell Services when we arrived. We flew in carry-ons only for the first time and DH was so happy not to have schlep any big heavy bags he was SOLD as soon as we walked through the airport and didn't look like pack mules for the first time ever!!

My only negative about it is that this will be the 2nd year since we got it where we don't get to USE it. (The first year we skipped WDW because we went to Europe & did a DCL and this summer we're going to DL and Aulani. Not sure yet if we'll make it down next year on spring break or not - I hope so but DS will be a Jr. and we really should probably do college tours instead.) I wish there was a way to defer the 1 annual delivery to another year - sort of like banking & borrowing points but banking & borrowing deliveries instead!! Our renewal is in May so if we CAN go over spring break in 2014 then I'll still have our 1 delivery left from this May saved up. Then we'll renew again that May & we'll have that delivery for our summer trip. But if we don't make it for spring 2014 then that years visit will have gone wasted - I just can't dwell on it. Even still, it's nice to know it's there waiting for us.

BTW I now HATE that I have to pack absolutely everything for all of our trips outside of WDW!! One summer we went to HHI and then there was the Europe trip and now this trip to DL / Aulani coming up and I have to pack EVERYTHING....I'm so spoiled by having everything waiting on us in our locker it's a royal pain to have to pack now!!

 

[chasshan]

Thanks for all the tips!

It does sound like it's worth a try. We have a tripped planned for May 2nd and then again Jan 2nd so that would be 2 times. in one year. There will probably be years we don't go either, but the idea of packing and carrying less out-weighs the possibility of not using the service for one year.

I think I will do a mix of your suggestions. I'll start making my stash of things to bring, but then I'll do an online order of some of the things and have it shipped to my resort.

BTW, I forgot to ask earlier.....what is the Tuesday night at Epcot thing?
I read a couple of posts about this and went back to try and figure it out earlier in the thread, but couldn't. Keep in mind I just passed ROFR on my first ever contract, so still a newbie.
Thansk,
Shanna