Package delivery process: What is normal?

[Chrisizzle]

Hello,

I’ve had two Disney trips this year and had courier deliveries both times. My experiences were drastically different and am curious what the ‘normal’ process is.

The first was in January with a LARGE heavy box (think barely able to fit in the door). This was a personal item sent by courier from a family member if that makes a difference. It arrived on day three of my week long stay. I simply found it in my room when I returned from a day in the parks. Nice and easy!

With that success, I decided to order a bulk of energy bars in advance for my arrival to the Star Wars run in April.

This time it was a small box from Amazon. So, it was commercial rather than personal and it arrived two days before me. From my previous experience, I expected to see it in my room when I checked in (3pm-ish)

With the race at 4am, I called Front Desk to see where it was.

First, I got bounced around because it seems perishable items (like groceries) are handled differently than general deliveries. It sounded like perishables are kept at the resort itself (somewhere near Front Desk). Whereas, non-perishables (like mine) were somewhere else in a central depot.

Next, they found my package and said it would be sent to my room. I waited because it sounded like that would happen right away. After an hour or so, I followed up again. I still got bounced around but helped guide them since this was my second round. This time the package arrived within minutes.

1) What is the ideal or typical process for deliveries?

2) The January stay was at Port Orleans French Quarter, and April was at All Star Music. Would the level of resort factor into the service received?

3) What is the process for perishables?
I understand they can’t sit in your room for hours. So, do you walk to the front desk and pick up yourself?

Thanks in advance for the collective wisdom.

 

[Luvs Mickey]

I’ve had packages delivered to a resort prior to check in a couple times and in those instances I’ve asked about them at check in and picked them up at that time. I wouldn’t think the package would be delivered automatically to the room and waiting for you unless requested by you at check in. It’s quite possible the room they assign to you prior to check in could change during check in. For example, you might ask for a different room location or complimentary upgrade at that time, in which case your package would be in the wrong room if they accommodate your request.

I’m not sure if it’s standard for a package which arrives during a stay to be delivered to your room without calling as I haven’t done this.

Regardless, it’s my understanding Bell Services delivers these items and they are not always immediate depending upon how busy they are.

Edited to add: In my experience, perishables go to Bell Services ( they have a big refrigerator to hold groceries) and packages go to a room behind the front desk. In your case I don’t know if they would have known the Amazon box contained food. If you mentioned you had energy bars delivered, instead of an Amazon delivery, it could have caused confusion.

 

[Chrisizzle]

It’s quite possible the room they assign to you prior to check in could change during check in. For example, you might ask for a different room location or complimentary upgrade at that time, in which case your package would be in the wrong room if they accommodate your request.
........
In your case I don’t know if they would have known the Amazon box contained food. If you mentioned you had energy bars delivered, instead of an Amazon delivery, it could have caused confusion.

I had not considered the need to switch rooms upon check in. Good point.

I am sure I have read or seen people say their packages were waiting for them upon arrival. However, I possibly made the assumption that was in their room, rather than at the resort in general.


For my particular example, the energy bars would not be marked as food. It would look like any delivery with shirts, or toys, or whatever.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Items will not be placed in your room until after you are in the room. Thst way if another guest is assigned the room you had been assigned and you get a different one, they won't get your package.

 

[lanejudy]

In our experience, Value resorts are very slow to deliver things. They don’t actually have “Bell Services” but rather “Luggage Services” and make deliveries in batches. It would seem ME luggage is their priority, but maybe that’s my perception. Anyway, we’ve found it easier and quicker to go to Luggage Services or the Front Desk to pick up packages ourselves rather than wait for delivery. And if you know something was shipped and arrived before you, ask for it at check-in, they can probably give it to you right then and there.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[patty57]

Any packages that have been waiting for me at a resort were at bell services.

 

[Best Aunt]

Also depends on hotel. And how it is arriving.

FedEx to Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House went to front desk and Bell Services was not allowed to bring it to my room; a runner for front desk did.

FedEx to Beach Club went to its Convention Center. FedEx to Boardwalk went to its Convention Center. Again, Bell Services could not deliver, a runner from convention center business office did.

Garden Grocer delivery went to Bell Services and they could bring it to my room.

Note that nothing was brought to my room until I arrived, got to room and requested it.