Package shipping questions...

[mommy*RN]

I posted the following question on the Disney Tips board, but received no answer. I am hoping someone here will help me out...
__________________________________

I promise I will print ALL the responses I receive so I don't have to ask you all again...

I have a few questions about shipping a package to WDW. We aren't leaving until Oct., but I am trying to stay on top of things...

So...

When should I ship my package??? We arrive on Monday, Oct. 16...should I post it Thursday or Friday before we leave...or sooner???

What do you suggest I pack in the box??? So far I am planning diapers and wipes for my DD, some non-perishable food items (snacks, cold cereals, etc.) but is there anything else that anyone can think of I should pack??? Suggestions are always welcome!

What do I write on the mailing label...obviously my name and the resort name and addy, but should I write my date of arrival on it...or any other information?

Lastly (for now) how do I pick up my package? Do I do it at check-in even though my room may not be ready?

I think this is all the questions I have thus far and I greatly appreciate ya'll responding to another shipping post...

THANK YOU!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

We did this for our last trip and it was great! We packed snacks, diapers, wipes, plastic bowls, utensils, cereal, swim diapers etc. I also packed peanut butter, jelly, and a loaf of bread. (my kids don't like the disney version) I mailed it about 7 days before we went. It arrived with no problem and I was able to track it. I mailed it directly to the resort we were staying at and I put my name, ressie# and date of arrival on the box. When we arrived it was ready for us and bell services brought it up to our room. It was the best thing we ever did! I plan on doing it again for as long as we have kids in diapers alone! Feel free to ask me anything. I will try to answer you as best as I can! Have a great trip!

 

[mommy*RN]

Thank you so much for replying!

I really want to do this to save packing space (and weight...some of those items can really weigh a LOT!)

Thank you again!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Anytime! You might also want to ship an extra duffle bag in your box. It is always harder to close the luggage coming home! Also- I forgot to tell you to pack some ziplock bags- sandwich size (for snacks) and gallon size- (to throw a pack of wipes in and for misc.wet clothing when in the parks etc.)

 

[Ariel8676]

If you don't mind me butting in..how big of a box did you have to use to ship all of that down and what was the shipping cost..if you don't mind me asking. Thanks

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I sent a pretty big box. It was about the size of 4 cases of diapers. (2up 2down). It cost me around $19.00 but it would hae cost around $13.00 but I had to ship it priority because I waited so long to ship it! Try to ship it 7-10 dyas before you go and it will be cheaper.

 

[Ariel8676]

Thanks so much!!!

 

[mommy*RN]

Thank you so much too! I appreciate your help!

 

[jayhjay]

Do you guys think it is worth pre-shipping if you are going to have a grocery stop? We will have a car (and a studio at VWL) so I was planning a shopping trip. We will eat break fast in the resort and then probably get snacks, diapers, wipes. We also will need sippies and a few other supplies. I am wondering if stuff is cheaper up here so it is better to mail, or if we should just plan on buying it all when we grocery shop.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Unless you use a special brand that you must have (diapers etc.) I would just buy it down there and pack some sippy cups in my luggage. We did a grocery stop once and it was great! We got fresh fruit and bottled water and chips and stuff. If we ever did a grocery stop again I would also get cold cuts and some salads too!

 

[barkley]

i send the bulky stuff-extra shoes, water shoes, otc drugs and personal hygene items (not my perscription meds). i pack a roll of bubble wrap for souvineers we are bringing back and some tape. i also toss in stuff i've grabbed to surprise the kids (crayons, color books, small toys, new "floaties" or a pool toy). i also pack travel sized premeasure baggies of soap powder or laundry tabs (when i can find them) for the washer/dryers at the dvc properties.

since we do dvc and cook some meals, i ONLY pack non perishables i can't chance not finding on the grocery stop (certain packaged sauces, certain brand name items). i also pack small containers of the spices i will use (too expensive to buy for just one meal) and baggies with spices preblended for different dishes (all the dry items for meatloaf...).

last but not least i pack a roll of packaging tape and a new address lable back home. we drop off the package at a ups or other type mailing hub on our way back to the airport.

we're going to maui in november and i plan on mailing my dh's lighter weight scuba gear along with the "bulky" stuff-if for no other reason, i can get inexpensive insurance for the package that is a lot easier to file a claim with than dealing with the airline's per pound replacement policies!

 

[jtopp]

Fabulous idea! We just came home today and I can think of a half dozen things I should have bought with us but didn't because of travel restrictions and convienience. I even forgot the extra bag for extra items and had to buy one. I especially like the food idea, as my children are kind of picky and we could have made breakfast a lot easier if we had some foresight. Kudos!

 

[ekball]

Hi all,

I really love the idea of sending a box down early - especially for items like diapers, wipes, swimmies, etc. Quick question for those that have done this...do you address it to the resort itself, then include my info (ressie #, arrival date, etc.)? Also, has anyone done this for a stay at WL?

Thanks for all the great ideas everyone. I feel so organized (and our trip is still a couple of months away)!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Hi all,

I really love the idea of sending a box down early - especially for items like diapers, wipes, swimmies, etc. Quick question for those that have done this...do you address it to the resort itself, then include my info (ressie #, arrival date, etc.)? Also, has anyone done this for a stay at WL?

Thanks for all the great ideas everyone. I feel so organized (and our trip is still a couple of months away)!

Yes- you have to address it to the resort. Put your name, date of stay and reservation # on it. We did it at the Poly last month and when we checked in they told us that we had a package waiting for us. Bell services brought it to our room.