Shipping a package to meet us when we arrive?

[firsttime]

We are staying at the WL. I wanted to ship down a box with some snacks and misc. items. Has anyone ever done this? If so how much time would you allow for the post office to deliver standard mail? Also, have you been charged a holding fee from WL?

Any input would be great!!

Thanks

 

[ozziewags]

I shipped two boxes UPS to the Swan before Christmas and it took about a week. I called UPS beforehand and asked when to ship so it would arrive on a certain date. The Swan held it for me with no charge and brought the boxes to our room upon arrival.(Christmas decs and presents) Just be sure to mark your box with your name, resort and arrival date. I think I also put my confirmation number on it.

 

[Emy'sMom]

I was thinking of doing this too. In the past we've driven to WDW but this year we are flying so we have to watch how much we pack. Has anyone ever sent toiletries or clothes? I guess that might be too risky - the package could get lost I suppose.

Debbie

 

[Mickiethepooh]

"I guess that might be too risky - the package could get lost I suppose."

So could your luggage!

 

[MaryAunt]

for our trip last November. We sent a box with snacks, bottled water, baby niece's diapers, extra formula, etc. by UPS. DH had an account, it was picked up at our home 5 days before our trip, and we could track it and knew it arrived before we left. DB also sent a box two days before mine, and it arrived 2 days later...good thing I had the diapers . His box had cereal, and snacks. Both of us sent collapsible coolers in our boxes, and checked them through as luggage on our way home (filled with laundry!!!) Am in the planning stages for what to ship for this November...don't need diapers this trip! MaryAunt

 

[whozit]

I think shipping a box of things ahead is the way to go. The airlines are getting stricter about enforcing the baggage weights and number of bags. Also, by shipping your consumables ahead, you have that much less to transport around (in and out of your rental car, or town car or shuttle bus or taxi). I checked on USPS rates and found them to be higher than both Fedex (regular ground service) and UPS. You can go to FedEx and UPS's websites and put in your details, package size and weight and it will calculate your cost and number of days it will take to arrive. I called my resort to be sure they would accept the box and they said no problem, they asked that it be addressed to Resort Guest (your name here) arrival date xx/xx/xx and then the resort's street address. I shipped my package so that it would arrive about 2 days before us (that way I could check with the tracking number and if it didn’t arrive before we left, we could have the shipping company start a trace (it arrived with no problem)). Both this year and last year when we checked in, there was a note on our file that said there was a package waiting for us. Last year, I picked it up right then, this year the CM said that the note indicated it was large and heavy so bell services would deliver it. Our room wasn’t ready yet (we registered at about 1pm and official check in time isn’t until at least 3pm), so we did some other running around, then later we called the front desk and got our room number. When we got to the room, the box was already there.

 

[safetymom]

Just keep in mind that UPS has a habit of losing shipments. I can't tell you how many of mine have been delayed in this past year. Many of my business friends have had the same problem.

So I would allow a few extra days for the package to get there. I have had better luck with the airlines than I have with UPS.

Several times the packages that I shipped for a business meeting got there days after I returned home.

 

[MamaQuack]

I have shipped boxes (2) to the YC for our last 8 visits. UPS has never lost a box nor has the mailroom at YC. The boxes are always delivered to the room within an hour of check in. We love travelling this way because we only travel with carry on bags on the plane. It saves a lot of time at the airport.

I pack clothes, an umbrella, a duffle bag, snacks and extra film. It has made travel to Disney so much easier!!!!

 

[safetymom]

There is always a first time for UPS or FedEX to lose your package. Just be aware that it does happen more often than it should.

That is what is great about these boards. You can hear what happens to others and plan accordingly.

What if your package is lost or delayed for a day or two? What do you do for clothes? At least the airlines compensate for that.

 

[whozit]

By planning for your shipment to arrive 2-3 days ahead of your arrival, you would know before you left if your package had not arrived. With both FedEx and UPS, your paperwork will give you the details about your guaranteed delivery date, and you can insure your package for the value of it's contents. This would allow the delivery service to run a trace and allow you to pack a few extra things if they hadn't resolved it by the time you left. My shipment in August was guaranteed to arrive in 3 days....in fact, it arrived in 2 days.

 

[safetymom]

The tracking info isn't always accurate. I have shipments that showed the delivery date and then day of delivery it mentions it is sitting in a warehouse. I have also then on day of delivery had messages that stated it would be delayed with new routing.

Keep in mind they don't deliver on the weekend also. I just mention this so you don't pack all your clothes in the box that is being shipped.

Things do happen even when shipping UPS, USPS, or FedEX.