Shipping Packages to WDW

[lopo]

Greetings! I know that I've seen this topic discussed but, when I searched, I wasn't able to find the forum. I am traveling with an five-month-old infant for the first time. We will be at CSR in 12 days. Since we do not have a rental car (using ME), I'd like to ship the basic baby supplies we'll need.

Does anyone have experience with this? I'd specifically like to know what service (UPS? USPS? DHL? FedEx? Other?) you recommend and the approximate cost.

Thanks in advance for any aassistance you offer!

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Last year, I shipped a package to myself at BC. I used UPS and I did their online option to calculate costs and shipping time. I even printed the pre-paid label from my computer and had them pick up the package from my home! I was able to track its progress online, which was important to me since we were on the road and did not arrive at WDW until the 3rd day of our trip. Things went very smoothly on the UPS side of things and I would highly recommend them. Getting the front desk at BC to deliver the package to me was another story. I had to call multiple times and finally went to the front desk and asked them to just hand it to me.

 

[Taja]

The cost of shipping your package will depend on the weight and distance (zones), as well as the size if it is classified "oversize" by the carrier--and the carrier. You can check the USPS, UPS and FedEx websites for rates. With UPS and FedEx, you will automatically have online tracking; with USPS you have to pay additional for it. Ditto for insurance--UPS & FedEx automatically insure replaceable, non-perishable, non-breakable items for $100. You would need purchase receipts to collect, however.

We had a similar experience at YC, but they did deliver the package the morning after we arrived. Since we're in the western US, I shipped the package two weeks in advance. By the time we arrived, the mail room had a wonderful time locating it!

Be sure to address it to the reservations name, reservation # with arrival date, c/o your resort & resort address.

 

[bavaria]

USPS flat rate boxes come in two sizes, and the rate is $7.70 regardless of weight. You can be notified of delivery, and takes about 3-7 days. I do this all the time, cheaper than a courier and still have great service.

 

[DonnaL]

I've done this twice in the past, once to BWV and once to SSR using UPS both times. MAKE SURE you put Guest name, Reservation number, and Arrival date on the package and then address it to front desk of the resort you're staying at. SSR had the package readily available for us, but, BWV was another story entirely. I basically had to track it down myself......I shipped it about six days before our arrival (we were arriving on New Years Day) so I knew they had received it on 12/30 since I printed out the tracking info before we left home. Well, no one at the front desk knew where it was and didn't seem real willing to try and find it. Someone SUGGESTED to me that I check down at the business center of the BW conference center. At that point I didn't pursue the matter with the front but walked down to the business center myself. Sure enough that's where it ended up. So, I called the front desk from there and SUGGESTED to them they send someone down to the business center to get it and deliver it to our room. At SSR it was an entirely different story. When we checked in the desk person said "Oh I think we have a package for you. We'll deliver it up to your room shortly. Is that OK?". So I guess it depends which resort you're staying at, but, make sure all pertinent info is on the package just in case it has to be tracked and if possible print the tracking number and even delivery info before you leave home.

 

[DonnaL]

bavaria.....thanks for the tip on the usps flate rate boxes......I'll definitely take advantage of that in December rather than UPS. Both times I shipped I believe the cost was in the neighborhood of $18.00 ( which was still Ok since it did save us money at the grocery store) but, $7.95 is better than $18.00.

 

[bavaria]

Sometimes you do need to ask for flat rate boxes - today they were not on display at the post office, but they dug around and found me 3.

I shipped an item for $7.70 with delivery confirmation and tracking; it would have been $14 to send it regular mail!

I looooooooove those flat rate boxes - they have a better track record with delivery than the courier company I use!

 

[kileybeth]

Bavaria,

Thanx for the great tip on flat rate boxes. I will be going to the post office on Monday asking for them. did you say there are two different sizes? any clue as to what dimensions they may be?

we are flying for first time (with 4 kids) and I don't want to waste time when we get into town looking for wal-mart, grocery shopping, etc. but I do want the conveinence of familiar brands for kids snacks and good prices.

how far in advance should I ship for these flat rate boxes, is it ground shipped? Guess I'll ask at post office.

 

[bavaria]

They usually take 3 business days. You can track online and can request delivery notification too. Check out the website for more info - it's a great way to ship!!

Updated: from the website

Boxes
• The Priority Mail Flat Rate Box is $7.70 for any U.S. destination.
• The inside dimensions for the two boxes available are 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" and 13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375".
• The contents of the flat rate box must be neatly contained inside of the box with adhesive packaging tape.
• The box must close securely and retain its shape when taped with adhesive.
• The shape of the box may not be changed or enlarged to fit its contents.

Extra services such as Delivery Confirmation™, Signature Confirmation®, and Insurance are available to use with Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelopes and Boxes.