shipping "stuff" ahead of time to resort

[new mom11]

I've heard the WDW resorts will hold packages for you. Any truth to this? We're going w/17 mo DS and I think it would be really convenient to ship diapers, wipes, snacks, etc. ahead of time. My DH seems to think it's a waste of time; we're staying in a 1 bed BCV and renting a car, so we're going to to run to the market to pick up some food either way. I just don't want to end up spending double the price for baby stuff that I could have shipped. He says "we're on vacation". Any opinions? Are the prices at the closest supermarkets really outrageous?
Thanks in advance!

 

[whozit]

Just back, we shipped a box ahead to POR via Fedex. I checked out the shipping price online and I could have sent a 50 lb box for under $18. I bought stuff on sale here and shipped a whole assortment of non-perishable things: juice boxes, peanut butter, foil pouches of tuna, crackers, pudding cups, applesauce cups, breakfast cereal, poptarts, candy...even sunscreen. We stopped at the grocery store and just bought milk, yogurt, string cheese and a couple of days worth of deli meat. I shipped it so it would arrive a couple of days ahead of us (so I could check that it made it there) and when we checked in, the CM told me there was a box in the back, and she said it was rather bulky so Bell Services would deliver it. Our room wasn't ready yet, so we went to Downtown Disney and called to find out our room number later. When we got to our room, the package was in the room waiting for us. We did the same thing last year....I didn't even compare the store prices, because I watched for things to go on sale here and bought them at that time and tossed them in the box. You never know what will be on sale on one particular day, so if you shop the sales over time, you'll do better.

 

[CK1]

Be very careful -- I have read that recently some of the resorts were charging folks $$$ for receiving / holding their parcels for them! SOmeone noted paying $20 for their box... that would surely start to nullify any benefit. Call your resort first to ask their specific policy on shipped boxes!

As for prices -- we used to always haul as much as possible with us (we're DVC, so we're in always in a villa and cook a fair bit while we're there.) We had only looked at Gooding's prices (definitely high enough to make ya swoon). And then I went to other stores, a bit further from the Disney edges (yet still failry close and easy to get to!) I realized that hauling all that stuff was no real savings -- some things were slightly more expensive than home, but other things were cheaper -- it was a wash-out, really. Plus -- all that space formerly occupied in our van (and the gas required to haul it!) is now enjoyed by our family. THey love not feeling cramped and "stuffed" into their seats! We usually take a tiny amt of provisions (snacks and such) and then I hit the store right after check-in while dh takes kids to pool. THere is a super Wal-Mart, there are Publix grocery stores (very nice), a Winn-Dixie... depending upon what you need, they have you covered.

Cindy

 

[whozit]

As CK1 had noted, there have been reports on these boards that some resorts were charging for holding your parcels. It sounded like Coronado Springs did this, but then other posters noted that CSR caters to conventions and these charges were aimed at the conventions or business meetings shipping things ahead. We stayed at POR and I did call ahead to be sure they still accepted parcels and held them free of charge....they said of course. Also, I did send the box so it only arrived a day or two ahead of us. Your resort will also give you guidance on addressing the package. I was told to address it "Resort Guest Your Name Here, Arrival Date xx/xx/xx" then the Resort Name and street address (I double checked the street address and it was different than the address shown with my confirmation......although I expect it would have arrived with either address (they gave me the street name Riverside, and the confimation showed the name Dixie, apparently a remnant of the resort's previous name Dixie Landings).

 

[mbaker1277]

When my daughter was 10 months old we shipped a huge box of sipplies to Coronado Springs. I just called the resort before we left and confirmed their address and where they would be holding the package, and it was there when we srrived. It couldn't have been any easier! We were flying and there was no way we could pack a whole package of diapers, baby food, spoons, bibs, bottles, formula, juice boxes, snacks,etc.. We eventually ran out of diapers but found that they inly carry a certain brand in the resort hotels, and these did not fit her well. I just felt better shipping the things that we really needed then placing them in a backpack for the day.
It was a lillte expensive to ship, but weel worth the money and convienience to me!