So I've decided to UPS a box to AoA..now questions!

[Claudine877]

So after dithering about whether to check a bag on USAir ($25 bucks each way) for more than a few ounces of shampoo/suntan lotion, MNSSHP costumes and a few snacks, I've decided to ship a box UPS. I checked that a 20lb box from my zone to zone 6 (Orlando AoA) should be @ $15 and change. Both ways it's still better than checking at USAir. But now I'm moving onto 1) what type of box to use, 2) how to pack it so nothing leaks/breaks/is destroyed 3) is 5 days between send/receive sufficient 4) did you use socks/etc as packing material on the way down?

Does anyone have any advice? I checked the sticky about sending packages and while it mentions the addresses and how to do it (go to the UPS store and say 'here!' ) the actual packing of the box is what i'm currently seeking advice about.

 

[GoofyFairie]

While never have done this myself I would put anything that could spill in a ziploc bag, twice, for extra assurance. I would also make sure my box was just the right size so stuff didn't have much room to move around. Maybe you could use beach towels to help fill any voids. Hopefully some one else will chime in that has had some experience. Have a great trip!

 

[CrabbyPatty]

I packed a box with snack items and sent it via UPS on Monday. According to the UPS website, it should be delivered to WL tomorrow, just to give you an idea of timing (we're in Minnesota).

Some suggestions for packing - Use a new sturdy cardboard box. For my business, I send and receive a lot of packages and I'm always amazed how used boxes (even ones that have only been used once before) get beat-up in the shipping process. Also make sure every seam and edge is securely taped. A tape gun is your friend - tape and then tape again. I used a 11 x 11 x 9 box and got a LOT of stuff it in. Using a smaller box means you don't have to unnecessarily pad it out with towels or socks.

Line the box with a plastic garbage bag and put liquid items in a ziploc bag. Start stacking items along the perimeter. For example, I shipped down some breakfast items that we could eat in the room, and stuff to munch on in the parks. I lined the box with these small cereal boxes and put more fragile stuff in the middle. Your goal is to get a fairly solid block of items in the box with no big gaps. If you have some vacuum-sealed snack items - for example, I had a small bag of banana chips that were vacuum sealed - use them on the top of the box like those air pillows you see used as shipping material. The top few inches should be like a cushion to fill out the package so it isn't easily crushed. I wouldn't use gym socks - think packing peanuts or even popped popcorn in little ziploc bags.

 

[Claudine877]

Thank you so much for the information. Using bags of popcorn for the packing material is brilliant! My plan is to use half bottles of shampoo etc then toss them while down there and ship any laundry and possibly souvenirs back. Thanks!

 

[Kassidysdad]

I'm doing this next April, Just curious, what address you shipping to? I found 2 different ones, I haven't called yet to see which is the correct one cuz we all know we will get 2 different answers..hahaha.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Thank you so much for the information. Using bags of popcorn for the packing material is brilliant! My plan is to use half bottles of shampoo etc then toss them while down there and ship any laundry and possibly souvenirs back. Thanks!

Back in the 1960s, we used to send a relative stationed in Vietnam cookies using popcorn as packing material. People have been doing this for many years.

Will you have to ship the box back home? That is a real pain compared to shipping it from home to Disney.

 

[Claudine877]

That's true, the possibility exists that I won't need to ship it back if we use the snacks etc and can squish the costumes etc into regular luggage. I think I'll need to see what ends up in the box to determine whether I'll need to ship it from AoA to home.

The address that I planned to use was:

Disney's Art of Animation Resort
1850 Animation Way
Lake Buena Vista , FL 32830
407-938-7000