What's in YOUR owner's locker?

[stopher1]

First of all, the $75 membership fee is one time only - so it's not $274 every time, it's $99 per year after the membership fee.

And some of the stuff I would store in it isn't a purchase-every-time item. Like my DS's stroller fan, bath toys, coffee mugs, ponchos, and Pal Mickey. Should I buy a Mickey fan every time I go? Or coffee mugs?

Airlines are charging for bags now and traveling with liquids and sharp objects keeps getting more complicated - having a Locker will help take the headache out of travel. Buy a big container of shampoo, conditioner, and body soap - don't have to worry about that. Coffee filters come in packs of a thousand (I swear) and I only use 10-12 on a trip so I either pack them and bring them home where I don't need them (then have to remember to pack them next time) or leave them there to be trashed. Why create the extra waste?

I can see how the price can make is seem cost prohibitive. But if you use it to it's fullest potential, I think you can make it very cost effective.

D4D

As with any type of "initial purchase" - of course there will be start-up costs. In the case of OL there is a membership fee, and then the on-going annual expense. We acted on the offer that was advertised here on the DIS several months ago, and didn't pay the $75 membership fee - it was like $25 or $35 at that time - don't remember which now. The $99 annual fee is $99 sure - but I just look at it as $8.25 per month. I pay my MF on a monthly basis, so I just put $8.25 into a savings account each month, and then when the bill comes due I have the $100 for the OL fee.

Like several other posters - we FLY, so we don't have the luxury of a car in and around Orlando to get to the store, etc. We looked around the house and found lots of duplicate items at home that could easily go into our OL, and then the other items that we wanted or thought we'd need, we looked around for cheap... we got bought at Goodwill or the dollar store. Other items we got on clearance at Wal-Mart or Target, and then a few more we got using a coupon off of regular or sale price at other stores. In total, I spent an extra $55 on our OL stuff, or about $4.60 per month, if I were to look at it that way.

Do we absolutely NEED these items - no, we could survive without them, sure. Will they make our home away from home more comfortable - absolutely. Do I want to pack an extra suitcase filled with this stuff each time we travel? NO. Having the ability to leave a collection of now specifically vacation "extras" near our primary vacation location is quite valuable to us, even at an on-going rate of $8.25 per month.

We typically fly Southwest where baggage fees still don't exist. That's great for us, sure - but with our OL, now we can pack half the clothes we used to pack in our pre-DVC days thanks to the W/D, and spend less overall on the overpriced park foods by making some of it in room. Instead of 5 suitcases of clothing, we can now bring 2-3 suitcases of clothing and 1 suitcase of foods to prepare in room (typically breakfasts, but we do have one dinner planned for in room for our trip next month). That way the only food we have to buy locally are some milk and eggs. We have the rest ready to go from our own pantry already. If we weren't going to WDW we'd be eating out of our pantry anyway, so there's not much of a cost differential in eating the food at home or away from home.

It works for us - but that doesn't mean it has to work for everyone!

 

[dianeschlicht]

re cost: Don't DISboard members get a discount?

I'm on a campaign to convince my hubby that this is a good idea. He can be so stubborn about silly things sometimes. Love him anyway.

Yeah, mine was stubborn too, but the DVC/DIS board discount and the charges by the airlines swayed him over. We will be doing it on our trip in January. Of course, now I have to decide if I am shipping all that stuff down, paying the extra luggage charges this trip, or buying a lot of it down there....HMMMM, another thing to think about!

 

[DaveH]

Now one more thing........do you all bring this stuff with you, buy somet stuff when you get down there? Do you drive or fly? Thanks

There are 3 basic ways to get the stuff.

1. Mail such as Fec Ex, UPS or postal service

2, Bring with you in suitcase if fly or bring when drive.

3. Buy down there, If drive buy locally, rent a car or use taxi.

When we got ours we did a long weekend and rented a car. We did take some things with us. Our list is long, but most are small items. In our britta pitcher we put other things. Our locker is maxed out.

 

[SamSam]

re cost: Don't DISboard members get a discount?

I'm on a campaign to convince my hubby that this is a good idea. He can be so stubborn about silly things sometimes. Love him anyway.

I am the queen of frugal so thought OL would not be worth the cost, but it is definitely worth it. Since I always did most of the packing, gathering stuff together , etc., it has made our trips to WDW sooooo much easier. It's so nice to have some personal items, like framed pics of our grandkids, to make our villa feel even more homelike.
DH, who only went along on getting an OL to appease me, now wants a second one.

 

[Dodie]

Now one more thing........do you all bring this stuff with you, buy somet stuff when you get down there? Do you drive or fly? Thanks

How we got our stuff down there initially:

We had a piece of luggage that we were getting ready to get rid of - an extra that was pretty beaten up. We filled that with our locker items and checked it (with AirTran the first checked bag was free). It was a fairly short trip (4 nights), so DH and I used carry-on luggage to bring our clothes. Everything else was pretty much in that checked bag to stay in the locker.

We used DME, so we never saw that checked bag again until it showed up in our room that afternoon while we were at the parks.

When we checked in - we had bell services deliver our empty locker to the room, along with a Garden Grocer order we had made.

We filled the locker during our stay and even found other things we had brought along that we felt comfortable leaving.

When we left, we left a piece of paper on the checked bag that said "TRASH/BASURA" and left it in the room. We would have taken it down to the trash/recycling room on our floor - but it was being renovated.

Bell services came to pick up our locker and that was it.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

As with any type of "initial purchase" - of course there will be start-up costs. In the case of OL there is a membership fee, and then the on-going annual expense. We acted on the offer that was advertised here on the DIS several months ago, and didn't pay the $75 membership fee - it was like $25 or $35 at that time - don't remember which now. The $99 annual fee is $99 sure - but I just look at it as $8.25 per month. I pay my MF on a monthly basis, so I just put $8.25 into a savings account each month, and then when the bill comes due I have the $100 for the OL fee.

Like several other posters - we FLY, so we don't have the luxury of a car in and around Orlando to get to the store, etc. We looked around the house and found lots of duplicate items at home that could easily go into our OL, and then the other items that we wanted or thought we'd need, we looked around for cheap... we got bought at Goodwill or the dollar store. Other items we got on clearance at Wal-Mart or Target, and then a few more we got using a coupon off of regular or sale price at other stores. In total, I spent an extra $55 on our OL stuff, or about $4.60 per month, if I were to look at it that way.

Do we absolutely NEED these items - no, we could survive without them, sure. Will they make our home away from home more comfortable - absolutely. Do I want to pack an extra suitcase filled with this stuff each time we travel? NO. Having the ability to leave a collection of now specifically vacation "extras" near our primary vacation location is quite valuable to us, even at an on-going rate of $8.25 per month.

We typically fly Southwest where baggage fees still don't exist. That's great for us, sure - but with our OL, now we can pack half the clothes we used to pack in our pre-DVC days thanks to the W/D, and spend less overall on the overpriced park foods by making some of it in room. Instead of 5 suitcases of clothing, we can now bring 2-3 suitcases of clothing and 1 suitcase of foods to prepare in room (typically breakfasts, but we do have one dinner planned for in room for our trip next month). That way the only food we have to buy locally are some milk and eggs. We have the rest ready to go from our own pantry already. If we weren't going to WDW we'd be eating out of our pantry anyway, so there's not much of a cost differential in eating the food at home or away from home.

It works for us - but that doesn't mean it has to work for everyone!

Um... I'm on your side, dude.

I'm a potential customer - I wasn't speaking against it or pointing out it's shortcomings. In fact, I was trying to post why someone *would* pay $99 per year for this fabulous service.

DisneyDVCFamily mentioned the price for this service wasn't cost effective compared to just buying the stuff when you arrive and the numbers he used was $274 vs $99 - so I pointed out that the membership fee is one time only. I also mentioned airline fees and the convenience of traveling liquid free.

As far as I'm concerned, getting an OL will free up room in my suitcase for souvenirs to bring home!

D4D

 

[ransom]

I've looked into Owner's Locker many times. It seems like a really nifty thing.

But it's just not for us.

It's just DW and I. We go once a year (for two weeks). We stay in a studio.

Since we won't be putting anything with an expiration date on it in the OL given our once-per-year trips, it becomes very difficult to find very much to put in there that will definitely be needed a year later (and which will then save us the checked bag fee).

Oh, well. Maybe something will change, but for now, we'll do it the old fashioned way.

 

[castleri]

As far as I'm concerned, getting an OL will free up room in my suitcase for souvenirs to bring home!

D4D

I have considered an OL several times but just can't bring myself to do it. We travel SW so have 4 checked bags between us if we want them. I pack stuff that will be used up by the end of the trip which frees up the space for those souvenirs. It really just isn't that big a deal with toiletries etc. as I have one of those bags that opens up and hangs over a doorknob or hanger and everything is in there. I just replace items as needed and then pack it away at home until the next trip. One of the souvenirs we usually buy is beach towels (although not this past trip) so take them home. I think it is a great thing for those who have the extra plane charges etc. but just not for us at this time.

 

[stopher1]

Um... I'm on your side, dude.

I'm a potential customer - I wasn't speaking against it or pointing out it's shortcomings. In fact, I was trying to post why someone *would* pay $99 per year for this fabulous service.

DisneyDVCFamily mentioned the price for this service wasn't cost effective compared to just buying the stuff when you arrive and the numbers he used was $274 vs $99 - so I pointed out that the membership fee is one time only. I also mentioned airline fees and the convenience of traveling liquid free.

As far as I'm concerned, getting an OL will free up room in my suitcase for souvenirs to bring home!

D4D

Yeah, you're right - I didn't mean to pick your response to quote, but that's how it worked out due to trying to multitask with the kids in the room... oh well.

As I've said - we like the OL concept, and we see value in it. Different strokes for different folks is the way I look at it... kind of like there are those of us that like COP, and those that don't (DW is one huge anti-COP gal... oh well) - we can still get along.

 

[ransom]

Every time I read the title of this thread, it brings back memories of that old commercial slogan, "Ladies of the world, show us your Underalls!"

There's an ad campaign in there somewhere for Owner's Locker...

 

[zulaya]

I skimmed most of the lists and saw a lot of what we have in our locker.

Something I didn't see...Aero bed. I have a twin in there for when we stay in a 1BR. Then the kids aren't sharing the sofa bed. Both like to spread out when they sleep and then there are arguments over who's kicking who.

I didn't pack very well my first time, so in October, I'm going to do better.

What I want to add:
My 12" Pampered Chef Skillet and one of my Forged Cutlery knives.

Yes, they have kitchen tools, and yes, I know some people don't cook. I cook in the room sometimes and I'm sorry to say that the cookware in the units are just crap...not just for cooking, but for cleaning, too.

And the knives...don't get me started. I wasted more time cooking because of the tools than anything last time around.

But I totally acknowledge this is personal preference and that I happen to have extras of these items that I can attempt to fit in my locker.


Oh...and I love the term "Pirate stuff"...whoever had that...genius!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Yeah, you're right - I didn't mean to pick your response to quote, but that's how it worked out due to trying to multitask with the kids in the room... oh well.

As I've said - we like the OL concept, and we see value in it. Different strokes for different folks is the way I look at it... kind of like there are those of us that like COP, and those that don't (DW is one huge anti-COP gal... oh well) - we can still get along.

Hehe... no problem. I thought I was on the OL bandwagon and all of a sudden people are using my posts to explain why it's not for them. Which is fine, that's great, totally understand - wasn't trying to convert anyone just bring up the points that might make it worthwhile for someone else.

D4D

Can anyone answer my water pitcher question? Do you take the filter out and dry it for reuse or do you use a new one?

 

[jamstew]

I've noticed that some folks' lists had measuring cups. Are there none in the units?

 

[jdvm]

Hey gang, super discussion....can I jump in??

Here's a link to a list of what people have told us they store in their Lockers. it's very much a work in progress:

http://www.ownerslocker.com/blog/2008/07/the_ultimate_owners_locker_pac.html

Let me be the first to say that Owner's Locker isn't for everyone. Like most other things on the planet, it works for some and not others.

One of our challenges is to get people to try us because the real reason that no one has never offered a service like OL is that people don't demand it. And we find that many, many people don't think they need it. And they really don't. Folks have been traveling to WDW for a very long time without a Locker and have gotten along just fine.

But we have found that once people try it, the view changes--quickly and dramatically.

It seems like most couples are made up of an early adopter and a skeptic. And what we see ALL the time is the skeptic becoming a convert about halfway through the first trip using their Locker. By the end of the trip, the doubting partner has often claimed that OL was the best ideas they ever had.

We do offer a risk free one year trial. And we mean risk free. Give us a try and if you don't like us for any reason, just leave us an empty locker and we'll refund every penny. Period.

And now a word on what to store.....

I think the things people store fall into a few categories:
-the stash of stuff we all have of things we only use when in Orlando.
-the things we buy and have gotten used to throwing away as we leave.
-things we wish we had but have gotten along without.
-things that make us feel more at home.

It's certainly more convenient to keep the stuff that falls in the first two categories in a Locker.

But it's those last two areas where we really shine. It's the things that you'd NEVER pack or ship that you can have with you on vacation that can make a difference. A water filter pitcher, a vase for flowers, fitted bottom sheets, a really nice corkscrew, a game console for the kids, your favorite coffee maker or other special kitchen/comfort items.

And have a look at the comments folks have made about us:

http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=404&cat=131


Sorry for the long post and thanks to everyone for sharing their views in a fantastic discussion of Owner's Locker!!

John

 

[stopher1]

Hehe... no problem. I thought I was on the OL bandwagon and all of a sudden people are using my posts to explain why it's not for them. Which is fine, that's great, totally understand - wasn't trying to convert anyone just bring up the points that might make it worthwhile for someone else.

D4D

Can anyone answer my water pitcher question? Do you take the filter out and dry it for reuse or do you use a new one?

That's a question I struggled with when DW insisted we bring one along... years ago we used a Brita filter at home, before getting a Kinetico reverse osmosis thing in the kitchen, so when that came out went the brita. But she can't stand the taste of the FL water, so back came the brita. With several months between visits, I said we'd probably need to just have a new filter each time - but ouch, that's not super cheap - so we're going to see what comes this time around and how it works refilling a previously used one... we (read that I) would normally may be headed to Wal-mart for fresh filter if she doesn't like the taste using the old one...but of course I have a couple of new ones in the locker just in case.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

D4D

Can anyone answer my water pitcher question? Do you take the filter out and dry it for reuse or do you use a new one?

That's a question I struggled with when DW insisted we bring one along... years ago we used a Brita filter at home, before getting a Kinetico reverse osmosis thing in the kitchen, so when that came out went the brita. But she can't stand the taste of the FL water, so back came the brita. With several months between visits, I said we'd probably need to just have a new filter each time - but ouch, that's not super cheap - so we're going to see what comes this time around and how it works refilling a previously used one... we (read that I) would normally may be headed to Wal-mart for fresh filter if she doesn't like the taste using the old one...but of course I have a couple of new ones in the locker just in case.

Hmmm... assuming you also use a Brita filter pitcher at home - How about leaving the Brita Pitcher in the OL since that is the bulkiest. Then either keep a bunch of new filters in the OL and bringing the filter home to finish using. Or bring the used one in the filter at home to WDW and discarding at the end of the trip - get to use a new one when you get home.

 

[toocherie]

Hmmm. Weird. I had posted a question and it disappeared.

Oh well--here I go again

Has anyone had a problem with storing stuff like personal care products (i.e., lotions, toothpaste, etc.) where they go bad after a while? I am an OL customer--but there may be times there may be 10-12 months between visits (or more). I want to make full use of my OL, but am concerned about leaving things like this for an extended period of time.

What has been everyone else's experience?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Hey gang, super discussion....can I jump in??

Here's a link to a list of what people have told us they store in their Lockers. it's very much a work in progress:

http://www.ownerslocker.com/blog/2008/07/the_ultimate_owners_locker_pac.html

Let me be the first to say that Owner's Locker isn't for everyone. Like most other things on the planet, it works for some and not others.

One of our challenges is to get people to try us because the real reason that no one has never offered a service like OL is that people don't demand it. And we find that many, many people don't think they need it. And they really don't. Folks have been traveling to WDW for a very long time without a Locker and have gotten along just fine.

But we have found that once people try it, the view changes--quickly and dramatically.

It seems like most couples are made up of an early adopter and a skeptic. And what we see ALL the time is the skeptic becoming a convert about halfway through the first trip using their Locker. By the end of the trip, the doubting partner has often claimed that OL was the best ideas they ever had.

We do offer a risk free one year trial. And we mean risk free. Give us a try and if you don't like us for any reason, just leave us an empty locker and we'll refund every penny. Period.

And now a word on what to store.....

I think the things people store fall into a few categories:
-the stash of stuff we all have of things we only use when in Orlando.
-the things we buy and have gotten used to throwing away as we leave.
-things we wish we had but have gotten along without.
-things that make us feel more at home.

It's certainly more convenient to keep the stuff that falls in the first two categories in a Locker.

But it's those last two areas where we really shine. It's the things that you'd NEVER pack or ship that you can have with you on vacation that can make a difference. A water filter pitcher, a vase for flowers, fitted bottom sheets, a really nice corkscrew, a game console for the kids, your favorite coffee maker or other special kitchen/comfort items.

And have a look at the comments folks have made about us:

http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=404&cat=131


Sorry for the long post and thanks to everyone for sharing their views in a fantastic discussion of Owner's Locker!!

John

Thank you for posting! My husband is definitely the skeptic, but I'm convincing him because of the airline fees. He's starting to get excited about it now, and we haven't even ordered our locker yet!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I've noticed that some folks' lists had measuring cups. Are there none in the units?

Yes, there are measuring cups in the kitchens. I probably wouldn't store those.

 

[stopher1]

Hmmm... assuming you also use a Brita filter pitcher at home - How about leaving the Brita Pitcher in the OL since that is the bulkiest. Then either keep a bunch of new filters in the OL and bringing the filter home to finish using. Or bring the used one in the filter at home to WDW and discarding at the end of the trip - get to use a new one when you get home.

We don't use the brita at home anymore after we put in our reverse osmosis filter and had long since gotten rid of the brita pitcher - so for our OL we specifically bought one of the newer "SLIM" kind - it only holds about a liter or two of water at a time (can't remember exactly), but that's okay... refilling it is not that big of a deal. That way, then, instead of being big and circular, it's more compact and kind of oval like but more like a rectangle with rounded edges - and is not our bulkiest OL item, either. Plus there's room inside it to keep some of the littler stuff like a new filter, playing cards, sewing kit, etc to save on space later on. Even if we don't have an extra filter stored in our OL all the time, bringing a fresh one from home along in the suitcase won't be difficult since they're so small.