To ship or not to ship...

[disneygirl76]

Hi All,

So every year DH and I have driven to WDW. But this year, we are flying. I have ("knock on wood") never lost luggage before. But friends who have been traveling lately have been telling me some horror stories. We are staying for 10 days so no matter no hard I try, I can not fit everything into a carry on. So we either check luggage or I have been thinking more about shipping stuff to the resort. Has anyone ever done this? Do you find it more reliable then the airlines? What if the items arrive before you check in? Any insight on this would be very helpful!

Thanks!

 

[MagicKat103]

I have never shipped stuff, but one thing I cn say about flying is to mix your families clothes in the bags. Once I packed the four of us in separate suitcases-one for me, one for DH and one for the girls to share. After I thought about it-what if one suitcase was lst? Then someone would be out clothes. Mixing everything at least allows everyone at a few outfits in case a piece of luggage gets lost.

 

[LuLaSue]

I shipped my luggage this past winter. I was going to live in an Ashram for a month of studies to become a yoga teacher. The best thing I ever did. It cost me less than checking the two bags I would have had to bring.

 

[disfan99]

I didn't ship luggage, but I did ship food, plates, cups etc. Even a toaster! LOL I felt it was worth it. And not overly expensive. On the shipping label I put our name and the Hotel name and also "Please hold for guest arriving 00/00/0000". It was waiting at the convention center at The YC when we arrived. Then we took it back to the convention center to ship it home.

 

[shmmrname]

Hi All,

So every year DH and I have driven to WDW. But this year, we are flying. I have ("knock on wood") never lost luggage before. But friends who have been traveling lately have been telling me some horror stories. We are staying for 10 days so no matter no hard I try, I can not fit everything into a carry on. So we either check luggage or I have been thinking more about shipping stuff to the resort. Has anyone ever done this? Do you find it more reliable then the airlines? What if the items arrive before you check in? Any insight on this would be very helpful!

Thanks!

We were bumped from our flight (our only flight as married adults), but our luggage continued on. It was nerve-wrecking, but our bags got where they needed to go - just 2 hours before us.

 

[vinnya1726]

Shipping is a cheaper alternative in most cases.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I hate it when people question an OP's statements, so I hope you'll forgive me for doing it now, but are you SURE you can't fit it all in a carry-on?

I've been on the losing end of the "checked bag" gamble -- in a foreign country, no less! As a result, I'm now a devotee of the "onebag.com" site and its advice about packing light -- we fit clothes, swimwear, shoes, toiletries, meds, makeup, books, toys, breakfast foods, snacks, phone chargers, etc. for a week for four people into 3 22" carry-on bags (2 uprights for clothes - each holds a week's worth for 1 adult and 1 child, and a duffle for toiletries, food and all other misc. items) and 4 "personal items" (backpack or purse, with snacks for the plane, travel pillows, documents, care packages to keep the kids occupied, etc.). No worries about anything getting lost or damaged, and it costs nothing. We don't typically do laundry mid-week, either, although I bring hand-washing detergent just in case and we do plan for some pairs of shorts to be worn twice.

I'd recommend at least test-packing a carryon with your clothes (rolling or bundling method) just to confirm that it's not all going to fit. If it won't, then pack all the essentials, including toiletries and medications, along with a couple of outfits, in your carryon, so that if your checked/shipped bag does get lost, you won't be missing anything you can't do without.

 

[WDW 3]

I always check everything. The only thing I carry on is my important papers/confirmations small purse/wallet and something to do (NOOK) on the plane.

Tempting fate here so "knock on wood" we've never had any checked bag issues. So many people carry on instead of checking that it often that becomes more of an issue for me that anything else. I've had flights delayed because they've had to start checking bags at the door of the plane and my DH has had no space for his CPAP in an overhead. And it's all about me, right

 

[Gabe1]

I have, with my family been traveling to WDW for over 2 decades and I have never had the airlines loose my luggage. I always pack in our carry ons, our electronics, 2 days of complete clothes, toiletries, make-up and PJ's.
So if it ever happens we can move forward. I was exchanging my sons winter to summer clothing so I checked 2 bags this April. What I have done over the last few trips is not use the yellow straps for the ME. I collect my luggage and put it under the ME bus. This way I don't have to wait for hours for it to arrive. In 2007 I had a bell hop knock on door at 4am with our luggage, greeting him in my PJ's. Ugh. Do have a luggage tag with both your home address and cell# along with your Destination. I put on the second tag i.e., Disney FC, Res#,along with our name and cell#. After working for a major airline for years it is also a good idea to stick a business card or index card in the side pocket of luggage in case the tags are eaten by the machinery.

I have also shipped everything to the FC for my son when he was moving to Disney. He flew in with 2 bags and I shipped all his household goods to the FC via UPS. Again, name, check in date, Res# and cell#. I did insure the boxes. Even if you insure the box for a small amount they tend to track them better. My DS just shipped me home 3 large boxes and insured all three. The boxes have made it everytime also.

 

[disneygirl76]

I hate it when people question an OP's statements, so I hope you'll forgive me for doing it now, but are you SURE you can't fit it all in a carry-on?

I've been on the losing end of the "checked bag" gamble -- in a foreign country, no less! As a result, I'm now a devotee of the "onebag.com" site and its advice about packing light -- we fit clothes, swimwear, shoes, toiletries, meds, makeup, books, toys, breakfast foods, snacks, phone chargers, etc. for a week for four people into 3 22" carry-on bags (2 uprights for clothes - each holds a week's worth for 1 adult and 1 child, and a duffle for toiletries, food and all other misc. items) and 4 "personal items" (backpack or purse, with snacks for the plane, travel pillows, documents, care packages to keep the kids occupied, etc.). No worries about anything getting lost or damaged, and it costs nothing. We don't typically do laundry mid-week, either, although I bring hand-washing detergent just in case and we do plan for some pairs of shorts to be worn twice.

I'd recommend at least test-packing a carryon with your clothes (rolling or bundling method) just to confirm that it's not all going to fit. If it won't, then pack all the essentials, including toiletries and medications, along with a couple of outfits, in your carryon, so that if your checked/shipped bag does get lost, you won't be missing anything you can't do without.

I am 1,000,000 sure. My DH and I have two outfits per day for 10 days. Thats 40 outfits. Including shoes and jewelry and toiletries, cameras, bags, etc. There is just no way.

 

[disneygirl76]

I have, with my family been traveling to WDW for over 2 decades and I have never had the airlines loose my luggage. I always pack in our carry ons, our electronics, 2 days of complete clothes, toiletries, make-up and PJ's.
So if it ever happens we can move forward. I was exchanging my sons winter to summer clothing so I checked 2 bags this April. What I have done over the last few trips is not use the yellow straps for the ME. I collect my luggage and put it under the ME bus. This way I don't have to wait for hours for it to arrive. In 2007 I had a bell hop knock on door at 4am with our luggage, greeting him in my PJ's. Ugh. Do have a luggage tag with both your home address and cell# along with your Destination. I put on the second tag i.e., Disney FC, Res#,along with our name and cell#. After working for a major airline for years it is also a good idea to stick a business card or index card in the side pocket of luggage in case the tags are eaten by the machinery.

I have also shipped everything to the FC for my son when he was moving to Disney. He flew in with 2 bags and I shipped all his household goods to the FC via UPS. Again, name, check in date, Res# and cell#. I did insure the boxes. Even if you insure the box for a small amount they tend to track them better. My DS just shipped me home 3 large boxes and insured all three. The boxes have made it everytime also.

I would like to know more about this. We are using ME for the first time and I understand that we will be getting yellow tags. So you just collect your luggage and put it on the bus?

knock on wood - we have never lost anything. I just don't need/want any stress. That is actually why I like driving. hee hee So I just want to make the best decision. I just don't know what to do.

 

[jenluvswdw]

Hello, We are a family of four and usually go for six days. Last time we just did carry on. Usually there are laundry mats right next to the pool. I did laundry while we took a break at the pool. This way there was no lugage cost or worry. Ten days, you are going to have a blast!!!

 

[Weather_Lady]

I am 1,000,000 sure. My DH and I have two outfits per day for 10 days. Thats 40 outfits. Including shoes and jewelry and toiletries, cameras, bags, etc. There is just no way.

Yowza! I'm not sure DH and I OWN 40 outfits between us! I guess "just a carryon" is certainly out of the question, then -- unless you pack all your things in your and your husband's carryons, and tell your husband he'll just have to make do with whatever fits in his "personal item"!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

It's been a couple of years since I checked shipping, but the last time I checked...UPS had gotten wise to people shipping luggage and increased baggage shipping rates to get a cut of that $ the airlines would see in baggage fees. Of course, this price issue may no longer be the case and it may not be an issue with all carriers. However, even if fees were comparable, I think you've got a better chance of things going off without a hitch if you ship vs check.

I can also relate to not being able to fit all my stuff into a carry on. Between my shoe obsession , multiple outfits per day and hair products...checked bags have always been my reality. One thing I do now though after Continental lost my bags 20 yrs ago...I make sure I have 2-3 very lightweight changes of clothes in my carry on that will go with whatever pair of shoes I'm flying in that also have some mix and match potential. Sure, not my first choice clothing for most days, but enough to get me by (even if it's a bit of a stretch) for a few in case the worst happens with my bags.

 

[Funfy]

Hi All,

So every year DH and I have driven to WDW. But this year, we are flying. I have ("knock on wood") never lost luggage before. But friends who have been traveling lately have been telling me some horror stories. We are staying for 10 days so no matter no hard I try, I can not fit everything into a carry on. So we either check luggage or I have been thinking more about shipping stuff to the resort. Has anyone ever done this? Do you find it more reliable then the airlines? What if the items arrive before you check in? Any insight on this would be very helpful!

Thanks!

I would ship things ahead-especially anything that might be used up-i,e. breakfast food, snacks, waters. Also, here is an extremely strange tip and I would include grocery bags to throw them away in, but, here goes... I worked with a woman that packed all the underwear, clothes and socks with one last wear in them. Then as they were worn, they threw them away and then just had extra space for what needed to be brought back home.

I know it sounds weird, but, a lot of us do have those religious socks and underthings that are comfortable but you have been threatening to throw away.

As I said, just a weird suggestion, but, somehow genius too! I think she called the resort line to get actual shipping addresses and any other information-check in date, etc. to add to package.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I would ship things ahead-especially anything that might be used up-i,e. breakfast food, snacks, waters. Also, here is an extremely strange tip and I would include grocery bags to throw them away in, but, here goes... I worked with a woman that packed all the underwear, clothes and socks with one last wear in them. Then as they were worn, they threw them away and then just had extra space for what needed to be brought back home.

I know it sounds weird, but, a lot of us do have those religious socks and underthings that are comfortable but you have been threatening to throw away.

As I said, just a weird suggestion, but, somehow genius too! I think she called the resort line to get actual shipping addresses and any other information-check in date, etc. to add to package.

Religious socks and underthings? Perhaps this explains why when I (a devout Protestant) try to "baptize" my comparatively godless socks and panties in my washer, some become "holey" while others are sadly "lost" or have damaged "soles" and I am forced to re"pant" and purify my "socks life" lest my "skinfulness" be exposed.

Seriously though, bringing the "oldies" on vacation to simply throw away sounds like a great tip. I've even read recommendations from some people to bring old clothing with you to throw away or deliberately "leave behind for housekeeping" when the vacation is done, although I have to wonder whether the Mousekeepers are really thrilled to find someone else's shabby, unwanted shirts and shorts left as a "gift."

 

[RedBaron]

It is probably just my own paranoia, but when I fly, I always wear either jeans or jean shorts that can be worn for a few days if needed and I carry on an extra shirt and undies just to get by for an extra day just in case the luggage gets lost. Considering that I fly very rarely, I have had my luggage lost twice. I also agree that you should mix your clothes between what ever amount of luggage you are checking in, so hopefully at least one of the bags makes it to Orlando.

As for the "oldies", my parents have been practicing this for many years. Every day they throw away their old underwear after they use them when they are on vacation. When they get home, they have all new stuff waiting for them. I hope to do this the next time I get to travel too. It sounds like a great way to save a bit of room in your luggage as well as getting rid of the "oldies".

 

[flynnibus]

while having bags get delayed isn't too uncommon - losing the bags outright is pretty rare.

I think its overkill to try to ship stuff. Look at travel insurance (often on your credit card) if you want some comfort factor about missing bags. I can tell you in my lifetime.. fedex has lost far more packages (for extended periods and entirely) then I've ever had my bags lost/delayed.

If your bags get delayed - they just deliver them to you anyways. It's only an inconvenience of time - and that is why you pack critical things in carry on.

 

[disneygirl76]

Yowza! I'm not sure DH and I OWN 40 outfits between us! I guess "just a carryon" is certainly out of the question, then -- unless you pack all your things in your and your husband's carryons, and tell your husband he'll just have to make do with whatever fits in his "personal item"!

HA! I'm not talking about major things - but just shirts each day and rewear shorts/pants. With the temps in Sept, it is hard to gauge the temp. I've been to WDW in Oct and it was bloody hot and then in November, freezing cold. So I don't know what to expect for September. If this summer has been any indication of temps, it is going to be warm. So we are going to want to freshen up - hence the two outfits. Plus, its fun getting all dolled up for an evening! hee hee

 

[disneygirl76]

Thanks for all the tips!!!!! We are flying Air Tran. I have looked up the sizes of the carry on and the suitcase that can be taken on the plane. I am thinking I might attempt to get most of our items in the carry-on bag and the suitcase we can carry on and then ship some items too. So that is 2 carry ons and 2 suitcases. Step 1 - I will get some new suitcases to make sure they are the best size (I have two that are kind of old and smaller then the max allowed on Air Tran and I want to maximize that space). Step 2 - I might look into the space savor bags. Has anyone used them? I have seen and used the roll up kind for travel but has anyone flown using the vacuum kind? Step 3 - I will ship the items like toiletries, extras, shoes, what nots and do-dads that for some reason, I can not live with out.

However, there are two issues with this plan. The first, no vacuum cleaner to use the bags on the way back home, and the second, how do you ship from a WDW resort?

I think I am making this more complicated then it has to be and my paranoia of not having my perfectly coordinated outfits is clouding my judgement!!!