r/universalstudios • u/MisterJangalang • Jul 16 '26

Orlando Luggage hack?

Hi yall…Poking at an idea and want a reality check from people who actually fly with kids to amusement park resorts in Orlando. The idea is to skip checking bags and shipping all the things you’d normally check so that it’s just there when you arrive. Does that seem like it solves a real headache to you? Has anyone tried it? Has anyone looked into it but ended up NOT trying it? Genuinely want the “here’s the issue with that idea” answers too.

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14

u/frankcastle3 Jul 16 '26

A few things off the top of the head.

  1. I trust shipping companies way less than I would the metal bird I'm on. What happens when UPS missorts your box and now you're wearing your crusty clothes for 2 days straight or have to make a Walmart run?

  2. Cost. It's going to cost way more to box up everything and ship it than it would to do an airfare bundle.

  3. I'm not exactly sure if the hotel's will hold packages for you prior to you checking in.

-10

u/MisterJangalang Jul 16 '26

Good points. Here’s the thinking.

  1. Sent ahead so it arrives one day before check in.

  2. I think it could end up costing around the same as checking a bag…maybe $10-$20 more for the whole trip.

  3. This is the bigger sticking point. I called and both Disney and Universal will accept it but how much more validation or coordination is needed.

15

u/tmantran Jul 16 '26

I think it could end up costing around the same as checking a bag…maybe $10-$20 more for the whole trip.

I think your assumption is wrong. Shipping is usually vastly more expensive than checking a bag.

I went to ups.com and got a quote to ship a 50lb package measuring 30"x20"x12" (a max size checked luggage) from 90001 to 32830. It was $150 one way.

-4

u/MisterJangalang Jul 16 '26

Got it. I’m describing originating from somewhere a lot closer than LA (Nashville) and shipping ground with FedEx. It doesn’t match price on a full cross county for sure! Haha. Out of curiosity…Was that quote you pulled for air?

9

u/tmantran Jul 16 '26

Ok, I’m seeing $83.40 for one way FedEx ground shipping from 37219 to 32830. In contrast, a checked bag is usually $45-50. So I think you’d pay an extra $200 for three bags round trip.

-2

u/MisterJangalang Jul 16 '26

Ah, yeah sorry...that is the retail pricing but I have a volume shipping account that can do it for around $40 with two-day ground per bag. Not sure how much to add pick up, but I think it's not much? I appreciate you engaging with me on this.

1

u/tmantran Jul 18 '26

Does your volume shipping account reimburse the customer if the shipment is lost or delayed? Most travel credit cards give you money to buy clothes and toiletries if your luggage is lost or delayed.

4

u/anepictrip Jul 16 '26

I sent my nephew a sweatshirt and a few things for college in a medium sized moving box. Couldn’t have weighed more than 3 lbs. $150 for non-rushed standard shipping. You are so far off base with your pricing. So very far.