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Credit: DisneyPlanning a Disney vacation involves hundreds of small decisions—where to stay, which parks to prioritize, which Lightning Lanes to purchase, and how to maximize precious vacation time. But one aspect many guests don’t think about until they encounter it firsthand is how Disney handles package deliveries from outside vendors.
Whether you’re ordering groceries, medical supplies, last-minute clothing, or even camera equipment, many travelers rely on delivery services to enhance their stay.
But in recent weeks, Disney fans have been buzzing about a lesser-known fee that has been in effect for some time: the resort’s package handling charge for items delivered to your Disney hotel room.
A Reddit post has brought renewed attention to this policy, with many guests surprised to learn that if Disney cast members receive and deliver your package to your room, a charge is automatically added to your account. Although this practice is not new, it seems many guests were unaware of the specifics—and the viral discussion has prompted Disney travelers to take a closer look at how the fee works and how to avoid it if desired.
In this detailed guide, we break down what guests have reported, what Disney’s notification letter says, how this fee compares across the hotel industry, and what options you have if you prefer not to pay it. This is an essential read for anyone planning to order outside items during their Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort stay.
The Reddit Post That Sparked the Discussion
The conversation began with a simple vent from a frustrated guest. The original poster titled their message:
“Quick Vent….
And of course my order came in 2 separate packages so why not be charged twice. Okay vent over.”
“We hope you are enjoying your stay. Please note a $6.00 handling fee will be charged to your room account for the package(s) recieved today. If you have any questions, please press 0 on your in-room telephone for assitance.”
This letter is the clearest official communication many guests have seen regarding the fee, and it confirms that a $6 charge applies per package delivered to the room—not per delivery batch.
For guests receiving multiple shipments, the costs can add up quickly.
Guest Reactions: Confusion, Workarounds, and Clarifications
The Reddit thread quickly filled with comments from Disney veterans offering advice, sharing personal experiences, and trying to understand the specifics of the policy.
One of the first responses offered a practical tip:
“Helpful hint: if you get stuff delivered from Doordash or whatnot and you meet the driver there, you will not get hit with the fee.”
This implies that the fee only applies when Disney handles the package internally. If guests meet their delivery driver outside, no room delivery process is triggered.
Another user added their experience:
“In January we did instacart and collected it from front desk and they didnt charge us a fee. Is it only if they bring it to your room?”
This question sparked further clarification from another commenter:
“I believe so because in march I had a package shipped from my house in PA via usps (it was a script I forgot to pack) sent overnight but went to the lobby of coranado springs and picked it up myself and didnt get a charge. People saying use lnstacart or door dash to save the $6 delivery fee i guess dont realize how much those apps upcharge items plus they have a delivery fee & tip as well….”
Here, two key points stand out:
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Picking up at the front desk appears to avoid the fee.
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Delivery apps may cost more overall, meaning guests should weigh the trade-offs.
Another user shared a memory from years prior:
“I may or may not have had a camera delivered to my room which may or may not have been declared returning to Canada several years ago. It also had a charge. Think it was 4 or 5 bucks then.”
This reinforces that the fee isn’t new—only the amount has changed over time.
One comment provided context about why Disney introduced the policy:
“To be fair before this fee was added some guests would order hundreds of packages and send them to their hotel. Often they would start ordering months before their stay. So you could potentially have a hundred packages for one guest, and not need storage for all of those items. The guests would then get all of these items, turn around and take them all home to sell them and pay for their expenses. Some of the resorts weren’t equipped for that sort of storage. It was done out of necessity to stop people from doing that.”
This is an important detail. What might look like a simple fee is, in reality, a protection against operational abuse. Disney hotels were being used as storage hubs for resellers—an issue that forced the resorts to allocate staff and space to manage the influx.
Finally, one user summed up the broader industry context:
“This is a standard practice across the hotel industry.”
And this is true. Many major hotel chains charge fees for package handling, storage, and room delivery. The difference is simply that guests at Disney resorts may not expect a standard industry practice at a place where magical convenience is usually the norm.
Understanding the Fee: What It Covers and How to Avoid It
What triggers the $6 charge?
Based on guest experiences and Disney’s letter, the fee applies when:
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A package is delivered to the hotel, and
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Disney cast members then deliver it to your room
The key trigger is Disney’s involvement in handling and routing the package to a guest room.
What does NOT trigger the fee?
According to guest reports:
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Meeting a delivery driver directly
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Picking up your package at the front desk
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Signing for items outside the resort building
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Receiving items through apps where you meet the driver
What does the fee cover?
Operationally, the fee offsets:
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Staff time
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Package sorting
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Secure temporary storage
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Room-to-room delivery logistics
Should Disney Guests Expect This Fee?
Yes. It has been in place for years, and it aligns with broader hospitality practices. However, it’s understandable that guests feel surprised—especially those ordering medical supplies, baby items, or necessities they forgot at home.
While a $6 per-package fee may feel small, repeat shipments or multi-package orders can add up quickly, as the original Reddit poster discovered.
What Disney Guests Should Keep in Mind
The package handling fee isn’t new, but thanks to viral discussion, more guests are finally aware of it. Whether you decide to avoid the fee by meeting your delivery driver, picking up items from the front desk, or simply accepting the convenience charge, it’s helpful to know the policy before you arrive.
Disney vacations are all about planning—and knowing how resort package handling works ensures there are no surprises on your final bill.