Michael Turner
Where drop-off happens: Use the campground reception/guest services desk (sometimes called Bell Service) when you arrive early or after check-out. Staff will tag items under the reservation name and require photo ID on retrieval. Suitcase-sized containers and sealed boxes are accepted; bulky outdoor gear may be refused or require special arrangements.
What to expect on timing and limits: Storage is intended for same-day and short overnight holds tied to your reservation. Policies fluctuate by season and occupancy, so ask the desk for the exact retrieval deadline and any maximum storage duration when you hand over items.
Charges and valuables: Short-term storage for registered guests is generally complimentary; long-term holding or shipping will incur fees. Keep passports, cash and high-value electronics with you. Photograph contents and attach a tag with your name and phone number before handing items over.
Options for oversized or extended needs: For bulky camping equipment, bicycles or prolonged storage, reserve a pickup/shipping through UPS/FedEx or use a nearby commercial storage provider. Guest services can usually accept outbound carrier pickups but will not act as a permanent warehouse.
Practical checklist: reservation confirmation, photo ID, phone number on each tag, inventory photo, small padlock for checked boxes, and prior confirmation of retrieval cutoff. If you have questions on size limits or special items, call campground guest services before arrival to avoid surprises.
Baggage storage at Disney’s campground
Call Guest Services before arrival and request short-term bag storage at the campground reception; registered guests are usually accommodated for same-day drop-offs and pick-ups during front-desk hours.
At campsites without bell staff there is limited formal handling for suitcases and large trunks. For cabins and campsite check-in, present your reservation number, leave a clear name/phone label on each item, remove valuables, and agree on a collection time with the attendant.
If you need storage outside reception hours or for multi-day holding, arrange one of these alternatives: ship items to a nearby Disney resort that offers full bell service (confirm acceptance and any handling fees first), use airport or downtown secure storage providers, or book a commercial “hold for pickup” at a local UPS/FedEx location. Always verify acceptance policy with the chosen destination before shipping.
When relying on resort reception for parcel delivery prior to arrival, email or call to confirm they will accept prepaid shipments, include your full name and reservation number on each package, and schedule pickup within the facility’s stated retention window to avoid returns or extra charges.
Can you leave bags at the Disney campground before official check-in?
Yes – the property’s Guest Services / Bell Services typically accepts suitcases and personal gear for short-term storage prior to standard 3:00 PM check-in; call the resort phone on your reservation to confirm availability before arrival.
- Before arrival: call the number on your confirmation and ask Guest Services to note an early-arrival bag drop for your reservation; provide arrival time and number of pieces.
- What to bring to the desk: reservation confirmation, photo ID for the lead guest, and any bag tags you want attached. Ask staff to label stored items with your name and room number.
- Hours and retrieval: storage is usually available during daytime lobby hours; retrieve items after you complete formal check-in (standard check-in time is 3:00 PM) or by arrangement with Bell Services.
- Fees and tipping: most Disney-operated resorts do not charge a storage fee for registered guests, but tipping the attendants who handle your bags is customary.
- Restrictions: staff will not accept hazardous materials, perishable foods for long-term storage, or unauthorized commercial shipments. Keep passports, medications, cash and electronics with you.
- Arrival logistics: if driving, park in the designated registration lot and bring only the pieces you plan to store to the lobby; large groups should stagger drop-offs to avoid congestion.
- If arriving by bus or ride-share: confirm drop-off spot with Guest Services so a bell attendant can meet you; expect a short wait if the lobby is busy.
- If storage is declined or full: alternatives include short-term commercial locker/storage near Orlando International Airport, prepaid door-to-door bag-shipping services, or leaving nonessentials locked in your vehicle (not recommended for valuables).
- Security tip: photograph exterior and contents of each bag, attach a paper tag with name and reservation number, and keep a copy of the storage receipt until all items are returned.
Phone numbers and exact procedures vary by property; confirm specifics using the phone number on your booking confirmation to avoid surprises on arrival.
On-site locations and contact points for dropping off bags
Primary recommendation: Registration / Front Desk
Deliver suitcases directly to the campground’s Registration / Front Desk on arrival and request Bell Services storage; contact the desk ahead via the phone number on your reservation or the resort mobile app to confirm storage availability and any fees.
Where to go and what to request
Front Desk (main check-in building): ask staff to tag your bags with your reservation name and arrival date and issue a written receipt or digital confirmation.
Bell/Concierge: accepts medium and large cases, provides tagged storage and retrieval – present photo ID at pickup. Guest Relations / Package Services: accepts pre-shipped parcels from carriers if you prefer sending items in advance; include the reservation name, arrival date and unit number (if available). For fragile gear, pad and label packages clearly and consult carrier policies; see best aquarium glass scraper for handling glass items.
Quick operational tips: label each bag with name and cell phone, photograph contents before drop-off, keep medications and valuables with you, request estimated pickup times from Bell, and verify any storage charges when you drop items off.
Size, weight and prohibited items for stored baggage
Store cases no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height = 158 cm) and no heavier than 50 lb (23 kg) per piece.
Size & weight specifics
- Standard maximum: 62 linear inches / 158 cm and 50 lb / 23 kg per item.
- Soft-sided bags that compress may be accepted if final packed dimensions meet the limit.
- Oversized items: between 63–115 linear inches or 51–80 lb usually require special handling and may incur fees; items above 115 linear inches or over 80 lb are often refused or must be shipped via freight.
- Single-item measurements: include wheels, handles and external pockets when calculating dimensions.
- Group shipments (multiple pieces registered under one name) can trigger combined-size rules; label each piece clearly with name and phone number.
- Fragile or oddly shaped items (bicycles, strollers, coolers, musical instruments) should be disassembled and boxed when possible; expect separate handling rules and possible surcharges.
Prohibited and restricted contents
- Firearms, ammunition, weapons and replica weapons are not permitted.
- Explosives, fireworks and firearm primers are banned.
- Flammable liquids and gases (gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinners, aerosol paints) prohibited.
- Compressed gas cylinders (CO2 cartridges, camping gas cans) not accepted unless empty and certified; check local regulatory guidance before storing.
- Household chemicals and corrosives (bleach, pool chemicals, acids) banned.
- Perishable food, live plants and live animals are not accepted for storage.
- Lithium batteries: spare/loose lithium batteries should not be stored with checked pieces; installed batteries in consumer electronics are typically allowed if device is powered off and terminals insulated. Batteries >100 Wh require approval; >160 Wh are usually prohibited.
- Hazardous medical waste and sharps must not be left; prescription medications that need refrigeration should be kept with the guest.
- High-value items – cash, passports, original jewelry, irreplaceable documents, family heirlooms – should be retained on person; facilities often decline responsibility for valuables left in storage.
- Illegal substances and items prohibited by federal, state or local law are banned.
Packing recommendations: use sturdy suitcases or sealed boxes, pad fragile contents, affix a visible name tag and phone number, secure with a TSA‑style lock if desired, and place a duplicate itemized list inside each container.
Fees, maximum storage duration and claim identification
Plan on complimentary same-day bag storage for registered guests (generally up to 24 hours); request advance authorization and a payment method for any hold that will exceed that window.
Fees
Typical charges: $0 for same‑day holding (arrival/departure), $5–$15 per item per day for extended holds, and $15–$50 one‑time handling for oversized or fragile items. Monthly flat rates (when available) commonly range $25–$75. All fees can usually be posted to the room folio or billed to a credit card; unpaid balances may block retrieval until settled.
Maximum storage duration & claim requirements
Standard maximum retention is 30 days; items unclaimed after that period may be forwarded to a central Lost & Found, donated, or disposed. Required proof for pickup: the printed claim stub or electronic claim number, matching government photo ID, and either the resort reservation confirmation or room key. If the claimant is not the guest on the reservation, a written, signed authorization plus the recipient’s photo ID is mandatory. Lost claim stubs: staff will verify identity, ask for a detailed description and photos of the item, and require a signed release before release. Keep receipts and take photos of tags before dropping off to speed retrieval and resolve disputes.
How to schedule pickup or delivery to campsites, cabins or vehicle sites
Call Guest Services or Bell 48–72 hours before arrival to set a specific delivery window and confirm where staff or a courier can access your site.
Required information to provide when booking a delivery
Provide reservation/confirmation number, full guest name, arrival date and estimated arrival time; exact site type and identifier (cabin number, campsite loop and site number, or vehicle-site designation); vehicle description plus license-plate number if you expect on-site meet-up; a daytime mobile number for driver contact; gate access instructions or security/entrance procedure; handling notes (fragile, heavy, need two-person carry) and whether a signature is required. If using a third-party courier, include the property’s receiving address and the same reservation/site details on the shipping label.
Day-of delivery and pickup procedures
Expect a delivery window (typical operating hours are roughly 9:00–17:00); confirm a narrower 60–120 minute window when possible. If you prefer direct handoff, arrange to meet at the property entrance or registration desk and share vehicle description and estimated arrival minute. If staff will place items at your site, request clear drop location (porch, cabin step, campsite table) and label each bag/box with guest name and site number. Keep ID and confirmation email ready for claim or signature; if the driver cannot access the site, items may be held at central pickup–ask for pickup hours and the on-site phone extension for faster coordination. For packing advice and recommended travel cases see best luggage lipstick alley.
Nearby baggage storage alternatives if the campsite cannot accommodate you
Reserve a third‑party drop‑off (Stasher, Bounce, Vertoe, Nannybag) within walking or short-driving distance – typical prepaid rates $6–12 per item per day; book online to get exact address, opening hours and insurer coverage (usually $1,000–$3,000 per item).
Use a nearby hotel’s bell service: call the front desk before arrival, give arrival time and confirmation number, expect free short-term holding for guests or a $5–$25 daily fee for non-guests; require photo ID at release and ask where items are logged.
Ship suitcases ahead via UPS/FedEx or a same‑day courier to a local hotel or a retail store that accepts packages for pickup. Label shipments “Hold for Guest/Name” with the arrival date and include your phone; track the package and keep the courier receipt for claim.
Airport or transit terminal storage: check Orlando International Airport (MCO) left‑baggage options and private locker providers near the airport; suitable when you have an evening flight and need multi‑day holding. Confirm holiday hours and security screening policies before sending items.
Local dedicated storage shops (independent lockers and storefronts): search maps for “bag storage” within a 0–8 mile radius of the resort, compare 24/7 access vs business‑hours only, and verify whether fragile/electronic items are permitted.
| Option | Typical price | Service hours | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third‑party networks (Stasher/Bounce/Vertoe) | $6–12/day per item (prepaid) | Business hours (some 24/7 partners) | Short stays, walkable drop‑offs, guaranteed reservation |
| Hotel bell service (nearby hotels) | Free for guests / $5–25/day for non‑guests | Front desk hours | Same‑day arrivals, larger suitcases, secure handling |
| Courier shipment (UPS/FedEx/local) | Shipping cost + holding fee if applicable | Depends on recipient location | When you need items delivered to a specific address or date |
| Airport/terminal storage | $8–15/day typical | Often extended/24‑hr | Travel day storage before flights |
| Independent bag‑storage storefronts | $6–15/day | Varies; some 24/7 | Flexible drop‑off and quick walk‑ins |
Action checklist before using any alternative: photograph bag and contents list, attach a temporary tag with your phone number, save booking/consent emails, verify prohibited items policy (no flammables, weapons, perishables), and confirm identification required at pickup.
If you’ll be moving between outdoor areas, protect bags from sudden storms with a compact windproof umbrella: best quality umbrellas for wind.
FAQ:
Does Disney’s Fort Wilderness provide luggage storage or bell service for arriving guests?
Yes — guests staying at Fort Wilderness can usually rely on Disney’s bell/front-desk services for handling luggage tied to a reservation. For guests arriving before their cabin or campsite is ready, staff can accept bags and hold them until check-in time and may deliver luggage to a cabin once it is prepared. If you are staying at a campsite (RV or tent) there are practical limits: large commercial deliveries or long-term storage are less likely to be accommodated, and staff may ask that bulky equipment remain with your vehicle or be handled by a carrier. If you plan to ship items to the resort ahead of arrival, label packages with the reservation name and arrival date and contact Fort Wilderness in advance to confirm they will accept and store them. Policies and any handling fees can change, so call the resort’s Front Desk or review official property information before sending or relying on storage.
Can I have theme-park purchases or online orders sent to Fort Wilderness so I don’t carry them all day?
Yes — purchases made inside Walt Disney World can often be sent to your resort for pickup instead of carried around the parks. When you buy merchandise in a park, ask about the complimentary option to have it sent to the resort’s pickup point (Front Desk/Bell Services) and the approximate time it will be available. For purchases from third-party online retailers (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc.), many resorts will accept packages for registered guests if shipments arrive close to the guest’s stay, but there may be limits, size restrictions, or handling charges. To reduce problems, include the guest name, reservation number and arrival date on packages, avoid shipping far ahead of your visit, and notify the resort that a delivery is coming. If you need guaranteed long-term storage or have many large shipments, consider arranging delivery to a local commercial shipping/receiving service instead of the resort. When in doubt, contact Fort Wilderness before sending anything so staff can confirm current rules and procedures.
