Recent reports claimed that Walt Disney World had completely overhauled its home shipping policy, replacing merchandise-value-based pricing with a new bag-size system operated by Ricoh.
However, according to information provided by a Walt Disney World Cast Member, the regular guest merchandise shipping policy has not changed.
The new Ricoh Shipping Services program is intended for businesses and guests attending business meetings at participating convention center resorts. It is not a resort-wide replacement for Walt Disney World’s existing merchandise shipping service.
Where Is the Ricoh Shipping Service Available?
According to the Cast Member, the service is associated with business meetings and conventions at the following resorts:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
The Ricoh instructions tell users to obtain shipping supplies from a Merchandise or Front Desk Cast Member at a “participating resort.” After completing the online form, users must return the sealed bag to a participating Front Desk location.
Nothing on the flyer states that the service has replaced Walt Disney World’s standard merchandise shipping policy across its theme parks, resorts and Disney Springs.
How Does the Ricoh Shipping Service Work?
Eligible users select a bag based on the size of the items being shipped:
- Extra Small: $19.97
- Small: $29.97
- Medium: $44.97
- Large: $49.97
- Custom, international or overweight shipments: Price varies
Shipments weighing more than 50 pounds are considered overweight.
The bags may be used for items such as small purchases, clothing, toys, popcorn buckets, plush toys and small suitcases. Users complete the shipping form through Ricoh’s online portal, pay for the shipment and return the secured bag to a participating Front Desk.
Standard rates include up to $100 in insurance coverage, with additional coverage available.
Regular Disney Merchandise Shipping Remains Unchanged
The Ricoh service should not be confused with Walt Disney World’s regular service for shipping merchandise purchased at Disney-owned stores.
Current signage at Disney Springs states that the regular merchandise shipping service is available only for purchases accompanied by a valid receipt from a Disney-owned and operated Walt Disney World Resort retail location.
The regular service does not accept:
- Guests’ personal items
- Items purchased from non-Disney-owned locations
- Food or beverages, including alcohol
- Souvenir and novelty popcorn buckets
- Souvenir cups, sippers and refillable mugs
- Live plants
- Lithium batteries or products containing lithium batteries
- Perfume and cologne
- Flammable liquids or solids
- Pressurized containers
These restrictions remain in place.
Two Different Shipping Services Caused Confusion
The apparent confusion comes from treating the specialized Ricoh service as a replacement for Walt Disney World’s regular guest merchandise shipping program.
The Ricoh flyer describes a bag-based service available through participating resort Front Desks for business and convention shipping. Meanwhile, Disney Springs continues to display the existing rules for merchandise purchased from Disney-owned retail locations.
In short, Walt Disney World has not overhauled its regular guest merchandise shipping policy. The newly reported bag system is a separate service with limited availability at participating convention resorts.
Guests should confirm which shipping service is available at their location before making a purchase or preparing items for shipment.
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