Some of Walt Disney World’s most useful services can also come with an extra cost.For years, one particular option has carried a price that could climb surprisingly high depending on how guests used it.As of September 1, Disney has overhauled that policy. The new system works differently, changes how guests are charged, and could significantly reduce the price in some situations.But before getting into exactly what changed, it helps to understand why these smaller conveniences can become an important part of a Disney World vacation.Disney World Offers Plenty of Helpful ExtrasA Walt Disney World vacation involves much more than attractions, restaurants, and entertainment.Across the resort, Disney offers services designed to make different parts of a visit easier. Transportation connects theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs, while guests staying at Disney hotels receive additional benefits during their vacations.There are also smaller conveniences that guests may not think about until they actually need them.Merchandise services are one example.Disney knows guests aren’t always eager to carry large purchases around the parks or squeeze everything into luggage for the journey home. That’s especially true for anyone buying fragile or bulky items.Shipping purchases home has been one solution available to Disney World guests, though the previous pricing structure may have made some people think twice about using it.That’s where Disney’s latest overhaul comes in.Credit: DisneyThe Old System Could Get Expensive FastAs of September 1, Walt Disney World changed the way guests can ship merchandise home from the resort.Previously, Disney based domestic shipping prices on the total value of the merchandise being sent. Guests could combine multiple purchases, but the price increased as the value climbed.Shipping merchandise valued at up to $100 cost $19.99. Purchases valued between $100.01 and $250 cost $34.99, while shipments between $250.01 and $500 cost $74.99.Once the merchandise exceeded $500 in value, guests were charged $99.99 for shipping.International shipping operated under a separate structure, with costs ranging from $30 to $150. Prices increased by $10 for every $50 step in merchandise value, beginning with purchases valued between $0 and $50.For guests making several expensive purchases, those charges could become another substantial vacation expense.Disney has now replaced that structure with a very different approach.Credit: Jeff Krause, FlickrDisney Has Completely Reworked the ProcessWalt Disney World is now using Ricoh as its third-party merchandise shipping provider, and the biggest difference is how guests determine what they’ll pay.Instead of primarily basing domestic shipping prices on merchandise value, guests choose from different bag sizes.An extra-small green bag costs $19.97 and is ideal for small purchases and trinkets.The small pink bag costs $29.97 and provides enough space for purchases such as a few shirts, a small toy, or a popcorn bucket.A medium blue bag costs $44.97 and can accommodate larger collections, including shirts, plush toys, and even a small suitcase.The large yellow option costs $49.97 and can hold a small carry-on suitcase along with other smaller belongings.A separate clear bag is used for custom, international, or overweight shipments. Packages weighing more than 50 pounds fall into the overweight category.Once guests select their bag, they place their items inside without overfilling it and initially leave it unsecured.From there, guests scan a QR code and complete the necessary shipping, payment, and contact information digitally.After finishing the form, guests secure the bag with the provided zip-tie tag and return it to a participating location. They’ll show their online confirmation to a cast member and hand over the tagged bag.Once Ricoh’s Merchandise Shipping Center processes the package, the guest receives an email containing tracking information.Credit: DisneyThere Are Some Other Big AdvantagesThe pricing change isn’t the only notable part of the new system.Each shipping rate includes insurance coverage for up to $100 in declared value at no additional cost. Guests sending more valuable items can purchase additional coverage, with insurance available for shipments valued up to $5,000.Once additional coverage is needed, the listed insurance charges begin at $5. From there, the cost generally increases by about $1 to $2 for each additional $100 in declared value.The new system may also give guests more flexibility with what they send home.One Reddit user who reported using the new service said receipts weren’t required and that the bags weren’t limited only to merchandise purchased at a particular Disney location. Because that information comes from an individual guest rather than an official Disney policy, shipping restrictions could still apply to certain items.Guests who want to use the service or have questions about what they can ship should speak with a cast member at a Disney gift shop.There’s also a dedicated shipping station at Disney Springs. Guests can find it next to the Marketplace Co-Op, offering another location to handle shipping before heading home.Credit: DisneyA Small Change Could Make Packing Much EasierShipping merchandise probably isn’t something most guests spend much time considering before arriving at Walt Disney World.But the old pricing structure could make the service expensive, particularly once the total value of a shipment crossed one of Disney’s higher thresholds.The new approach changes that equation.Instead of watching the shipping price rise primarily because of the value of everything inside, guests now have bag sizes with set prices for standard shipments. Depending on what they’re sending, that could mean paying substantially less than they would have under Disney’s previous system.It may not be the flashiest update across the Walt Disney World Resort, but for guests who use the service, it could prove to be a welcome one.The post Disney World Finally Overhauls Expensive Policy, Slashing Prices on Major Resort Service appeared first on Inside the Magic.