Over 30 of the Best Dollar Store Finds for Disney will help you prepare and save so you will have a fun, magical vacation at the parks.
I love going to Disney. And I also like sticking to our budget. We like to find some balance in our lives by doing fun, family things with an affordable spin to it.
Being mindful of our budget means that I try to find things that are just a dollar to a few so that when we pack up things for our trips to Disney the little surprises don’t break the bank. There are a lot of things to do like using the Wish App, shopping on-line, using coupons, going to Target’s Dollar Spot, and the dollar store. The Dollar Tree is closest to us so I typically check that out, plus everything there actually is $1, vs Dollar General, which is just affordable with things varying in price. No matter where you go, or what approach you take to shopping, all you need to do is enjoy going to Disney!
Over 30 of the Best Dollar Store Finds for Disney
Snacks and Drinks
Snacks– There are plenty of great quick service restaurants and carts that sell snacks around the park, but if you are sticking to a budget then be sure to bring your own to save. You can bring food into the park so pack up some snacks to enjoy throughout the day. Besides saving money, it’s great to enjoy a fun treat while waiting in line for a ride, vs waiting in line for a churro or some popcorn. Plus, if you are driving, having snacks for the car ride helps keep costs down, instead of grabbing snacks in the gas station when you fill up.
Water, Juice, Coffee- If you are driving, then take the chance to stock up on drinks so that you can enjoy them affordably while on the drive. Water here is much less than grabbing bottles of water at a gas station. Plus, you can stock up drinks for your room. This approach would work well if you stay in a Family Suite in Art of Animation, or a similar style room that has a small kitchenette. (Check out my review of the Cars Family Suite Room in AOA!)
Arts and Crafts
Crayons & Markers- Any chance to color is a great opportunity to keep your kids busy and engaged. Bring packs for crayons for their carry-on’s or in your park bag. Of course, they go well with Disney coloring books too.
Stickers- Kids just love stickers!!!! You can’t go wrong with getting packs and packs of stickers. They can decorate papers and stay busy while waiting for dinner.
Coloring Books- Be sure to pack a few coloring cooks into your kids carry on’s so they can stay busy during the flight to FL.
Toys & Games
Puzzles- Puzzles are great to keep in your room to entertain the kids in the down time from the arks. They can play with them while you get ready before heading to the parks or to your dinner, after coming back to the room for some rest and showers. They also are great toys to have in your surprise trip reveal for the kids.
Bubbles- Bubble guns are fun, but can be pricey in the parks. Small bottles of bubbles are great for entertaining kids by the pool or in line. (Just don’t annoy your fellow Disney fanatics in the queues!)
Yo-Yo’s- Any toy that you can get with your kids’ favorite characters is a big win. Yo-Yo’s are another great toy that you can teach them to play with.
Magnetic Drawing Boards- Another great toy for your kids to play with while you travel, are dining, or in line. Play games with them like tic-tac-toc or draw characters. Maybe they can even practice copying their favorite character’s signature.
Light Sticks & necklaces- Kids will love to wear light up necklaces and play with lights sticks while in the park after dark. Pretending your Tink granting wishes or fighting off a pirate with a sword is tons of fun while you wait for the fireworks. Looping them on your stroller also helps make it stand out as well.
Flashcards- Just because you are on spring break or missing school, it doesn’t mean your kids need to stop learning. Reinforce their knowledge of numbers, counting, and letters with fun Disney themed flashcards. These are great for when you are traveling or in line for a ride- just tuck them back into your small bag before boarding the ride.
In your Hotel Room
Nightlight- Make your kids feel more comfortable by having a nightlight in your room. And then they can enjoy it at home, bringing some vacation back home with them!
Power Strip- Power strips are great to get a few more outlets out of 1. You can’t ever have too many outlets when you need to plug in phones, tablets, camera batteries, etc. (Not that I think it would be a safety issue, but you just want to be sure to unplug it when you leave your room!!!)
Jumbo Plastic Clothespins- Jumbo clothespins are great for drying bathing suits. Hang your bathing suit over the shower curtain rod and put a clip on it to make sure it don’t slip off.
Wash Cloths- Another fun little gift for the kids! The *magic* washcloths are teeny tiny and then pop open when they are wet. These are great for gift bags to reveal the trip, or even Christmas stockings.
First Aid, Medical, & Wellness Needs
Band aids & First Aid Supplies- The first aid stations in the parks are awesome with staff that is very helpful tending to minor bumps and bruises to major problems like broken bones or the flu. If you have a minor cut or blister, just tend to it yourself with your own quickly.
Medications- I believe it can’t hurt to be prepared, especially when on vacation. Stock up on the pain relievers, fever reducers, cough medicines, stomach aides before your trip. Then you can skip First Aide Station, and paying $$ for medications. Even worse would have to take an Uber from your hotel to get to Target just for some Pepto. Have everyone on hand for some quick relief.
Shampoo & Conditioner- The toiletry products in the hotel rooms are great, but you might just like to bring your own. If your family is large, they might quickly empty those teeny tiny bottles even before you get to wash your own hair. Plus, Elsa branded shampoo might just get your kids to sing “Let it Go!!!!!” while in the shower.
Small Storage Containers & Travel Bottles– These are great for putting small amounts of shampoo, conditioner, lotions, or pills in them. While your room will have lotions, these are a great way to bring your favorite products from home without them taking up a lot of room in your suitcases. Plus, they will help you stay under the 3 ounce TSA travel rule for carry-on luggage.
Pill Box- Put all your vitamins and medication in the pill box so you don’t need to bring all of your various bottles. This helps streamline the process of taking meds and saves space in your luggage.
Oral Care- Don’t worry about bringing your tooth brush, floss, and tooth paste from home. Just pack everything right into your suitcase right from your shopping trip.
Facial Cleansing Wipes- Facial wipes are great for wiping your face after a sweaty afternoon of fun. Clean up your make up and moisturize your skin. Then don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen!
Anti-Bacterial Cleansers & Wipes- You’re around all these people with all these germs, the least you could do is try not to get sick. Hand sanitizers are great to use throughout the day- when you touch hand rails, rides, and interact with CM’s. Give your hands a good scrub and then you’re good to go!
Lip Balm- Lip Balm is great to keep chapped lips at bay. Try to find one with an SPF in it so that it can help protect your lips from the sun.
Tissue Packs- A tissue pack is always handy to have on hand. Tuck them in your kids bags and your own.
Gear for in the Parks
Ponchos- During the summer, it rains most afternoons in Florida. Most of the time, it’s a pretty quick passing storm, but it will still POUR down on you. Generally you can see the big billowy clouds roll in, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get caught in it. Of course, Disney sells great ponchos, but for a family of 5, they will set you back more than $60! So grab a few ponchos and you’ll save big time. (These tend to be a seasonal item at the Dollar Store that sell out quickly, so grab them when you see them.)
Flip flops- If you happen to spend the day at a pool, you’ll want to bring some flip flops- leave your favorite ones at home and bring an inexpensive pair with you. Another great idea is to bring them to the park in case you want to run around in some sprinklers with your kids, then you don’t need to get your sneakers and socks all wet.
Sunhats- The Florida heat can beat down on you, making you hot, sunburned, and tired very quickly.
Water Bottles- The #1 one rule of Fight Club is… oh, sorry, wrong thing to talk about. But really, my number one rule of Disney is to HYDRATE!!!!!! It’s basically hot or REALLY CRAZY HOT at Disney. Staying hydrated is so important because you’ll get so stay well during the busy dates. My rule of thumb is to drink before getting in line for a ride and to drink when I get off a ride. You can refill your water bottles at water fountains (located at the restrooms) or by filling with FREE water that you can ask for at quick service locations that have soda fountains. (Not sure if you’re properly hydrated? Go to the bathroom! Your pee should not be very yellow. The clearer the better!)
Mini Fans- Mini Fans will help you keep cool in the hot humid afternoons. The compact fans are great because they are light and will easily fit into your park bag. Plus, you can keep it with you in line, then easily tuck it into your pocket when you go on a ride.
Misters- Those combination fans and misters are fantastic for staying cool, but they need batteries or they can break. Plus, they are pricey in the parks. Just grab a water bottle and spray down with some cold water and you’ll still feel really refreshed.
Getting Character Autographs
Pens & Sharpies- Be sure to have plenty of pens and sharpies on hand for all those signatures you can get.
Books- Have the characters and princesses sign books instead of the traditional autograph book.
Photo Albums- Another creative idea is to use a photo album instead of a traditional autograph book. Grab a book that has 2 slots per page. Then you can put your character photos on the same page as your character signature. Prepare to have pieces of page cut to the size of the photo inserts (typ 4×6). Just hand them to the character (with a stiff service behind it!). Assemble at home and enjoy reflecting on your awesome Disney vacation.
-Supplies for Babies-
Disposable Placemats – Having a disposable placemat will making clean up a breeze if you are eating in your family suite or dining in a restaurant. Plus, it’s great to have a cleans surface between the food and the table. The CM’s are frequently cleaning the tables, but it’s better not to have the food directly on the surface that has cleaners all over it.
Baby Bottle Brush- Bringing a bottle brush is a must if you’re child is using a bottle. Now you just need to bring enough bottles for a day, then you can wash them out thoroughly in the hotel room at night. They are also a great buy to have for water bottles.
Baby Bibs- Don’t ruin those cute Disney outfits! Bring a bib that is easy to rinse and store in your backpack. Store in a ziplock bag so you keep the rest of your stuff nice and clean. Wash really well at night and dry in the shower (clip with those handy jump clothespins!)
Baby Wipes & Boogie Wipes- Wipes are always great for wiping off your hands and your kiddo’s faces. Keep germs away and faces picture perfect for all Memory Maker pics!
Suction Bowls- These bowls are great so that you can let your little one feed themselves without having to worry about them tossing a bowl to the ground. Also, if you bring/rent a stroller with a snack tray you can stick on on there so you have them snack on the go.
Brushes- Don’t forget to grab a brush so you can have everyone’s hair picture perfect. Be sure to pack them in your park bags so you can tidy up their hair throughout the day.
Diaper Disposal Bags- These Diaper Disposal Bags are MUST!!! They are fantastic for your room so you don’t have a stinky situation.
Cups- Besides water bottles, cups are great to have in your room.
Baby Spoons– Grabbing plastic utensils at quick service restaurants is simple, but they might be too big for your baby. Getting ones just for the trip will also reduce the stress of losing them since they are so affordable.
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