Dollar Tree Must Haves for a Disney World Vacation
Are you taking a trip to the most magical place on Earth soon and looking for some items to make your trip easier? Look no further than our list of 30+ Dollar Tree Must Haves for Disney.
Back before we were living below our means, we frequented Walt Disney World in Florida about every year or every other year. To be fair, we only had one or two children at the time and they were young enough that they got in for free. We also drove most of the time and made sure to do the best we could on sticking to our trip budget.
I always had people contacting me asking for tips on Disney World. From where to eat, to what to buy, to when to go. I started a Youtube channel to get the information out more quickly without having to individually respond to these messages. My channel has evolved since then, but my Dollar Tree trip haul video is still one of my most popular. As of January 2024, it is still pulling in views and subscribers, even though the video is almost 8 years old.
I would like to mention, while I usually advocate for quality items that will last for long periods of time, when it comes to vacation items, especially for Disney, it may be best to get items you don’t have to stress about. The likelihood that the items may be lost, stolen, broken, etc. are pretty high. We have a Disney tote where we keep several of these items for every trip we go on. That way, we don’t have to continually buy, use, and donate the items. The good part is, most of these items are great for vacations in general, not just Disney trips.
Dollar Tree Must Haves for Your Disney Vacation:
Mesh Laundry Bags
These bags are great to keep your resort room neat and tidy. It also makes it super easy to carry to the laundry facilities if you prefer to do your laundry before you go home.
Glow Sticks
I’m not sure if they still have them, but our Dollar Trees used to carry Disney brand glow sticks. However; even if yours doesn’t they likely still carry some generic ones. When the sun goes down at Disney, everything is lit up. These are great to whip out of your bag and avoid the costly items on the carts that cast members are pushing around.
Sunglasses
You can find several assortments of sunglasses for adults and kids alike, as well as accessories. Be sure to grab a pair or two in case they get lost or damaged.
Shower Curtains & Bag Clips
One of my favorite Dollar Tree Disney hacks! If you’re taking a stroller, grab a couple of plastic shower curtains and a set of bag clips. When rain is in the forecast, simply use the bag clips to attach the shower curtain to the stroller. You will have to leave your stroller parked at most rides, attractions, and restaurants. Florida is known for random downpours. Once the rain is done, toss the curtain in the trash.
Stickers
Stickers are great to keep little ones busy while traveling, waiting in line, or at the many Disney dining locations.
Crayons & Markers
Something else for little ones to keep them occupied. They even have name brand crayons and markers like Crayola at the Dollar Tree.
Coloring Books
Thrift stores and Dollar Tree are the only places we buy coloring books. SO many to choose from!
Bubbles
Disney will have bubbles all over the various parks. I don’t know about your kids, but mine love them! It can be so tempting to buy one of their bubble wands, but avoid the temptation! We made that mistake and it broke within 5 minutes! Luckily, we were able to exchange it no questions asked, but you’re much better off getting some from the Dollar Tree. Don’t get the bubble guns for the parks, as they have a rule against them.
Travel Games
Dollar Tree has some mini travel games. These are great for traveling or waiting in line. However; I could not find them on their website at this current time. They do have these that are more games children can play on their own.
Sandwich & Snack Bags
These are multipurpose. Either use them for traditional snacks and sandwiches, or think outside the box. Use them to keep valuables dry during water rides. I actually use the gallon sizes to pack my children’s clothes on Disney trips where I have specific outfits for each day.
Paper Plates & Bowls
We always aimed to eat at least one meal in our resort room each day. So having paper plates and bowls made this easier. If you’re staying on site at Disney, your room will have a mini fridge, making it even easier to save money on food.
Sandwich & Snack Containers
I’ve always loved taking a couple of these for the children on our trips. Most of the time, I would pack them a peanut butter sandwich, a fruit, and a snack. They were always very content with eating that in the parks and getting a desert or popcorn occasionally. Having these made it fun and prevented their sandwich from getting squished in the backpack.
Rain Ponchos
Another Florida necessity, these may not be as heavy duty quality as the Disney parks official ponchos, but who really wants to stuff a wet poncho in their bag? Grab a few per person for the trip. Then, leave one for everyone in your park bag and when you’re done, toss them in the trash.
Water Bottles
Not only is Florida smoldering in the summer, but Disney World trips average about 10 miles per day. You’re going to want some water to keep you hydrated. I wouldn’t want to take a nice, fancy water bottle into the parks with me, so enter the Dollar Tree. So many variations, colors, and sizes for everyone in the family.
First Aid
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a little one trip in the parks, either by accident or excitement. If you have small children like mine, any “boo-boo” is always in need a of a bandage or “bam-bam” as my daughter calls them. Having a First Aid kit handy is so helpful to your family, as well as those around you. Don’t stop the fun and have to track down a First Aid station just for a bandage.
Disinfecting Wipes
Our last Disney trip in the parks was 2020. Yeah, that 2020. January 2020 to be exact. This was the only trip where our entire family got sick while at Disney World. Whether you’re visiting in the summer, or especially in the winter, make sure to take disinfecting wipes and wipe things whenever you can!
Hand Sanitizer
As with the disinfecting wipes, use hand sanitizer frequently, if you aren’t able to wash your hands. So many germs at Disney and so many guests from all over.
Travel Bottles
These make packing so much easier. Then, you don’t have to tote large bottles of soaps and shampoos in your luggage, especially if you’re flying.
Sunscreen
In the warmer months, your Dollar Tree will carry sunscreen. Whether you should purchase Dollar Tree sunscreen is a loaded question. Some say all regulations are the same and it’s fine, others say no, just as they say no to most cheaper sunscreen. Do your own research on this, but it is available and you will NEED it on your Disney trip. Even if you go in the cooler months.
Hats
Dollar Tree carries a ton of different hats for adults and children alike. This is another good thing to have on a Disney trip while you’re in the Florida sun all day.
Straws
Disney World now only has paper straws. Dollar Tree carriers packs of plastic straws, but they also carry reusable travel straws.
Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets
Disney resorts can have minimal amounts of outlets. Since they’ve updated the rooms, they’ve gotten better, but if you have several things to plug in, having an extension cord with multiple outlets might be best.
Night Light
Sleeping in a new place can be scary for little ones. Having a night light always helped mine and it doesn’t hurt that they’re their favorite characters.
Hand Held Fans
If you haven’t caught on, it’s hot in Florida. Having a little mini fan for each family member may help alleviate that discomfort and grumpiness.
Souvenirs
When my children were young, probably 5 and under, I would buy some Disney toys at the Dollar Tree for our trip. They didn’t really ask for much at the parks yet and having a new toy would keep them busy. Some of the toys are much better quality since I used to buy them there and some are in their new $5 and under category. Still much more budget friendly than in the parks.
Backpack
Backpacks are essential in my book. Even if they’re small, it’s still a nice thing to have. You can store your ponchos, lunch, and water. Dollar Tree does have backpacks, but I am not sure on the quality. I’d try to find some high quality options at the thrift store, but if you’d like to try them, I have provided the link.
Tissues
I love having the little packs of tissues in my bag at all times and at Disney is no different. Never know when you will need them.
Towels
Finally, towels. I know what you’re thinking. What the heck will I need a towel for? You can buy bath or hand towels at the Dollar Tree. These could come in handy for several things. If it rains and you want to sit on a bench, a place to sit on the hot concrete waiting for the afternoon parade, a spilled drink, or extra coverage on the stroller.
These are such good ideas! Thanks for sharing all of these with us! I will pass these along to our kids when they go.
I’m so glad you found them helpful!