Why You Need To Check The Dollar Store Before You Go To Disney

Look, I get it. The last place you think of when it comes to getting Disney stuff is your local dollar store. You’re probably more concerned about grabbing sales at shopDisney.com or one of the other places we’ve talked about in the past. But, before you go nuts at the Twice Upon A Year Sale or wherever else, you should take a peek at your local dollar store, because you might just be surprised at what you find.

For me, the dollar store has always been a go-to option when it comes to getting super basic necessities for travel or even daily life. Though there are arguably better [in terms of selection and quality] options elsewhere, dollar stores are ideal for travel because the products usually do the job while also being affordable enough that if they get misplaced during a trip it’s not that big of a deal. Some of the items that I’m likely to grab for upcoming trips from the dollar store usually include hair elastics, toiletries, items to refill my first aid kit and hand sanitizer. Of course, the list expands a bit when I’m gearing up for a Walt Disney World vacation.

Because dollar stores tend to have lots of fun and affordable Disney themed merchandise, I like to grab a few extra items that can help make our time at Walt Disney World more magical. There are also other items that I like to grab because they’re super convenient and affordable. Today, I’m going to tell you about a few of my favorite that you might want to keep your eye out for.

Magic Towels

I’m not sure when I first stumbled upon Magic Towels, but for as long as I can remember they’ve been a must have in every one my my travel bags and camping kits. These are large face cloths that have been compressed within an inch of their life and wrapped in plastic. Using them is simple; just unwrap and run under water. They’ll expand to full size and give you a way to clean up or cool off.

There are a lot of reasons that I love Magic Towels. I really love how practical they are. Since they are compressed to about the size of a half dollar, they take up absolutely no room in your bag [or even your pocket] at all. Being wrapped in plastic is also a really nice feature, because they don’t get covered in whatever debris is floating around at the bottom of your backpack. Even the fun designs can be useful back at the hotel during bathtime so that everyone known which washcloth belongs to whom. On top of that, they are super fun. Yes. I may be a grown adult woman, but man is it fun watching a Magic Towel spring to life!

As is the case with most of the items you’ll find at your local dollar store, being as affordable as they are, if you find yourself having to toss your Magic Towel it’s not a big loss. However, if you do keep it you won’t be disappointed either. These towels are surprisingly good quality and I’ve had a few hanging around my house [and being used regularly] for a couple of years now.

Stationary & Autograph Pens

Currently, with the health and safety guidelines that are in place at Walt Disney World, character meet and greets look a bit different. With everyone keeping a safe social distance, the opportunity to get autographs from your favorite Princess or Disney Pal is no longer available. This means that there isn’t really a huge need for the oversized Disney themed pens or autograph books. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still fun to have!

The thing about oversized pens, and stationary in general, at the parks is that they can be quite pricey. On top of that, pens get dropped and lost all the time. This can make it worth your while to grab a handful at your local dollar store and bring them with you on your Disney vacation to be used for autographs [when more traditional character meet and greets start back up again] or as a way to jot down thoughts at the end of each day.

Glow Sticks

Here’s the deal. . . . . nothing is going to quite compare to the glow necklaces, bubble wands and spinny things that you see being sold at the parks. Nothing! However, there are some among us who are completely satisfied with filling their arms up with glow bracelets and glowing headbands with spring loaded stars. If you happen to be traveling with one [or a group] of those people, you’ve got to check out your local dollar store. The selection of colors, sizes and styles is usually pretty good and the price makes it easy to grab a few handfuls to enjoy during the evenings at Walt Disney World.

Boredom Busters

We’ve talked about boredom busters before. They’re a great tool to have in your bag, especially if you’re traveling during hurricane season or with family members who are nappers. Boredom busters can be anything, from books to puzzles, and you can get them pretty much anywhere, including your local dollar store.

Personally, I like to grab boredom busters from my local dollar store. Like I mentioned above, the price is ideal so that you can grab a bag full without breaking the bank. You can also leave them behind at no big loss if you find that you need some extra space in your luggage. There’s also usually a really wide variety of activities and themes to choose from. Even keeping it to Disney alone, I was able to find everything from Toy Story to Vampirina!

What you can find at your local dollar store can often be hit or miss. Still, I think it’s worth stopping in once in a while if you’ve got a trip to Walt Disney World in your near future. Whether you’re trying to stick to a budget or are just looking to add a little bit more Disney magic to your vacation days, the dollar store is a must stop shop before your next trip to the Happiest Place On Earth!