Let’s be honest – those Disney hotel rooms aren’t exactly spacious (I’m looking at you, All-Star Resorts). But with a few smart dollar store additions, you can make that small space work so much better for your family!
Why pay ridiculous gift shop prices when you can grab these essentials for just a few bucks before you leave home? Trust me on this – by day three of park hopping when you’re not hunting for your phone charger or dealing with wet ponchos everywhere, you’ll be patting yourself on the back for planning ahead.
1. Power Solutions ($3-5)
Whoever designed hotel room outlet placement clearly never had to charge multiple devices at once. A 6-outlet power strip ($4.75) or wall outlet extender ($3.25) turns one awkwardly placed outlet into a charging station for the whole family. This may also be helpful if a plug doesn’t work, as has happened so many times to us.
Pro tip: Set up your charging station immediately upon check-in so everyone knows where to plug in their devices.
2. Over-the-Door Hooks ($1-2)
There’s nothing worse than four soaking wet ponchos and nowhere to hang them. The bathroom hooks are already full of towels, and your suitcase doesn’t deserve that kind of water damage. You also don’t want to hang wet stuff with your clean clothes in the closet.
These humble hooks instantly transform doors into valuable vertical storage space for hats, backpacks, jackets, and those aforementioned drenched ponchos after Splash Mountain.
Article Continues Below
3. Wireless LED Light with Remote ($5)
When someone needs the bathroom at 3 AM and you’re all sharing one room, a remote-controlled light is pure magic. No more blinding overhead lights waking everyone up, no more stumbling in the dark.
The remote means you can control it from bed, which feels wonderfully luxurious after walking 20,000+ steps through the parks.
4. Laundry Essentials ($3-5)
You know those do-your-own laundry facilities at the resorts? They charge a fortune for those little boxes of detergent (we’re talking $3-4 per load!).
Grab a 9-count pack of Tide Pods ($4.25) and Bounce sheets ($3 for 34) before your trip. If you’re staying more than a few days, you’ll likely do at least one load of laundry, and these savings add up fast.
PS – the bounce sheets can also be used for getting your shoes and dirty clothes a little more “fresh” overnight.
5. Glow Products ($2)
Instead of spending $15+ on light-up toys in the park, grab some dollar store glow sticks or wands for just $2. Kids get the same nighttime magic experience during fireworks at a fraction of the cost.
Balloons are another great pre-purchase at $1.50 compared to the $15-25 you’ll pay for a Mickey balloon in the parks. These make great in-room celebrations for birthdays or special moments.
6. Small Storage Bins with Handles ($1-3)
This might seem basic, but hear me out – these are perfect for organizing everything from snacks to park supplies to toiletries. They stack when you need space, can be easily moved to the bathroom counter or desk when needed, and make packing up at the end of your stay so much easier.
Get one for each family member and color-code them! You’ll be amazed at how much calmer your room feels when everything has a designated place.
7. Croc-Style Shoes ($4.75)
For just $4.75, these knockoff Crocs are perfect for pool days, quick trips to the ice machine, shower shoes, or when your feet just can’t take another minute in park shoes.
When you’ve been walking all day at Magic Kingdom, having these to slip into back at the hotel is pure bliss. Plus, they dry quickly if they get wet!
And then…you can leave them behind and bring back a REAL pair of Disney-themed Crocs! Bonus, ammirite?
8. First Aid Supplies ($2-3)
A 50-pack of bandaids for $2 is a steal compared to the prices at resort shops. Disney walking leads to blisters – that’s just a fact of life.
Having your own supply means you don’t have to trek to the First Aid Center or pay inflated gift shop prices when someone gets a blister on day two.
Because blisters do happen. It’s not something you can plan for, as the humidity mixed with “random” thunderstorms every day at 3pm can’t really be prepared for.
9. Hair Accessories ($2)
A 60-pack of hair ties for $2 is the unsung hero of Florida vacations. Between humidity, water rides, and sweaty park days, you’ll go through these faster than you think.
Keep a stash in your park bag, hotel room, and even in your wallet. They’re also perfect for impromptu princess hairstyles without splurging at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Remember that humidity from the blister section? Well the heat and grossness will also completely wreck your ties.
10. Paper Plates & Basic Kitchen Supplies ($2-3)
A 20-pack of paper plates for $2.50 is perfect for those late-night leftovers or when you think that buying 4 cookies at Gideon’s is a good idea and you’ll definitely not be eating them on the way to the airport on the last day;)
Don’t forget some chip clips too – Florida humidity is not kind to snack bags left open!
Article Continues Below
Honorable Mentions
- Mesh laundry bags (separates wet swimsuits from dry clothes)
- Disinfecting wipes (for remote controls and door handles)
Where to Shop (If You Forget Something)
If you’re already in Orlando and realize you forgot something essential:
- Five Below at The Loop (great for tech accessories)
- Dollar General on 192 (closest to Animal Kingdom)
- Oh, or Amazon! Don’t be afraid to buy online and ship to your hotel, as sometimes it’s easier (and cheaper) than going to Walmart.
Remember, these aren’t meant to be forever items – they’re problem solvers for your vacation. They’ll help keep your room organized and functional without making you stress about damaging expensive organizers. And if you need to leave some behind to make room for souvenirs? No worries!
Just remember – the goal isn’t to pack your entire house, it’s to make your temporary Disney home work better for your family!