Every year, millions of visitors pass through the gates of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. But not everything that comes into the parks makes it back out. From sunglasses left on rides to unopened souvenirs forgotten in hotel rooms, Disney’s Lost and Found departments collect thousands of misplaced items across their U.S. properties.
While the company makes a strong effort to return belongings to their rightful owners, anything that goes unclaimed after 90 days is donated to local organizations — and some of it ends up in thrift stores, where eagle-eyed shoppers (and TikTok users) are now sparking conversations about what happens after the magic ends.
Items Not Recovered Within 90 Days Are Donated to Local Charities
According to Disney policy, guests who lose an item in the parks or on property can file a report through the official Lost and Found system. Disney uses a cloud-based tool that allows guests to submit a description, location, and contact details. If the item is recovered, Disney will alert the owner — typically within 48 hours — and arrange a return.
But after three months, any unclaimed property is considered abandoned and sent to local nonprofit organizations.
At Walt Disney World, that means truckloads of Disney merchandise, accessories, and personal belongings are sent 40 miles north to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Thrift Store, where they’re sold at a steep discount to benefit area youth programs. The items range from unused souvenirs and character-themed apparel to designer sunglasses and travel essentials.
“We’ve gotten brand new Oakley sunglasses with the tags still on them,” said Betsy Owens, Vice President of Marketing for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, in a statement to Florida Today. “A lot of items are things people just bought in the parks and accidentally left behind.”
Proceeds from the sales go directly toward services for over 12,000 children in Central Florida, including education, after-school programs, and mentorship.
Disneyland Holds Its Own Annual Lost & Found Sale
The West Coast resort follows a similar approach. Unclaimed merchandise from Disneyland Resort is collected and sold annually through Goodwill of Orange County, located just minutes from the parks. The highly anticipated event attracts crowds, with many items — like plush toys, apparel, and Disney-branded gear — priced between $3 and $5, often 90% off the original cost.
The sale is so popular that long lines form before the doors open, and Disneyland Cast Members are reportedly granted early access to shop before the public.
TikTok Helps Shoppers Showcase — and Sometimes Identify — Disney Thrift Finds
As shoppers browse these charity thrift stores, some are turning to TikTok to share their Disney-themed finds. But in one case, a viral video sparked more than admiration — it triggered a potential accidental reunion.
TikTok creator @beerfoodieandcutie recently shared a video showcasing her thrift store haul, including a pair of mirrored pink Ray-Ban sunglasses. While many viewers applauded the score, one commenter believed the shades were a little too familiar.
“Not my pink mirrored RayBans that I literally think you have on,” the user commented. “I lost them last September, and filed out a lost and found report. Is there a small scratch across the middle of one of the lenses?”
The creator responded simply: “Yes.”
@beercutieandfoodie This is where you can buy the LOST & FOUND items from Disneyworld!
Make sure to follow @beercutieandfoodie & @beercutieandparks for more outside of the theme park secrets. The way I wanted to gatekeep this but I had to put you on if you haven’t already been here! When I tell you I took home so many shades because theres no way, I’m finding them for the low low at $40 for name brands, like that ever again and I got a pair of pricey rare Mickey ears for $9.99
Have you been here yet ? Share this with someone that needs to go here ! #fyp #shoppingtips #discountshopping #thingstodoinorlando #moneysavingtips #discountshopping #orlandoshopping #clearanceshopping #clearancefinds
The interaction prompted hundreds of comments, with some joking the two should set up a deal to return the glasses, while others pointed out that after 90 days, Disney no longer holds onto lost items — no matter how valuable or sentimental.
Disney’s Donations Are a Small Piece of a Bigger Commitment
In addition to lost-and-found merchandise, Disney donates a wide range of supplies to local nonprofits, including excess fabric, tech equipment, and office supplies to nearby schools and community organizations.
“This is just a small fraction of their overall support,” said Jamie Merrill, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. “The impact this has on our organization is significant.”
What Guests Can Do if They Lose an Item
If you misplace something while visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland:
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File a report online as soon as possible through Disney’s official Lost and Found portal.
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Include a detailed description and any distinguishing features.
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You’ll receive a status update within 48 hours.
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Disney will hold the item for up to 90 days before donating it.
So while it may be too late for the Ray-Bans, future visitors should act quickly — or they may just spot their lost item in someone’s TikTok haul months down the road.
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