Disney World is a massive place. It’s not just the size of the property. On a recent trip to the Magic Kingdom, I walked over 27,000 steps, and that was at Disney’s smallest park. With over 300 acres, there’s a reason people say Epcot stands for “Every Person Comes Out Tired”, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom still tops that with a whopping 500 acres of space.
The point is, if you’re headed to Disney World, you will do a lot of walking. Most guests walk an average of 10 miles a day!
While this can be daunting news, it doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to a painful week of blistered feet and C-3PO legs on your next trip.
1. Get the right shoes
Image: Josh Hallett, Flickr (license)
While flip-flops and dressy sandals can seem a tempting option for a trip to Florida, remember that statistic: 10 miles a day. I used to swear by Ecco walking sandals, but even these still produced blisters after just one day of Disney park hopping. There’s no substitute for having the right shoes when visiting Disney World.
You can’t do better than a pair of comfortable sneakers with thin socks. They’ll cushion your feet, prevent blisters, and overall make your vacation more pleasant. While you could use hiking boots, they may weigh down your feet more than you need. Some guests also recommend Crocs, with or without socks.
If your go-to pair of tennis shoes have worn out, you can either buy insoles at any athletic store—get a variety intended for athletes—or you can invest in a new pair of sneakers. Don’t let fancy marketing terms fool you. Any comfortable athletic shoe will work. I found a pair of no-frills Under Armor tennis shoes on sale, and they’ve quickly become my favorite shoes for Disney days.
If you’re determined to stick to sandals, invest in some foot lubricant like Body Glide or a small jar of petroleum jelly you can apply to your feet at the beginning of the day to prevent blisters during those long walks.
2. Start exercising
Image: Josh Hallett, Flickr (license)
While this is the piece of advice many guests are most likely to discard, it’s unequivocally the most helpful. Even if you’re starting just a month before your trip, establishing a regular exercise habit can dramatically improve your energy level for your trip and save your feet in the process.
I tried for twenty years to establish a regular exercise routine, and the thirty days leading up to our last Disney World trip were the first time I succeeded. I could not believe the difference. Not only were my heart and lungs ready for the cardiovascular requirements of long hikes in the parks, but my calves, thighs, and sides never cramped up or gave out, even on the 27,000 steps day. Instead of feeling worn out by lunch time, I felt like I had boundless energy.
An upcoming trip can be a great catalyst to launch an exercise habit. Whether you’re aiming to prepare your feet or lose weight (to make room for that School Bread you’re looking soooo forward to), take advantage of the opportunity to hack your brain with the pressure of an impending deadline.
Image: Josh Hallett, Flickr (license)
Be sure and track your progress. The goal is to not “break the chain”. You’ll not only be preparing for your Disney vacation. You’ll be establishing a healthy lifestyle!
3. Plan breaks
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
Another important thing guests can do to save their feet at Disney World is pace themselves. It’s easy to forget to take adequate rest until you’re exhausted. Instead of just plowing through the day then collapsing onto a bench, plan breaks throughout the day. Dark rides and attractions like the Peoplemover are great places to give your feet a rest, as are shows like the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular or Beauty and The Beast.
It’s also wise for guests to plan to arrive when the parks open. Not only will you be able to get onto E-Ticket rides without long waits, but when crowds swell at lunchtime, you can retreat to your resort or to a quieter part of the property. Once your strength is recovered, head back into the parks for a fun evening.
4. Hack your feet
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
We’ve already discussed the trick of applying foot lubricant to prevent blisters, but there are many other hacks you can employ to save your feet at Disney World.
We can’t say enough about how helpful socks are during those long days. You can double their mileage by changing your socks halfway through the day. It’s like putting on a new pair of feet! Stubbornly clinging to your flip-flops? If you don’t mind looking a little eccentric, grab a pair of Japanese socks meant for use with sandals at Mistukoshi in the Japan pavilion at Epcot.
Heading onto a water ride? Keep a cheap pair of sandals with you (or even aqua socks). Throw your shoes and socks into a Disney merchandise bag, tie the top in a knot, and use the sandals until you can dry your feet and switch back to your shoes, having avoided the horrors of squishy-sock syndrome.
Want to prevent blisters ahead of time? Pre-cut some pieces of moleskin and apply them to tenders spots on your feet every day. You can also use more advanced products like Second Skin to get the same effect with less bulk.
If your feet are aching from several days of heavy walking, you can numb the pain using Bactine spray. You don’t have to carry it with you though…
5. Visit first aid
We’ve discussed the unsung hero that is Disney Parks First Aid before on Theme Park Tourist, but if you’re looking to rescue ravaged feet, it’s truly the Happiest Place on Earth.
Disney First Aid (located in each of Disney’s parks) isn’t just for twisted ankles and emergencies. Where they really shine is in the dozens of items they keep on hand for guests—items you would normally buy in a drug store, all available for free.
It’s a game changer for restoring battered feet. Not only can they provide over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol and Ibuprofen, but they have a full treatment ready for guests with blisters. It was actually at Disney First Aid where we first saw the Bactine trick. The numbing spray immediately relieves pain, and the First Aid team can wrap any blisters. They don’t get as many visitors as you’d think. If you just need a spray of Bactine, a Tylenol, or even an Ace Bandage, stop by and ask!
What’s your best trick to save your feet at theme parks? What’s worked and not worked for you?
