The quickest way to ruin the Disney magic is a couple of sore, aching, blistered feet. Ugh. The average guest at Walt Disney World walks between 10-12 miles a day, so if you aren’t used to logging that many miles a day, adding in hot weather on the pavement, can be a recipe for a vacation disaster.

Before you lace up your sneakers and hit Main Street USA, you’ll want to put your feet up and learn how to keep your feet happy on your Disney vacation.

TIP #1: Shoes

The most important thing first and foremost – let’s talk about shoes! Apart from what many will tell you, Disney shoes do NOT have to be boring, ugly white sneakers. What!? There are plenty of adorable options for footwear but the most important thing to remember is that everyone had unique foot needs – high arch, flat foot, wide, curled toe, etc. Don’t wait until the last minute to select shoes and NEVER bring a new pair to the parks without actively breaking them in first.

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Foot fatigue is a very real thing, so if you are going to overpack on anything, shoes are your best option. Swapping shoes from day-to-day or switching to a pair of sandals to sneakers halfway through the day can make a huge impact on the pressure points on your feet. When I pack for a 7-8 day trip I always plan to have at least 3-4 pairs of shoes.

I have high arches, so I usually supplement any pair of shoes with a good custom insole. Apart from a pair of sandals, here are the four most common pairs of shoes you’ll find me wearing at Disney:

TIP #2: Insoles

If you really want to cheat the shoe game, adding or removing a pair of insoles can change your foot situation in seconds. I’ll switch my insoles in and out various days or sometimes in the middle of the day when I take off my shoes to re-powder. (More on that later.) Over the years I’ve tried dozens of different insoles and hands down the brand I continue to come back to Physix year after year. They offer solid construction, mold to support most foot types and fit easily in even low profile sneakers.

TIP #3: Socks

We don’t need to spell it out, but we will anyway. Disney can mean m-o-i-s-t feet. Between sweat, water rides, rain, and humidity your socks become damp bundles of blister makers in seconds. Pack multiple pairs of well-fitting socks and carry extras with you into the park. Dry feet are happy feet.

TIP #4: Eliminate Friction

A minor rub or pressure pinch can turn ugly after a few miles, so I always carry a glide stick or friction salve with me in my park bag. I apply it to areas where rub commonly occurs but also between my toes to keep any pressure pinches from wearing down my toes.

There are plenty of brands to choose from and in our experience, all of them worked the same. Here’s are four brands that we’ve put to the test over multiple trips to Disney.

TIP #5: Protective Moleskin

If you end up with a blister a little bit of moleskin or a blister bandage can help protect and heal. Be aware that scissors won’t pass security, so you’ll either need to carry precut strips, packaged bandages, or fitted moleskin. There are plenty of options at any local pharmacy, but we’ve put a few of our regular supplies below if you’d like to stock up on what we use for our trips to Disney.

TIP #6: Fresh & Dry

Keeping your feet feeling fresh and dry goes well beyond a pair of fresh socks. Pack your favorite foot powder to use before, during a rest period, and after a long day in the parks to freshen up the insides of your shoes. We’ve used everything from basic baby powder to our personal favorite – the tea tree powder. Here are a few of our recommended options:

TIP #7: Stretch

Before putting on all that mileage in the parks, don’t forget to stretch out your feet, calves, thighs, and hips. We use these simple exercises to keep our body performing day after day in the park.

TIP #8: Rest & Relaxation

This seems obvious, but standing in line and eating dinner are not technically “rest” for your feet. Take some time to stretch your legs, sprinkle some fresh powder in your shoes or replace any moleskin that could have slipped. If you can find a spot to elevate your feet and massage your calves, you’ll buy yourself some extra mileage.

If you can, book a day at the spa or the pool. Getting off your feet for the day is not only fun but will refresh your body and pull away from those aches and pains you’ve been feeling.

TIP #9: Extra Support

I don’t know what you’ve been told about compression socks, but they can work wonders for long days on your feet. There are various styles and designs to choose from based on where you need the extra support. We love a full length stocking for long flights, but the open toe options are fantastic for that extra arch support. Below are the options we’ve tested out and recommend for long days at Disney.

TIP #10: Pain Relief

Sore muscles and joints can be too much to handle so don’t be afraid to rely on traditional pain remedies or medication. Just be sure to check with your doctor before trying anything new, especially before going on vacation.

TIP #11: Soak

At the end of a long day a good old soak in the tub can soothe away all the pain in your legs and feet. I have a simple regime that I follow after a day in the park that includes a foot soak, pain relief cream and gel moisturizing socks. I won’t do Disney now without this little bit of self-care.

• Add 1-2 cups of Muscle Recovery bath soak to warm water and soak feet for at least 20 minutes.
• Massage Hemp Cream liberally into feet and between your toes.
• Spritz a few sprays of Cooling Peppermint on the bottom (I usually focus on my arch) of each foot. (Bonus: If you can keep this spray in a refrigerator the numbing effect works faster.)
• Put on Gel Moisturizing Socks (yes, they will feel funny to walk in so be sure to do this before bed) and wear them all night.
• When you wake up in the morning your feet will feel smooth, refreshed and ready for a brand new day.

TIP #12: Resort Location

Not all rooms are created equal. For example, rooms at the Contemporary have the convenience of being on the monorail but if you are staying outside of the two main towers you are going to be walking quite a way to your room. If you really want to limit the amount of walking, plot your room closer to the lobby or transportation stations. Don’t be afraid to ask Disney for recommendations for the best options at your specific resort.

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