How to Save Your Feet at Walt Disney World

You're tired. You're achy. Your head hurts. But most of all, your feet feel like they're on fire.

Welcome to Walt Disney World. Check your feet at the door. Anyone who has ever spent an entire day at any of Disney World's theme parks knows exactly what I'm talking about. Sore feet seem like a trademark of the Disney theme park experience.

It doesn't have to be that bad, though. Here are a few tips to help save your feet at the parks.

• Crocs. They're ugly, but they work. No tennis shoe has ever matched these babies for comfort. I scoffed at them until I tried them. I mean, look how ugly! But then I tried them and like so many others, my sore feet won the battle against fashion.
• Rest. Oh it seems like a given. Rest a little during the day and your feet won't hurt so much. But then you find yourself at the parks going non-stop. If you're staying on property, take the monorail or the bus or a boat to the hotel and rest for an hour, then go back. Your feet and the rest of you will thank you.
• Fastpass. Fastpass as many of the rides as you can. This saves you from standing in the stand-by lines - some of which can leave you standing for over an hour.
• Table service restaurants. It might be tempting to go counter-service the entire trip. After all, we're in harsh economic times. But if you let yourself rest occassionally at a table service restaurant, you're find you'll be a lot less likely spending cash on treatment at the podiatrist's office. Not only does someone bring the food to the table, but you have a tendency to really rest while your food is served to you instead of gulping down some fast food in the parks. Furthermore, no standing in line waiting for food.

Above all, listen to what your feet are telling you. If you can go no further, stop for awhile. Or for the day.

What are your tricks for saving your feet at Walt Disney World?

*Photo Credit: ALBOWIEB

Comments

[Maria]

I cannot believe the number of kids i see in flip flops and flimsy sandals, as well as women in dressy sandals with no support whatsoever. my family and I wear sneakers and bring a backup pair to switch off with during the week. even with good support, your feet still are very tired after several days. The other day my husbands pedometer registered over 25,000 steps! (epcott + MNSSHP!)