Disney

 

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World Orlando or Disneyland Resorts in Anaheim this year and keeping track of a giant Disney bucket list?

We have got you covered!

Find exciting things to do including meeting the princesses, character dining, Disney autographs, Mickey mouse shaped foods, must-do rides, and more in this epic post.

Also Read: What to Wear to Disneyland (Updated 2021!)

So here is an epic list of musts while in Disney – from getting princess makeovers and character dining to the cult-classic Dole whip treat! Hope you get to scratch as many as possible off your bucket list!

Walt Disney World Orlando Bucket List

Walt Disney World Orlando is the bigger of the two Disney US attractions and consists of 4 theme parks: Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

The attraction also comprises of water parks and areas outside of the ticketed attractions including Disney Springs and Disney Boardwalk.

Here are the bucket list activities to do in these Disney parks.

Traveling to Disney World or Disneyland? Check out our post on 25+ Cute and comfortable shoes to wear to Disney

Eat the iconic Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom

By Ashley of A Southern Gypsy

One of the best things to eat at Disney and something that should absolutely make anyone’s bucket list is the infamous and delicious dole whip.

The Dole Whip was first served at the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland at Disneyland, California in 1986 and since then it has acquired a cult following among Disney park fans.

The dole whip is essentially pineapple flavored soft serve named after Dole pineapples.

You can get just the pineapple flavor, a swirl (pineapple and vanilla swirled) or an adult version with a little rum added to it.

The dole whip can be found at the Magic Kingdom and the Polynesian Resort. While the ‘dole whip’ is named specifically for the pineapple version, you can also find an orange flavored whip and key lime flavored whip as well at the Magic Kingdom.

My personal favorite is the orange flavored one with pineapple following up closely behind.  

All of the fruit flavors (not the vanilla) are non-dairy and suitable for those who do not eat dairy products.

Have a fun-filled feast with Mickey Mouse and friends at Chef Mickey’s in Contemporary Resort

By Harmony of Momma To Go

There is lots to see and do at Walt Disney World, and the Disney brand encompasses many different genres of entertainment.

But if you want to meet the classic, iconic Disney characters, be sure to book a meal at Chef Mickey’s.

Chef Mickey’s is a character dining, buffet restaurant located in the Contemporary Resort.

An early breakfast at Chef Mickey’s makes a great way to start your Walt Disney World Trip.

You can take pictures with the props and characters before catching the monorail over to Magic Kingdom.

The characters greet guests, sign autographs, give hugs, and pose for pictures.

The food is tasty and the characters at Chef Mickey include Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck!

This is honestly the easiest way to meet all the characters in the least amount of time.

Chef Mickey’s also offers brunch and dinner.

Reservations are required and can be made 180 days before your arrival at Walt Disney World.

A meal at Chef Mickey’s makes a great addition to a non-park day or on a non-Disney World Orlando trip as well, since park admission is not required to dine at the Contemporary Resort.

See more amazing Disney ideas here.

Enjoy character dining with your favorite Disney characters in Magic Kingdom

By Angela of The Life of Spicers

Who doesn’t love a character restaurant when visiting Disney World?

We have been lucky enough to eat in three character restaurants in Magic Kingdom over the last few years.

Each one has been a different experience and we have loved them all.

I’m not sure I could pick a favourite as they are all so different but I would eat at each of the restaurants again without hesitation.

If you are looking to meet the Beast, then dinner at Be Our Guest is the place to be.

After your dining experience in the Beast’s castle which is a must see, you have the chance to meet the Beast on your way out.

If you’re a lover of Winnie the Pooh and friends then I recommend Crystal Palace.

An amazing buffet spread with plenty of opportunities to meet the characters. We really enjoyed our lunch experience here.

A great way to escape the queues to meet the princesses is to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside the castle.

We really enjoyed the food and the princesses took a lot of time at each table making everyone feel special.

Grab a ride to Walt Disney World in a ‘Minnie Van’

By Kate of Tear Free Travel

If you are headed to Disney World and wondering about your transportation options, be sure to check out the new “Minnie Vans” service by Lyft.

These adorably styled vehicles have all the essentials you need for traveling with kids to the park.

Each Minnie Van comes equipped with two convertible car seats for safe travel with your young kids.

The best part about the Minnie Vans is that a trained Disney Cast member will act as your driver.

On our ride to the Magic Kingdom, our cast member gave us tons of insider tips on how to plan our day to avoid the heaviest lines and experience the most out of Disney.

The premium of curbside drop off right at the park entrance was also a huge plus!

I’d highly recommend taking at least one ride with this service to enhance your experience at the parks.

Get thrilled at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is hands-down my favorite ride at Hollywood Studios.

The attraction first debuted at Walt Disney World in 1994 and since then it has become one of WDW’s most popular attractions.

I first rode on this thrilling ride when it was operating at Disney California Adventure and loved the free fall drop and the scary atmosphere created prior to the ride.

Without giving up much plot details, I would just say that this story takes place in the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel and you ride an elevator to the Twilight Zone!

What happens after that is insane, insane fun!

There is an exciting element of randomness to the ride – so you can never get ‘used to it’.

We loved the ride so much that we went on it thrice and then again for a last time while everyone else was watching the fireworks.

The perfectly eerie acting of the cast members as hotel bellhops, the interior detailing of the haunted hotel including the cobwebs and flickering lights add to the thrill quotient of this ride.

The ride also has a great view of the Disney park from above. Ride the Tower of Terror once, and you will become a lifetime fan.

Take a vintage Amphicar tour at Disney Springs

By Diana of Traveling in Heels

With 47 square miles of magical Walt Disney World Orlando to explore, a detour to Disney Springs (former Downtown Disney) might seem like experiential overload.

But trust me…for those bucket list moments, this Disney detour is worth it.

For those who don’t know, Disney Springs is the product of the re-imagining (and naming) of the former Downtown Disney.

The lively shopping, dining, and entertainment district offers an abundance of things to do for all ages, and my multigenerational family spent our last day here enjoying a different side of Disney.

Perhaps our favorite experience of all was something that we didn’t even know existed cruising Lake Buena Vista in an Amphicar.

Offering a family-friendly waterfront dining experience in the heart of Disney Springs, the Boathouse is the only place in the world where you can experience a Captain’s Guided Tour in a vintage Amphicar.

These amphibious vehicles were produced from 1961-1968 and less than 400 exist today.

These rare cars enter the lake with a splash for a 20-minute tour of Disney Springs.

Not only is it fun (and weird) to skim across the water in a car, but your family will also be the center of attention as onlookers do double-takes.

The ride costs $125 per car and each car can accomodate 3 to 4 people.

Enjoy the mouthwatering desserts while viewing the Happily Ever After Fireworks at Magic Kingdom

By Rio of Opposite Tourists

Happily Ever After is the night time fireworks show that you should never miss at the Magic Kingdom.

The Fireworks Dessert Party is a spectacular way to watch the fireworks show whilst satisfying your sweet tooth with a dessert celebration on the Tomorrowland Terrace.

The dessert buffet costs between $41-50 for kids and $69-$84 for adults.

The desserts are just fantastic.

You can fill your plate up with chocolate cake, macarons (my personal favourite), chocolate-covered strawberries, cupcakes plus lots more including tempting ice-creams, fruits, and cheeses.

The buffet price includes drinks too. You can sip hot chocolate, cider, and lemonade while you enjoy the feast.

You’ll also have a prime viewing location to watch the fireworks show without having to rush to grab the perfect spot.

After finishing your desserts, you can make your way over to the reserved areas to see the fireworks light up the sky.

There are currently two reserved viewing spots, one at the Tommorrowland Terrace and the other at the Garden Plaza.

Having done both, I’d recommend the Garden Plaza for the better view.

Whilst pricey, It’s a great way to watch Happily Ever After. Just be sure to bring tissues as it’s known to be a tear jerker.

Watch the artists paint while you enjoy dinner at Cafe Tu Tu Tango on International Drive

By Dian of Girls Getaway

After a day out at Walt Disney World in Orlando, head over to Café Tu Tu Tango on International Drive for an arty dinner out with the kids or your besties.

This café ticks off all the boxes plus more in what you want for a casual, fun meal.

Tu Tu Tango delivers with gusto on really great food, friendly staff, cool décor but the spotlight is on local artists sketching away throughout the restaurant.

There is abundant art on display everywhere and the walls themselves are vibrantly colored: it’s a bohemian dream!

Kids love Café Tu Tu’s taco and waffle station but our favorite Café Tu Tu food option is the Chef’s Tour.

When you ask for a Chef’s Tour, the chef comes over to discuss your group’s food preferences and dislikes, then they pick several different courses from each section of the menu for your table.

The best part of this option is that your table gets to try tons of delicious food plus sample items you may not have ordered on your own.

Other frequent entertainers at Cafe Tu Tu Tango include singers, puppeteers, and magicians!

You can even spend some time having your tarot cards read while you wait for your meal.

This place is so very cool and funky you can’t help but have fun, and oh yeah; did we forget to mention the exotic belly dancers?

Take the classic ‘It’s a Small World’ ride at Magic Kingdom

By Stefan of Nomadic Boys

Our favorite ride at Walt Disney World Orlando is “It’s a Small World”.

It’s one of the oldest rides, dating back to the park’s early roots in the 1960s when it first debuted.

This is a water-based indoor ride in the Magic Kingdom of the Fantasyland.

It has over 300 audio-animatronic children in traditional costumes from cultures around the world each singing the extremely catchy song “It’s A Small World”, which has a theme of global peace. You may recognise it from “The Lion King” movie when Zazu sings it to Scar when he’s asked to sing something with a little “bounce” to it, but then quickly silences him.

Whilst some people may agree with Scar and find this song annoying, we love it; according to Time magazine, it is the most publicly performed song and most translated piece of music of all time. It was composed by the Sherman Brothers during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, which influenced the song’s message of peace and brotherhood.

For us, a day trip to Disney World is never complete without a ride on the classic “It’s a small world” and getting the catchy theme song stuck in your head all day long!

Attend the ‘Eat to the Beat’ concert at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

By Liz of Peanuts or Pretzels

While most consider Walt Disney World a fun family vacation destination, I’m all about the awesome adult activities at Disney. While there are a variety of things to do at Disney for adults, our absolute favorite is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Epcot is one of my favorite parks because of its World Showcase. You can basically travel around the world in a day, exploring different cultures, food, drinks, shopping, and entertainment.  But during the Food & Wine Festival, Epcot takes it to the next level. The festival runs from late August through mid-November. Disney brings in additional kiosks for roughly 30+ countries and hosts many different events and activities. Most anticipated events include chef appearances, food & drink pairings, culinary demonstrations, even beverage and cheese seminars! The highlight of the festival is the “Eat to the Beat” concert series that takes place every night, with some of the biggest names in pop, R&B, country, and rock music taking the centerstage.

The Food & Wine Festival at Epcot is by far our favorite time of the year to visit Disney World. Eating, drinking, dancing, and exploring cultures of the world – it’s definitely our top pick for adults visiting Disney World.

PS – If you are attending the festival, check out this guide on making the most of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

Have Southern-style fun at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

By Suzy of Our Bucket List Lives

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is a fabulous evening entertainment and dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness cabins and campground resort. The Wild West themed show is 2 hrs long and involves a lot of singing, dancing, and jokes. Plus quite a fair amount of audience interaction. The show is family-friendly and fun for guests of all ages.

The show is accompanied by a Southern-style feast complete with barbeque meats, fried chicken, and cornbread. Guests can use Disney dining credits for the show. If you don’t have a Disney Dining plan then there are three pricing tiers – most of the tables are located down on the main floor area. The included meal included was some of the best food we had on our holiday. Drinks were also included and the highlight was the strawberry shortcake – delicious!

When we return to Walt Disney World Florida, the Hoop Dee Doo Revue will be high on our list of must do’s as we had a great time the first time we visited.

The next 3 recommendations for Disney bucket list activities come from Jenn and her husband, Brian. They both are Disney fans and have lots of Disney content on their blog, The Wanderlust Couple.

Do Disney on a budget at the Disney Boardwalk

There are so many fun things to do at Disney World besides the parks. One of those things is a visit to Disney’s Boardwalk located near Epcot. There is no admission fee to the Boardwalk area, besides parking is also free at the Boardwalk. The Disney Boardwalk is just perfect to take a stroll and enjoy the lovely atmosphere.

The Boardwalk is a throwback to an Atlantic City Boardwalk in the 1920s. It looks beautiful when lit up after dark. You can rent a surrey bike and pedal around Crescent Lake, stop to watch a street performer do magic tricks, or play some midway games like water pistol balloon popping. We also enjoy the sweet treats at the Boardwalk Bakery and the ice cream samplers at Ample Hills Creamery. The Boardwalk has several dining options including ESPN Club, Flying Fish, Big River Brewing Company, and Trattoria al Forno.

At night, adults can enjoy AbracadaBAR, Jelly Rolls (a dueling piano club), and Atlantic City Dance Hall. To get to the Boardwalk, walk thru the International Gateway at Epcot located between England and France and either take a boat to the Boardwalk Resort or take the walking path around Crescent Lake.

Catch up on romance at the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Epcot

The Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, located in Epcot in the Italy Pavilion, is a must-visit for adults. Tutto Gusto has a romantic vibe with vintage furnishings and authentic Tuscan architecture. Seated inside Tutto Gusto, you will be transported to the Italian countryside and enjoy an authentic dining experience.

For a snack, you can enjoy traditional Italian small plates like a cheese plate, meat plate, and antipasto plate – these are perfect to be shared between two people. You can also order off of the nextdoor Tutto Italia menu if you are looking for a larger meal. If you’re a wine drinker, you’re in for a treat. Tutto Gusto has over 200 wines on hand and they also do wine flights if you can’t decide on just one. Or just opt for the Best of Italy wine tasting and sample some of the best ones! With its cozy atmosphere, Tutto Gusto is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the park.

Not a wine drinker? No problem! Tutto Gusto also has a full service bar including Italian cocktails and frozen drinks. Or you can opt for the desserts including tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato! Unlike most Disney restaurants, Tutto Gusto does not require advanced reservations and since it’s so hidden, it hardly ever has a wait, so stroll on in and have a relaxing food and wine experience.

Enjoy an Afternoon High Tea at the Grand Floridian Resort

Everyday from 12 to 4 in the afternoon, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort serves High Tea in the Garden View Tea Room. Guests can delight in this traditional British experience as they enjoy views of the resort garden and pool area.

There are several different offerings including “The Bedfordshire Tea” which consists of a pot of tea of your choice, medley of tea sandwiches, scones and tarts, and dessert trifle or pastries. There are 25 different varieties of black, herbal, and aromatic teas to choose from and if you’re overwhelmed by the offerings – just ask your server for advice. They are extremely knowledgeable and are sure to pick something that fits your taste buds! For an added price, you can opt to have a glass of champagne. Other offerings include exotic cheeses, fruits and even caviar!

If you’re taking your little Princess along with you for a special treat, they have an offering just for children called the “Mrs. Potts Tea”. It includes an assortment of kids-friendly “tea” sandwiches (even peanut butter and jelly is on the menu!), tarts, and dessert with chocolate milk served instead of tea!

Disneyland Anaheim Bucket List

Disneyland is the original park that started it all! It holds the distinction of being the only park that was designed and completed during Walt Disney’s lifetime. It is one of the most visited theme parks in the world. Here’s the ultimate bucket list for the original theme park.

Get a princess makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi

By Andrea of One Savvy Wanderer

Cinderella’s Castle is home to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which transforms children into royalty for the day. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is for younger kids, ages 3-12, and there are options for both little girls and boys. Reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (which are highly recommended!) can be made 60 days in advance by calling 714-781-7895.

There are several princess packages to choose from for little girls that include hair styling, makeup, a manicure, and a princess sash. The basic package is $64.95 and parents can splurge by paying for higher-priced packages that include things like a Disney princess tutu or gown. Little boys have the option of two Knight packages that include hairstyling along with a sword and shield. The Knight packages range between $19.95 – $79.95.

The transformations are done in the salon by a Fairy Godmother and parents are able to watch the makeover. Upon completion of the magical experience, the little princess or knight is revealed to the entire salon. The whole process is adorable and is a great way to spend part of a day at Disneyland.

Spend a magical Christmas and watch the fireworks at Disneyland

By Sara of Our Kind of Crazy

One thing that should be on your Disney bucket list is visiting the park at Christmas time. They transform the whole park for the months of November and December. Whether you’re heading to Disneyland or any other Disney parks, Christmas time is one of the best times to be at the Magic Kingdom.

Everything about Disney becomes even more magical during the holiday season. Right after Halloween, Disney flips the switch and the whole park becomes a winter wonderland. Each of the parks get decorated with lots of Christmas themed decorations, a huge Christmas tree sits in the middle of Main Street, and some of the rides are even themed to fit the season.

The best part is the firework show over the Disney Castle which can be watched from anywhere on Main Street. Another of the not-miss holiday attractions include the Disney Holiday Parade. They even make it snow at Disneyland! Be sure to head to Disney parks during the months of November and December, you will want to go every year!

Meet the princesses at the Royal Court in Fantasyland

By Jayne of Well Travelled Munchkins

Meeting the Disney princesses at the Royal Court was not only the most magical moment and utter highlight of the entire day for our three year old – it was also pretty special for us too.

When you join the queue to wait your turn, you are not told which princesses you are in line to see. The Royal Court is open all day so there are always three princesses on rotation, meaning you can never be sure which ones you’ll meet. Chatter about which princesses might be inside ripple up and down the line which helps adds to the anticipation for both young and old! It’s pretty safe to say it doesn’t matter which princesses you see. They are all amazing and do an outstanding job of making it a magical experience for everyone involved!

We saw Ariel, Snow White and Cinderella. Each princess chatted with our daughter, asked her questions, practised swishing their dresses and their princess twirls with her. Our time with the princesses was not rushed or hurried and the other cast members there were happy to take as many photos as we wanted. It’s a definite cuteness overload and a memory that you will all cherish for a very long time.

Eat a variety of Mickey Mouse shaped treats including an ice-cream bar!

Disneyland as well as all the other Disney parks sell a host of Mickey-Mouse shaped treats. You will see lots of park visitors eating Mickey shaped giant pretzels, Mickey shaped chocolate covered ice-cream bars, and even a Mickey balloon shaped popcorn bucket! There are over 55 Mickey shaped treats sold through the Disney parks combined – you can read the entire list here!

Our favorite by far is the ice cream. It is especially refreshing after all that walking about in hot weather and waiting in line for your favorite rides. These ice-cream bars are extremely popular with Disney visitors and almost everyone wants to have one. Thankfully it is available at multiple locations, making it easy to grab one.

Disney California Adventure Bucket List

Disney California Adventure was the first park we visited more than a decade ago and so it remains our personal favorite. Not many people realize this but the park’s theme is California’s history and culture. It is also more adult-oriented than Disney (similar to Epcot). Here are our favorite things to do in this park:

Follow the adventures of the Parr family and Baby Jack-Jack in the Incredicoaster

By Jessica of The Uprooted Traveler

The Incredicoaster, formerly California Screamin’, is Disney California Adventure’s latest attraction and opened in 2018. Towering over the newly built Pixar Pier, the Incredicoaster is a steel mammoth that features the Disneyland resort’s only inverted loop. The roller coaster is among fastest attractions in Disney and accelerates passengers at speeds of about 55 miles per hour. Not only is this ride one of the park’s most thrilling attractions, it also tells a story about our favorite super-family, The Incredibles.

Riders shoot through several enclosed tunnels along the ride, which show the Parr family in their quest to catch Jack-Jack as he flexes his many superpowers, including laser eyes, multiplying, and even turning into a fiery demon baby. While the enclosed tunnels and their special effects do most of the heavy lifting of propelling the coaster’s story forward (with riders experiencing everything from Violet’s purple force fields to the smell of wafting cookies that the Parr family uses to try to lure their youngest back), dialogue voiced by the original actors also aid in furthering the adventure.

The Incredicoaster is even more fun at night when the glowing red tubes offer an eye popping backdrop for the ride’s special effects. With stunning views over California Adventure’s shimmering lake and the Pixar Pier, this ride is pure Disney magic at work. This ride is for big kids and adults; you have to be at least 48 inches or taller to get on the Incredicoaster.  

Experience the magic of Frozen Live at the Hyperion

By Holly of Four Around The World

In our household, we went through the Frozen obsession stage for a long time! This meant it was high on our bucket list to see the live Frozen performance at the Hyperion Theatre. The show is an hour long with 2 performances a day. The seats are stadium style so everyone has a clear view of the stage regardless of height or age. Seeing Frozen Live is extremely popular – we recommend lining up early (90 mins before showtime) so you don’t miss getting a seat.

The performance itself is an express version of the beloved film and has all your favourite Frozen songs and characters. The kids love seeing the story come to life before them. Watching Else, Anna, Olaf, and other favorite characters is a treat. For us adults, we get to see a quality theatre experience while at the same time enjoying a rest as we sit back and watch in air conditioned comfort, with a bucket of popcorn to share.

Are you planning a trip to Orlando, Anaheim, or Paris and looking for the best shoes for Disney?

The right shoes matter a lot when it comes to walking over 10 miles a day in Disney or other theme parks.

Here are our top choices for Disney shoes for babies, toddler Disney-themed shoes, best shoes for Walt Disney World for kids, best walking sandals for women, and Disney days shoes for men. 

We hope you like our recommendations for cute comfortable shoes for Disney World!

You might also like our post ‘The Ultimate Disney Bucket List‘

The part that I really really hate about Disney trips?

Walking from the theme park entrance to the different attractions and rides…..

….while carrying backpacks, strollers, and diaper bags with me!

On our last Disney visit to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, we walked on average 13.5 miles for three consecutive days!

That’s enough to create blisters or painfully swollen ankles if you don’t have the right shoes to wear at Disney….

Remember the episode from Modern Family where Gloria wears heels to Disney and is utterly, utterly miserable?

But just having the right Disney walking shoes isn’t enough!

They have to be cute, trendy, and basically not something that the dog dragged in.

After all, you *have* to post the best shoe-selfies on Instagram!

(On that note, here are awesome tips to click the best shoe-selfie, you’re welcome.)

So how to find the best shoes to wear to Disney?

Read on..

I don’t know about you but I am always torn between wearing too-cute-to-walk shoes and sensible shoes.

I love my Teva sandals for walking around cities and hiking plus they’d be one of the best sandals for Disneyland but god, they are ugly!

At the same time, I can’t help rolling my eyes (while inwardly feeling envious) at those who manage to combine stilettos with theme parks.

Being a total shoe person, I have over the years managed to build a decent ‘reliable yet fashionable’ best footwear for Disney collection!

Also Read: What to Wear to Disneyland (Updated 2021!)

Aaand these are perfect and cute shoes for Disney World, Disneyland, Legoland, Six Flags, Universal, or any other theme park or for that matter even for traveling to Europe!

Now that we are all agreed that having the best shoes for walking around Disney is a critical part of your surviving Disney arsenal,

here are our recommendations for best shoes for Disney World walking for women, men, babies, best toddler shoes for Disney, and older kids!

See: All amazing Disney shoes here

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full Disclosure here. Thank you!

Ultimate Guide to Best Shoes for Disney World 2021

This short, handy list is perfect for those who have less time, hate reading, just want to see the recommendations for good shoes for Disney, and then quickly buy something – DONE!

If you are more into details like me and need more information before making a well-informed buying decision, then read all the way down to reviews of individual Disney shoes!

Best Disney Shoes for Kids

Best Disney Crib Shoe for Babies: Minnie & Mickey Crib Shoes

The Best toddler shoes for Disney World: Reebok Unisex Sneakers

Best toddler girls sandals: IFans Minnie Mouse Mary Jane Flats

Comfortable and best kids shoes for Disney World: New Balance Unisex Cross Trainers

Adorable Disney Minnie Mouse Sneakers: Disney Unisex Sneakers Minnie

Best Disney Clogs for toddlers and little kids: Croc’s Kids Disney Clogs

Cool Crocs sandals for Disney World for girls: Minnie Mouse Crocs

Best Disney Shoes for Women

The Best women’s walking shoes for Disney World: Skechers Go Walk

Best Sneakers for Disney for Women: New Balance Mickey Mouse Cross Trainers

Cute + Best walking sandals for Disney world for Women: Plaka Woven Flat Sandal

Super comfortable sandals for Disney world or best sports sandals for Women: Teva Tirra Sandal

Best Walking flip flops at Disney World for Women: Sanuk Thong Flip Flops

Best Disney Shoes for Men

Good walking shoes for Disney world for Men: Skechers Go Walk

Best Sneakers for Walt Disney World Men: New Balance Cross Trainers

The most comfortable and Best sandals for walking at Disney for Men: Keen Newport Sandal

Best Flip-Flops for Disney for Men: Olukai Ohana Flip Flops

Best Disney Socks

You definitely need some awesome Disney socks to go with your shoes!

Best Disney Minnie Mouse Socks – check here.

Disney Princess socks for girls!

Charming Disney Frozen Socks – who will you be, Elsa or Anna?

Eye catching Disney Frozen Knee High Socks – perfect for a Disney costume!

Other Cool Disney Stuff to Buy for your Trip!

Disney Face Masks – It’s post 2020 and face masks are here to stay. Disney Parks requires masks for your duration of stay to keep all safe.

Here are our favorite Disney themed face masks!

Disney Ears – much cheaper to carry than buying at the park store!

Disney autograph books – these are perfect to take autographs from Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Jasmine, Belle, and other Disney characters that you will meet at the parks.

Read this now!
Planning a Disney trip this holiday season?
Find our top recommendations on Disney trip gifts for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Includes Disney park maps, Disney Park Planners, Disney restaurant guides, Disney backpacks, Instant Cameras, and more.
Read 50+ Best Disney travel gifts for kids and adults (including best Disney shoes) to plan the perfect trip now!
Don’t worry, it opens in a new tab, so you can always return to this page!

Where to buy the best shoes for Disney?

Now that’s a trick question!

You can technically buy the best shoes for walking in Disney or any other purpose at any shoe store or brand outlet or the mall.

But, how do you know if the shoe you like is good for Disney? The answer in a word is Amazon! Or rather, the reviews!!!

Before buying any product on Amazon, be sure to check out the reviews – especially, if someone has used the product for the same purpose – which here is for walking around Disney parks!

Checking Disney Amazon Reviews

Here’s a simple 4 step process to find whether shoes you like on Amazon will be the best shoes for walking at Disney :

Step 1: Click on customer reviews right below the product name. This will take you to the first review.

Step 2: Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page, where you will find ‘See all reviews’. Click on it.

Step 3: Now you are on the customer reviews page.

Under the ‘Top positive review’, you will find a search box that says ‘Search Customer Reviews’.

Step 4: Type ‘Disney’ here since you want the best Disneyland walking shoes and click search.

Wow!

Now you know if anyone wore that shoe in Disney and whether they had a good experience!

Basically, whether they are among the best shoes for Disneyland or WDW!

Always works like magic!

What are the worst shoes for Disney?

Before we discuss, what shoes to wear to Disneyland or what are the best shoes to wear at Disney – let us discuss a bit about what shoes to not ever, ever, ever wear to Disney.

Or if you still want to – we suggest wearing these at your own risk – of falling, breaking a bone, or losing your shoe on the rides.

Stilettos

Maybe you haven’t noticed, but stilettos and theme parks just don’t go together!

In fact, we would go further and say no to wedges, kitten heels, pumps, or any other heel.

They just aren’t the best shoes to walk around Disney.

And that is not to judge anyone’s fashion choices but simply to reduce the potential for falls and injuries.

Disney has cobbled streets and a good friend of mine once fell and fractured her kneecap on the cobbled streets of Spain.

Not fun!

When it comes to the best shoes for Disney parks, comfy flats are the way to go.

Tip: If you are staying at Disney, then you can totally wear heels for dinner at night!

Flip Flops

Imagine your ideal day at Disney.

Does strollers and tourists stepping on your toes part of it?

If not, don’t wear flip flops to Disney!

Also, the thin soles of flip flops don’t offer support for walking.

Like flip flops, anything with toe thongs (the bit that goes between toe and finger) should be avoided.

Flip flops are, in general, better as backup shoes when you want to change your main footwear for water activities or other reasons.

Heelys or other any shoes with wheels

Heelys are roller shoes with removable heels. They can be either used to walk, run or skate.

These types of shoes are not allowed at Disney Parks per official rules along with any kind of skates because of their accident potential.

Brand new Minimalist or Barefoot Shoes

Minimalist or barefoot shoes while great for running, require quite a bit of getting used to – so Disney parks is not the place to ‘try them out’!

I wouldn’t have even thought of mentioning this, but we recently talked to someone who did it while backpacking Asia and so I thought it prudent to mention here!

Also, some styles of barefoot shoes are too transparent and you might not be allowed to wear them if tehy go against Disney shoe rules.

White Shoes or expensive shoes or shoes that you love too much!

Most times that I have visited Disney I have had someone stepping on my shoes or my toddler dropping ice-cream on my shoes or something similar getting my shoes dirty.

Since then I have sworn off light colored shoes or any shoes that are irreplaceable for the theme parks.

Barefoot

Disney like most other places has no shoes, no shirt, no service policy.

You are in public and need to act like it. That said, removing shoes for just a few minutes is fine.

I have seen many people do it – though most of them do it because they are sore from wearing the wrong type of shoes!

How to find the best shoes for Disney?

So how do you know if your favorite pair of shoes will be good for Disney?

How to decide what shoes to wear to Disney? Here are some criteria that a good Disney walking shoe should satisfy:

Good walking support and breathable fabric

What are the best shoes for Disney World?

You absolutely need comfortable shoes for Disney World that have good foot support for the miles and miles you will be walking each day.

Breathable fabric is essential because the climate at both Orlando and Anaheim where Disney US parks are located is hot and humid.

Waterproof

As we mentioned above, per Disney rules – shoes must be worn at all times.

That includes water rides or anywhere where your feet will get wet.

Add to that, it almost always rains at Disney – so much so that we recommend carrying basic, cheap ponchos for everyone in your party.

That’s why we recommend wearing shoes that are waterproof.

Or get the best water shoes for Disney World for pool play and splash fun.

If you don’t want to wear waterproof shoes – then wear shoes and socks that dry fast or carry a pair of flip flops to change into for the water rides.

Excellent Fit

What shoes to wear to Disney World? Ones that fit well!

Even the best Disney walking shoes are useless if they are too cramped or too big.

That’s why we recommend wearing a pair of shoes that you have broken in and worn for at least 6+ miles and 2+ days before you think of bringing them to Disney.

Warm

This mostly depends on when and where you are going.

While both Orlando and Anaheim don’t get that cold in winter, Disney Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong do.

If it happens to be cold when you are visiting we recommend either a pair of warm boots or better yet – thick, woolen socks that you can change if it feels warm all of a sudden.

The Best Shoes for Disney Reviewed

Now that we have covered what not wear, you can see that sneakers, walking shoes, tennis shoes are really great choices for the best shoes to wear to Disneyland.

A good pair of sandals or crocs might work for some as well.

While we suggest these as best shoes to wear to Disney World, you will find them useful for Universal, Six Flags, Legoland, any other theme parks or basically destinations where you will walk a lot every day like in Paris or London or elsewhere in Europe or New York City.

Here are our recommendations for the best walking shoes for Disneyland or best shoes for Walt Disney World for the entire family:

Best Shoes for Disney for Babies

Disney with babies can be quite fun as long as you are adequately prepared for it.

We do not recommend bringing babies under 2 months to Disney because they are yet to receive their vaccines but any age after that is fair game.

We took our daughter to her first trip to Disneyland in California when she was 6 months old and plan another trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando around her first birthday.

Here are some of the best crib shoes and early walker shoes for a trip to Disney:

Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Crib Shoes

These Minnie Mouse dress shoes are perfect for girls – infants as well as toddlers – who will spend a major amount of time being carried around or held.

They have an adorable real red bow and just scream Disney!

Your little girl will definitely be the star at the theme park!

If you are looking for something less sparkly then I would recommend these denim blue Minnie shoes.

However, I wouldn’t recommend these for early walkers since toddlers require much more support.

Another good option for Disney themed crib shoes are these matching Mickey / Minnie slip-on shoes for both boy and girl babies.

Shoes for early walkers

First shoes for early walkers need to be soft and lightweight plus offer good support and excellent grip.

Sneakers that dry quickly and are lightweight are an excellent choice for infants and toddlers.

I love these colorful mesh ones for both boys and girls.

These early walking shoes by Stride Lite are perfect for early walkers with really small feet.

They are comfortable walking shoes for Disney for babies.

If you prefer moccasins for your baby – I do because they are soft and easy to walk – then these are a great choice.

I bought them when my son was 10 months old (yeah, he started walking with the support that early!) and after 3 months of use, they still looked new and were very comfortable.

Plus they come in a whopping 36 color choices! Click here to check all 36 colors now!

Best Shoes for Disney for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Toddlers and preschoolers spend half the time running around from rides to cartoon characters in Disneyland and the other half sleeping in their strollers!

For this age group, you need to have the best kid shoes for Disney with great support and excellent grip to avoid falls plus they should be easy to wear and clean.

Also for this age, I feel as if the shoe should scream DISNEY and have their favorite cartoon characters.

These are our favorite Disney shoes for kids under 5.

Disney Crocs

Crocs are a good option if you are going to be spending just one day in the theme parks.

For longer durations, I would not really recommend Crocs. They are also great alternate shoes.

You can always buy regular toddler or preschooler crocs in vibrant, bright colors but for added fun, check out these Disney Crocs for kids aged 1 yrs to 8 yrs.

Toddler and Preschooler Sneakers

Sneakers are the best choice for toddlers at all times.

No stubbed toes, no slippery soles, and no heels to break. Plus toddler and preschooler sneakers come in nice fashionable styles.

Reebok fans will love these Reeboks for kids ages 1 year – 12 years.

They are available in multiple colors and one of the best sneakers for Disney world for preschoolers.

For a great budget-friendly option in nice pastel colors, check out these shoes with fake laces and easy pull-on tab closure.

Another trendy laceless option is these slip-on sneakers by Chillipop.

They look like adult sneakers with eyelets for laces and it is easy to create twinning outfits with these – another reason they are best shoes to wear in Disney.

For breathable toddler running shoe, I love these casual mesh ones in grey – my son uses them for playing football at the YMCA.

Best Shoes for Disney for Older Kids

It’s a little tough shopping for the older kids because one day they want to buy literally everything that looks like their favorite character and the next day they think that everything they own is ‘stupid and lame’.

I have enough nieces and nephews in this age group and can attest to the fact!

So here’s a mix of Disney-themed as well as regular shoes for this ‘too cool for Disney’ age group:

Crocs Minnie Mouse Sandals

These Crocs Minnie Mouse sandals are perfect for pre-teen and teenage girls.

The Minnie- Mickey mouse crocs for Disney World are super girly and instantly noticeable and would be perfect for a young Disney fan on her way to meet her favorite characters.

Since they are open-toed they are perfectly comfortable sandals for Disney for hot summer days at the same time they can’t fall off because of the strap that goes behind the ankle.

Aren’t they the best sandals to wear to Disney World?

Minnie Mouse Sneakers

These sneakers featuring iconic Minnie and Mickey Mouse patterns are made by Disney – so they are officially the most comfortable shoes for Disneyland walking!

And they come in 3 interesting designs.

They look super cute plus are great shoes to wear to Disney.

Imagine all the cool social media pics your kids will be able to take!

New Balance Kids Cross Trainers

Every bit as sturdy and comfortable as the New Balance Cross Trainers for adults, these are the best trainers for Disney World for kids.

They come in a variety of nice colors, are unisex, and even have a cute Disney variant.

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with these! Best tennis shoes for Disney for kids, if you will!

Know of any other best shoes for kids at Disney? Let us know!

Best Shoes for Disney for Women

When it comes to the best women’s shoes for Disney World, it’s really hard to find a balance of fashion and comfort.

Thankfully, nowadays, sneakers and sports shoes come in trendy styles and vibrant colors and an overall profile that looks good with skinny jeans.

I love matching my many sneakers with a pair of comfy jeans and adding a stylish blouse or shirt to complete the outfit.

Most of these sneakers also look good with shorts, skirts, or as per the latest trends with dresses.

Here are some adorable, comfortable, as well as durable recommendations for sneakers, flip-flops, and the best walking sandals for Disney :

New Balance Cross Training Shoes

I am a huge fan of New Balance shoes for women’s theme park shoes because of their awesome fit and comfort.

While I don’t run, I walk a lot every day and even more on holidays since we like to hike and explore places on foot.

That’s why I often buy good running shoes – my logic being that if others can run marathons in them, then I can definitely walk an entire day!

And that’s how I came across the New Balance brand.

These cross-training shoes are just perfect for everything from running, jogging, gym – and they make good shoes for Disneyland.

The best part? They even come in a Minnie Mouse variant, which is a must for theme park visitors!

I love the part about no laces (slip-on) and their ultra-lightweight nature makes them perfect for the entire day at Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

Skechers Walking Shoes

When it comes to shoes, you can never go wrong with picking any Skecher.

These shoes have memory foam shoes, offer great support plus are extremely durable.

They are also breathable, absorb moisture, and keep away foot odor.

Truly one of the most comfortable walking shoes for Disney World.

What else do you need?! You could keep on walking forever in them or go from ride to ride at Disney without feeling any discomfort.

They are honestly the best women’s walking shoes for Disneyland.

Skechers Disney shoes are available in multiple types: try the colorful Go Walk slip-on Skechers for ease of wear, the Skechers Performance slip-on walking shoe for the ultimate comfort or the trendy bungee lace vibrant Skechers for spot-on style.

Those who prefer a bulky profile will love the original lace-up Skechers sneakers or get the fashion sneaker with a slimmer profile.

Skechers may be a bit expensive but are totally worth the money for quality, comfort, and durability.

No wonder that they are regarded by many as the best women’s shoes for Disney World.

Fashion Glitter Sneakers

Another fun, fashionable, and comfortable choice is the fashion glitter sneakers by Roxy Rose.

They are good for walking all day plus the glitter doesn’t fall off and stock everywhere.

I especially like the white color with blue glitter – sparkly and very pretty.

It reminds me of Frozen landscape and would be just perfect for Disney. The Dusty Rose color is also really pretty – a sparkling rose gold that would go perfectly with denim.

Best Sandals for Disney – Teva Walking Sandals

When it comes to women’s walking sandals for Disney, none can beat Teva.

I have owned a couple of Tevas over last 10 years: I have hiked Petra in them, worn them as a water shoe in the Arabian sea in India, walked on sand dunes in Qatar, have hiked in the Zion Narrows wearing them, baby worn in them, and used them for biking across Easter Island – not were they ever uncomfortable.

They have excellent grip, are super comfortable, and the open toe structure is great for hot and humid climate or those who hate shoes.

The first Teva I owned was the Teva Original sandal which while amazing to walk is NOT fashionable.

Since then I have loved the Teva Tirra Sandal which is cute enough to be paired with denim, dresses, skirts, and shorts plus comes in vibrant color options.

Another great option is the Teva Verra walking sandal.

The best part about Teva sandals is that they are waterproof.

Whenever my sandals get dirty, I wash them in the machine and then air dry them – they always look like new.

Other best women’s sandals for Disney World

Gone are the days when walking sandals were dull and meant only for the senior 60+ age group.

Many companies now make fashionable, eye-catching walking sandals that are great for walking miles every day like at Disney or other theme parks.

Blowfish Sneakers for Women

I love the designs by Blowfish. This is a California brand and the shoes reflect that airy, chic Cali vibe.

Their Granola Fisherman Sandal is uber chic and just perfect to show off your freshly manicured toenails.

The straps don’t pinch or dig and the shoes are comfortable straight out of the box.

Blowfish also offers some of the best walking sneakers for Disney: try their Play sneaker or Marley Sneaker or Fruit Sneaker.

Plaka Sandals – Fashionable and Excellent Utility!

But our favorite option for walking sandals that are waterproof is the Plaka Woven walking sandal.

I’m thinking of buying another of these for our next Disney trip  – they look ridiculously cute for walking sandals!

Plus the many color options in turquoise, red, aquamarine make these sandals one of the best choices for those who *need* fashionable footwear!

I recently discovered another best footwear for Disney World, these meshwork sneakers.

I have been using it for air travel and it is so comfortable since it is slip-on.

It saves my time at security in half and the mesh structure is perfect for the hot and humid climate of Florida or Anaheim.

Plus they pass the Disney walking test! They come in various colors, are cheap, and look nice!

If you are combining your California Disney Trip with a trip to the national parks in Mojave desert like Death Valley or Joshua Tree or with a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway and want to carry just one footwear for the trip, then combination walking and hiking sandals are a great option.

These are comfortable enough to wear all day long, have excellent grip for trails, plus are waterproof for water fun.

The Keen walking sandal is great for all adventurous activities from hiking, scrambling, walking about cities, a day in Disney, and even for biking.

Plaka also has a great cute but tough hiking sandal which they say is good even for kayaking.

The Ecco Walking / Hiking Sandal is good for everything from walking around Disney, riding roller coasters at Six Flags, and even for beachcombing.

Teva Flip-Flops

Can you wear flip flops at Disneyland or WDW? Well, that depends.

You can wear Teva – the flip flop that doesn’t act like a flip flop!

Cute, fun, many different colors, excellent grip, and a T-strap that doesn’t hurt your toes – the Teva Olowahu Flip Flop is honestly too good to be called a flip-flop.

You can wear them for hours, walk as much as you want, and still, you’ll experience zero discomfort.

They don’t slip even when it’s wet – a huge plus compared to other flip flops.

Sanuk Thong Flip-Flop

These amazing little Sanuk Thong sandals / flip-flops have a squishy thick sole with excellent support like sneakers, has comfy fabric straps, a T strap that doesn’t hurt, look super cute on your feet, plus comes in multiple colors.

A total winner.

The fabric strap that goes behind your ankle keeps it firmly on your feet and your feet will sing and dance all the way through Disney parks.

You can honestly order this flip-flop with your eyes closed (not really, you need to choose from several colors!) and it will be perfect for Disney.

Birkenstock-style Minnie Mouse Flip Flops

If you must wear any flip flops beside Teva or Sanuk inside Disney, then wear these!

While not original Birkenstock, these flip flops offer similar style fo soft sole and great support.

They are quite comfortable and good for walking around at Disney World.

However, remember to break them in and apply some body glide on the toe straps so they don’t chafe or rub. Check out these super adorable Minnie Mouse flip flops now.

Best men’s shoes for Disney

When it comes to finding the best men’s walking shoes for Disney World, things get tricky.

You see, the hubby owns about 4 to 6 pairs of footwear at a time.

The reason I can give so many excellent recommendations about women’s walking shoes is that I own more than 30 pairs of footwear!

However, for putting this part of the post together I made him sit and work with me, plus took recommendations from guy friends, colleagues, cousins, and at times even random strangers…well not any random stranger…shoe salesmen!

But, you get the idea!

Here are the best shoes for Orlando theme parks or comfortable shoes for amusement parks the world over:

New Balance Walking Shoes

These New Balance walking shoes are my husband’s fave recommendation for best men’s shoes for Disney World.

Yeah, we are big New Balance fans and happen to think they’re better than Skechers – plus budget-friendly!

These walking shoes offer perfect support for the heel plus are lightweight and breathable making them excellent for options for best walking shoes for amusement parks.

Add to the fact that they look good on the feet and the color goes with everything. Best Disney world shoes alert!!

Another great option for men’s theme park shoes is the New Balance cross-trainers.

They provide lots of cushion to the feet and are extremely comfortable.

They are wonderful for family trips and one of the best shoes for walking at Disney World.

Nike Cross Trainers

The Nike Cross Trainers have excellent traction and arch support; they are great as best tennis shoes for Disney World.

They come in a nice selection of colors plus are trendy. I especially love the all-white ones and plan to get one for the hubby!

For similar comfort and style of best men’s shoes for Disneyland at a lower budget, you can also try the ASICS Running Shoes.

Even though they are running shoes, they work great as street shoes and are one of the best shoes for walking around Disney World.

Skechers Go Walk Slip-on Shoes

These Skechers Go Walk Shoes are the counterpart to the women’s go walk shoes.

They have a super cushiony, comfortable, memory foam sole and offer great support.

They are also lightweight and great for those who suffer from knee or back problems related to walking long distances.

You can also check out the slightly narrower, 3rd edition Go Walk Shoes here.

They are the best shoes for walking all day at Disney world for those who prefer comfort over fashion.

Skechers Sneakers

Looking for the best sneakers for Disneyland or WDW?

If you want the comfort and walkability of the Skechers Go Walk but don’t like their ‘hospital shoe’ look, then get the Skechers Sneakers.

They also have the soft, memory foam sole and excellent support but are lace-up walking shoes.

They will be good for all the walking around you will need to do at the theme parks.

Keen Men’s Shoe

For a walking shoe that is classy, low profile and feels more like a walking sandal – consider the Keen Walking Shoes.

These are designed like oxfords for a classy look and the rubber toe is great for avoiding stubbed toes.

The Keen Shoe is also waterproof and lightweight and would be great for a day at Disney.

Men’s Quick Drying Water Shoes

What are the best shoes to wear to Disney World that are also waterproof?

While these quick-drying shoes by Aleader are technically water shoes, they do have excellent support and are great for lots of walking in Disney theme parks when worn with socks on dry days.

You can also use them at the poolside in Disney resorts or at the Disney water parks – that means carrying a single pair of comfortable, breathable shoes for your entire trip, making them one of the best shoes to wear at Disneyland.

How awesome is that?

Keen Men’s Newport Sandals

This men’s hiking / walking sandal from Keen’s is great for Disney days.

It has excellent foot support, is lightweight, the open structure makes it perfect for hot days, plus it drys it out fast.

Since it is a hiking sandal it has excellent traction and is good for cobblestone streets or walking long distances.

Plus it comes in a nice variety of colors and is trendy.

While not as good-looking as the Keen sandal, the ECCO Yucatan sandal is also great for walking, hiking, and water activities and offers great support.

Men’s walking flip-flops

These flip-flop sandals by OLUKAI may not be as cheap as your Old Navy flip flops but they have excellent arch support and are great for walking miles in them.

Wear them to Disney and you will have painless days and will literally jump from Fantasyland to Adventureland with your kids!

The best part – if they get dirty, you can wipe them with a damp cloth and they will look as good as new.

Best Disney-themed add ons for your shoes

We get it – not everyone wants to buy Disney themed stuff for a visit to the theme parks but at the same time want to wear something that shouts Disney from the rooftops!

Here are a few fun things that you can add to regular shoes for the added Disney bling:

Shoe charms for Crocs

Dress up your plain crocs with these unique shoe charms for a visit to Disney.

The charms fit over croc shoes perfectly and don’t harm the shoes in any way.

They can be easily removed after your visit and reused for the next one. Isn’t that just super? Check out the charms here.

Good pair of socks

Wearing the best socks for Disney is as much important as best theme park shoes.

We recommend wearing a pair of comfortable socks that absorb sweat and will keep your feet dry.

While I’m not a runner, I love wearing running socks for their moisture-wicking abilities.

My husband loves his from Saucony while I recently tried a new pair of Bering socks – scored a limited time deal at Amazon – and totally in love with them!

I especially love all the extra cushion they offer for my heel and the easy to pull heel tab.

For my son who is a preschooler, I love these easy to pull up, anti-skid grip socks – they are available in many sizes from baby to pre-teens.

For baby and toddler boys under 2 years, you can also try these super cute Disney socks set – I bought the similar matching girls Minnie Mouse set for my infant daughter.

Disney Leggings, Stockings and Tights

If you are wearing the most comfortable shoes for theme parks that don’t scream Disney, you can always dress them up for the occasion in Disney print leggings, stocking, and tights.

These Disney Minnie Mouse leggings are perfect for infants and toddler girls, while older girls will enjoy these Minnie & Mickey leggings.

I also love these stretchy, fashionable Mickey Mouse tights for women.

Other tips to avoid blisters or painful feet

Anti Chafing Balms

Even if you have the best shoes for theme park walking, you might still experience discomfort.

Some people are simply more prone to blisters due to the shape or size of their feet.

If you are one of them, then anti-chafing balms can be a life-changer to having comfy shoes for Disney.

You simply rub these balms on heels, toes, or wherever maximum friction occurs and it prevents rubbing with your unique Disney shoes.

Just like that!

We love the Body Glide band – I bought a 1.5 oz pack about 2 years ago for our Chile and Easter Island trip – and there’s still so much left!

Band-Aids

If in spite of your having the best shoes for amusement parks, you still get blisters then don’t pop them, please.

Nothing hurts a blister more than popping it plus the open wound can lead to infections.

Instead, cover it up with a bandaid – bandaids is one of the essentials of our Disney packing list.

We love taking the super cute Finding Dory bandaids to Disney – they just go together!

You can also pack along some special blister band-aids that are made to cover heels, ankles, and come in special shapes.

These will let you have even more comfy walking shoes at Disney world. Click here to see all Disney themed band-aids and find your favorite character!

We hope you liked our post on the best shoes for theme parks including sandals at Disneyland and the best flip flops for Disney world.

Do you have a pair of favorite Disneyland shoes to wear that we haven’t included here?

Let us know so we can add it to our epic list of best walking shoes for theme parks!

How about a Disney shoe selfie idea-fest? Drop us your favorite in the comments and we will picture them right here! Come on, send them now!

Are you looking for ways to stay cool at Disney in the summer? Find our best tips including what products to pack, what to wear, and more to escape the heat at Disney. This list will also help you if you are visiting in fall or spring or even winter because Walt Disney World is hot all year long! 

Pack a personal fan for everyone in your group

While you can’t always stay indoors at Disney, you can and should carry a small personal fan for everyone in your party, especially for the kids. Most of the small personal fans are USB powered, can be easily recharged wherever you find a charging point, and some can also be charged with a power bank! They are powerful enough to whip up a small wind around the kids and keep them cool and happy. The fans come in different types from clip-on stroller fans for babies and toddlers to handheld USB fans for adults. 

Another option is to get a misting fan to keep babies and kids cool in the humidity. My preschooler loves his misting fan and keeps spraying himself with water. If you are confused about whether to get the personal fans or misting fans, I would suggest a combination of both to use and switch as per your needs. While most of these fans are available inside the Disney stores they are extremely expensive and we recommend buying them for cheap before you go. 

Dress for the heat!

One of the best ways to stay cool is to dress appropriately for the weather. If the forecast is for an extremely hot and humid day, then avoid blacks and synthetic materials. White or other light colors are great at reflecting heat while cotton and other natural fibers let your skin breathe – thus acting as a natural cooling system. I’m always divided between wearing long cotton/linen pants vs opting for shorts in summer: both have their advantages so I would suggest dressing as per your preference. However, long blue denim is an absolute no unless you are ready to sweat it out. If you are planning to wear tanks or shorts then I would recommend packing layers for the cool evenings. Also pack in hats, bandannas, or scarves to cover your head. 

Also Read: What to Wear to Disneyland (Updated 2021!)

Wrap a cooling towel around your neck

I first came across cooling towels when I was taking our son on his first trip to India in the summer heat. Since then I have been a huge fan. You need to simply soak the towel, wring out the water, and shake it to feel ice cold. When the towels are dry, they feel soft just like regular towels. My son doesn’t want to remove his while we are in Disney or while hiking. The towel that we bought comes in its own travel case which is a big plus. I simply wet the towel before we go to Disney and put them in my backpack until we need to use it. I have also often used it as a sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt. Simply drape a cooling towel over your neck and use it to wipe as needed. Rewet it whenever you see a water fountain. That’s it! 

Wear comfortable and airy shoes

Wearing comfortable shoes is an essential part of your Disney experience year-round. While summer tempts visitors into wearing flip flops, these are actually one of the worst footwear to wear at Disney. Flip flops aren’t meant for walking miles and miles, which you’ll surely be doing inside the Disney parks. I also hate wearing walking shoes or sports shoes in the summer because my feet get sweaty. If you prefer shoes, then opt for moisture-wicking socks or even better wear cute and comfortable walking sandals like these by Plaka. For kids, crocs are a good bet for airy and waterproof shoes.

Drink lots of water and stay hydrated

You will be walking a lot in Disney with the little fry – and when I say a lot – I mean 8 to 12 miles every day! You need to drink ice water and stay hydrated to keep cool. One of the best ways to stay hydrated is to keep sipping water every half an hour so that you never reach the thirsty stage. I buy the kids a Disney themed bottle so they are happy with the bright colors and love to sip on them. We usually refill our bottles whenever we spot a water fountain and never let them get empty.  

As soon as you see a shady spot, rest for a minute and recoup

If you are staying at Disney Resorts, then definitely head back in and cool at the pool or take a nap in your room. But if you are like us and want to do Disney on the cheap then you have probably purchased a one day ticket and are staying outside the park in a budget inn! In that case, we recommend taking a few minutes to rest and recoup as soon as you see a shady spot. Drink some cool water, wipe the kid’s faces, and then trudge on ahead. The best heat defense is not letting the kids get overheated and cranky in the first place!

Alternate outdoor rides and activities with indoor attractions

Disney has lots of indoor attractions and shows which you can use to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. Our personal favorite is the Enchanted Tiki Room at both Disneyland Anaheim and WDW Florida. My kids love to see the Polynesian themed show and watch the birds, flowers, and plants come to life and sing the Tiki Room song while they sit in an air-conditioned environment. The shows at Disney theme parks are also a great way to spend some time indoors. 

If you are traveling to Disney by yourself, then you will love this solo guide to WDW.

Let the kids splash and cool down at water play areas

Most of the Disney theme parks have some kind of water play area where little ones can have a blast and get soaked. We recommend bringing swimsuits or spare clothes if you plan to do this. Even if the park doesn’t have a water play area or splash pad, it may have rides where you will get wet. We love the Splash Mountain at both WDW and Disneyland to cool off during the afternoon. Just sit in the front and your party will be soaked through and through! There are also many splash play areas located in WDW Orlando which can be used to get away from the Florida heat. The Magic Kingdom has the Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station while Epcot has its own splash pad which is a hit with the kids. 

Eat lots of Mickey ice cream bars and Dole whips

Take advantage of all those treats Disney offers to stay cool. You will find great frozen treats, shakes, and drinks at almost every corner of Disney theme parks. Our favorites are Disney Mickey Mouse ice cream bars and the Dole soft serve pineapple whip. Other great treats include the Mint Julep in New Orleans Square and Clarabelle ice cream at Toontown in Disneyland. You can also find these in WDW along with ice cream sandwiches, cookie sundaes, gelatos, and macaron sandwiches.  

Take the time to have a nice sit-down character dining experience

If you are going to hit the attractions non-stop at a hectic pace, then you are going to get sweaty and feel overheated irrespective of the weather. A great alternative is to use the morning to ride outdoors attractions then have a nice meal indoors in the blazing hot afternoon sun before venturing out again around 2 or 3 pm. Character meals are a great way to ensure that kids enjoy mealtimes plus adults get to eat good food. We resisted character meals initially because of their cost but then came around when we saw how much the kids enjoyed them. The kids will stay engrossed in seeing the fully dressed characters walking around and taking photos while you can sit back and enjoy a drink. Most of the character dining experiences need advance reservations and can get sold out so we recommend booking them as soon as you plan your trip.