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?