There are some Disney World rules that are super obvious: don’t bring your baby on Space Mountain, don’t cut the line, and don’t try to drive 50 mph through the Magic Kingdom parking lot, Lightning McQueen.
But there are other rules that may not be explicitly stated anywhere, yet we as theme park guests have collectively agreed that there are some things you just don’t do in Disney World. Today, we’re here to talk about the unspoken shoe rules we follow in the Disney parks and resorts.Â
Please, wear shoes in the hotel lobby.
Listen, when you’re staying at Disney World hotel, it may feel like home. In fact, Disney’s DVC hotels are known for their “Welcome Home” tagline. But that does not mean we should walk through the hotel lobby barefoot.Â
And listen, we get it. Maybe some guests were out at the pool, and now they’re ready to go back to their hotel room. But please, if not just for the sake of your own feet, put some shoes on when you get inside!
Keep your shoes on, people!
Speaking of putting on some shoes, make sure they stay on when you’re out in the theme parks, too. Sure, the Carousel of Progress is a great place to cool off, kick back, relax, and sit down for a bit, but trust us, this is not the time to take off your shoes.Â
Of course, there are a few exceptions to this rule, like on Soarin’, where guests must take off their shoes if they do not have a back heel strap. (Put those Crocs on sport mode before you buckle into your hang glider!) But if you’re out at dinner, sitting on the bus, or taking a nap at the Hall of Presidents attraction, keep those shoes on.
Make sure to plan ahead and wear comfortable shoes; that way, you won’t have the urge to rip your shoes off your feet.
Click here to see our theme park shoe recommendations!
Slippers are in-room shoes only, okay?
Ever seen those comical oversized Mickey and Minnie Mouse slippers? They look pretty comfy, right? Well, as much as we love a nice pair of slippers, we do not recommend them anywhere outside of your hotel room.Â
And by slippers, we’re mainly talking about the soft, plushy kind with no hard sole or tread. Even if you’re just shuffling through your hotel lobby, all it takes is one sudden Florida rainstorm for guests to track puddles of water inside, and the next thing you know, your slippers are a soggy mess. No, thank you!
Keep the heels at home.
This one is for all our fashionistas: resist the urge to wear those pretty heels! Disney World is not the place for that kind of shoe.
Between the deceptively dangerous Main Street, U.S.A trolley tracks, rocky pavement, and rubber ramp system used at some attractions, your heels (and your feet!) will not survive a day in Magic Kingdom. If you absolutely must get “the outfit photo” with your heels, bring a second pair of shoes to wear the rest of the day, then pop the heels on to take some photos.
Click here to see our recommendations on the best places to take a photo in Disney World
Don’t wear new shoes!
We’ve said it before; we’ll say it again: do not wear new shoes to Disney World. They will rub, they will give you blisters, and they will hurt your feet.
And listen, we understand the temptation. You just bought a new pair of shoes, what better place to show them off than at Disney World, right? Wrong. Unless you are an extremely brave and confident person, save the new shoes for another trip, or break them in before your trip. Otherwise, your feet will be in pain for the rest of your vacation. (Speaking from experience…)
Don’t feel discouraged, if supermodel Gigi Hadid can rock a comfy pair of sandals in the theme parks, so can you. Theme park chic is a real thing, after all!
As you can see, we here at AllEars are very passionate about shoes. Do you agree with these unspoken rules? Have any more to contribute to the conversation? Let us know your thoughts! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
The Rules About Shoes at Disney World
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Have any more to shoe rules to contribute to the conversation? Let us know in the comments!
Cast members also enforce the shoes required rule on babies and toddlers in the parks, even if just learning to walk. Bring an extra pair especially for littles that like to take one off and toss it out of their stroller.
Once I had a pair on flip flop type sandles and hydoplaned over a puddle. I had to take them off to walk to the bus. You can bet the next trip I had anpair that wouldn’t do that.
Wear good socks too. Perspiration collecting in your shoes can make blisters more likely
Bringing a second pair of shoes can be a lifesaver, in case the first pair gets soaked in a Florida downpour. Shoes can take awhile to dry in that humidity. A pair of sandals that are okay in water is a good choice, I think.