Learn how to avoid getting blisters at Disney World, so you can enjoy your visit as much as possible!
Understanding the different ways you can prevent blisters at Disney World will help you avoid unnecessary discomfort so you can fully enjoy the magic!
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Because you’ll be doing so much walking at Disney World, it’s not outside of the realm of possibilities to get blisters.
And that’s a surefire way to put a damper on your day fast. You want your Disney Feet to be happy feet, so you definitely don’t want blisters during your trip.
So how do you prevent blisters from forming in the first place? First let’s look at how blisters form.
Let me put on my nurse’s cap and give a quick overview–because knowing how they form is key to preventing them from forming.
Blisters commonly form either from friction or from heat. If you’ve ever touched a hot stove or a hot pan fresh out of the oven, you’ve probably had a heat blister. Similarly, bad sunburns can cause blisters.
Friction blisters are a little different–they form due to constant rubbing. The very top layer of skin, called the epidermis, is rubbed to the point of pulling away from the layers underneath of it, which is what causes the pocket of fluid to form under the epidermis.
This collection of fluid is actually your body’s protective mechanisms at work, as it’s meant to be a cushion for the tissue underneath.
Because guests walk SO MUCH at Disney World, it’s not uncommon to have blisters pop up on your weary feet.
How To Avoid Blisters at Disney World
Whether you’re planning on park hopping around Disney or spending all day in one park, the principles are the same.
One of the best ways to prevent blisters on the feet while at Disney World is to prevent friction and rubbing.
This can be done partially by avoiding shoes that don’t fit correctly, and avoiding too much moisture.
These tips can also come in handy if you plan on running the Disney marathon!
Choosing Shoes that Fit Properly to Prevent Blisters at Disney
It’s super important to have properly-fitting shoes for your trip to Disney.
But having comfortable shoes is only half of the battle–they have to fit properly as well.
Many people don’t take into consideration the fact that their feet will expand throughout the day at Disney World. For this reason, you may need to size up a bit when selecting your shoes, or choose sneakers with a wider toe box.
On the flip side, shoes that are too big can also cause blisters, because your foot will slide more in the shoe.
So you’ll want a shoe that is snug, but not tight. I recommend trying on a pair of shoes later in the day, when your feet are naturally a little bit bigger, to see how they fit.
Adjustable sandals can be great for this reason–you can loosen the straps if needed. If you’re wearing sneakers, you can try different lacing patterns to adjust the tightness of the shoes.
Be sure to check out our list of the best shoes to wear to Disney World and Disneyland so you can pick something comfortable.
Using Skincare Products to Decrease Friction on your feet
Another noteworthy way to decrease rubbing is to use a friction-preventing product such as Body Glide. Many athletes use this product to decrease friction and chafing while running, but the product can also be used on your feet!
It’s a fragrance-free anti-blister balm that looks very similar to a small stick of deodorant, so it’s easy to apply without a bunch of mess (I’m looking at you, body and foot powders).
You can apply Body Glide balm to the parts of your feet that are most likely to rub, such as the tops, sides, or heels (I wouldn’t apply it to the bottom of your feet though).
It’s small enough to tuck into your backpack for Disney and you’ll be set.
- No More Blister Bandages for Feet | Blister prevention to avoid the need for treatment & first aid
Limiting Foot Moisture to Prevent Blisters at Disney
One way to decrease the amount of moisture your feet come in contact with is to avoid cotton socks, which tend to hold onto moisture when they get wet.
So whether you just have sweaty feet, or you’re sogging along after getting drenched on Splash Mountain, or you’re enjoying a rainy day at Disney World, you don’t want cotton socks.
Instead, choose moisture-wicking socks that are made mostly of synthetic materials, such as polyester.
If you like lower-cut socks, I recommend getting some with heel tabs, as that can help prevent the shoe from rubbing on the back of your heel.
A few popular moisture-wicking sock options are:
- Saucony Heel Tab Socks – These polyester socks feature AirMesh venting, allowing for increased breathability. They have zones of cushioning to make them more comfortable, plus a heel tab for added protection. They also come in several colors and are a bit less expensive than some of the other choices here.
- Feetures Cushioned Tab Socks – These cushioned socks feature zones of compression to ensure a snug fit where it matters, plus a heel tab and seamless toe. Not only that, but they come with a lifetime guarantee!
- Balega Hidden Contour Socks – These Elastane and mesh socks feature a heel tab, a no-seam toe, and cushioning for extra comfort. Drynamix polyester helps wick away moisture to keep your feet dry. Plus, they come in lots of fun colors!
You may also want to change socks at some point during the day, especially if your socks are wet. Pack another pair of socks in your Disney bag so you’ll be all set.
Using Moleskin to Prevent or Treat Blisters
Moleskin is a soft, thick cotton material that has adhesive on one side and soft fabric on the other.
It can be used to prevent blisters from forming by simply cutting a piece of moleskin and adhering it over any “hot spots” on your feet, where you might feel friction and rubbing. Some people also apply moleskin to areas of their shoes that are prone to rubbing.
If you happen to develop a blister, you can use moleskin to help protect the blister. To do this, you’ll take a piece of moleskin and cut a circle in the middle of it. The circle should be just slightly bigger than your blister.
You’ll then use the adhesive to stick the moleskin to your foot, placing the open circle over the blister, creating a cushioned area around the blister. You DON’T want to apply adhesive to the blister itself.
These 2×2″ sheets of moleskin are ideal because they can be cut down to the appropriate size, so they can easily fit in a Disney fanny pack or your day bag.
Treating Blisters at Disney’s First Aid Centers
If you develop blisters on your feet (or have other unfortunate injuries or illnesses), keep in mind that every Disney theme park (and water park!) has a First Aid Center.
Nurses are stationed at these First Aid Centers during park hours, and can help with many minor issues.
First Aid centers can be located on the park map, or you can ask any cast member for directions.
If you’re in the Magic Kingdom, the First Aid Center is located on Main Street, between Casey’s Corner and the Crystal Palace.
At Epcot, you’ll find it outside the Epcot Experience building near the Mexico Pavilion.
Over at Hollywood Studios, it’s located next to Crossroads of the World at the park entrance.
And at Animal Kingdom, it’s near Creature Comforts in Discovery Island.
Check out this map of locations to find a First Aid Center near you when you’re in the parks.
Prevention is the Best Strategy
Ultimately, prevention is much easier (and less painful!) than treatment.
These simple tips for decreasing friction and moisture can help you prevent the development of blisters on your feet, so you can enjoy your day at the park as much as possible!
More Disney Vacation Planning Resources:
- The Best Disney Leggings to Wear to the Park
- Best Misting Fans for Staying Cool at Disney World
- Must-Try Quick-Service Restaurants at Epcot
- Disney Springs Restaurants You Won’t Want to Miss
Be sure to Pin this Guide to your Disney travel board on Pinterest so you’ll have it when you need it!
