A few tips and some lessons learned...

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I agree with others that flip flops work much better than sneakers for me. But I normally can't wear sneakers at all, anyway (every pair of shoes that has a back on them that I've ever worn has caused open sores on my Achilles within minutes). I wear Havaianas flip flops or Tevas instead. I did see a few women in 4 or 5" wedge sandals this trip - while I'm fine in shoes like that for going out to dinner or to the store, I can't imagine walking miles and miles in them!

I also think midday breaks are a waste of time. If I didn't think our family could go all day, I'd rather plan on going to the parks early and leaving for dinner, or arriving at the parks around noon and staying until close. Breaks from the MK would be feasible if staying at a monorail resort, but when the bus ride to the MK takes 15 minutes (I timed it from CBR; plus there's the time walking to the bus stop, waiting for a bus, walking to the room) travel eats up too much time. I'd rather not spend 2+ hours a day in unnecessary travel/sitting (or standing) at a bus stop. Much easier to find a quiet corner in a CS restaurant, etc, if we need a rest.

Like others have said, different things work for different people.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Wow, 12 to 730pm??? Thats a long break!!! We take breaks, we're at the resort around 1pm and dont go back until 4 or 5pm. Not sure why it took you 7+ hours.

Again, none of those things we did were unreasonable times, it just took that long. We obviously didn't plan a 7 hour break. I planned in being back in 3 hours. There's no way anyone can take a pool break and have everyone shower after, take transportation times into consideration and be back in 3 hours!!

 

[constanze]

We usually select a resort that makes it easy to take those mid afternoon breaks. My DH's favorite part of the day is the pool time, but we've learned to forgive him thru the years

 

[ZoZo]

OP, I totally agree with you about the value of rope drop, staying hydrated, and using sunblock.

I also agree that it's a good idea to bring more than one type (or only on pair!) of shoes. One year I was just sure that my regular workout shoes at WDW. Since I wore them several times a week, assumed they would be well "broken in" and suitable for long days at Disney. NOT! Ended up with a huge bister on the bottom of my little toe. Thank goodness for my cushy Nike flip flops; they totally saved the day. Now I always bring at least three different pairs of shoes, including cushy sneakers, flip flops, and my Go Walks. My favorite WDW are now Skechers memory foam sneakers - they have a thick layer of memory foam inside and work great.

And I'm in the "rarely take afternoon breaks" camp myself. But I go during a time of year when the parks close early (between 5:00 for AK and usually 9:00 pm at the latest for Epcot). Afternoon breaks don't work well when the parks close early, so I usually don't take breaks. Everyone has a different strategy, I guess!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Great! I will definitely look for those, would be perfect for August. Thanks!

I have flip flops made by teva. They're non slip, perfect for when it rains!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I would cry if I had to wear flip flops all day at Disney and I stare at amazement when I see people in the parks wearing them with no apparent ill effects. Feets are fickle, unique things...

We definitely need a swim break if it's hot. I simply can't marinate in my sweat all day, and sitting in air conditioning for an hour does nothing to wash it from your body.