Shoes and handbag

[Shocking Hocking]

Hi , I really need help on the shoe front . I love my havaiana flip flops but never been to WDW before so not sure about the whole flip flop thing for going on rides . I am a UK size 8 so looking shocking in crocs !! Maybe nice sandals but not sure on weather in October . Also bags !!! What sort of bag is best for the parks with rides ect do they have somewhere to leave them when you ride ?

 

[bee86]

Hiya!!

I'm not a park veteran but when I was there in 2008 I bought lovely new sandals which I "broke in" and had worn around the house before I went so they would be comfortable. Long story short they weren't.... I had to go and buy crocs( the ugly kind) but they saved my feet for the next 2 weeks. WDW is HUGE and you will do so much walking. I understand you don't like how crocs look but have you considered some of the other styles in the crocs?
(on a side note, I wouldn't be caught dead in crocs over here but in Wdw it's very relaxed and pretty much anything goes once its comfortable!)
I posted here awhile ago about crocs and some of the fabulous ladies shared pics of there crocs and you will be surprised how non croc like they are lol some of the styles are quite dainty.
As for bags... I brought like a school bag last time but this time I'm bringing cross body bags with lots of pockets so you can still carry them with you on most rides. I posted a pic of them in the holiday shopping thread on the community board sorry I can't pop in the links but I'm on my phone

 

[wilma-bride]

I have a cross-body bag (well, actually several - different colours to go with different outfits ) that I use. My current favourite is a multi-coloured bag that I bought from Animal.

As far as shoes go, I swear by my Crocs. I know you say your feet are bigger but I wear Crocs Cleos (the sandal type) and they are so comfortable. I have never had any problems with blisters or sore feet while at WDW. If you're worried about your flip flops coming off, that would only really apply on some of the bigger rides at Universal/IOA and you can take your flip flops off and sit on them (as long as you have them with you, they don't mind) while you're on the ride.

ETA: There aren't any rides at WDW where you can't take bags on with you and, at Universal, the rides where bags aren't allowed have locekrs which are free while you ride.

 

[bee86]

Ooh also just to say, if your comfy in your flip flops stick with them

 

[Elise79]

I also swear by my crocs. I am UK7 and will happily wear the clog style as my feet are comfy.

I also last time bought a pair of these: Adrina Flats and they were great too.

For a bag I have a mini backpack I use most of the time when I actually bother to take a bag. Whenever possible we try to travel bag free with phone and purse in pockets

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Im in the minority here, i absolutely cant stand Crocs I swear by my trainers, they offer good foot support which in turn stops me suffering with my back.I make sure i take some odour eaters and sports socks.If its wet i have found Sketchers do a great range of H20 friendly sandals and flip flops.
As for a bag i carry money/cards etc in my bum bag(fanny Pack) and just a standard rucksack for bigger items

 

[Disneymad]

The only ride in WDW I can think of off the top of my head where flip flops would be a problem is Soarin', however you can just slip them off and leave them on the floor before the ride starts as no one but the CM's are down there while the movie plays and you return to your starting point at the end (Same deal if you have a rucksack or something that's too big to fit in the net basket thing, can just leave that on the floor too). Oddly I find it quite nice riding with bare feet!

I have some Adidas flip flops with cushioned sole to walk around in unless it's raining all day or something then I just wear trainers. October is a fab time of year to visit so short of some very bad luck you'll only be dealing with the odd afternoon dump of rain and even that tends to happen less often by then.

I'd say wear what you find you're most comfortable in - you're going to be doing a LOT of walking and standing during the day so comfort is the no.1 priority.

Bag wise I just bring a casual, over the shoulder bag to keep my camera, sun cream etc etc in, nothing fancy. Most rides that need them have a elasticated net baskets to put your bag in, but if not, or if the bag is too big then I just put my bag on the floor with my foot through the handle just in case (Soarin' being the obvious exception), but normally in those situations gravity/g-force ensures it stays right where I put it anyhow.

Just talking WDW here, not been to Universal for ages and not a white knuckle rider even when I do go.

 

[janeyb]

Hi there, I too am a Havaiana flip flop girl and have just returned from WDW last week but my feet are suffering from wearing my Havianas I must admit!!

They really didn't offer as much support as I needed for the miles of walking we did each day and I ended up with mu big toe splitting which was really painful.. They were the only thing I had that was waterproof though so I just continued to wear them.

All the Americans at the moment are wearing bright coloured trainers, so knowing that they are now fashionable over here also I thought I'd treat myself to a pair on the last day to wear working out here in the UK. I wish I had bought them on my first day.

Oh my goodness, from the minute I put them on my feet it was heaven! By far and away THE most comfortable shoes/trainers I have ever put on my feet. No breaking in required, they were perfect from day 1!

I got The Nike Free 5.0 trainers and they cost ($106 including tax) from the sports shop next to the JC Penny entrance at Florida Mall. I bought the latest colour in jade green with fluro yellow logo and they're great. I have had so many people ask me where they were from since I returned. I am certainly not 'that' into fashion (getting too old for that !!) but hey if Victoria Beckham can wear them so can I!!!!!

I will certainly be buying more when we go at Christmas and would recommend them to anyone. You won't look stupid or out of place wearing them in Orlando and you will be as comfortable as anything.

 

[MrRomance]

If you're comfortable in the flip flops, there really aren't very many attractions where they would be a problem at WDW. You may have an issue at some of the other parks with the floorless coasters.

Personally, we always stick with comfortable trainers. They give plenty of support which is what you need. I don't think there are any hard and fast rules, it's all about what you are very comfortable in. My daughter wanted crocs last year and wore them once because they bothered her so much.

 

[pampat]

I swear by my well broken in Hotter sandals. I used to wear trainers for comfort, but in the summer my feet get very hot. But again, you wear what you can for a days walking and don't care what you look like!!

I have a Dooney and Bourke leather bag that I've had for 20 years and wear it across my body. It is small, enough to carry a pair of sunglasses, bit of cash and room cards/credit cards, but I'm lucky, I don't have to carry stuff for children so don't need anything else.

Pam

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

I swear by Merrell Siena sandals. They provide fantastic support, keep my feet cool and look good too.

For my "park" bag I use a Kipling Eldorado mini cross body bag ...... of which I have several in different colors

 

[taylor3297]

I have huge feet 41 in Birkenstocks and a 10 1/2 to 11 in US sizes. Also, I have major problems with my feet so I have to have comfort. The best I have had are the Arizona Birkenstocks with the padded foot bed and a particular style of Reef Flip flops (Fanning is the style). At the end of a long day, my feet still feel great in these.

 

[Elise79]

If you're comfortable in the flip flops, there really aren't very many attractions where they would be a problem at WDW. You may have an issue at some of the other parks with the floorless coasters.

Personally, we always stick with comfortable trainers. They give plenty of support which is what you need. I don't think there are any hard and fast rules, it's all about what you are very comfortable in. My daughter wanted crocs last year and wore them once because they bothered her so much.

After being caught in one too many Florida storms in trainers I will only wear them when I know it's going to be dry.

One year we ended up bringing wet trainers wrapped in bags home on the case where we got caught on the wrong side of Epcot!

 

[MichelinMan]

Just bought a pair of Nike AirMax specially for the holiday (cost £115 - can't believe I've spent that for a pair of trainers!) but they are the dogs gonads! So comfortable, really does feel like you are walking on air. I've had cheaper Air Nikes before, so was skeptical about splashing out for the expensive ones, but not sure I will ever go back to cheaper ones now. May look for some cheaper pairs whilst I'm in the States to bring back.

 

[Kae]

I also swear by my crocs. I am UK7 and will happily wear the clog style as my feet are comfy.

I also last time bought a pair of these: Adrina Flats and they were great too.

For a bag I have a mini backpack I use most of the time when I actually bother to take a bag. Whenever possible we try to travel bag free with phone and purse in pockets

I tried those crocs on last weekend & oh my they were so comfy. I will say that I think crocs are slick when wet. I like Fit Flops for sandles.

Kae

 

[queendisney]

I swear by Merrell Siena sandals. They provide fantastic support, keep my feet cool and look good too.

For my "park" bag I use a Kipling Eldorado mini cross body bag ...... of which I have several in different colors

this

I also go for Merrell walking sandals and alternate with trainers sometimes.
I also have a few Kipling across the body bags, although DH does normally take his bum bag which seems to be a bit of a tardis!

Whatever you have/decide to buy start wearing them in NOW

 

[zippy99]

Rather like wilma - I have a cross the body bag that required no hands and can hold money, cards, suntan lotion, phone, camera & glasses - fairly small.

For shoes I will wear Fit Flops or my Breathable Air Max I don't have a problem with either but try to avoid trainers if there is rain or doing water attractions. I remember we all put on water shoes and walked into Island of Adventure one year just to do several rides of RipSaw Falls,Bluto's Barges and Jurassic Park we then headed back to the Royal Pacific to change into dry clothes!!

 

[Shocking Hocking]

Wow , thank you everyone for the great advise . I think I am going to get a cross the body bag . I know I will not need a big one but we are not staying on site and I just can't resist the gift shops, bit of a shopaholic !! Will have to rent a locker for my souvenirs (told my hubby I will try and control it because we stayed on site in Disneyland Paris so went a bit mad knowing it could be delivered ) Can't decided on my shoes , might have to try some crocs out while walking the dog . Really really like the sound of the Nike trainers too. I know my hubby will be wearing Nikes and my son likes vans and Nikes . Think from now till October I will be testing various shoes out so I will let you know how I get on . It's a good excuse to buy new shoes as I know if I don't get it sorted before we go I will end up moaning all holiday . That's my weekend sorted them shoe shopping !!

 

[zippy99]

We tend to pick up a pair or two of Nikes at Premium Outlets - a pair of Air Max that cost £120 here work out around £60-£70 so a good saving - plus I find a decent pair of air trainers don't need to be broken in - the are perfect from the start!

 

[wilma-bride]

we are not staying on site and I just can't resist the gift shops, bit of a shopaholic !! Will have to rent a locker for my souvenirs (told my hubby I will try and control it because we stayed on site in Disneyland Paris so went a bit mad knowing it could be delivered )

I'm not sure your DH will forgive me for this but you do know that you can use the 'package pick-up' option with any souvenirs you buy in the Disney parks. When you pay for the items, ask if you can do package pick-up and they will arrange for everything to be sent to a designated pick-up area (they tell you where it is) at the front of the park so you can collect it when you leave