Disney World 50th Anniversary Post Trip Review October 2021

I just returned from Walt Disney World yesterday. I stayed at Coronado Springs Resort from October 2 – October 8 and checked out on October 9. I flew with Southwest. Here are some thoughts and impressions.

Sprinkled throughout are some photos. Some are photopass and others are camera pics from either my Iphone 13 Pro or my husbands Galaxy – something 11? maybe? I am too lazy to match the pics to what I’m talking about so pic is not related to each paragraph and just here to show off the fun and excitement we had on our Walt Disney World vacation Disneymoon / Honeymoon.

First, you might remember I bought a lot of shoes for this trip which I reviewed here. But I have to tell you, after buying and reviewing all of those sandals and flip flops, I decided just to wear tennis shoes – and I bought 3 pairs of New Balance Fresh Foam about 2 weeks before my trip, impulse buy. I have a very wide flat foot. I thought some of the sandals were very comfortable at first, especially the Easy Spirit ones – so much so that I bought like 6 pairs after buying my first – same style – different colors – but very shortly before Disney World, I found out after a day standing all day – that they put red hotspots right on the balls of my feet – not as comfortable as I thought. BUT with the New Balance Fresh Foams – my feet did ache and hurt still (I’m overweight and very sedentary) – but I did not get a single blister, red spot, hot spot, callus, nothing. Except Friday my last day, when it rained cats and dogs for like 3 hours and I got wet socks and shoes and didn’t have anything to change into. THEN I got a white blister on one of my middle toes. But otherwise – they worked fine. Recommend New Balance Fresh Foams Extra Wide 100% recommend to all my heavy set girls out there.

I also recommend buying your disney ears on Etsy. I can’t remember the shop I used – but they were great, and same quality as the expensive ones in Disney.

For clothes, I spent about $500 making custom printed Disney dresses. I got a million compliments on my Duffy dress at Epcot. Duffy was a Disney Bear originally released in America, but he FLOPPED – HARD – a complete disaster – Except over in Asia where Disney Tokyo and Sea – love Duffy – and I love Duffy and Friends too!!! I want to visit Disney Tokyo and Sea some day – Anyways everyone was all about my Duffy dress – it was so awesome. I use Artscow.com to make my dresses – so now you know! It wasn’t just Asian visitors who recognized Duffy – many of the Cast Members working Epcot knew Duffy and many of the “American” visitors knew him too. Everyone loved my Dress which felt great. And it had pockets – yup. A cute dress with pockets?! Amaze-balls.

But by the end of our trip, my husband wanted to get matching shirts for our last 3 days in Disney. Aww cute. 🙂 Everyone seems to do the matching shirt thing – to make it easier to find eachother in crowds. Or just to look cute. We picked the brightest colors, neon yellow, lime green, etc.

I didn’t buy much – if any – souvenirs really. I do like loungefly – but I have a lot of purses already – and the ones for the 50th are sold out everywhere due to scalpers and proxy buyers and resellers. I bought a few picture frames and a photo album. We bought two decks of cards to play on our down time. I bought a popcorn bucket – but mostly because I actually wanted to eat the popcorn and there was literally no line – I’m not waiting 3 hours in line for popcorn.

I didn’t see dolewhips anywhere and sad I didn’t get to try one. I did try some of the new 50th drinks. They are good.

Our hotel is huge – the biggest at Disney World and requires a lot of walking – we got lost somehow every night the first 4 or 5 days. We stayed in Casistas 2 which was close to bus station 2 (the first stop of the day for pick up and drop off – nice). We were on 4th floor and 2 doors down from the stairs. We took the stairs 9 times out of 10. Casistas 2 does not have an elevator. It shares an elevator with Casistas 3 which you then have to walk a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng way to get to the “end” by the stairs where our room in Casistas 2 was.

Disney World in general is a lot of walking. I got 16,000 – 18,000 steps every single day. – My last 2 days I caved and rented a scooter from a 3rd party company. First day it worked great. Loved it. Second day, it rained cats and dogs and the scooter decided to stop working when it got wet. I tried calling but they were closed. I waited 20 minutes and tried again and it started up. It had full batteries. It just didn’t like getting wet. It poured for 3 hours solid. Down pour. Not a light rain. We were eating at crystal palace and came out and scooter was soaked and wouldn’t turn on. And then every time I stopped to ride anything, to take a photo, to use a restroom, it wouldn’t turn back on for a good 20-30 minutes. Managed to stay the whole time until 12:30AM for Boo Bash – and managed to make due – When it didn’t start, I would walk – I still got over 6,000 steps that day due to it simply not working and having to park it 80% of the time. It slowed us down and wasted time. A Blessing when it worked, and a curse when it didn’t. I couldn’t do anything, since it was a 3rd party rental and not from guest services directly. Also if you think you need a scooter – plan ahead. I wanted it the day before, and called 4 places, all sold out my entire trip – on my 5th call – they had scooters but not for that day, so I had to hoof it around Disney one more day. My ankles, calves, shins, thighs, everything hurt. When you’re 230 lbs and sedentary at home in daily life – it hurts like a bitch let me tell you.

I had already planned to lose weight when I returned. I want to get a dog, and made promise to myself that if I lose 100 lbs I’ll buy my dog. I also want to be healthy and live longer and have more energy and a million other reasons why – but I’m a materialistic person, so trying to motivate myself with a rewards system. Every 20 lbs I lose is something I will reward myself with. I made a list – like first 20 gone is a video game, next 20 gone is a doll, next 20 gone is a trip, etc leading up to the 5th goal of a dog.

I did lose 100 or more lbs back in my 20s with Atkins and a more active lifestyle – My best friend is super active and we were going to college together and had a few breaks together and we’d workout and eat lunch together and that helped me a lot. My husband is also super active – but he’s more into organized team sports which is not my bag at all. i don’t have eye/hand coordination and clumsy as hell.

But I’ve already walked almost 20,000 steps every day for 8 days, so I think I’ll just keep walking, 5,000 steps a day, and I dunno if I’ll do low carb – or just eat less – eat healthier in general.

But I’m very motivated by the idea of getting a dog. Right now I don’t have energy for a dog – they require a lot of walking and agility training and exercising and things that I know I’m not up for that challenge. It’d be a disservice to myself and the dog both. But I already named the dog, bought a domain name, set up social media handles, etc. I want to name it Boujee – but I dunno if that’s racist? Sorry if it is? I just think it’s a cute short name – and the dog I want is a very Boujee dog – a pomeranian – little tiny fluffy cutesy dog. I know the “white” way of spelling it is “Bougie” but it reminds me of “Booger” or the short for that, “Boogie” and that’s not very cute lol. Boujee is just a cuter spelling – but I do worry if I would sound racist. But before the rap/hiphop song came along, the term comes from a french derogatory term referring to middle class people living a lifestyle they can’t afford – like driving luxury sports cars, buying designer purses, clothes, jewelry, watches, etc. And it looks like one of those dogs that would be hanging out of some movie star’s purse on the runway. It’s usually a negative word. But it still sounds cute. We have a cat named Squeegee (yes the thing you clean windows with) and so then we’d have Boujee and Squeegee lol.

Anyways back to Disney…..

Coronado Springs was very nice. Despite the tremendous amounts of walking. Here are some things I liked and did not like…

Coronoda Springs

Liked:

• Spanish style influences. My husband is from Peru and I’ve traveled to Peru together with him and his family, and our entire trip he kept commenting that Coronado reminded him of Larcomar in Lima – a big uhm outdoor open air “Outlet mall” type thing, classy food, and upscale dining – kinda like Disney Springs too – which we went there as well on this trip.
• Bed and Pillows – I discovered the pillows are from Sobel Westex – I’m going to order some for my home. They are amazing. Seriously. Mattress is a special custom one by Beauty Rest – You can buy them for your home too. They are not on Beautyrest’s regular website. You have to go to their Beautyrest Hospitality Website here. – By the way I’m not getting paid for this – I wish I was – I am just helping you in case you also loved the bedding at your resort as much as I did.
• Service – Everyone – everywhere – at Disney – resorts – parks – stores – restaurants – so friendly welcoming helpful and kind – seriously best experience I’ve had in terms of service and hospitality – and it makes a difference for sure.
• Swimming – very large pools – multiple pools. My room was near one of the “quiet” pools – it wasn’t “quiet” since no one is monitoring it – kids screaming, splashing, cannon balling, etc – but – the pool was big enough I could find space to swim without getting splashed most of the time. My room was far enough away that the kids playing didn’t impact my sleep or noise levels – and I enjoyed that the quiet pools are open 24 hours because I didn’t have to lose park time to enjoy swimming.

Neutral

• The room itself – Kinda MEH… there is one complaint I have – well 2 maybe – you’ll see down below in the negatives. Room very simple, very plain, kinda meh. No theming, no over the top Disney. This can be good or bad depending on your preferences.
• Most of the food I thought was kinda MEH – neutral – average – some of it was disgusting… see below. None of it at the hotel was out of this world. My favorite thing was the deepfried potstickers at Rix. I also tried their watchos which I hear are popular. They were good, but not great. We tried Rix and Mercardo and 3 Bridges. We did not try Dahlia or Barcelona. We were encouraged and recommended to go to the rooftop (I think that’s Dahlia) to watch the fireworks from Epcot – but my husband didn’t want to go even though I wanted to lol. So we just went back to our room.
• Buses were not as bad as I had read – I read about 45 minute to 2 hour waits even before the 50th anniversary – this is false. They came about ever 15-20 minutes. Only time we ever had an issue is when I rented a scooter my last 2 days – about half the busses either already had wheel chairs (each one can only take 2 wheel chairs), or were not handicap accessible at all and couldn’t take ANY wheel chairs – come on Disney – you can DO BETTER – what about people who really are handicapped – I just rented one because I got shin splints my 5th day at the park from being a fatfuck lol. But what about people who are disabled, veterans, people with real disabilities – When I had a scooter – our wait times changed from never longer than 15 minutes – to sometimes over an hour. Also Coronado busses are great at picking up and taking you to the park – but return service is IFFY at best – twice in our 8 day journey a DIFFERENT bus driver took us because our bus just NEVER SHOWED UP – after more than an hour wait – and after being told by a Cast Member he had radioed a bus for us. – Busses picking up at Coronado – perfect no problem – Busses picking up at the parks or Disney Springs – WTF IS GOING ON THERE?! There’s some people calling off work or doing something WRONG there…. If it takes 15 minutes to get picked up to go to the park, it should only take 15-30 minutes to get picked up to return to the park – I understand if there’s a line and busses were full and having to wait multiple times for the next bus – but that’s NOT what I’m talking about here – The busses just literally never came. Even when radioed. I mean they came – eventually – after more than an hour’s wait… I assume Disney like the rest of the world is having a crisis hiring workers. Especially bus drivers. Here back at home too – I heard they can’t find school bus drivers.

Negative

• The Walking – Casistas 2 is great for bus stop service – closest to the bus station 2 which is the first pick up and first drop off for every bus – that part was fabulous – and we were close to the pool – but we had a long walk to the restaurants and lobby and gift shop. And we got lost almost every time the first few days.
• The bathroom – toilet and shower in same room – only 1 bathroom (which I know is standard in hotels – but usually the toilet is separate from the shower so 2 people can effectively use 1 bathroom pretty easily. I did like that there were double sinks and plenty of storage all around the bathroom area – we didn’t use it – except for toothbrushes and hairbrushes and deodorants and basics like that but for people who like to unpack everything, there’s plenty of dressers and closet space. We just lived out of suitcases for a week and did fine.
• The view – I paid for a King Preferred Room hoping for a nice view – my view was of other buildings. And I was on the 4th floor far from the elevators – and Casistas 2 doesn’t even have an elevator – shares one with Casistas 3 – so more walking.
• Magic Bands didn’t work – when I arrived after walking with luggage all the way to Casistas 2 it didn’t unlock the room – had to walk all the way back to the lobby to get it fixed. – After that it was fine. But should have been working correctly the first time.
• The food at Mercardo – My mickey waffles were as hard as rocks or hockey pucks – My egg sandwhich was literally just on a hamburger bun – not an English muffin – not a biscuit – not even toasted – wtf – my “No Pulp” orange juice had millions of LUMPS!!!! GROSS WTF?!!! IT is curdled! I complained about that! It was in a bottle just like I buy at home – same brand – Tropicana – and the woman tried to tell me “That’s how they’re making it now, extra thick” UH NO…. That’s NOT How they’re making it. First I don’t mind pulp – but if it says No pulp, then it should be clear. I buy this shit at home all the time and if it’s “Thick” something’s fucking wrong here – She did let me take a free drink – I just chose bottled water – but paying $4,000 for a vacation and being served expired curdled orange juice is fucking unexceptable. And instead of apologizing – AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, pulling the item from the shelf so no one gets sick – you make a fucking excuse – that it’s “Extra thick”? Get the fuck out of here. Mercardo is a HARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRD PASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS – And it closes for lunch – WTF?! So nowhere cheap or reasonable to eat between noon and 5 at Coronado springs. In fact, most of the restaurants were only open Thursday – Sunday and only after 5pm.

Alright since we’re already talking about food, let’s talk about Dining in Disney World theme parks. I made all my dining reservations 60 days in advance and was able to get reservations literally everywhere I wanted, no problem for a party of 2. But about half way through the trip I started canceling most of them because it was too hot, too much food, and took too much time away from riding or watching attractions. It’s also expensive – but I knew that and was fine with that.

Here’s the dining experiences we tried and what I liked or didn’t like about each one.

Be Our Guest – BOG – The food was pretty good – not great – but good – It’s prix fixe which means you can’t select sides separately from your entree. The service was FANTASTIC. I didn’t care for my first appetizer and they let me select a different one – so nice – one of our servers even had a french accent which was awesome and added to the atmosphere. We were sat right in the grand ballroom where the Beast walks through about every 15 minutes. He walks VERY fast and it’s VERY VERY dark – there are darker rooms than this even – the west wing was like PITCH BLACK – so grateful we didn’t get sat in there. My iphone 13 pro doesn’t like Low light fast moving photography – so most my pics of the beast are blurry or fuzzy at best. But still I got to see the Beast so I was happy about that. – Dessert was delicious – Try the grey stuff it’s delicious – don’t believe me? Ask the dishes! 🙂 The music and theming and everything was on point. It’s the only place in any Disney World theme park that you can see the beast. Therefore it’s a must do attraction – I will go back when Meet and Greets are back. I want a better pic with the Beast.

Cinderella’s Royal Table – If you do only one Park Meal – it should be this one – the food was OUTSTANDING – I had beef tenderloin and it was so delicious – better than the steak at BOG. It is the most highly sought after and most expensive dining option at Disney World. It is prepay to prevent you from no-showing and taking someone elses’ covetted spot. It’s like dinner and a show, similar almost to the knights of the round table show. The servers all roleplay and treat you like royalty – both in how they speak but also again in service. TOP NOTCH service. Cinderella comes and walks through and waves – and the lights and stars twinkle. We had a window seat and AMAZING view of all of the magic kingdom. – I bet the best time to go is at night for fireworks – but I was happy just to be able to get a reservation at all – so I don’t mind that it was just for lunch. It’s another Prix Fixe where you choose one appetizer, one entree (with non selectable sides), and one dessert. – EVERYTHING was delicious. Even the cocacola tastes better here than anywhere else – because of the chilled glasses I assume. Everything here is world class and worth the price. Worth it alone just to go into the romantic castle and be treated like royalty. Very romantic date. And you get a cheap but cute little wishing star and cheap but cute magic wand and sword. Amazing once in a lifetime experience. The castle was going to be Walt’s home, he was going to live in there. He passed away months before it was finished and never got to see his creations. That’s the sad truth. Because it WAS going to be a private home – the ONLY complaint I have, is that the bathroom is TINY!! 2 stalls only – and the line was long. lol.

Tusker House – All you can eat – large selection of expensive meats – and characters like Donald and Goofy and Mickey and Daisy. – They come FREQUENTLY and they STAND STILL and lighting is good – so pics turn out well!! Unlike at BOG lol. – BEST VALUE – all you can eat – and MOSTLY meats – Dessert was dry and hard – and unpleasant – really bad dessert. LOVE LOVE LOVE the characters and the Tusker family song!!!

Saana – We thought this was in Animal Kingdom Park – but it’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – WHOOPSIE – we did manage to realize our mistake and catch a bus over to the lodge – but I was trying REALLY hard to only eat in the park and not go to other resorts to maximize park time – so that’s my bad for not reading carefully – They gave us the WORST SEAT in a corner behind a SPIKED WALL FENCE – NO VIEW – NONE – NOTHING between TWO WALLS!!! I can’t even make this up!! I did tell them we came to see the animals and they did check to see if they could move us but they were full – so they felt bad and gave us a free dessert – which was nice. YOU HAVE TO DO THE BREAD SERVICE OMG IT’S AMAZING IT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD FANTASTIC FABULOUS TO DIE FOR BREAD AND DIPS. It’s $20 but it’s better than the actual food. We both did the butter chicken – it’s alright – typical Indian style chicken. Dessert was fabulous – some type of mousse cake thing.

Crystal Palace – They took away the character greetings of Winnie the Pooh and his friends – but yet they’re doing characters at other restaurants – so why??? – It’s a buffet – about equal to or lesser in amounts of offerings and tastes as sizzler or golden corral or ponderosa. Nothing spectacular. The flowers and plants are pretty. I really enjoyed dessert – apple pie alamode. Some type of strawberry cake, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, dessert heaven lol.

Planet Hollywood (at Disney Springs) – Sometimes you just want some good American style food – this is where you come – it’s expensive – but the most American mainstream bar type food you’ll find at Disney. I had a Plain Jane burger and my husband had ribs – both of us loved our meals. I sang and danced (in my seat) to YMCA (Village People) and Believe (by Journey). Great music, great food – happy here.

Boat House (at Disney Springs) – Expensive but worth it – great seafood – great 80s music – fun decor. We sat inside because it was 100 F outside – but outside has some amazing views.

Rix Sports Bar – Eh, hit or miss – tried some burgers, watchos, sandwiches, and the potstickers. Potstickers 11/10 – everything else, a solid 5.

Three Bridges – Better than Rix – my husband got lamb chops every time – I tried the Burger – MUCH MUCH MUCH better than RIX – and the Pork Tacos – not bad – but messy lol. OH and the wings are SO GOOD – the guacamole is good too – near the end they offered to give us more chips – I would have said yes but was full from other food. They gave us a free champagne toast for our honeymoon – I can’t drink due to Epilepsy medication – my husband drank them for us lol – Service was great at the bar – we sat at the bar all 3 times we went there.

Maya Grill – THEY HAVE THE BEST GUITAR PLAYER HERE – LIVE MUSIC!!! I THOUGHT IT WAS A SOUNDTRACK RADIO RECORDING BEFORE I WALKED IN. COULDN’T BELIEVE IT WAS A LIVE PERFORMANCE. HE WAS THAT GOOD! Mix of Disney and Classic Rock songs. SUPER TALENTED. We wanted to eat here more but it’s only open Thursday – Sunday 5pm-11pm – and the Guitar guy leaves around 8pm. The food itself – was well meh – acceptable I think. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. I tried a few different things. My favorite was probably the chicken fajitas – but they are no competition or comparison for Chili’s chicken fajitas – my fave!

I couldn’t find dolewhips anywhere. Eat a lot of Mickeybars – well mostly just the ears – my husband likes to share food and would pout until I took a bite of his mickey bar lol. Popcorn was average – my theater has better popcorn. Husband enjoyed his turkey leg. We did try some Joffreys drinks and donuts – donuts are good – drinks are soso.

Ok so that covers food… Let’s move onto the parks…

Magic Kingdom – Boo bash is worth the money. My favorite thing we did. I would do any and all after hours events if I go back in the future. Most rides become walk on, where as in the day they are 75-90 minute waits. Rare characters sighted – lots of villains for this one – if that’s your thing. Free soda, popcorn, candy – nice. But do it for the rides. 🙂 No wait – except jungle cruise – which I hated. lol. And maybe I’m a Disney villain for saying this – but one of the BEST parts was hearing people getting thrown out of the park when Boo Bash began – people turned away from rides while I walked right in – complaining “but they told me the park was open til 9” – who are these “They” that you speak of? You can see park hours right on the My Disney Experience App and on Boo Bash nights the park closes at 8 – and Boo Bash begins at 7 lol. I delighted in their misfortune… because it made the lines shorter – and honestly hyped and pumped me up that I could do stuff other people wanted to do but couldn’t. More exclusive = more exciting – but maybe it’s just me. I smiled and tried not to laugh, but was laughing on the inside as I heard family after family arguing with cast members trying to get on rides lol.

Rides I loved: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, 7 Dwarf Mine Train, Pirates of The Caribbean, People Mover, Buzz Lightyear, It’s a Small World, Dumbo, Peter Pan (kinda just MEH but it was walk on, I wouldn’t wait for this one probably)…

Only ride I really hated was Jungle Cruise. I waited 30 minutes even at boo bash – and it’s NOT WORTH IT – In the daytime it’s a 75 minute to 90 minute wait – it’s by far the worst ride at Disney World – no idea why people wait that long.

Magic Kingdom is by far the best park – most Photopass opportunities, most parades or calvacades, most rides, most food, most everything.

Moving on to Epcot next

Epcot killed my feet more than any other park I dunno why – I walked the entire park from Mexico back to Italy from one end of the circle to another. The WHOLE THING – Food and wine festival is going on – I don’t drink as mentioned – I tried some food from the stands – just sorta so-so. My husband wouldn’t even try the food – I feel like he lived off of a pretzel and mickey bars that day. He’s a picky eater and doesn’t like anything spicy. The waits at restaurants are long. – Oh I got to ride Rattatouie on I think it’s opening day if the girl in line behind my was correct (I heard her say it just opened that day). I didn’t wake up for the 7AM virtual queue – but just refreshed at 1 pm and got a boarding group no prob. The ride is cute. I enjoyed it even though never saw the movie. I also enjoyed the 3 Cabelleros or whatever it is called – Of course I lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvved Japan – and also enjoyed China – the architecture – GREAT PHOTO PASS PHOTOS. Paris and Greece – everything really – so many photo opportunities and amazing architecture – Oh yeah the ride when you first come in – the journey through time thing – it is really neat – I enjoyed it a lot I forgot what it’s called – and it takes a cute ride photo at the end too and puts you out in a futuristic lobby with interactive exhibits and games

We skipped Hollywood Studios – I had a day scheduled for it – but my husband’s luggage broke so we went to Disney Springs instead. I kept saying we’ll go in the evening to Hollywood – but the line for ROR was always 90-120 minutes – so we never went. I like Star Wars – but not a huge fan. I saw ONE of the “new” movies with the girl Jedi – and the “throwback” where everyone dies at the end – but not the ones after that – with the girl Jedi finishing out her trilogy. I saw the original and then the 90s trilogies and enjoyed them – but not like an obsessive fan – if it was sailor moon or some anime – heck yeah I’d be an obsessed fan and “make my own moon rod” (instead of light saber) and wait 3 hours for one ride lol. I know Universal Japan had a Sailor Moon ride at one time :). I do want to ride ROR someday – but it didn’t happen this trip – and that’s OK. Other than Rise of the Resistance the only other things I wanted to ride there are Slinky Dog Dash and Mickey’s Runaway Mine Train (which I assume to be similar to 7 dwarfs minetrain, just rethemed).

Animal Kingdom was awesome. – I didn’t see (m)any animals – but Flight of Passage was one of my favorite rides – and the Rapids type ride – I can’t recall the name. Here in Pittsburgh at Kenny Wood we call it the Raging Rapids – it’s basically the same thing – round boat spins goes down some hills – under waterfalls – you get slightly wet to soaked depending on chance/luck/fate lol. People shoot waterguns at you from above – yeah we have that here at home – but its a great way to cool off on a hot day! The other avatar ride was good too – you know, I don’t even remember Avatar being a disney movie. – I did not like Dinosaur – it made me EXTREMELY motion sick – I was so dizzy I splashed water in my face at the fountain when you get off the ride. All it is is a little bumpy jeep ride – nothing scary but I got SUPER dizzy – I felt I was gonna fall after I got off for at least 15 minutes. – Expedition Everest on the other hand I ADORED!!! I LOVED IT – it was scary but thrilling – and smooth and not too rough – MUCH more enjoyable AND more scary than dinosaur. My husband didn’t ride it – he’s scared of coasters – so he didn’t ride that or space mountain or thunder mountain etc – when those are personally my favorite rides so I rode them myself bwahaha. 🙂 Also – Lion King hands down the best show we saw at Disney World. Music, dancing, acting, top notch. – We also watched Kite Tails twice. We got part of it walking by, then my husband wanted to go sit and watch it from the stands. First time we saw Lion King kites, second time Jungle Book kites – both times it was good. – As much as I loved Animal Kingdom – Everything here is a one and done for me – except maybe flight of passage – but I would skip animal Kingdom all together – I had 2 AK days – I would trade those for 2 more MK days – or possibly 2 universal days. Been there, done that, seen that, the animals exhibit disappointed, we have better zoos here at home. We did watch the bird show and got some great pics. I was scared a bird would poo on me, but thankfully it didn’t LOL. A cast member saw we were celebrating our honey moon and showed us the best place to stand, they go right over head and fly super low. Anyways I loved animal kingdom. I encourage you to spend 1 or even 2 days there if you’ve never been there – but once you’ve seen it once – I think it’s a one and done.

Waterparks – Didn’t do them this time – swam at my hotel 3 times during my eight day trip. I like wave pools and lazy rivers. I’m scared of most water slides – used to love them when I was young – not so much now. Last time I tried to ride one about 5 or 6 years ago, I chickened out half way up the stairs, and I was on a date with someone – I told them to go without me, but yeah felt bad that I chickened out LOL. embarrassing when you’re on a date. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten scared of heights I guess – roller coasters don’t bother me because you’re belted in – but a waterslide nothing restraining you but your own body weight and motion… no thanks.

So to sum it up:

We did 3 Magic Kingdom Days – and still wish we had more time to do everything there

We did one day at Epcot – and feel like we saw everything.

Didn’t make it to Hollywood – but feel it’s a one dayer at best.

2 Animal Kingdom Days – loved it – but won’t go back – because I don’t think it’s refreshed or updated often enough to take time away from Magic Kingdom or Universal or just a rest day. Better zoos here at home.

If I go back I would do:

3-5 Magic Kingdom Days – 3 MK and 2 Universal OR 5 all at MK

1 Epcot day

MAYBE 1 Hollywood Day if wait time for ROR becomes reasonable (under 60 minutes).

1 Disney Springs day

Those last 2, Hollywood and Springs could be rest days or Universal days

We enjoyed Disney Springs – lots of food and shopping – we didn’t shop much at all. But window shopping is fun – and lots of fun things to take pics of – we went early in the day – so no concerts or anything cool going on, but that’s OK. Best food was here probably.

Overall we adored our trip. – Already wanting to go back next year. Looking ahead that far out in advance, costs are much lower. We will go in December to 1.) avoid heat and because 2.) my husband is a teacher so he’s off that week between Christmas and New Years – I dunno if it’ll be 2022 or maybe not til 2023 or 2025 but we’ll definitely go back. Husband is not a planner and was getting stressed when I was trying to show him prices and ideas and plan things (while we were having dinner while still at Disney) – I told him I was just looking but he was getting iritated with me so I have to just keep my planning to myself for now. :).

Now I will go rest and try to recover from a very busy but fabulous Disney Vacation.

Closing thoughts: Photopass is definitely worth it – especially if you are an adult couple, 2 people – how else will you get pics together? There’s millions of photopass people everywhere – and special ones for holidays and after hours events too – don’t miss this.

I took some videos too which are on my facebook and instagram if you’re interested!

Have you been to Disney World recently, or planning to go soon? Tell me about your trip :).

Disney World 50th Anniversary Post Trip Review October 2021 was originally published on Geeky Sweetie

My Disney World October 2 – October 9, 2021 Upcoming Travel Planning Trip Itinerary – As COVID and Delta Variants Rage Across Florida

Many of you may know that I am getting married in about 3 weeks. And that for my honeymoon – since I can’t go to Japan because the borders are still closed – I plan to travel to Walt Disney World. Right now the trip is scheduled to occur October 2nd through October 9th of 2021. I wanted to wait until their 50th anniversary – and also until it was not so hot and humid.

The only other time I’ve been to Walt Disney World was for the 25th anniversary which, I’m 40 now, so that was 25 years ago when I was 15 – or possibly 16 – because their celebrations last a year+. I remember it being a sweet 16 present from my grandma (nana). But I can’t remember if I had turned 16 just yet or if it was before that. Anyways, needless to say, a LOT has changed since the last time I visited Walt Disney World.

For starters, some of the rides and attractions have been removed and/or refaced to make room for more modern Disney Movies. Such as Honey I Shrunk the Kids is now where Toy Story Land is I believe. Also you can no longer watch the animators actually drawing the cartoons at Disney World. I remember watching them animate Pochahontas when I was there 25 years ago, with like a backstage tour thing.

While not being able to see the animators working on the latest Disney projects is a bit of a let down to me, there’s a flip side to this as well. That area in Hollywood Studios has been filled with the new Star Wars attractions. The most popular ride right now in Disney World is Rise of The Resistance – which is more than a ride – it’s a fully immersive interactive experience.

Another thing that’s changed is that to get onto this ride, you have to use an app on your phone. They literally don’t let you just line up and wait in line outside because the ride is so popular and lines are so long. The app allows you to try twice a day (as long as you have Hollywood Studio Park reservations for that day (we’ll get to the park reservations in a moment)). At 7AM and 1PM, and it’s completely filled in under 2 seconds. This isn’t a cutesy form of expressive writing, this is an actual fact. If you don’t have the phone app ready, or if you take time to try to read anything on the screen, you’re screwed. Also don’t try it on Wifi, use your cellular data. Disney Wifi is overloaded and too slow. Even then, May the force be with you – because it is not an easy task to try to get on this ride!!!

I’m not the hugest Star Wars Fan – The last film I saw was the one set before the newer films, probably released about 10-15 years ago, where everyone died at the end. I can’t remember the title. It came out after the first film in the newest trilogy (with the female heroine) – After that, I did not see the concluding 2 films in the triology with the female heroine and black storm trooper. I will probably at some point watch them on Disney+ but not in any hurry to watch them.

I don’t DISLIKE Star Wars or anything, I’m just not a super duper mega Star Wars fan. – Now if it was Sailor Moon – that’s another story LOL :).

Even still, despite my somewhat limited knowledge of Star Wars, I still want to ride Rise of the Resistance because it’s supposed to be an amazing experience, more immersive and interactive than any other themepark ride in the world. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know because I have yet to experience it for myself.

I will be staying at Coronado Springs. When I booked my trip back in June, it was the cheapest resort available. All of the budget resorts – Pop, Art of Animation, etc, were all booked up. The next resort – Animal Kingdom Lodge was several thousand dollars more. And I’m already spending around $4,000. More once you factor in airfaire, food, souvenirs, travel essentials, etc. Probably coming out around $5,000.

When I had my trip to Japan booked prior to Covid – it only cost me between $4,000-$5,000 again not counting food, entertainment, experiences, and souvenirs (or in my case Dollfie Dream shopping LOL). It’s pretty ridiculous I can travel literally to the other side of the world – OH and stay longer too – I had 14 days booked there – for the same price it is costing me to go to Disney World…. Crazy.

That’s why Disney World is a once in a lifetime trip for most average American families. For me, this will be my second time, but first – and possibly only – time paying for it myself as an adult.

I am 40 and getting married in days now – and we have talked about having, or adopting, children in the next year or two. Add to that that kids over 9 are charged as adults – and well Disney can get expensive QUICK. I’m glad it’s just us two this time. And food also at Disney World is expensive. I paid $154 for Cinderella’s Table – Prepayment is required. That’s for 2 people. That’s like $80 a person (or adult).

I do have memory maker added to this trip – although I’m not even sure if it’s worth it now with fricken masks being mandated again. Memory Maker lets you meet designated photographers at each park and pose for professional photos which are downloaded to the Disney App. I do have park hopper – but I’ll get to that in a moment when I cover park reservations later.

The Disney App sure is used for a lot of things! 25 years ago when I last traveled to Walt Disney World, Cellphones weren’t even a readily available thing. The first cellphone came out in the 1960s or 70s – but for most Americans we didn’t have cellphones until early 2k. I still remember my first cellphone was an LG Chocolate candybar style phone (with fold out keyboard) – shortly after that the first ever android phone came out (also with a fold out keyboard). I had the first 2 android phones – and a few androids after that. My first Iphone was Iphone 6S. I left 6S for Google Pixel (2 or 3 can’t remember). My camera started getting hacked and I traded it in for Iphone 11 – I feel safer on Iphone because they heavily screen and vet the app store there – Anyways Iphone11 had some serious problems and I had it less than 2 years. Now I have Iphone12 Pro. I don’t know if I will get Iphone13. I’m more interested in the newly leaked Iphone(14 presumably) that’s a clamshell design fliphone in “fun colors” The leaked image shows a purple flip phone.

Sorry I love phones and technology so much that I get carried away. Anyways back to Disney. The Disney World App is where you’ll find your tickets, reservations, support, maps of Disney. You can even use it to unlock your hotel room door. And you’ll need the app as mentioned for rides like Rise of The Resistance.

There are Disney Magic Bands – they’re no longer free though – and the colors and designs and choices are very limited now (at least online back in June when I purchased mine.) I went with the black with the castle and fireworks thinking it’ll match any outfit. Later though when I saw my fiance’s Toy Story one i wish I had picked that one too because Tiffany Blue is one of my favorite colors.

There were no Disney Magic Bands 25 years ago when I was there either. But Disney World is already getting rid of those wanting everyone to download and use the Disney World app. This has a few problems. 1.) Wifi at Disney World sucks (for me, no problem I have unlimited uncapped unslowed unmetered data.) – but for other people 2.) This causes you to use Cellphone Data which might incur some expenses if you don’t have unlimited Data. 3.) Your phone’s battery is going to drain quickly – Yes, there are plenty of charging stations I’ve read in the parks and hotels – but you’ll probably want to pack a few extra charging banks just in case because society has changed so much! You’re going to be taking millions of pictures and videos on your phone so of course, you want to make sure it’s charged up.

There also was no Pandemic and no (stupid) Face Mask mandates 25 years ago. I say it’s stupid because why should I protect people who won’t protect themselves. It angers me greatly. I have to wear this stupid mask just because people won’t get the vaccine. Now before you choose to write a nasty comment here – I do understand there are people with a valid medical reason why not to get the vaccine – and my comment is not directed towards these people. I also do understand that children under 12 years of age cannot yet receive the vaccine – again my comment is not towards them either.

However, on the flip side – it kinda is… At least this next part – This comment is to those above who have a reason why not to be vaccinated – Maybe don’t go to somewhere like Disney World in a Global Pandemic? Just Sayin…. I mean it’s your choice… but I wouldn’t go to Florida – or especially Orange County (where Disney World is) – Or somewhere like Disney where it’s literally shoulder to shoulder people – in a Pandemic – without a vaccine.

Now yes, I am very intelligent, and I do understand the risk I am taking even WITH the vaccine. I am well aware that there is a strong possibility I can still catch COVID… But with the vaccine in almost EVERY case, once you’re vaccinated, if you should happen to catch COVID, it is just a cold or flu at worst. At best, you won’t even KNOW you have COVID – 99% of people who get the vaccine will be asymptomatic – they will have ZERO symptoms – Now, that might be scary if you live with someone or work with someone who cannot be vaccinated – because yes, you could spread COVID to those people – or even to other vaccinated people – but again those people would have no – to very minor – symptoms. Now yes, very tragically and sadly there have been cases of people with the vaccine who have died or been on life support in intensive care. BUT those cases are SO RARE. The media has hyped up these “breakthrough” cases to the point of panic levels – over something we should not be panicked about!! Did you know people can still catch the black plague and polio and other deadly diseases?! It’s TRUE! We have vaccines so you don’t hear about it as often – but people STILL get it, and STILL die – it’s sad, it’s true, it’s a fact – and well it’s life. We live and we die.

It should be every individual’s choice whether or not to get a vaccine AND ALSO every individual’s choice whether or not to wear a mask.

I do not mind at all wearing a mask on a plane, monorail, inside a restaurant, a movie theater, etc. But Disney has it OVER THE TOP EXTREME – you have to wear them literally everywhere – even when outdoors!!! Not just on/in rides and attractions or on/in transportation or inside restaurants – but literally EVERYWHERE – except for “common areas” which are roads, sidewalks, and pathways – so yeah – EVERYwhere… Waiting in Queues that can be over 2 hours long – YUP – and they’re REAL strict about it too – YOU CAN GET BANNED FOR LIFE FROM DISNEY WORLD FOR REMOVING YOUR MASK – It’s TRUE – Look it up. They don’t even want you to lower it to take a drink of water – Which frankly, seems dangerous!!!!! It’s triple digit heat and 100% humidity right now in Florida – plus everyone’s body heat – PLUS a face mask – People are passing out and collapsing from dehydration and heat exhaust even prior to the mask mandate – and now THIS?!

I SERIOUSLY thought about canceling or at least postponing my Disney World trip due to the newly reissued mask mandate…. But, after a day or two of thinking about it… I decided – let’s just go. Let’s go and have our honeymoon. Our Disneymoon. Mask and all. Pandemic and all. Heat and Humidity and all. Let’s do it. Why? Because it’s too hard to plan around an unpredictable pandemic and unpredictable mandates that may arise as a result of the pandemic (such as the mask mandate). I could fly out one day and no masks required, and that same day, or the next, CDC comes on and advises everyone to wear masks again, for a 3rd time, and Disney World announces its mask mandates again.

I only have 18 months to experience the 50th anniversary. I was there for the 25th. And it is my honeymoon (although delayed by a few weeks, sure.) – And I want to be there on the 50th. I couldn’t go the first day it started – but the celebration lasts for 18 months. But you know what else will probably last for 18 months (or more?) This pandemic.

So as much as I hate masks, and hate that I’m being forced to protect people who “are the problem” by not protecting themselves – as much as I hate that I’ll be masked in all my photos and not even know who I am, behind my long curly bangs and my mask that goes up almost over my eyes at times – and Sunglasses at Disney too. Or a sunhat to prevent sunburn – I’ll look like a little bank robber – LOL. And as much as I hate that I’ll be hot, humid, thirsty, and miserable in a wet sweaty awful hot face mask – Well…. Even as much as I HATE ALL OF THAT….. I Love Disney MORE. I love Disney World enough to say fuck it. Throw caution into the wind. Risk my life and health in a pandemic. Put up with my physical and mental and psychological discomfort by wearing a mask 24/7 for 8 days… Yeah – THAT’s how much I love Disney World…..

Another thing that’s changed thanks to this pandemic is character dining experiences – MOST of them are closed. Only 3 or 4 are open – and like half of those are at other hotel resorts that I’m not staying at – and don’t want to take Park Time away to go eat at. BUT there are 2 or 3 character dining experiences still open – but VERY modified – In one, the characters sail past you on a boat. In the others, the characters briefly walk by your table, at a 6 foot distance. No hugs or posing for cute pictures – You might get lucky and get the character to pause briefly enough to snap a pic – but from what I have read – they don’t stop long at tables without children – which SUCKS FOR ME – because the character dining – HONESTLY – is my FAVORITE thing about Disney World – I still remember the character breakfast I went to 25 years ago. It was an Aladdin themed one back then. It was awesome. The cast member playing Aladdin was pretty handsome. lol and the big blue Genie was sooo big and fluffy looking. And the girl playing Jasmine was amazingly beautiful. It was a great experience with lots of wonderful pictures and memories.

Of course, not everything is bad. A lot of POSITIVE changes have happened at Disney World in the past 25 years. New themeparks have been added – There was no Animal Kingdom 25 years ago – And I love going to all of my local zoos and love animals so that’s a HUGE plus for me – I have 2 days booked there – although most people only do a half day.

New hotels and resorts have been added. I’m staying at Coronado Springs – some people hate it – because it’s not over the top Disney – and it’s huge – and it’s used by convention and business people – but I think I will like it – Like I said, I picked it because 2-3 months ago it was the cheapest one I could book. I read some really BAD reviews at first – but afterwards, started watching tours of it on Youtube – from within this past year – and honestly, I like it.

My fiance – who will be my husband by then – is from Lima Peru – and the Spanish influences of this hotel seem perfect for us celebrating our honeymoon. I did get to go to Peru with him a few years ago and it’s an amazing country – especially the food LOL.

Plus just yesterday, I found out the 3 quiet pools (not the dig site) are open 24/7 (as long as you are quiet). – This is perfect. I LOVE swimming – SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much – seriously, Kalahari (a nearby indoor waterpark) is probably my favorite place on earth – yes probably even more than Disney World – but it’s not as exciting/inviting as Disney World, because it’s close to home and I go once a year. I have ridden every slide at least once – but I hate them. I chickened out last time I attempted to do a waterslide – which was embarrassing because I was on a date (before I met my now fiance years ago) – and I turned around halfway up the stairs and came back down. I’m like you go have fun, I’ll wait here LOL. – So why do I STILL go to Kalahari every year? Adults only hottub, indoor/outdoor hottubs, lazy river, wave pools, huge arcade too, minigolf, restaurants, african theme with animal statues, and so on…. Man now I want to go to Kalahari lol – I will have to plan a trip for that soon :). There’s another indoor waterpark near me too called Splash Lagoon – but Kalahari is better. Much better. I do need to eventually take my fiance to Splash Lagoon though because I have literally taken almost every other person I’ve ever dated (which well hasn’t been many) since it opened. But I prefer Kalahari.

Anyways back to Disney – another thing different right now is one of the waterparks is closed down. I don’t know / don’t think we will do the other currently open waterpark – like I said I have Kalahari here close by home – and I found out the 3 quiet pools at Coronado Springs are 24/7. So not much need to take time away from one of the main parks to go to the Water Park.

I did purchase Park Hopper + with the ability to go to the Water Parks – for that reason – thinking I might want to go to one. Plus we DID Park Hop 25 years ago, we’d leave go back to our hotel at the hottest parts of the day, and then venture back out (sometimes to another park) in the afternoon. I like that option.

But Park Hopper has changed a lot and may not be worth it now. I still decided to buy Park Hopper. But here’s some reasons you might want to pass this time:

• Park reservations are required now. Disney World is operating at limited capacity due to COVID. You must secure a Park Reservation prior to your arrival. You can’t just go up to the gates and get in. That’s why I’m not traveling until October 2nd. October 1st at Magic Kingdom was COMPLETELY booked. I want my first day and first thing I see to be that castle! That just sets the whole Disney theme state of mind.
• Because Park reservations are required and park capacity is being checked daily – you might not be able to park hop to the park you want to go to. If it’s full you’ll have to go somewhere else. I also wonder what happens if you leave to park hop and they’re all full – can you go back to the original park you had reservations at – or will it then be full too?
• You might spend time on buses or monorails or walking or driving or ubering trying to get from one park to another that could be better spent just enjoying the one park you were already at.
• You have to enter your main park – the one you have reservations in – first. You can’t switch on the fly or skip that park completely.
• You have to enter that main park before 2PM – otherwise you forfeit your reservations and park hoppers. Not nice for sleeping in, lounging by the pool, expoloring other things like Disney Springs, etc.
• With all these restrictions, and with one of the water parks closed, Park Hopper is probably not really worth it.

The Disney App is also used to book all of your dining reservations. You used to be able to book 120 days in advance, but because of COVID again, it’s now 60 days in advance. Yesterday was my turn to book. I was able to get reservations at every restaurant I wanted.

I guess now’s a good time to share my actual Itinerary (as per the title of this blog post) so you can see what I chose.

Saturday, October 2
Flight Leaves Pittsburgh: 7:50AM
Flight Arrives Orlando: 10:00 AM

Take Magic Express Bus. By the way, this bus is free right now – but they’re doing away with this bus after January 1st – which was another reason I didn’t want to postpone my trip, I don’t want to have to rent a car or drive. Anyways take the Magic Express Bus from Airport to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Leave luggage at concierge – They will text us later when room is ready. Head to Magic Kingdom – Hopefully arrive by 11AM-12PM. Have to arrive by 2PM to guarantee our reservations there.

Magic Kingdom Park Reservations
Park Hours:9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

This is the most Iconic part of Disney World with the castle and majority of the most popular rides and attractions.

Dining Reservation:
3:05 PM
Be Our Guest Dinner Prix Fixe – The only place in Disney World where you can see someone dressed up like The Beast from Beauty and the Beast (because in the story, he’s never allowed to leave his cursed castle)

I don’t know if we will stay to watch Fireworks or not this first night – I have 2 other Magic Kingdom nights to watch them – We will be tired from flying – and I want to make sure we get our luggage and find our room and don’t have problems. Might return to hotel after dinner – if our room is ready by then. – If it’s still early – and not too tired, might explore hotel and go swimming back at the hotel.

Sunday, October 3
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Reservations
Park Hours:8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Dining Reservation:
12:35 PM
Sanaa Lunch – Here we can watch safari animals – real ones – not robots – while we eat – pretty cool.

After lunch we will Walk and Ride around looking at animals all day until…

Dining Reservation:
6:20 PM
Tusker House Dinner – Character dining experience with Donald Duck (and friends)

Animal Kingdom closes super early (7pm) (They do allow you to stay to finish dinner and buses keep running for awhile after) – So after dinner we will head back to hotel and swim and explore our resort for at least 2-3 hours (I don’t imagine we’ll sleep before 10PM).

Monday, October 4
Epcot
Park Hours:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The food and wine festival is going on – so you don’t really need reservations anywhere (It’s not free, but it’s walk up quick service bitesize food EVERYWHERE in Epcot) – but I made one for the character dining restaurant with Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers

Reservation:
5:15 PM
Garden Grill Dinner

When I was young, I didn’t like Epcot very much – but that was 25 years ago. I do know they sell hello kitty stuff in one of the stores there someone told me. And I do think it’ll be fun to get photos with the mini eiffel tower and Japanese shrines/gardens and whatever else.

Tuesday, October 5
Magic Kingdom Park
Park Hours:9:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Reservation:
11:15 AM
Cinderella’s Royal Table Lunch – You get to go INSIDE Cinderella’s castle – I am not happy about the time – so early that we won’t be very hungry – but it was all I could do – everything else was booked. I’m happy just to get to go – it’s the ONLY way you get to see INSIDE the castle – It normally is also a character dining location – but it is not right now due to Covid – that might change before October – but with Florida’s numbers these past weeks – that’s not looking too likely. Normally all of the Disney Princesses are inside and take photos with you. I hope that returns – but if not – still cool to see inside the castle. It is the busiest most requested restaurant at Disney World – and it is Prepay – It cost me $154 for 2 people – you pay admission price and then order whatever you want to eat – from what I understand.

That’s all I booked at Magic Kingdom this day – I rather spend time riding rides and watching shows and attractions. The park is closing early because of Boo Bash – I have Boo Bash tickets but not on this night. I don’t know if they will have a nightly firework show because they are closing early. I don’t want to be on a rigid schedule, so we will check out Magic Kingdom for as long as we both want, and then can park hop and/or go back to the resort and/or Disney Springs (100 shopping and dining experiences).

Wednesday, October 6
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Park Hours:9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Hopefully get into the boarding groups for either morning or afternoon Rise of Resistance – It’s the most popular ride at Disney World – it fills up in seconds – they don’t let you stand in line outside. You use an app on your phone at 7:00AM or 1:00 PM to reserve a spot – and they text you when your group is boarding the ride. It’s an interactive “experience” similar (I guess?) to Universal Studios (I have never been to Universal and sadly can’t afford to do both on this trip). I’m not the hugest star wars fan – the last one I saw was the “flash back” one where everyone died at the end. But just the experience of the ride – it’s supposed to be amazing.

Reservation:
1:40 PM
Sci-Fi Lunch – It’s a drive in movie theater restaurant – You don’t actually have to drive – the tables are made to look like cars – as a movie plays on a big screen outside.

Reservation:
6:50 PM
Hollywood & Vine Minnie’s Seasonal Dine Dinner – It’s a character dining restaurant (people in costumes for photos)

Between those 2 times – just check out the park. When I was there 25 years ago, you got to go on tours and watch the animators drawing the cartoons, but I heard they don’t do that anymore. So not sure what else is here – besides Star Wars.

Thursday, October 7
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Park Hours:8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Reservation:
1:30 PM
Rainforest Cafe Lunch – AK – Their food is not that tasty and also it’s expensive – but it’s a fun restaurant – animatronic robot animals inside

Reservation:
6:00 PM
Yak & Yeti Restaurant Dinner – I don’t know – don’t think – you can see animals from here – it looks like it’s an asian infusion restaurant – I was sold when I saw the desserts – mango cheesecake – yes please lol.

Friday, October 8
Magic Kingdom Park
Park Hours:9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Ticketed Event:9:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Boo Bash – I have tickets for this night)

It’s our last full day at Disney – and I spent like $150 a person for Boo Bash tickets – So I want us to stay until midnight this one time – If he gets tired any other night, I’d be like OK we can go back – but just this one day, I want to stay the whole time and watch all the fireworks – and ride all the rides – after 8:30PM the lines are basically walk on for the rides – because it’s a limited ticket event – so it’ll go from millions of people in the park, to a few thousand people in the park lol. Plus they’re giving free unlimited candy (and other foods and drinks) with price of admission – and you can wear a costume (after 9PM). (I don’t know if I will wear a costume – I love costumes – but it’s so hot in florida lol.)

Reservation:
5:35 PM
The Crystal Palace Dinner – This used to be a character dining experience with Winnie the Pooh – but now it’s just a very beautiful restaurant – The characters might come back by October though who knows – It’s an indoor greenhouse (and yeah probably pretty hot and miserable – and yeah, technically we have restaurants like that here – like Phipps Conservatory – but I dunno I thought it was pretty – and I’m hoping Pooh and Tigger and Piglet come back before October lol.

Saturday, October 9
Epcot
Park Hours:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Check out before:
11:00 AM
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Boo – Very sad we will be flying home this day!!
Our flight is scheduled to leave Orlando at 7:35 PM – But with TSA you have to be 2 hours early – so we need to be at the airport at 5:30PM – Need to catch a ride via Magic Express probably no later than 4:00PM to be safe – Prior to that, we can check out Epcot again if we want – that’s where I made the park reservations – or spend time at our hotel resort – we have to be out of the room by 11AM though – or go check out Disney Springs (100 restaurants and shopping malls). I purposely didnt make any dining reservations or special plans this day because I know we will be tired, stressed, and rushed to get through the airport.

We are scheduled to land back in Pittsburgh at 9:50PM – By time we get home it’ll be 11:00PM or later probably. We are going to be exhausted.

But very worth it – It’s going to be an awesome time!

Now I just hope Florida gets their act together – or else Disney World might close down again 🙁

Fingers Crossed — I’m excited now – despite being very against the idea of wearing masks at Disney World – but whatever – still going and having a great time!

There were other places I would have liked to dine at like California Grill, Toppolino’s, and Chef Mickey, but they’re at hotel resorts – and not the one I’m staying at – which would leave me switching busses trying to get to the hotel – and on a tight time schedule – and taking time away from time that could be spent inside the parks.

I’m very excited about my upcoming trip. By the way, if you haven’t already read my post, and if you’re a woman with a wide foot like me, check out my post about Best Women’s Wide Width Shoes For Walking At Walt Disney World – I’ve tried probably 30 pairs by now – and have finally found 3 or 4 I like.

My Disney World October 2 – October 9, 2021 Upcoming Travel Planning Trip Itinerary – As COVID and Delta Variants Rage Across Florida was originally published on

Best Women’s Wide Width Shoes For Walking All Day At Walt Disney World

I’m going to Disney World in October 2021. I am still trying to find that perfect pair of shoes. I have a very very wide flat foot and constant feet/leg/knee pain. I’ve asked around and purchased some shoes based on recommendations from others online. But even some of those recommendations didn’t work out for me. Here’s what’s worked, and what has been returned so far.

Updated 8/01/2021 (newest updates near top):

Easy Spirit Tabata Sandals

I’m so excited to tell you about these shoes. These are my favorite favorite pair from this whole list so far!!

The item I purchased was:

Easy Spirit
Tabata 7 Denim 8.5 WW (EE)
ASIN: B08TVN1NG4

Easy Spirit Tabata 7 | Zappos.com

Tabata 7 by Easy Spirit at Zappos.com. Read Easy Spirit Tabata 7 product reviews, or select the size, width, and color of your choice.

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Pros:

• THE MOST COMFORTABLE LIGHTEST WEIGHT SHOE I HAVE EVER OWNED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!
• Comes In Double Wide
• Adjustable Velcro Straps
• THEY FIT!!!!
• I wasn’t crazy about the color/style – but other people like them, I get a lot of compliments!
• SO comfortable – I can’t stress this enough – they’re AMAZING
• Zappos Return Policy is very generous. I ordered some other shoes which I’ll share below which had to be sent back. Easy peasy. They have a 365 day return policy incase you feel lazy – but the sooner you return – the sooner you get refunded.
• These ones definitely aren’t being returned though. I am in love with these shoes!

Cons:

• Literally only comes in this one color
• There have been many other releases of Tabata by Easy Spirit but this “version 7” is the newest release. I am going to order some of the older versions – in hopes they are the same shoe – just different colors. For example Tabata 2 comes in like 10 colors lol.

Final Verdict: It’s a keeper and it is going to Disney World – FOR SURE – best shoes ever. I’m going to order more.

SAS Embark Sandals

I loved these and almost wanted to keep them, but the ankle strap…. dug into me a bit. Not for us ladies with CANKLES. (fat women who have no definition between calf and ankle lol).

The item I ordered was:

SAS
Embark Nero 8.5 WW – Double Wide (D)
ASIN: B07XG7S25L

SAS Embark | Zappos.com

Embark by SAS at Zappos.com. Read SAS Embark product reviews, or select the size, width, and color of your choice.

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Pros:

• Awesome Footbed – Footbed is wide and very cushioned. Felt nice and luxorious.
• Loved the black with tiny silver sparkle accents – SO pretty – feminine – even SEXY – which is so hard to find in a DOUBLE WIDE women’s shoe.
• I liked these – I really liked these – except…. (see the Cons)

Cons:

• It had a hard – VERY thick ankle strap – and yes, all the straps are velcro – BUT I have Cankles. I am extra Cankley. No lie. And my fat folds around my ankle and my fat folded right over this ankle strap.
• I walked around the house 10-15 minutes and decided that this ankle strap was going to eventually hurt me.
• It was SO HARD and THICK and just UNFORGIVING as heck.
• The ankle strap was too thick and went up too high onto my leg. It was the only flaw – but a critical one for me.
• Also if price is a factor for you – these are almost $200 – but they are VERY attractive shoes – and if you don’t have fat ankles like me – these are very comfy shoes.

Final Verdict: Returned.

Trotters Tiki

These were quite similar to my Vionics ordered before – shared below.

The item I ordered was:

Trotters
Womens Tiki Black Nubuck Leather 8.5 WW (EE)
ASIN: B08P9GS9YL

Trotters Tiki | Zappos.com

Tiki by Trotters at Zappos.com. Read Trotters Tiki product reviews, or select the size, width, and color of your choice.

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Pros:

• Double wide
• All velcro
• Adjustable
• Fit pretty well
• Lightweight
• Soft
• Pretty comfy

Cons:

• The piece in the middle was leaving a little imprint or mark on the top of my foot, so I just removed it, because it just slid across the straps, not sewn on or anything. They look a little weird without it lol. But otherwise, now they fit and feel much better.

Final Verdict: I kept these – They might go to Disney if I don’t find something better. Right now I have 2 or 3 pairs I like better – but these might be a “just in case”.

Skechers Go Walk Arch Support Slides

I bought these from a store called Hitchcock’s – If you send them your measurements – which I did not – they can adjust and size shoes to fit you. And every shoe on their website is wide. The selection – especially for women isn’t great. But these shoes turned out pretty OK – They are coming to Disney World with me.

The Item I purchased was:

GoWalk Grey Arch Fit Slide

Amazingly lightweight, Skechers’ “GOwalk Arch Fit” slide sandal has stretchable padded Lycra ® straps with adjustable glitter buckles, a luxurious molded, high-rebound Arch Fit footbed and a flexible, dual-density Ultra Go TM cushion outsole. Women’s whole sizes 5 to 12 in an extra wide width that fits 2E.

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Pros:

• They –mostly– fit there are a FEW issues – see cons below
• Very lightweight and comfortable
• They are bouncy soft like moon shoes – whee.
• They look pretty – I received compliments – people saying they loved my shoes
• They do stretch some over-time which solves the cons – kinda.
• Just slip on and off

Cons:

• They are a LITTLE snug in the width department – just a little. I can’t adjust the strap because it’s not an easily manipulable material. If they had one or two more notches in the straps – or if they were velcro instead of the little needle into the hole design – they’d be flawless. If I contacted Hitchcocks or ordered another pair I bet they could add a few extra holes for me or stretch them using a shoe stretcher. I do find each time I wear them, they’re getting stretched a bit and moulding more to my feet.
• The buckle and straps don’t lay flat – I think it’s because they’re a little bit too narrow for me – but overtime I noticed this less.
• Some people might not like the textured footbed, it does take some time to get used to it. It’s intended to massage and stimulate your feet.
• I didn’t see this wide item available on Skechers website. Might be made special for or adjusted by Hitchcocks.

Final Verdict: I kept them, wear them a lot – and they’ll be going to Disney World.

Kizik Women’s Cairo

The item I purchased was: Kizik Women’s Cairo

Women’s Cairo – Bahama

Say hello to your new favorite shoe — The Madrid is the perfect shoe for all-day wear around the house or a casual day at the office. Designed using our environmentally-friendly fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Built with our patented F.A.S.T.

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I saw these on Facebook. They’re supposed to stretch to fit your feet and be able to put on just by stepping into them. They do not make wide sizes, but I thought since they’re so stretchy, they might fit. I was wrong.

Pros:

• A lot of colors and styles
• You can just step into them (if they fit you – they didn’t fit me)

Cons:

• Not wide – at all – hurt my foot – I did get it on, but almost couldn’t get it off lol
• Return process is a huge hassle. I didn’t see any way to return them so I emailed their support team and it took them almost 3 weeks to respond to me. They sent me a label in the mail and also one I can print myself. So I am in the process of returning these.
• Expensive – but so are a lot of others on our list. These ones are $99 before shipping and taxes and etc.

Final Verdict: Not wide enough for me – returning. – And their return process is a hassle. I recommend avoiding these because of the lengthy return process.

Propet Women’s Joelle Slide Sandals

These came in a double wide, so I gave them a shot, despite another pair of Propets being very ill-fitting below.

The item I purchased was: Propet Women’s Joelle Slide Sandals from Famous Footwear.

Propet Women’s Joelle Medium/Wide Slide Sandal Black, Sandals, Famous Footwear

Women’s Joelle Medium/Wide Slide Sandal

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Propet

Women’s Joelle Medium/Wide Slide Sandal Color: Blue Snake Leather Size: 8.5 2E EXTRA WIDE Quantity: 1

Pros:

• I think they fit better than the last pair of Propets below
• Velcro adjustable straps
• Super easy return policy (Spoiler: I returned these lol) Just walked right into Famous Footwear – showed my order confirmation email, they scanned a thing, and put the funds back on my card. I like that.

Cons:

• The footbed had some weird design of a raised color strip of shreded fabric or shreded leather – as a design choice – it’s weird because no one will see it on the footbed – and from a comfort standpoint – it was hurting my feet – rubbing and pressing around my arches.

Final Verdict: Returned to my local Famous Footwear – Easiest return out of all of these so far.

Propet’s Women Walker’s Sandal

These are the other Propets I ordered. These ones came from Amazon. They are the illest fitting shoes I’ve ever purchased and were quickly returned. Thanks to Amazon Prime I was able to return these to my local Kohls.

The item I purchased was:

Propet Women’s W0001 Breeze Walker Sandal, Black Grain, 8 X (US Women’s 8 EE)

Propét Women’s Breeze Walker Sandal

Buy Propét Women’s Breeze Walker Sandal and other Walking at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

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Pros:

• I dunno because they didn’t fit me in width nor length
• Amazon Prime Members can return to local stores such as Kohls and Whole Foods.

Cons:

• Definitely did not fit me. My toes hung over the edge. Order at least one size up if you’re ordering these.
• They looked and felt cheaply made.

Final Verdict: Returned.

Telic Boise Bliss Rose Quartz

This is another pair from a Facebook Ad. They didn’t come in Wide so I ordered a size up just to try. I did poke my own extra holes in the straps using a nail – and a lot of effort lol. After poking them, I knew I couldn’t return them – but now they mostly fit me – I might have to poke one more hole in one of them – the other one is perfect – we all have one bigger foot you know. So I kept these. They’re mostly sold out at this time.

The item I purchased was: Telic Boise Bliss Rose Quartz size M – US Women’s 9 / Men’s 8

Rose Quartz

This beautifully designed sandal has an anatomically correct footbed and is offered in four colors. With a slight wedge and adjustable straps, it can be dressed up or dressed down. It is contoured to support the arches of your feet and has a deep heel cup with great medial arch and metatarsal support.

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Pros:

• They are made of a spongey type of material so you can pierce the straps with a nail to add some extra holes to increase the width
• Good arch support
• Lightweight
• Comfy
• So many colors – I love the pink ones I ordered but also love the mint green color too.
• Slip on design

Cons:

• If you don’t want to stab them with a nail to add some more holes to both straps – I would say these are not for wide feet.
• The fact that I can stab and pierce the material – makes me wonder – what would happen if I stepped on a nail or rock or piece of glass – etc LOL – I think they’re overcharging for really super cheap rubbery material and am pretty concerned that these will not hold up well overtime.
• The thing that makes them a Pro in this case might also be a Con lol.

Final Verdict: I kept them, I like/love them, but not sure if they will come to Disney because of the above-mentioned uhm porosity (I guess for lack of a better word) or sponginess of the materials used in construction? Glad I got them though since they’re sold out now in my size.

Teva Women’s Ascona Sport Web

The Item I purchased: Teva Women’s Ascona Sport Web 8.5 (they didn’t offer wide, but it had adjustable straps so I took a chance. It is not the item in the pic below).

Women’s Ascona Sport WEB

Shop the women’s Ascona Sport WEB sandal at teva.com for FREE SHIPPING on orders $35+!

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Sadly, this is another return for me. It almost fit, except for the strap closest to the ankle strap (not the ankle strap itself, the next one up.) There’s a good 2 inches between end one and end 2. All of the other straps fit well. Ankle, and the 2 or 3 toe straps. But the one strap right on the middle of the foot – too short. I can’t fasten it.

Pros:

• Footbed Felt Super Soft And Cushioned And Awesome
• Every strap except for one fit me
• Could have probably cut that strap off and still had a secure fit – but too expensive for that much trouble
• Light weight!!! MUCH lighter than my other Teva reviewed below (the ones I actually kept.)

Cons:

That one damn strap is super short and it’s tied to the other straps above, so if I loosen it, the others get too tight.

• It just doesn’t fit
• Not wide enough
• About 2-3 inches too short of a strap
• Does not come in Wide

Final Verdict: Not wide enough, returning. Almost fit, except for one strap not being long enough – had that one strap been longer – they would have been quite comfortable. I debated just cutting that strap off – but for $80.00 I rather return them for a refund.

Clarks Women’s Arla Gracie Sandal

The item I purchased was:

I purchased this one through Amazon. I went with an 8.5 Wide in the coral color.

Clarks womens Arla Gracie Sandal, Bright Coral Textile, 8.5 Wide US

Buy Clarks womens Arla Gracie Sandal, Bright Coral Textile, 8.5 Wide US and other Platforms & Wedges at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

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Unfortunately, these cute strappy sandals didn’t fit. Not wide enough for me to get my foot into the top part of them. Since only the ankle strap was adjustable – and even that was tight. Despite being marketed as wide shoes, these just aren’t wide at all.

Pros:

• Comfy Footbed With Lots Of Cushioning
• Cute feminine colors

Cons:

• Not wide enough
• Only one strap is adjustable
• Seemed to run long in length

Final Verdict: Returning these ones since I can’t even get them on

Hoka

The Item I tried on was:

HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoes in 8.5 wide

HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoes

Shop a wide selection of HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoes at DICK’S Sporting Goods and order online for the finest quality products from the top brands you trust.

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Someone recommended these to me today and to my surprise, my local Dick’s had them in an 8.5 wide (my usual size). Also to my surprise, they are SO TIGHT and Ill-Fitting and HARD as rocks and HURT that I only kept em on my feet for 5 seconds. I couldn’t stand it AT ALL. It felt like something was PRESSING DOWN HARD on the top of my foot. I assume they just weren’t wide enough for me, despite being marketed as wide width. Works for some people, some people love them, but NOT ME – worst of the worst! Absolutely horrible. Glad I was able to try them on and save myself $150 and the hassle of returns.

Pros:

• Colorful
• Lightweight
• Firm Arch Support
• Available locally even in small towns

Cons:

• Even the wide evidentally is not wide enough for me
• SOMETHING was PRESSING DOWN on the top of my foot
• Excruciating Pain – never felt pain like this in my whole life from a pair of shoes. Removed them immediately.
• Again the idea of wearing tennis shoes at Disney World worries me because of heat, humidity, water rides, wet socks, and wet shoes, and sweaty feet causing blisters. Other people do it, but I much prefer an open toe design and waterproof shoe without needing socks.
• Expensive – $150 at my local Dicks

Final Verdict: Absolutely hated them. Grateful Dicks had them so I could try them on. They hurt worse than any shoe I’ve ever had on my feet in my life. Simply NOT WIDE enough even though they supposedly were “wide width”

Comfortview

I purchased this item last week from Woman Within because they were on clearance.

The Item I purchased was:

The Alivia Sandal

• Color: Dusty Pink
• Size: 8-WW
• Price: $23.39
• Quantity: 1

The Alivia Sandal

Set the standard for comfortable summer footwear with these must-have water-friendly sandals. Nubuck-like upper with lycra-like lining Water-friendly footbed Padded insole Flexible, skid-resistant outsole 1¼” stable flat heel Water-friendly footbed sandals available in full and half sizes 7-11, 12 M, W, WW

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Even though it was marked as double wide, not wide enough AGAIN for me, couldn’t even get my feet inside even though I pulled and stretched and yanked at the upper part of the shoes for a good 15 minutes. The soles feel wonderful, but the upper part is too tight, my ankle is hanging off the back of the shoe, because my feet are too fat to push my feet forward all the way into the toe space. I can only get in about 2/3 of the way. At least I purchased them on massive clearance. The sale is over now and they’re back up to over $80.

Pros:

• Cute Colors
• Comfy Soles
• Lightweight
• Slip On Design
• Breathable Open Toe Design

Cons:

• Even the double Wide is too narrow – my feet just can’t fit. I’m bummed about that. So back they go.

Final Verdict: Wanted to love them, got a great buy, and it’s actually going to cost me half that price almost ($9.99) to return them, but they just aren’t wide enough for me and don’t fit me. Sigh. Story of my life!!

Brooks Running Shoes

The Item I purchased was:

Ariel ’20 $160.00
Item #: 1203152E064.085
Attributes: Color: 064 – Black/Ebony/Blue Size: 8.5 Womens Width: Extra Wide 2E

Brooks Ariel 20 – Women’s Running Shoes

Desktop-1 Desktop-2 Mobile-1 Mobile-2 All our running shoes prioritize comfort, but our GuideRails® technology adds support by keeping excess movement in check. So you stay in your natural stride, even when you get tired. Did you know support doesn’t just refer to arch support? GuideRails® support aids your feet, knees, and hips.

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These were the first shoes recommended to me for Disney World. They are plenty wide enough, going up to double wide in a few select styles. They might be almost TOO wide…. NOT SURE yet… They DO have a generous 90 day return policy even if worn and used. I’m on the fence about returning these and trying for just single wide instead of double wide…. My foot slips in these and I feel the heel of the shoe rubbing my heel which I think after 10-12 miles a day for 8 days, my feet will kill me and have angry heel blisters… I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I need a smaller width, or a smaller length… Or both maybe. I have until September 11, 2021 to return these, and I think they’ll be going back. Also with Florida heat and humidity and water rides at the parks… I think soggy sweaty shoes and wet socks will also produce some scary blisters. Not to mention my feet feel hot and warm in these already, even here near Pittsburgh where the heat and humidity are much milder than in Florida.

Pros:

• 90 Day Return Policy Even When Worn And Used
• Plenty Wide Enough – Even Maybe Too Wide…
• Great Support And Traction
• Balance Correcting Shoes
• Looks Nice

Cons:

• Expensive
• Too Wide For Me (or I need to go down in length not sure. Shopping for shoes online is so hard!)
• Only 2 colors/styles available for Women’s Double Wide Widths
• Honestly not comfortable, between my heel slipping and rubbing the back of the shoe, and just being super hard and firm, these don’t feel comfortable at all.
• Fear Of Blisters From Heel Slipping And Rubbing Back Of Shoe
• Fear Of Heat/Sweat/Water

Final verdict: Probably going to return. Not Sure If I’ll Exchange Them For Another Size Or Just Get Refund.

Fit Flops

The item I purchased was:

WALKSTAR

Product code: 193998989904
Red
uk 6 us 8 eu 39
Qty: 1

Women’s Walkstar Polyester-Webbing-Leather Toe-Thongs

Forever a favorite, our original, one and only, wide-fit, sporty webbing Walkstar is back! The sandal that launched FitFlop (in 2007), that sold millions worldwide, and sparked instant devotion in the women who wore it.

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Several people recommended Fit Flops. I can never wear regular Flip Flops because of my super wide feet. My widest part is right before the toes begin at the top of the foot. So the way Flip Flops have that inverted V style strap makes them too narrow to fit my feet. People promised me that Fit Flops were different. And the footbed (in my hands) felt so soft and light and amazing… BUT… for me… I couldn’t get my wide feet into these darn things – as expected. No can do. Already sent them back and still waiting on my refund. I was sad to have to return these because they are so cute. But they literally don’t fit. If you have wide feet – like REALLY WIDE feet – like me – these are a hard pass.

Pros:

• Beautiful colors and large selection
• Feels like a nice light weight soft material
• Breathable, Cool, and Waterproof

Cons:

• Not Wide Enough – Literally could not get my feet even half way inside them

Final Verdict: Returned about 2 weeks ago – still waiting on my refund.

Tevas

The Item I purchased was:

W HURRICANE XLT2 – CC

Qty: 1

Color: PINK

Size: 08

Product Total: $90.00

Hurricane XLT2 Christian Cowan

Tapping into Christian Cowan’s unquestionably fierce aesthetic, we teamed up with the designer to inject the classic Hurricane with high shine metallics and head-turning hues. Enlisting glittering, plant-based connector straps, this cool-wearing, quick-drying spinoff is offered in an extended size range for ultimate inclusivity.

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I decided to keep my Tevas Hurricanes although I’m NOT sure they’re the right shoes for Disney World. They’re JUST BARELY wide enough. And they feel extremely heavy on my feet. They have a million (OK 3 or 4) velcro adjustable straps. And again, my problem area is the top of my foot shortly before where my toes begin. I’m super wide at this point. There is a strap right at this point… It’s velcro so I can adjust it, but… even as loosely as I can make that strap it still feels a little bit snug. If I try to cheat and make it even looser by not lining up the velcro exactly, I can feel velcro digging at me sometimes. And there’s a big metal buckle on my pair (not shown in the picture I see my link is generating here on this article) But the big metal buckle is pinching my wide feet. I feel like it could ALMOST work, but not quite… But they’re pink and have glitter – and I can never find cute feminine shoes in a wide width… and for like day to day errands and stuff – they’re fine… I just don’t think they’re “DISNEY WORLD FINE”. For Disney World, I need better than Fine – I need EXTREME COMFORT and EXCELLENT FIT. This is like “Mostly Fits” and “Kinda Comfy” But misses the mark for me, but not enough so that I would return them. In Fact, I MIGHT try to order a second pair of Tevas – but one without that metal buckle – and maybe order a size up to see if that gives me some more width.

Pros:

• SO CUTE COLORS AND STYLES
• Comfy Footbed
• Water Proof
• Breathable
• Cool
• Adjustable

Cons:

• Despite Being Adjustable – They’re still not REALLY wide enough. The back ankle strap is SOOOOO long that the designer’s logo is on the side of my ankle and could STILL go tighter – MEANWHILE the Toe Strap(s) are too short to REALLY fit my Wide Feet
• That Damn Buckle Is So Hard And Pokes My Foot
• Velcro Can Be Felt Rubbing Against My Feet If I Don’t Have The Straps Done Right
• They ARE HEAVY!!!!! SUPER HEAVY!!! UGH….

Final Verdict: Kept Them – MIGHT try them at Disney World – But most likely will just keep them for day to day use. Might order another pair of Tevas in a different style – specifically one without a metal buckle, and might order a size up to see if that offers any more width.

Vionics:

The item I ordered was from Amazon this time

This is what I ordered:

Vionic Women’s Amber
Size: 8 Wide | Color: Pink Snake

Vionic Women’s Amber

Buy Vionic Women’s Amber and other Sport Sandals & Slides at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

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These are my leading pair here so far – saved the best for last right? I ordered mine on Amazon and the reviews mention that the velcro will break after a few weeks – I’ve only had my pair for about 3 days so I don’t know yet how durable these shoes really are. But DAMN GIRL these shoes are SO LIGHT and COMFY and PLENTY WIDE. And the pale pink color looks fabulous with a wide range of skin tones and colors. They are Cute and Comfy and WIDE – but not TOO wide – Perfect width for my Wide feet. I love them. I’ve been wearing them every day for the past three days since they arrived.

Pros:

• Wide Enough And Not Too Wide
• Super Comfy Cushioned Footbed
• LIGHT WEIGHT!! YES
• Breathable Open Toe Design

Cons:

• Might Not Be Waterproof – Might Have Some Issues Once They Get Wet – We Will See?
• Several users have reported that the velcro wears out extremely quickly or that the straps break; I have not owned mine long enough to find out – but it would suck to find this out at Walt Disney World.

Final Verdict: IT’S A KEEPER – I’m definitely still looking for 1 or 2 more good pairs of shoes to switch in between each day at Disney World (which is what people recommend regardless of what shoes you take). In this case, also taking some other pairs along in case the velcro breaks on these like so many reviewers complain of on Amazon. Just in case!

So What Do I Normally Wear When I’m Not At Disney World?

We all have feet and we all have places to go and in the USA everywhere is “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” So obviously I’m wearing SOMETHING already every day right? Well yes, obviously. But they’re not the comfiest. They START OUT amazing – but over time they hurt my feet.

My GO TO – summer casual shoes are Under Armor Velcro Slides. I have been buying a new pair every summer. I took them to the beach, went in the ocean in them, and everything. They’re SO comfy and fit perfectly on my wide feet. They might be Men’s shoes or unisex shoes I’m not sure – but they fit me! so YAY.

Under Amor Slides:

In fact, as I typed up this review I decided to go ahead and order another pair.

The item I just ordered is:

Women’s UA Ignite IX Slides

Sku: 3022717-300-8

Color: Breeze / Stellar Pink – 300

Size: 8

Qty: 1

Women’s UA Ignite IX Slides

The memory foam not only feels great, but also helps eliminate pressure on your feet after you work out. Adjustable synthetic strap with soft foam underneath for added comfort Footbed built with two layers of Performance 4D Foam® for unprecedented comfort Anatomical contours provide additional cushioning Re-engineered EVA outsole built with durable traction pods in heel for lightweight cushioning & comfort ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UNDER ARMOUR APP.

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The problem begins after months of use – they get… worn down? I don’t know how else to describe it… The memory foam in the sole loses its cushioning – and I feel a very very strong impact with EVERY step. I think that’s why my feet are in pain every day even when I’m not doing anything, even sitting or laying or barefoot. My feet and legs and knees hurt always. These shoes start out feeling like walking on clouds but after just day to day use they get smooshed down until they have NO shock Absorption at all… DEFINITELY NOT APPROPRIATE FOR DISNEY WORLD… NO WAY. Shock Absorption is SO IMPORTANT. You will walk an average of 10-12 miles a day!! and most people do 8-10 days in Disney – so you’ll rack up about 100 miles at the end of your trip!!! Imagine that with no shock absorption – YIKES….

While I mostly love under armor slides for day-to-day errands or even shorter trips with less activity, I don’t recommend them for Disney World.

But if you want a comfy pair of slides, check them out. I got mine at Dick’s. And then I just ordered another pair right now on Under Amor’s official site.

Pros:

• Tons and Tons Of CUTE COLORS
• WIDE! Fit Great!
• At First They Feel AMAZING Like Walking On Clouds (But that quickly changes)
• Still Even After The Cushioning Is Worn Down, They Remain Lightweight, Breathable, And Even Waterproof
• CHEAP – $29.99!!! Compared to shoes on this list that cost $160 or up – these are a steal.

Cons:

• The Cushioning Gets Worn Down SUPER QUICKLY
• Which Leads To Having NO SHOCK ABSORPTION AT ALL!
• Probably Damaging My Feet In The Long Run…

Final Verdict: Still Love Them, Buy Them Every Year. I will probably wear these on the plane and around the hotel resort anyways so they’ll still be coming to Disney World – but I think around the park, they will hurt me because of no Shock Absorption. Maybe my new pair I just ordered will last the week – but putting 100 miles on them by the end of the week, I know they’ll be shot down afterward. Still, for $29, throw them away, or bring a couple of pairs, and throw each of them away after.

What Do I Wear In Rain Or Snow?

You won’t have to worry about Snow in Florida at Disney World – and even if there’s rain, many of the shoes on this list are waterproof and the rain is usually fleeting and mild. But if you’re like me, and live in a cold climate where it snows 6+ months out of the year, you might be looking for a nice year round shoe that will protect you from the elements.

I generally tend to prefer Skechers and Bobs (a brand also by Skechers) because they run wider than most of their competitors. I did buy a pair of Nike, wide or even extra-wide, last year, or the year before and those have been my go to winter shoes but I will say – Every shoe is different even by the same manufacturer. I tried on like 4 Nike “Wide” and only one fit me – and after having them a year or two… I STILL notice they’re just not wide enough to be comfy for me. I feel a pinch near the toe box area. Not at the front, not in length, but on each side, squeezing my toes.

Someone recommended to me to try Men’s shoes that they run wider, but my own research suggests that men’s shoes are wider at the heel, and narrower at the toe. And women’s shoes are wider at the toe and narrower at the heels. Apparently, men’s and women’s feet are shaped differently, who knew right? So I have not tried a men’s wide Nike yet, and I dunno if I would try it or not.

In high school I also used to buy Fila, because I felt that they also ran wider than most other brands.

Your mileage may vary.

No two feet are exactly alike.

No matter what, bring multiple pairs of shoes to Disney World and walk several miles first to break them in.

Happy shopping – and have a great time at Disney, blisters and all. What are a few blisters, compared to once in a lifetime vacation memories, right? 🙂

If you’re going in October for the 50th anniversary, maybe see you there!!

I will update this post as I continue to buy new shoes. I have one more pair on its way in the mail. Check back for new updates up through October.

After my trip in October, I’ll update this article to let you know which shoes I decided to take, and how each one made me feel after each day in the parks.

Stay tuned!

Best Women’s Wide Width Shoes For Walking All Day At Walt Disney World was originally published on