Hi Karen! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. It looks like it has been 10 years since we last saw you. So glad to have you back!
This is a great question. Specifically, on
Soarin', you will be required to take your shoes off before you take flight if you are wearing backless sandals or flip-flops.
There are so many different thoughts and opinions on this. I have tried many different shoes including tennis shoes, flip-flops and sandals. While I realize there are several that prefer anything other than tennis shoes so their feet can breath and/or for fashion reasons, tennis shoes are my shoe of choice when in the theme parks. They provide comfort and support, they don't slip off in a crowd and they protect my toes from getting stepped on.
There have also been a few occasions when I was wearing flip-flops that I slipped out of my shoe exiting some attractions. While it was only for a few seconds, it felt like hours as the next Guests trying to enjoy the attractions had to wait for me to get my shoe back on.
All of the above being said, wear what you will be most comfortable in. We have walked anywhere from 7 miles to 22+ (7 miles with kids, 22+ before we had kids) each day as we made our way throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Wear what works for you.
Thanks again for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I'm so excited for you that your vacation is just a few short weeks away! Please let us know if you need any further tips as you plan your magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation!