Getting into "Disney" shape

[bluespiano42]

We have a trip coming up in two weeks and are going on brisk 20-30 minute walks each day. You know how you get your second wind on around the third day and all the walking suddenly doesn't bother you? We are trying to make our FIRST day our third day, shape-wise. What do you do to get into Disney shape? How far in advance of your trip do you start?

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

Walking is a good plan. We used to do that until we became backpackers and now we have a base level of hiking fitness (unless or until mountains and elevation are involved ) but the most important thing for us is shoes. What slows us down at WDW is hot spots or blisters in shoes we thought were comfortable. Somehow the sweat and/or unique motion associated with quick walks then line standing that is WDW can lead to problems we don't have at home.
So I suggest that your walks be done in the shoes you will wear to the parks. Alternate through two or three different pairs of park shoes. Hit the parks having not just trained with walking, but train with rest and hydration as well. Drink plenty of water for the week before your trip and on travel days, even if that means more potty stops. You might be surprised how much fatigue is really mild dehydration. Don't start tired because you stayed up too late packing - be well rested before your trip. These are my lessons-learned about how to be in Disney shape. Now I better take my own advice and get out our packing list so I'm not up late packing next month!

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Started doing the same here...started 40 days out from the trip trying to walk 20-30 minutes, and get at least some uphill grade in there along the way to help.

Also wearing the shoes we are taking to help get them broken in.

 

[courtneybeth]

I thought that I was the only one doing this in preparation for my trip!

I got a fitbit about a month ago and am using it to get back into shape *and* get ready for the big trip during Christmas. 10 flights of stairs a day and 10,000 steps. Doing some fast, short distance walks and slower, longer walks through the day. Trying to simulate experiences I may face.

It's amazing how a little extra walking is making a difference. Now only if I could learn how to dodge strollers and big groups of people on my walks.

 

[BrianL]

I know about that third day thing. It's when your feet just stop hurting as it becomes normal to stand and walk so much. My recent two day trip never quite got me to that threshold!

I am in good shape generally, but one thing I have to do to prepare is to exercise my back. Because of a herniated disc I have physical therapy exercises that I often do, sometimes don't, you know how it is. Before a trip however, I make sure to hit it hard and not slack off. I have to have a strong back for Disney!

 

[agavegirl1]

I thought that I was the only one doing this in preparation for my trip!

I got a fitbit about a month ago and am using it to get back into shape *and* get ready for the big trip during Christmas. 10 flights of stairs a day and 10,000 steps. Doing some fast, short distance walks and slower, longer walks through the day. Trying to simulate experiences I may face.

It's amazing how a little extra walking is making a difference. Now only if I could learn how to dodge strollers and big groups of people on my walks.

For dodging strollers and people who randomly stop in the middle of the walkway, go to your nearest large shopping mall and attempt to maintain a particular walking pace. Your powers of observation of "obstacles" will improve immensely.

 

[xlxo]

I got a fitbit about a month ago and am using it to get back into shape *and* get ready for the big trip during Christmas. 10 flights of stairs a day and 10,000 steps. Doing some fast, short distance walks and slower, longer walks through the day. Trying to simulate experiences I may face.

It's amazing how a little extra walking is making a difference. Now only if I could learn how to dodge strollers and big groups of people on my walks.

Another vote for Fitbit.... makes a huge difference when I hit 10k. Time to strive for 15k to get some real calorie burn.

Be glad you are not heading on cruise... those AYCE buffets can have you gaining 1lb per day. Need more laps around the deck.

 

[snayak]

Just to put it into perspective I took my Fitbit, we walked about 25,000 steps per day (13 miles) but that was 1 park in the AM, and then Epcot/F&W every PM. On the Epcot only day, it was paltry 15k steps. In other words, a LOT of walking. We took a couple pairs of sneakers/comfy shoes and didn't run into any issues thankfully.

 

[summerskye]

Getting into Disney shape is easy.

Reach back
Grab wallet
Empty
Repeat

 

[bluespiano42]

Getting into Disney shape is easy.

Reach back
Grab wallet
Empty
Repeat

LOL - wish there was a like button on this.

 

[finny1981]

We plan to start taking walks as soon as winter is over around March and build up to 6-10 miles per day to get in walking shape.

 

[Skullcrusher]

We have a trip coming up in two weeks and are going on brisk 20-30 minute walks each day. You know how you get your second wind on around the third day and all the walking suddenly doesn't bother you? We are trying to make our FIRST day our third day, shape-wise. What do you do to get into Disney shape? How far in advance of your trip do you start?

I start the week before by cashing a whole paycheck and then just give it to my daughters with no idea what they will spend it on. Secondly I start doing left-handed 3 pound curls to build up my arm to support the Jalapeno Margarita lifting that I will be doing all week.

<cheers>

 

[courtneybeth]

Great idea on the shopping mall exercise to practice dodging strollers and groups of people. With holiday shopping starting soon (if not already), the best way to practice this will be on a Saturday... I am for the challenge.

(I'll also practice exercising my wallet too - ha!)

 

[lustergirl]

I start walking more before each trip.

 

[disnut8]

Going funny here. My husband received a Christmas gift from my son. A T-shirt that said "I'm in great shape. Round is a shape!"

 

[Laura's Dad]

Getting into Disney shape is easy.

Reach back
Grab wallet
Empty
Repeat

But now it is "Scan Your Magic Band, punch in your number, repeat. We promise it won't hurt a bit."

 

[emij]

I started walking a mile a day WITH the kids - making them WALK rather than ride bikes - about 10 weeks before the trip. This was tricky since we hadn't told them WHY we were walking yet! We kept saying we were training for a big hike! I personally also walked another 2-3 miles/day in my park shoes to make sure they were prepped.

Last year when we went to DLR and the kids knew where we were going, we did the same thing and called it "walk training."

 

[nooneshome]

A co-worker and I go walking for around twenty minutes twice every day. It gives me a little exercise and gets me out of the nuthouse where I work.

 

[summerskye]

But now it is "Scan Your Magic Band, punch in your number, repeat. We promise it won't hurt a bit."

Ouch.
I forgot about the magic bands. Now, I need to start my warmup all over...

 

[North of Mouse]

We've never done any special conditioning for our Disney trips, for ourselves or our children. Unless you are couch potatoes or have health issues (general you) it shouldn't be hard to walk the parks. We are 'average' - no special scheduled exercises, but are usually on the go - have never felt too tired at Disney except for the heat if we're out most of the day. We usually walk an average of 8-10 miles with no problems. The main thing, as has been stated, is to have comfortable walking shoes (broken in) - no sandals or flip flops for us - have never had 'feet' issues. Good luck!