Help with a walking routine prior to WDW

[LuvMyEAR]

Loads of good advice on this thread for anyone who is preparing for a WDW trip, particularly for the first time. If I can say just a bit more…

Keep your fitness goals at home high, maybe to increase your distance by a mile a month.

Keep your expectations reasonable about how far your strength will carry you in crowded, and possibly hot conditions. It is so much better to see half of a park, and really enjoy it, than turn your day into a tortuous ordeal which can leave you unable to enjoy the following day(s).

Do not be afraid to change the course of your day, hopefully BEFORE you hit the wall, and let yourselves enjoy soaking your toes in your resort pool instead of pushing past your limits.

The suggestion to take turns with a scooter is solid gold, if it is a viable option. If you don’t want one for the duration of your trip, you can look into one for the day in any park. They can sell out. A day rental of a wheelchair is also an option. It does take extra energy to push, but some people find they actually like the stability it gives them. Again, if it is viable, you can take turns. It’s a great way to stay together.

Keep up the good work!

 

[Kite16510]

Sadly, I did something to my knee again. I have an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon in November, but I'm still going to Disney on March 28 th. I had to take two days off of work to Rest it. So I've been watching videos about Disney and dreaming about Disney.

I do still feel like there ought to be some way to get an ECV broken down into a six passenger golf cart from Fort wilderness. Gotta be a way!

 

[Pooh2]

One tip I would add for those with bad knees:
Try a compression sleeve.
This has kept me walking on a torn meniscus.
Doc said he would not repair the meniscus due to the location of the tear and told me to swim instead of walking.
But I am able to do at least 1 slow mile per day.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Whatever you do, just do it. Get in the routine, stop making excuses. If it hurts to be on the treadmill, get on a stationary bike or an elliptical. Don't be afraid to use weights - it's the strength you need as much as the cardio. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. You would be surprised how much the staff at a gym will go out of their way. Lastly, I am a big believer in Peloton, and not just the bikes. They have walking, running, strength, stretching, yoga, and meditation - none of these involving any additional Peloton equipment.

I did a 30-day streak of Peloton classes (the bike and strength) leading up to my last trip and it did wonders - HIGHLY recommend!

 

[RickNJane]

Kinda late to this thread, but it is a good one, filled with great tips. My DW and I are pushing 70. She broke her ankle a couple of years ago and it has developed arthritis. It gets swollen and is very painful. We walk our dogs everyday for at least 1.1 miles. Before a Disney trip we gradually increase it to 2 or more miles and start adding hills and rougher terrain. We are fortunate to have lots of hiking trails around us. The main thing is be consistent. I can certainly feel it if we miss a day.
Also while at the parks, don't over do it. We take things slow and steady, stopping often to rest and people watch. Dont get caught up in the fear of mission out (FOMO) and just do what you can. It is not a race or a marathon. We never use LL. We do, however do rope drop and early entry as we stay on property. We pick our first ride the night or so before, head to it first thing and then just let the day unfold. We almost never look at our phones, except to check wait times or mobile order. No schedule, No time table, No rush. When the parks get too crowded, we take a bus or monorail to a resort such as The Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge to take in the sights and vibe. Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jambo House or Kindani Village is a great place to sit, relax and watch the animals. The CMs are great and really are a wealth of knowledge. However, each resort is different with the merchandise as well as food and drink. We love to resort hop!

We use this same strategy with the Grandkids, who are 10 and 6. We know we cannot keep up, so let their parents take them to their must do attractions and meet up later. Watching them in the pool while enjoying a cold beverage is priceless .

Dont go expecting to ride everything or see it all. If you do, you will be disappointed. As others have said, do what you can and dont be afraid to call a stop. Go with the idea of having a great time, and experiencing great vibes and atmosphere.

 

[Kite16510]

Kinda late to this thread, but it is a good one, filled with great tips. My DW and I are pushing 70. She broke her ankle a couple of years ago and it has developed arthritis. It gets swollen and is very painful. We walk our dogs everyday for at least 1.1 miles. Before a Disney trip we gradually increase it to 2 or more miles and start adding hills and rougher terrain. We are fortunate to have lots of hiking trails around us. The main thing is be consistent. I can certainly feel it if we miss a day.
Also while at the parks, don't over do it. We take things slow and steady, stopping often to rest and people watch. Dont get caught up in the fear of mission out (FOMO) and just do what you can. It is not a race or a marathon. We never use LL. We do, however do rope drop and early entry as we stay on property. We pick our first ride the night or so before, head to it first thing and then just let the day unfold. We almost never look at our phones, except to check wait times or mobile order. No schedule, No time table, No rush. When the parks get too crowded, we take a bus or monorail to a resort such as The Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge to take in the sights and vibe. Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jambo House or Kindani Village is a great place to sit, relax and watch the animals. The CMs are great and really are a wealth of knowledge. However, each resort is different with the merchandise as well as food and drink. We love to resort hop!

We use this same strategy with the Grandkids, who are 10 and 6. We know we cannot keep up, so let their parents take them to their must do attractions and meet up later. Watching them in the pool while enjoying a cold beverage is priceless .

Dont go expecting to ride everything or see it all. If you do, you will be disappointed. As others have said, do what you can and dont be afraid to call a stop. Go with the idea of having a great time, and experiencing great vibes and atmosphere.

I also like to go slower. I've never done rope drop. But i do enjoy dinner reservations.

 

[RickNJane]

I also like to go slower. I've never done rope drop. But i do enjoy dinner reservations.

Ya, I am a morning person! Nice to be up and about while the world is still quiet and still! We usually do Lunch reservations around 11:00 or so. The lunch rush has not started and it is easier to get a table. We also leave the property for supper or cook something in the room. As DVC members, we stay in a 1 or 2 bedroom villa that has a kitchen. Our usual schedule is up early and have pastries or cereal in the room, Rope Drop/Early Entry, Eat in the park, back to the room for a snooze around 1:00 or 2:00 or hit another resort. Then back to the parks after supper. Sometimes we have a non park day and go to GatorLand. (family tradition). Most of all we try not to stress and only do what our feet can stand!

Hope you have a most wonderful time!