Park Training?

[Rgonzalez79]

Hey everybody, I was curious if anyone does any sort of cardio training in preparation for their Disney World trip. Not marathon-like training but for park touring days.

I read about this one couple that actually tracked themselves using a pedometer and they walked an average of 13 miles/day on park days! If you're normally sitting at a desk for 8+ hours/day (like yours truly) looking at spreadsheets, this can be a huge shock to the legs/calves/glass-slipper covered feet. Also, my DD7 normally falls asleep after fireworks and has to be carried back to the parking lot, so that's another 30-45 minutes of static weight lifting (kinda like a farmers walk).

I've started walking more in prep for our trip in May along with some calisthenics and light weight lifting. I was wondering if anyone had the same thought.

I remember being really sore on on our last trip back in 2012 and I was in much better shape back then.

 

[cheesemouse]

I'd recommend it. Seriously. If you don't walk or exercise normally, I'd get going on a regular walking routine now. Start slowly and build up. We just returned and according to my DH's pedometer we walked 80 miles over the course of our vacation. Averaged about 12.5 miles per day. And pushing a 50+ pound stroller around and carrying/holding kids in line. I will not lie - it was exhausting and it always is. WDW is not a vacation, it's a workout.

 

[Rgonzalez79]

lol thanks @Cheesemouse, that's what I remember from our last trip. I remember our Epcot day specifically where the temperature hovered around 95 for most of the afternoon and even though we each drank about 3 gallons of water, we only took 1 bathroom break because we were sweating everything out. The next day I swear I was about 4-5 pounds lighter just from the water weight I lost.

I started walking about two weeks ago to give me enough time to add more distance or time as a build stamina. Good to hear I'm not losing my marbles

 

[rwdavis2]

besides walking to get in shape make sure you have shoes designed for it. I have a great pair of Sketcher hiking shoes. Great support.

 

[mm1971]

Hey everybody, I was curious if anyone does any sort of cardio training in preparation for their Disney World trip. Not marathon-like training but for park touring days.

I read about this one couple that actually tracked themselves using a pedometer and they walked an average of 13 miles/day on park days! If you're normally sitting at a desk for 8+ hours/day (like yours truly) looking at spreadsheets, this can be a huge shock to the legs/calves/glass-slipper covered feet. Also, my DD7 normally falls asleep after fireworks and has to be carried back to the parking lot, so that's another 30-45 minutes of static weight lifting (kinda like a farmers walk).

I've started walking more in prep for our trip in May along with some calisthenics and light weight lifting. I was wondering if anyone had the same thought.

I remember being really sore on on our last trip back in 2012 and I was in much better shape back then.

Yes, we start walking a few months ahead of the trip and try to get up to about 3-4 miles per day as a family. We usually walk a mile or so a day normally, so just extend a little. It does help to avoid getting too tired, especially in the hotter months.

 

[bastos]

The wife and I are both serious exercisers - six days a week (although to look at us - you'd never know). There is a LOT of walking - especially at Epcot. Even we got a little tired of it. Get walking - but remember to take breaks at the parks, too.

With FP+, you don't at least need a FP+ runner anymore!

 

[JoshuaShaw]

I think people tend to overestimate how much the average person needs to "train" to walk around the parks. Sure, visitors may walk anywhere from 7-12 miles a day, but that's also spread out over 8-12 hours and the walking is broken up with long stretches of sitting and standing. Your feet aren't sore at the end of the day because of the distance you traveled, but because most people aren't used to being on them for extended periods of time. While there is certainly no harm in improving one's cardiovascular ability before a trip, good footwear selection is far more vital in keeping one's feet relatively pain-free. Unless you are in just absolutely terrible shape your heart rate shouldn't rise dramatically enough that you'll be putting intense strain on your body.

 

[Meech Loves Mickey]

I have never 'trained' for WDW and I personally don't think it's necessary. But, if you've got the time and the inclination, then I say go for it, it can only help.

Yes, there is a lot of walking, and yes, we get tired, but we always build time into our trip for taking naps and relaxing. We arrive at rope drop and try to get as much done as we can, have lunch, then usually head back to the room for naps.

We also have days off from the parks, where we sleep in and relax and lounge around the pool.

And like PP's have said, good footwear is essential!!!

 

[eeyoreandtink]

So is it really that much walking? We are just looking at taking the kids and didn't realize we were in for that much hoofing it!

 

[bigskip]

So is it really that much walking? We are just looking at taking the kids and didn't realize we were in for that much hoofing it!

The parks are BIG! But you don't really notice it that much. It's the heat and humidity that drains you more than the walking.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Our next trip won't be for another year or two but I am already training myself for long streches of walking. But its not my sole reason for walking. Due to some drawn out medical issues my endurance for walking is down right pathetic (.5 mi and I am wiped out) my goal is to get closer to walking 5-10 miles a day. I figure it can only help.

Note I plan on training in the shoes I plan on wearing there once we get a few months away from our trip. That way it will avoid unpleasant surprises in the parks due to footwear.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

The parks are BIG! But you don't really notice it that much. It's the heat and humidity that drains you more than the walking.

When is the best time to go and avoid the heat? I don't think my gang will do well with it. Is it hot all year?

 

[Stephaniesue]

In the past we have been pretty good about taking regular walks with the kids and our 4 dogs. Last time we went we picked it up a little bit and walked longer each week. It did help. I don't care how in shape you are, the parks take a lot out of you. More so when you are doing several days in a row.

This year I haven't been doing any walking, which means the family isn't motivated either. I am having some health issues that keep me in pain most of the time (so fun!). I am having surgery in about a month, and hopefully I am back to my old self. We won't be in the world for about 7 months so I have plenty of time for healing.

 

[DakotaRose]

I can walk all day long, but the hours of standing and shuffling in line are what I find tiring -- sore feet, tired back, etc. We up our walking before traveling, and I spend a few weeks walking with my park bag, since my back and shoulders are not accustomed to carrying a bag 14 hrs a day.

 

[Rgonzalez79]

Getting used to carrying the park bag for hours is another reason I started this. I'm trying to downsize this year to a smaller, cross-body bag instead of the usual backpack I carry around. I feel like this would keep me more mobile and able to enjoy the parks more since I won't have to worry about knocking people over with my bag as much.

I do agree that footwear is important and that just being on your feet for that long is a test.

Going to pick up some comfy cross training kicks today after work.

With all this said, can't wait tile May 14th!