Physically prepping for Disney World

[minera]

We are leaving in a couple of weeks with a group of 12 for Disney World, and I keep reminding people to get physically ready for Disney. Everyone but us are first timers. Nobody seems to think it is a big deal...

I go to the gym daily so I am not concerned about myself, but many of these people are not regularly active.

Any hints or stories I can tell them that will get them motivated?

 

[mom2rtk]

I would stress the importance of having a couple pair of comfortable shoes, then let it go. No need to scare them off. If they get tired or worn out on the trip, they'll find ways to adjust that work for them.

 

[T_O]

You can't force them to do it. It sounds like you've given them a heads up. No need to hammer it home.

 

[sharonabe]

If you're leaving in a couple weeks, I'm not sure it's going to matter at this point.

Found this on a google search: http://knowdw.com/theme-parks/magic-kingdom/walking-distance-disney-world/
Make sure you scroll down to the comments to get real people's experience.

Are you planning on taking midday breaks or going straight through the day? The heat and humidity is a strength zapper even for the physically fit.

 

[minera]

We have a planned schedule for the week with the understanding that if people want to veer off they can. We also have planned mid-day downtime most days to go back to resort and rest. I have recommended at least a couple of pairs of shoes.

I haven't been overally a nag about it, just observant that they haven't taking my suggestions about it to heart.

 

[melana]

Like a previous poster suggested.. just really good comfortable shoes!! That is key in my opinion. No matter how physically ready you are..if you don't have comfortable shoes then it can be an unenjoyable experience..

 

[Alice777]

Before we went in April, I had read many good advices which I ignored and I regreted not listening to the "experts".

These were things people have said:
1. take mid-break by going back to resort to rest or swim, especially if you are going to rope drop
2. take several different types of shoes
3. try not to do "too much"

I was so much in pain from walking all day for 7 days straight, I did not enjoy myself at all. It was my first time and when I got back, I told people I needed REAL vacation. Our only breaks were to eat but hurried because we wanted to ride much as possible.

 

[MeganMango]

Honestly, no matter how good of shape you're in, you're going to get tired and worn out.

I've run 8 full marathons (three of those between May and June of this year), do Crossfit, lift weights, and I'm on my feet all day at work as a nanny. I just got back from an 8 day trip, and was easily ready for a break after a few hours with how hot and humid it is.

I took a break every day and still walked 10 miles minimum. My last trip I did not do breaks (not as humid as it is now) and easily walked 15-16 miles every day). The key to a comfortable day is a a few pairs of comfy shoes and enough clothes to change once or twice a day. Dry fit clothes are best.

Tip: if you wear tennis shoes during the day, pack a pair of flip flops in your park bag. It rains/pours almost daily and the parks get a lot of big puddles of water. My tennis shoes got soaked and packing flip flops was a life saver!

 

[bumbershoot]

Honestly, no matter how good of shape you're in, you're going to get tired and worn out.

Yep.

For me it's the standing. Walking isn't the big problem for me; not even when I was much heavier and more sedentary. But the standing in line was the killer. And it's hard to prepare for that.

Tip: if you wear tennis shoes during the day, pack a pair of flip flops in your park bag.

YES.

 

[MeganMango]

Yep.

For me it's the standing. Walking isn't the big problem for me; not even when I was much heavier and more sedentary. But the standing in line was the killer. And it's hard to prepare for that.



YES.

Yep!!! Standing is a killer. Like I said I'm in great shape. And very young too (as if that makes a difference, but if it does, I still get worn out and tired). Pack some sort of pain killer. I got some minor back pain from walking and standing so much. It's not uncommon!

 

[oceanmarina]

My advice would be for them to walk 1 - 2 miles a day before the trip so their body can get used to the walking.

Also, comfy active shoes are a must.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We were there for 8 days last month. The lowest distance we logged on any day was 9.1 miles. The most was 11 something. As others mentioned, it is hard on my back to stand in line. Granted, you don't stand still much, the lines move slowly. We also took a break every day to swim or whatever.

 

[DebbieB]

In the past, my legs were always hurting. I had a trip with 2 friends in May and we were planning the Wild Africa Trek. The website said physical stamina required. Made me a little nervous, I didn't want to "poop out".

About 2 months before, when the weather broke, I started walking about 30 minutes on my lunch hour. I also bought a pair of Sketchers Go Walks instead of my usual Keds. It made a world of difference. My legs did not hurt, I had more stamina than before. And I made it through the Africa Trek with no problem, although it wasn't as much walking as I expected.

We were there 7 days, I logged 50 miles on my Fit Bit.

 

[yulilin3]

Apart from the walking, start hydrating. That's something you NEED to do. Carry water with you everywhere you go and drink often especially the last week before your trip and, obviously during your trip. I have already seen 4 people collapse due to heat exhaustion.

 

[Klayfish]

Yep, too late now. If you're not physically fit, it's a tough place to try to run around for days on end. Plan properly, have good shoes, drink lots of water and don't try to overdue it.

My wife and I are heavily into fitness (wife is prepping for a bodybuilding competition), and we're on the last night of our 17 day vacation. We're both exhausted. The past few days we've scaled activity back to get some rest.

 

[Parker Clan]

I work out 6 days a week but we still do what we call "Disney prep walk" and walk at the local trail for an hour to an hour and a half in the months leading up to our trip. Before we had done these walks, my entire body would be so sore after only a few days walking, really really achy! But after these "prep walks", adding a rest day and stretching while we are there I was fine!

 

[jsrj21]

It's no surprise that people get worn out during a WDW trip. I always need a couple of days to relax at home once I get back.....and my wife and I walk alot! I believe [IMO] that the heat is a big contributor to the exhaustion level during the summer months. As one poster mentioned though, those midday breaks are paramount and comfortable shoes. It's funny because I usually take 2-3 shoes and end up using one the entire trip [whatever is the most comfortable]. Last year, it was a pair of flip-flops...the year before, a pair of crocs. Everyone vacations at WDW differently but we always go back to our resort during that 1:30-3:00pm window. We swim, and usually get the afternoon rain before heading back out. When we go to any of the water parks, we tend to take it nice and slow....oh the lazy rivers......

 

[momimouse27]

I think OP, you may be concerned that some of your party might not realize how physically taxing Disney can be. The shoes are huge...Some people just won't know or understand until they have experienced it. Good luck, I guess all you can do is warn, the ones who listen will be better off

 

[Tomh]

Uh huh. We've been visiting Disney World every summer since 2008. The first couple of times we went, I was around 230 lbs or so, 5'10", and had been walking pretty regularly at home, so I was in decent shape, and did fine. Then, I got lazy, and fat, and I can't begin to tell you the difference it made. I found myself tired, overheated, irritable, and in physical pain from all of the walking that I wasn't used to.

This year, I have taken a significant amount of weight back off, from 271 down to 238, and I still have another month and change to go before the trip. I've been walking a lot, as much as 10 miles a day, and feel that I am really ready for the trip. I expect that I will handle the crowds, heat, and walking much better this year, and as a result, be in a better mood, with far less pain during the trip.

 

[dvcdream4fld]

I like the exercise during a WDW trip, but I go with the knowledge that I will be walking and standing in 90 degree heat and 100% humidity for 6-10 hours per day and I dress for it. I would say plan on taking breaks every hour to get out of the heat and drink water. You don't need to do theme parks every day and all day. Take advantage of pools and indoor shopping. We do indoor shows and dark rides to cool off.