Physically prepping for Disney World

[ShirikiUtundu]

1-2 hours in an air conditioned gym isn't even really preparing for WDW in July/August heat & humidity. My best advice is: save your breath now, and use it later to encourage rests and hydration.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

Suggest that they bring comfortable shows and recommend that they take a few afternoon walks, but after that, there isn't much you can do. I'm a pretty active person (four year athlete in high school, work out regularly, go hiking, volunteer at an outdoor camp) but at the end of a good day at Disney even my feet hurt.

 

[Spoiledraf]

Our plan for 11 people from age 4 to 63 limits time in the park to about 4 1/2 to 5 hours max before a break. The kids love the pool as much as the parks so we plan to spend the hottest part of the day in water.
The longest day will be a MNSSHP evening when we plan on heading over around 5:30 and closing the park before heading back followed by a late start the next day.
It's going to be a battle for nana (will probably get a knee replaced after this trip) and papa (put on some weight after retirement and has some back issues). But we will battle through. Won't be the first time we rented a wheel chair for that knee!

 

[nono]

I disagree that it is too late. If folks will walk the next two weeks for a half hour at lunch, it'll help. It'll especially tell them if the shoes they think are comfortable really are.

 

[TeresaWen]

Stay hydrated! Nothing makes a person tired like dehydration!

 

[Aliceacc]

Here's the thing: you only do as much at WDW as you want to.

The BEST advice I ever got about a WDW trip, better than FP+, better than rope drop, was along these lines:

Don't give any ride, attraction, parade, meal, FP the power to "make" your vacation. Your entire group will only be as happy as the least happy person-- and that role will shift throughout the trip. When someone is tired, stop. When someone is hungry, get a Mickey Bar for everyone. When someone needs to go back for a swim or a nap, make sure they do.

FAR, far better to be able to say: "We missed ___. We were simply too tired to make that FP; we'll have to see it on our next trip. But we had a wonderful time." than to say "Yes, we saw ___. J was cranky, T had a tantrum, and B and I had a huge argument over how to deal with the kids. But we saw it."

So my point is that you can warn everyone that there's lots of walking. But also let them know that WDW transportation is easy and free, and that if they need a break they can take one. They can go back to the resort, put their feet up, nap, and call you when they get back to the park or meet you for dinner.

Yep, they may miss Soarin and Frozen Ever After. But they'll have a much better time, and so will you.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Water is a must. With that said...don't be a pack mule. Weighing yourself down with heavy backpacks will wear you out faster in this heat. I see so many women carrying big purses too....get a small crossover bag.

 

[Yahweh]

Group of 12? I would physically prepare to walk a lot slower than usual !!!!

 

[Hikergirl]

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?

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.

If you keep reminding people it could come across as nagging.

If its true that you keep reminding them then they know what to expect and have made the decision to not prepare. Let it be.
If they get tired they can rest or go back to the resort early, or skip a park day. I'm sure they are capable of making their own decisions about what they want to physically do after they experience a day in the parks for themselves.

 

[GaryDis]

It's a little late for OP, but we've started doing a lot of day long, outside activities. In our case, walking the Freedom Trail in Boston, planning trips to zoos and outdoor museums (Old Sturbridge Village), etc.

 

[minera]

HikerGirl: Good point. My idea of nagging might not be theirs. I will let it be at this point, and let it roll

 

[Hikergirl]

HikerGirl: Good point. My idea of nagging might not be theirs. I will let it be at this point, and let it roll

You've done all you can, you tried to help. They'll figure it out and then think to themselves that you were right LOL

 

[pookybean]

Here's the thing: you only do as much at WDW as you want to.

The BEST advice I ever got about a WDW trip, better than FP+, better than rope drop, was along these lines:

Don't give any ride, attraction, parade, meal, FP the power to "make" your vacation. Your entire group will only be as happy as the least happy person-- and that role will shift throughout the trip. When someone is tired, stop. When someone is hungry, get a Mickey Bar for everyone. When someone needs to go back for a swim or a nap, make sure they do.

This! Our second trip was with extended family, 10 of us! One person had to go to the bathroom, a couple would stand outside and the rest would wander off to look at something. By the time the first person was washing their hands, inevitably someone else had to use the bathroom or "might as well try". It took so much time to get back on track after those bathroom visits.

While I have not since taken another trip with such a large group (and really vow to never do so again!) I learned a couple of things, if one has to use the bathroom we ALL go and try! If we want a snack we get a couple things and all share, at least a bite. And if we need to separate to get what we want done or if we need a break we do so. The vacation my aunt envisions is vastly different from how I expect it to go and what my kids would like to do. And thats OK!

Lastly...we will be back. I know many can't say that but for us it makes it a lot easier to skip over things that we just can't fit in.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

Blisters can be a big problem. We had blistered feet so bad we could barely walk by the time the week was over. I would tell them to get some good shoes and to grease the bottom of their feet to prevent friction. We had blisters starting by the end of the first day in the parks.

 

[minera]

This! Our second trip was with extended family, 10 of us! One person had to go to the bathroom, a couple would stand outside and the rest would wander off to look at something. By the time the first person was washing their hands, inevitably someone else had to use the bathroom or "might as well try". It took so much time to get back on track after those bathroom visits.

While I have not since taken another trip with such a large group (and really vow to never do so again!) I learned a couple of things, if one has to use the bathroom we ALL go and try! If we want a snack we get a couple things and all share, at least a bite. And if we need to separate to get what we want done or if we need a break we do so. The vacation my aunt envisions is vastly different from how I expect it to go and what my kids would like to do. And thats OK!

Lastly...we will be back. I know many can't say that but for us it makes it a lot easier to skip over things that we just can't fit in.

I don't envision our group of 12 to stick together too much. Too many differing touring goals. Some like big rides, some like less thrilling rides, some like to shop, some don't... etc.. We have 4 meals reserved as a group the entire week, and have some FP+ scheduled together but most likely we will break off into smaller groups. That is typically what happens when we all go to Six Flags together up here.

 

[AliceIn]

You do end up walking a ton at Disney - and it's likely far more than what they show for just the perimeter. The last couple of times I went, my Fitbit logged at minimum 25,000 steps each day, with some days closer to 30,000. We take a long break in the afternoon, too - from about 1pm until 5ish. Most people barely do 5000 steps each day. Even if there is only a couple of weeks left, I'd encourage them to go out and walk for an hour each day even if it's just to gauge how their shoes are going to work for them.

 

[loves to dive]

Here's the thing: you only do as much at WDW as you want to.

The BEST advice I ever got about a WDW trip, better than FP+, better than rope drop, was along these lines:

Don't give any ride, attraction, parade, meal, FP the power to "make" your vacation. Your entire group will only be as happy as the least happy person-- and that role will shift throughout the trip. When someone is tired, stop. When someone is hungry, get a Mickey Bar for everyone. When someone needs to go back for a swim or a nap, make sure they do.

FAR, far better to be able to say: "We missed ___. We were simply too tired to make that FP; we'll have to see it on our next trip. But we had a wonderful time." than to say "Yes, we saw ___. J was cranky, T had a tantrum, and B and I had a huge argument over how to deal with the kids. But we saw it."

So my point is that you can warn everyone that there's lots of walking. But also let them know that WDW transportation is easy and free, and that if they need a break they can take one. They can go back to the resort, put their feet up, nap, and call you when they get back to the park or meet you for dinner.

Yep, they may miss Soarin and Frozen Ever After. But they'll have a much better time, and so will you.

This is the best advice ever. I've been saying for years that it's impossible to see and do everything and to try is just setting oneself up for disappointment. It's vacation, it's supposed to be fun not a race to see what all you can get done and to maximize your food plan. If you are tired stop, if you aren't hungry don't eat if you are hungry eat, no matter what time it is. As far as getting in shape before hand, as other's have said it's not going to make much difference. I work out 5 days a week and have done so for the lat 20 or so years (I'm 59). I even get up early when on vacation and do a 30 min. fast walk (used to jog but blew out my knees) around the resort and still by the end of the day my feet are tired. I do take 2 advil or aleve every morning while on vacation just to sort of head off those aches and pains that old bones can get and usually have a nice long soak in the a hot bath at night (a glass of wine doesn't hurt either).

 

[JerseyJanice]

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!

Youth does make a difference! When I compare how much I could do and the way I felt after from our Disney trips when I was in my 30s, 40s and now 50s, I am totally amazed. In my daily life, the differences in stamina and flexibility as I age aren't really that noticeable unless I do a marathon house cleaning session. But during a Disney, the feeling of aging joints and energy is profound. I notice it all through a trip.

We are going in October and I'm conditioning myself now with brisk walks at lunch time. I need to add an evening walk too if I'm going to make it in the fall.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I do not work out at all and go to Disney. There's no need to physically prep yourself. I am 59 yrs old. I wear comfortable sneakers, dress to the weather, apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water and take shade breaks by going on attractions or in shops . I don't eat heavy meals while in the park either. If your family doesn't want to work out prior to going, they don't need to. I can last the entire day just taking it in stride. No need to run from attraction to attraction.
Wanted to add, I do not stand more than 60 minutes for an attraction. I refuse. I cannot do that, if I did that, it would ruin my day. I utilize FP for longest wait attractions

 

[ArwenMarie]

My advice for summer touring and the walking required is to keep your expectations low as to what you will be able to get done. Physically fit or not, a specific person probably won't be able to do as much in the summer weather as in the cooler weather. If you get more done, great! Hit your absolute must-dos first thing or have a good plan for them. And along with a previous comment, be ok with missing some stuff if it doesn't happen.

Over many years of August trips we've found that the only thing that truly helps with the heat and physical stamina is taking AC breaks and making sure they are woven into the touring plan. Not just a break on a quick ride, but things like forcing yourself into Country Bear Jamboree at 1030 am when you normally wouldn't need to do that in cooler weather.

I know this was more about the weather, but assuming they aren't going to be able to upgrade their physical fitness significantly by the trip, the weather is going to be the biggest concern. And hydrate!!