Physically prepping for Disney World

[aretha30]

We go every August and always start to prepare in June. We buy new sneakers and to break them in we walk every night after dinner, about 2 miles. This way the kids are use to walking in the heat and humidity.

 

[rabidstoat]

I hit my record a couple of days ago, when I logged 15 miles in one day! I was there solo so I was going pretty non-stop from ride to show to ride to show, and I don't always tour in the most efficient pattern. I did an early morning hour at Animal Kingdom and roamed the park, then transferred to EPCOT and did a lot more walking, and then for some dumb reason decided to walk to Hollywood Studios from EPCOT, followed by more walking at Hollywood Studios. Plus I was staying at Coronado Springs in the furthest Rancho building from the lobby, and I went there in the morning and evening to get soda in my refill cup. I ended up sleeping about 14 hours that night! I was exhausted. Luckily Magic Kingdom was open until 3am the next day, so I was able to get in another 12+ hour day (but much less walking due to Magic Kingdom's smaller size and the fact that I did a single park).

 

[bumbershoot]

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.

NON cotton socks! And some feet are more persnickety than others, so the brand and exact "fabric" of the sock can make a difference. Yes to good shoes (though the definition of that is different for every foot...I myself LOVE a Crocs flipflop in the parks, while that would destroy another person's day), yes to bodyglide or baby gold bond goop or even vaseline. But a good SOCK is also an important foundation, if wearing non-flipflops.

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

Yes, but even shorter lines add up through the day!

 

[katt789]

The biggest things to remember are:
-You're going to be sore, no matter what. I was at the gym 6 days a week, 1hr plus per day and would still end up being stiff and sore after a few days, my hips especially begin to bother me (arthritis...boo) it's a different type of sore. Stiffness, I like to try and stretch before bed each night, or take advantage of the hot tub to help.
-SHOES! Make sure shoes have support, (ie, not just flip flops, I wear toms) and ARE ALREADY BROKEN IN.
-If shoes aren't broken in, or you end up with blisters/pain, I use sports tape over bandaids, doesn't fall off as much
-Make sure to stay hydrated!

-As for letting them know, we walked on average 20,000 steps plus each day we were there, and we weren't even racing back & fourth across the park, we stayed in mainly one or two areas!

 

[NH-to-FL]

As previous posters have noted, there are a number of factors in addition to all of the walking. This time of year the heat and humidity is a serious danger unless you are used to it. It currently "feels like" 107 at Disney. Add the heat and humidity to the walking and standing and you can get exhausted very quickly. Plan for frequent breaks in air conditioning. Lots of water. I second the recommendation for afternoon breaks/naps. And a rest day every two or three days. Make sure that folks aren't overextending themselves to keep up. As the "gym rat" of the group it will probably be up to you to keep checking on everyone.

Wishing you a magical trip!

 

[mousefan73]

Tie in some relaxing activities. Ride the monorail,take a boat trip around seven seas,take the train at Magic Kingdom ,the people mover . There are many different types of rides that are long and are a hidden break.
We areblucky in that our trips are relatively long over a week . that is why we usually start our days in the late afternoon to do more evening hours ,we sleep in the next day and then spend the afternoon at the pool. We also have ADRs which are relatively longer time to eat and rest. If possible I would really try not to go from morning till close without any type of breaks And most important as other posters have already mentioned shoes are very important especially to bring more than one or two pairs you really need to switch up on the type of shoes you wear every day

 

[afan]

NON cotton socks! And some feet are more persnickety than others, so the brand and exact "fabric" of the sock can make a difference. Yes to good shoes (though the definition of that is different for every foot...I myself LOVE a Crocs flipflop in the parks, while that would destroy another person's day), yes to bodyglide or baby gold bond goop or even vaseline. But a good SOCK is also an important foundation, if wearing non-flipflops.

This! I'm on I don't even know the number of different type/style/thickness of socks for running. My right foot moves the slightest bit in my shoe but because of the sock I get a blister. Trying to find the right socks so this doesn't happen on runs over 4 miles.

Along with the bodyglide I would suggest moleskin. I use it in the parks or when I'm going to walk a lot because I know what toes or areas of my foot will blister so I either put the moleskin on my foot or for sandals I put it on the sandal. It works great when walking, not something I want to try running though.

I also think a huge thing is staying hydrated and keeping from getting overly hungry. Either can make you light headed. And this might mean that those that would normally drink pop all day need to switch to water and deal with it, but they'll be happier to stay hydrated. Like others have said, that needs to start a week or two before you all leave.

 

[danielangie]

We just returned from our trip 2 weeks ago...we logged 40 miles in four days at the parks....you MUST have good shoes, take breaks in air conditioned rides/shows, and stay hydrated....the heat index was pushing 112 some of those days...

I have learned, that even though I and my family are commando style types for touring, my parents were with us this trip, and they were def not....they had no clue the amount of walking that would be done....we had to adapt our touring and take more breaks...

Just be aware that you will probably need to slow down with them...unless you choose to split up....

 

[lustergirl]

Well I am going in October and just had knee replacement surgery on my right one on 5/23. I am six weeks post op now and can walk up to a mile, trying to do more. I will probably end up renting a scooter though. Before this during my trips to Disney I would always take a break mid day and go back to my room and rest. I also like to sit and people watch.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

I just had scope knee surgery a week ago, just reading about all the walking is putting me in pain! I'm hoping that by the time September gets here I will be up to the walking I know I'll have to do. This thread is a good reminder though about not feeling the need to push so hard and see everything.

 

[Aliceacc]

We leave in 2 weeks, and my daughter sprained her ankle on Sunday.

It's OK. We'll see what she can see, and just take it slowly if we need to.

 

[fairy oma]

I walked for 1 hour everyday for 11 months so I could keep up with our kids and grandkids for our Dec. 2015 vacation and I had no problem walking between 13 and 18 miles a day. agree with PPs that it is probably a moot point getting in shape now but I would recommends they take 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes so they can change their shoes to avoid hot spots and blisters. They will have a good time and assure them it is okay to take a break, sit on a bench, and people watch sometimes. No matter what they are going to have a good time in the most magical place on earth.

 

[rg35]

Just wondering if has anyone mentioned wearing comfortable shoes, drinking water, and taking breaks yet?

 

[rg35]

mute point

moot point

 

[Los213]

Tell them to look up "disney rash". Its a good way for them to see what could happen from overdoing it and your body not being prepared for the walking distances

 

[Tomh]

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".

THIS . . . . This is my wife! I love her dearly, but I could murder her every time we use the bathroom. She will do it at the end of meals too. We can sit at the table for 15 to 20 minutes waiting for the check, waiting for others to use the bathroom, what ever. The second I get up to leave, she suddenly has to go to the bathroom, and we wait another 10 to 15 minutes before we can move on. SOOOO frustrating lol.

 

[Accident]

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

Generally you can't tell anyone how large it is until they see it.. about all you can do is let them know people with fitness bands get 6-15 miles depending on the park, park hopping and how much running around the resort they do.. It'll be 2-4 miles just in the resort even if you don't go to the parks one day..

with that said, I'm horrible at getting ready myself and I know how sore I will be.

They also really need to break in those new shoes which I'm sure everyone has their vacation outfits and new footwear.

 

[neastguy]

heat is the killer IMO.. we just got back... avoid midday blow torch sun.. our feet were fine all week .. no issues.. the Heat just drains the kids

 

[TiggerBouncy]

The thing is - you can't really prepare for the Disney Death March. You think it's just walking so you practice walking - but it's not. It's the standing, the heat and the humidity... oh, the humanity er... humidity! . Seriously - walking is one thing. Walking and standing with the heat sapping your strength is quite another. You always underestimate how much heat makes you weak, but it does. You won't find those things in your local gym or outside unless you live in Florida or elsewhere on the equator.

The only real way to prepare is to move a treadmill into the sauna and practice getting on it at somewhere around a 4.5 speed for 10 minutes, then stand for 40, rinse and repeat for 9 hours a day for a week or two before you leave. I would recommend breaking into the gym at night as they will usually frown at you manhandling one of the treadmills into the sauna. if it's a gym with a jacuzzi, you can take a quick dip every 5 hours (no more than 1 second each time) to simulate a water ride. If it's a family, you can reasonably rotate your time on the treadmill (one walks when another stands) so you can actually prep a whole family with just one treadmill and a sauna - economy!

Assuming they are not willing to do that, they will be tired - almost everyone is. They will sit - almost everyone does. They will lean - almost everyone does. At the end of the day, they will manage as best they can. Just make sure there is lots of water and suntan lotion nearby so they don't roast or faint and they'll live.

 

[MissErikaRae]

Yeah for our first trip. I started walking a few miles a day and standing at work more just to get used to it. This year I'm trying to prep myself for the humidity by keep all the bathroom doors shut while the room steams up and see how long I can stand it. haha