The over 40 Disney Crowd

[fuzzylogic]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this; I do know there is an Disney World thread for adults, but I'm not really talking about activities, I'm talking about pain! LOL

My first trip to WDW I was 26 it was a breeze. This trip I'm 43. I went to WDW 2 years ago when I was 41 and it almost killed me! Throw in the fact that I was out of shape. Not really over-weight by much, but definitely out of shape.

To prepare for this trip, over the last few weeks, I've been trying SEVERAL pairs of shoes. So far I have them narrowed down to Brooks Glycerin and New Balance 880. Good lightweight shoes that have decent cushioning. Also, I've been wearing Wright socks for about a decade. Those socks are double lined so as to cut down on blisters.

Anyway, last trip, no blisters but my feet and back were killing me! I guess it's the downside to getting older. It's funny, I have now become what I used to make fun of when I was young.... "Ain't no way I'm going to be like my parents"! - "Wow, look at that old guy... I'm NEVER going to be that old!". I wish I could travel back in time and slap myself upside the head.

Anyway, does anyone have good tips for people going to Disney that are over 40? I've thought about grabbing some Epsom salt and soaking my feet every night. I've never done that, so I don't know if it works that great.

I have been walking 3 miles a day in my neighborhood for the last couple of weeks (I have 2 more weeks until we leave for the Mouse House), I'm hoping that walking in the evening helps, but I don't know how much it will. I just got back from my walk a few minutes ago and I'm beat! Maybe I should've started walking last December.

Also, with walking in the evenings (about a month out), I know isn't representative of how my days will be spent at WDW. After all, the time will be longer, the distance will be farther, and we'll spend a lot of time standing.

Anyone start walking in preparation for the trip? And did it help?

I figure advil will help, but any other tips would be appreciated!

 

[Camshell]

Do you use orthotics? If you don't go and get a good pair from your local drug store. You might find they help with leg, knee and back pain.

Also try standing more than normal, like to watch tv, read a book, etc. That will help the muscles with holding your core upright for longer periods of time.

Also, book a massage with a registered massage therapist. They are great at keeping the muscles loose and flexible.

I'd also recommend trying some basic beginner yoga. You can get some short 10-15min. clips on You Tube to help keep those muscles loose and limber.

 

[Belleandtinker]

Before we started working out on a regular basis, we would walk every night before our trips - miles and miles.

Our feet still get worn out, so beside pre-trip walking we wear well worn support tennis shoes, no flip flops to the park, and take mid afternoon breaks.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Belleandtinker]

I forgot to add, inserts for my shoes. My heels hurt so I buy inserts specific for heels and wow do they make a difference on my heels and back.

 

[Linleedo]

Superfeet are a good brand for over the counter orthotics.The green or blue ones are usually recommended by physical therapists.

 

[OhMari]

I found bringing 2 pairs of tennis shoes helps your feet too.
I exchange my shoes every other day.
If I wear sandals or flip flops, I make sure I am doing hardly any walking. And if we are eating somewhere fancy at night, like at Epcot, I will wear walking shoes into the park and then switch to my sandals.

I've been known to take an Advil or 2 or Aleve at night for pain in my legs and feet. Epson salt isn't a bad idea either. Don't feel bad, an average person walks over 5 miles a day at WDW. I actually loose weight when I go to WDW. It is a lot of walking.

 

[Bellamouse]

I am 50 and I have had bad feet my whole life (born with bad clubbed feet, so I have flat feet and big bunions ). I haven't been able to walk far pretty much ever, even before I was over 40.

Until I found Keen St. Barts shoes! Now I can walk forever and ever and ever. They have the BEST arch support for my feet, and deep heel cups. They fixed my plantar fasciaitis and allow me to enjoy SO much more. I have probably 10 pair and pretty much don't wear anything else unless it's the dead of winter and I have to.

I have tried other Keen shoes, and none of them are as good as the St. Barts style.

But having the right shoes truly means the difference between walking all day and not even thinking about my feet, and spending half the day sitting because my feet and back hurt so much.

I would worry less about "squishiness" and more about support if you want to be able to walk far.

My feet are always a little sore after a day at Disney, just from being on them all day, but a nice soak in the hot tub and a good night's sleep and they're ready to go again in the morning.

 

[Micca]

The shoe suggestions and foot-care ideas are excellent! As someone over 40 for quite a long time, I'd also suggest go take it a little bit easy. I know, you're not really *that* old, but hiking through the parks in the crowds and the heat can take its toll on anybody. The older we get, it also takes more time to bounce back from a tough day. If you wreck yourself on day 1, subsequent days don't get any easier so pace yourself. You have several WDW trips under your belt, and likely there will be more in the years ahead. No need to over-do on this trip. Don't forget the sunscreen and remain hydrated. A crispy sunburn and dehydration will make you feel 10 years older in a heartbeat.

 

[ZoZo]

I am 50 and I have had bad feet my whole life (born with bad clubbed feet, so I have flat feet and big bunions ). I haven't been able to walk far pretty much ever, even before I was over 40.

Until I found Keen St. Barts shoes! Now I can walk forever and ever and ever. They have the BEST arch support for my feet, and deep heel cups. They fixed my plantar fasciaitis and allow me to enjoy SO much more. I have probably 10 pair and pretty much don't wear anything else unless it's the dead of winter and I have to.

I have tried other Keen shoes, and none of them are as good as the St. Barts style.

But having the right shoes truly means the difference between walking all day and not even thinking about my feet, and spending half the day sitting because my feet and back hurt so much.

I would worry less about "squishiness" and more about support if you want to be able to walk far.

My feet are always a little sore after a day at Disney, just from being on them all day, but a nice soak in the hot tub and a good night's sleep and they're ready to go again in the morning.

I can't find the St. Bart's style online! Tied Zappos, Amazon; looks like they no longer carry that style. I'm bummed! Looks like there's a similar style called Bali - wonder if they are as comfortable.

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this; I do know there is an Disney World thread for adults, but I'm not really talking about activities, I'm talking about pain! LOL

My first trip to WDW I was 26 it was a breeze. This trip I'm 43. I went to WDW 2 years ago when I was 41 and it almost killed me! Throw in the fact that I was out of shape. Not really over-weight by much, but definitely out of shape.

To prepare for this trip, over the last few weeks, I've been trying SEVERAL pairs of shoes. So far I have them narrowed down to Brooks Glycerin and New Balance 880. Good lightweight shoes that have decent cushioning. Also, I've been wearing Wright socks for about a decade. Those socks are double lined so as to cut down on blisters.

Anyway, last trip, no blisters but my feet and back were killing me! I guess it's the downside to getting older. It's funny, I have now become what I used to make fun of when I was young.... "Ain't no way I'm going to be like my parents"! - "Wow, look at that old guy... I'm NEVER going to be that old!". I wish I could travel back in time and slap myself upside the head.

Anyway, does anyone have good tips for people going to Disney that are over 40? I've thought about grabbing some Epsom salt and soaking my feet every night. I've never done that, so I don't know if it works that great.

I have been walking 3 miles a day in my neighborhood for the last couple of weeks (I have 2 more weeks until we leave for the Mouse House), I'm hoping that walking in the evening helps, but I don't know how much it will. I just got back from my walk a few minutes ago and I'm beat! Maybe I should've started walking last December.

Also, with walking in the evenings (about a month out), I know isn't representative of how my days will be spent at WDW. After all, the time will be longer, the distance will be farther, and we'll spend a lot of time standing.

Anyone start walking in preparation for the trip? And did it help?

I figure advil will help, but any other tips would be appreciated!

When i get back to the resort, the kids go in the pool. I take 2 advil, 2 tylanol, and a couple maybe three beers (not driving or operating heavy machinery ) while i sit in the hot tub. It has really helped. Even if you don't drink alcohol the combination of tylanol and ibiprofen really works better than either one of them alone.

 

[anorman]

When i get back to the resort, the kids go in the pool. I take 2 advil, 2 tylanol, and a couple maybe three beers (not driving or operating heavy machinery ) while i sit in the hot tub. It has really helped. Even if you don't drink alcohol the combination of tylanol and ibiprofen really works better than either one of them alone.

Yes to all!!

There is nothing like a beer (or two, or three) while sitting in a hot tub at the end of a long park day......can't wait! Also, wearing sneakers in the parks and switching to sandals later in the day helps. This will be our 6th 40+ trip approaching in a couple of weeks and this is what has always worked for us.

 

[DakotaRose]

Many good suggestions above. We spend a lot of time outdoors in the heat of the day before heading south. Being kind of acclimated makes the Florida heat and humidity far less draining, and we don't turn into sweaty messes as readily.

 

[GillianP1301]

I'm 43 as well and was worried last year of how exhausted/sore I would be, especially given that we were there in the heat of August. I was surprised that I really wasn't that bothered and I'm not exactly in good shape and I did no preparation/training before hand. By the last night (we were there 8 nights total), I was starting to feel it though, but that was a day I started at 8:00am and went straight through until 2:00am on EMH. I was wrecked the next day, but knew I was heading home anyway. All the other days, we toured earlier mornings and as long as DS4 could handle, so no late nights. Most days, we were back at our resort in the late afternoon for some relaxation and swimming. A couple of nights we headed back out for a couple o hours, but only a handful of times. So, i think the relaxed approach to our touring helped a lot.

I also alternated footwear and I used body glide on my feet and never got a single blister the whole time. I'll definitely use it on our next trip as well.

 

[kirby428]

I found bringing 2 pairs of tennis shoes helps your feet too.
I exchange my shoes every other day.
If I wear sandals or flip flops, I make sure I am doing hardly any walking. And if we are eating somewhere fancy at night, like at Epcot, I will wear walking shoes into the park and then switch to my sandals.

I've been known to take an Advil or 2 or Aleve at night for pain in my legs and feet. Epson salt isn't a bad idea either. Don't feel bad, an average person walks over 5 miles a day at WDW. I actually loose weight when I go to WDW. It is a lot of walking.

Standing is as hard as hiking. For all day on the feet, I wear the same boots I wear while backpacking including the wicking layer sock liners to keep feet dry inside the Gortex boot. I'm 60+ with no desire for style over foot care anywhere. Yep went to see Happy Feet cuz it sounded like it might have something to do with backpacking.

 

[Collette]

I think it's all about the shoes! I was 48 on my first trip. My ninth trip is coming up and I am way over 40!! Not even close to being "fit". I guess I walk slower and like to take it easy in the parks and go back to the resort, but I can put in a pretty good day without aching feet or pain. The only reason I can think of is my shoes. I have an old pair of New Balance that they no longer make Not sure what I will do when I can't wear them. Breaking in a pair of Ryka's so will see how that goes this fall.

And if it's hot and humid, I'm done for the day. No shoes of any kind can help me!!

Hope you find what works for you!

 

[bumbershoot]

2 or 3 pairs of comfy shoes to alternate between, both halfway through the day, then start with a totally fresh pair the next day.

Epsom salts are wonderful. And arnica cream is magical. I highly recommend arnica cream or lotion; you can often find it at farmer's markets, or if you can't find any nice handmade ones, Boiron brand does in a pinch. Sweat-wicking socks.

That's about it for me. I found that most of my sore feet were being caused by the extra weight I was carrying. But since you don't have that problem, that's not your solution. Lucky.

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

Yes to all!!

There is nothing like a beer (or two, or three) while sitting in a hot tub at the end of a long park day......can't wait! Also, wearing sneakers in the parks and switching to sandals later in the day helps. This will be our 6th 40+ trip approaching in a couple of weeks and this is what has always worked for us.

Hope you have a truly enjoyable time.

 

[Luvchefmic]

perform pain relieving gel made by makers of Bio-freeze
use on calf muscles Frozen water bottle roll with foot
Soak epsom salts stretching exercises

good stiff drink helps too

 

[Liam]

Over 40 crowd? I'm 40 and still play sports and exercise regularly. I run circles around my kids at WDW. It's not so much your age but how well you take care of your body. Keep up with the exercise it will pay off. I know you can do it

 

[4kids4karen]

It has nothing to do with your age, but your physical condition. I am 39, my husband is 53. My husband does crossfit three times a week and runs the tough mudder races. I know many folks over 40 who are more active over 40 than in their younger years.

I have plantar fasciitis so my feet do bother me some, but inserts from my doctor has help a lot. Walking more prior to your visit is a good idea. I don't think type of sock matters much in preventing blisters. If you get blisters the shoes don't fit properly to begin with.