Training for Disney

[mcdebbie]

This might be the wrong spot but if someone can lead me in the right direction I would appreciate it. My sisters, mother, daughter, DH, nephew and grandson are going to Disney in April. As you can see, we are all over the map when it comes to ages. My sister and I are rather out-of-shape... and want to start trainig for all the walking we will be doing. Does anybody have any idea of how many miles you may have walked in one day at MK? Or, if you are a regular exerciser and didn't get totally exhausted at MK, how much walking (miles/minutes) did you normally do before you went? I don't want to be sitting behind on a bench while grandboy is off having the time of his life!

 

[IMDORY]

I've read reports of people averaging 10 miles of walking a day at WDW. I would believe it. I think that if you try to get walking at least a half hour to hour say 3-4 days a week, that would help you a lot. Before I went in December, I was doing a 1 hour class at the gym where we lifted light weights once or twice a week and then I would walk on the treadmill 2 or 3 other days. If I had to pick the weight lifting or walking-I think the weight lifting overall was more beneficial.

The first couple of days at WDW my feet and legs(calves & shins) were pretty sore. The hot tub at WL in the evening really helped with that. I also wore Keen sandals(an athletic type sandal) the first 2 days and then switched to my sneakers-no problem after that. Make sure to wear really good athletic shoes-think about it would you go on a 10 mile walk on pavement in sandals?

Start doing something now if you can-you will be glad you did when you get to Disney!

 

[Elmo888]

I walk 5 days a week for over an hour (3 to 4 miles - I don't know), and I was fine at WDW (with afternoon breaks with our young children). I wasn't sore ever, and we were there for a week. I honestly think that it was because all I did was walk for fitness (for reasons other than WDW), but, for fitness, not WDW, weights are important (but that isn't what you are asking!).

I would start now, walk every day, and start with 20 minutes per day, even if you do 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the afternoon. Work your way up and try to get to an hour. Walk, walk, walk. April is soon!

Bring 2 pairs of comfortable shoes. If one is giving you problems, you can switch to the other. I agree with the athletic walking shoe rec.

And I second the hot tub rec, too!

 

[figment85]

Elmo888 is correct. I would also suggest 20 min. walking a day; normally do 30 min a day and had no problem at WDW. The second pair of shoes is an ide I definitely took advantage of. Even comfortable athletic shoes will annoy you with all that walking and your feet appreciate the switch after a day or two.

 

[december]

My WDW trip last July motivated me start walking early in the summer. The kids and I walked 2 miles a day. Some days we even put on our park backpacs just to get an idea of what we could comfortably carry. We had no problems in the parks.

 

[perdidochas]

This might be the wrong spot but if someone can lead me in the right direction I would appreciate it. My sisters, mother, daughter, DH, nephew and grandson are going to Disney in April. As you can see, we are all over the map when it comes to ages. My sister and I are rather out-of-shape... and want to start trainig for all the walking we will be doing. Does anybody have any idea of how many miles you may have walked in one day at MK? Or, if you are a regular exerciser and didn't get totally exhausted at MK, how much walking (miles/minutes) did you normally do before you went? I don't want to be sitting behind on a bench while grandboy is off having the time of his life!

Just start walking half an hour a day a few days a week. That little bit will give you enough of an edge to enable you to keep going. You will walk probably 3-4 miles minimum in a day at the parks.

 

[mcdebbie]

Thanks for all the suggestions! That idea about carrying your backpack on some of the walks was a great one too! Do you think I should start training for "standing in line"?

 

[TN_DISNEY]

I too have heard that you can cover 10 miles in a day.

I'd recommend buying a good pair of athletic shoes and begin working them in so that they are comfortable.

Start exercising (walking, etc.). Anything you do will be beneficial, but undoubtedly a good deal of walking is ideal.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I agree with starting to walk now! This past January, DH was quite sore. Try stretching after you walk (achilles tendon, calves, quads and hamstrings) Also think about getting some insoles for your shoes. The insoles that come with your shoes get pretty worn out very quickly. Dr. Scholl's are great!

 

[Mousema]

I use Dr Scholl's Soothing Peppermint Foot Lotion on my feet and calves after a long day in the parks and you would not believe how much better I feel. Even at home, after walking or exercising I use this and I feel ready to go again.