Unique Adult Aches and Pains?

[Hisgirl]

For all you adults out there who are over 50 and enjoy WDW, do you find it difficult to do all the walking and deal with the heat (after menopause!)?

I've been walking and walking, and working out....basically a boot camp for walt disney for the past six weeks. I think I'm ready. But my feet....they get sore sometimes or swollen.

Any suggestions for keeping the over-50 feet happy at Disney?

 

[New Orleans lady]

If you find your self having foot or leg pain, ask a CM to call the front of the park to see if any ECV's are available . You could also take a leisurely lunch to rest your feet. Sometimes we will hop on the monorail and sit in the Lobby of the poly or the GF. At times they have a little musical entertainment. This gives you a little rest and a second wind.

 

[New Orleans lady]

If you find your self having foot or leg pain, ask a CM to call the front of the park to see if any ECV's are available . You could also take a leisurely lunch to rest your feet. Sometimes we will hop on the monorail and sit in the Lobby of the poly or the GF. At times they have a little musical entertainment. This gives you a little rest and a second wind.

Ryka shoes help. I have 4 pair.




If you think that you can do something or not, you are right!

 

[delaneyc52]

We start out early and never enlist the commando attitude. We take our time and find great spots all over the World to take a break. My favorite is having an Italian Margarita, sitting outside the shops of Italy in World Showcase...but I digress. We start early, but go back to the resort at about 2 or 3 and cool the toes off in the resort pool or hot tub. That one hour break rejuvenates the joints and off we go again til park closing!

I'm a Croc fan. Packing moleskin helps too !!

 

[aprile]

I walk a lot in my daily life so walking at Disney isn't bad. It is, however, all about the shoes. I've found that sketchers or Columbia sandels work best for me. Just make sure whatever shoes you prefer are well broken in. No matter how comfortable shoes are, if they are new they won't be quite as comfortable later in the day.

I just did Universal and stayed at a place walking distance from the park (around 1.5 mile walk) and the only thing that bothered me was the heat, which is why the Columbia sandels were a good choice because I could go on water rides and they didn't get squishy like sneakers would.

The thing I found harder to recover from was the rollercoasters that hold your head in place. My neck took a day to recover from those. So maybe bring some Icy Hot with you if you're going on rides that might twist parts of your body that are not as flexible as they used to be.

The good thing about Disney is there are lots of places with A/C to go into if the heat's getting to you. Have fun.

 

[Ro Z]

We are lucky that we go often enough that we can 'take it easy'. In Disney language that means only walking 3 miles a day! But my real secret is my Sketchers! They are like walking on little pillows! I found my 1st pair last year and after my 1st trip with them I ran to the store and bought 2 more pair!! I didn't want them to be discontinued before I could stock up!

 

[sam_001]

i would do 2 or 3 attractions take a 10 to 15 min break with a cold drink. then at the end of the day soak my feet in the tub and ibuprofen helps i can stay in the parks for 8 to 10hrs a day hope this helps

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I'm 57 and go solo to the parks every early December. I cover about 8 miles a day. My tricks are absolutely my comfy sneakers, with the extra added arch supports.

I did an extra trip this year - May
1st, for 5 nights. I did NOT fare out quite as well. One day in The Studios, I felt so sick and dizzy, I almost fainted. It was 90 degrees almost every day! When I left home it was only in the 30's !

I should have been drinking much more water than I had.
I was trying to cover all the attractions that I would do in December, but I wound up totally exhausted. I felt like a zombie walking around the parks.

So ... Looking back .... I wish I had taken the time to go back to my room for a nap when it was really
super hot outside.
During the evenings - I felt fine.

And when you mentioned menopause ......

I was worried that my A/C would turn off in the middle of the night, and I would wake up miserably hot. That wasn't so at all.
I was in the BWV studio room, and the A/C was fine all night.

 

[Businessgypsy]

Hisgirl, you're right. If the feet aren't happy, they pull the rest down. Like others I'm a fan of Crocs, but will wear walking (NOT running) shoes. Difference: more sole area. I'm also a fan of socks. Black no ankle socks with great padding absorb and dry, and keep the abrasive dirt and sand from wearing a hole in your toes. Plus they look cool!

Every ounce you carry makes a huge difference in foot fatigue, so forget the backpack. Cargo shorts (i prefer the carpenter style) will carry an emergency poncho, cash and cards. The overstuffed wallet stays behind also. Carrying a water bottle? Don't! Fountains are near every bathroom, and the water is probably better than the PVC infused junk in the ecologically disastrous bottle.

If you burn, a light colored, lightweight long sleeve shirt is a lifesaver. You can always roll up the sleeves. Don't forget a broad brimmed ventilated hat - there's no better protection from heat fatigue. SPF 50 elsewhere.

Great thinking exercising to prepare for the parks. The right preparation will leave you feeling tired but great at the end of the day, and you'll wake up ready to take on the (WD)World!

 

[cruisingkat]

We are in our early 60's and go to Disney several times a year.
We found that using the pool or especially the hot tub if your resort has one and taking an aspirin before turning in for the night seems to make all the aches and pains go away the next morning.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I'll second that about the hot tub !

Even when you can't do the hot tub any longer, it is beneficial to sit on the edge and just do your feet in the water jets.

Then you can do a "cool down" in the pool. It is all very therapeutic for those aches and pains.

 

[PammieJ]

I'm in my early 50's, and we visit WDW at least once a year. In order to walk the 10+ miles per day it takes to visit from morning to evening without having to take a break several times a day, it's important to have the right shoes, be in shape, and drink lots of water.

I purchase running shoes, not regular sneakers. Be prepared to pay well more than the $30.00 sneakers you get at Walmart. You'll be glad you did. Buy the Smartfeet insoles, also (another 35 dollars), if you have arch issues. Have the salesperson at the athletic store fit you correctly. If you go to a store that doesn't have a salesperson to fit your shoes...you're not going to be buying good running shoes.

Drink water. All day long. Yes, you'll have to stop and pee, but better that than laying there waiting for an ambulance while you cramp up and dehydrate!! All of my DDP snacks are used up with water, and I get water with every meal. Even if you don't mind the heat, it's a different climate from what most of us are used to, and dehydration can ruin your week, if you don't get enough water. Another bonus is that by drinking plenty of water, you won't overeat.

Have some salt (but not too much). The heat will cause you to lose electrolytes, so if you typically don't eat any salt, you might be able to add a bit to your diet.


Don't lug around a lot of needless crap. I either carry a small fanny pack, or a larger lanyard with a pouch around my neck for my Key to the World, some cash and my cell phone. I don't bother with a camera, and carry my PhotoPass card...for those special photos. I already have 5 million photos of WDW from my past trips!

We often go back to the resort in the middle of the day for a quick dip in the pool. It's refreshing, and floating around in the water gives your body a quick rest.

Make sure you bring ibuprofen, or some other anti-inflammatory medication for those aching legs. I walk a lot during my day, but a day at WDW is like a marathon, and I still get achy by bedtime. Often I take Advil PM, which has the added benefit of a sleep aid.

I don't mind the heat, in fact my motto is "the hotter, the better" I see a lot of poor suffering folks at WDW who are wearing way too many clothes. Jeans are just too hot!! Use lots of sunscreen instead of long sleeves. I wear hiking shorts. They breathe, and won't chafe the insides of your legs. I also wear the sleeveless hiking tank tops, which are very comfortable.

I hope you have a wonderful time at WDW, and that you're feet stay happy!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

The feet aren't as much a problem as the knees. Those take a lot of ibuprofen!! I just take a break and sit whenever I can, even if its on a ride or show.

 

[EvilQueenT]

i walk 3-5 miles most days of the week (started about a year ago for a disney trip too lol), i'm not quite 50 but fit the bill with the rest of your description and what i've found that helps is alcohol...plain and simple just pace yourself because again we're not 22 anymore. we call it liquid pixie dust.

 

[Hisgirl]

Well, we're back!

Trip arrival day...2 miles walked.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom. I chose my new-ish sketchers sandels. They are padded and similar to chacos. 5.84 miles walked. No blisters, aches or pain! SO HAPPY I've been walking for 6 weeks in preparation! Soaking my feet in the cool bathtub that evening relieved all the swelling.

Day 3: Epocot. So pleased with previous day's shoes, wore them again. Walked 6.44 miles. HOWEVER, a problem developed. My feet felt GREAT and I was shocked and happy. But the previous evening. a yellow fly from the pits of hell bit my daughter right on her ankle where her teva strap crossed. She had a huge itching painful blister from the bite. So we switched shoes. She now got to wear the backless comfortable sketchers. Her one size too big tevas felt okay. I continued on cautiously.

Day 4: Animal Kingdom. 5.38 miles. Back to my sketchers but now my feet hurt. I think changing to tevas yesterday did something, and by the evening, my feet hurt were swollen and I couldn't wait to sit down on the plane to come home. I also had a blister from the tevas that moleskin wouldn't help.


Overall, we walked just under 20 miles. I think sticking with the same shoes, assuming they work well, is somehow crucial. I only saw 2 folks wearing inappropriate shoes..high heeled wedges. Ouch! This morning, my feet still hurt, but knees, hips and everything else feels fine.

 

[delaneyc52]

i walk 3-5 miles most days of the week (started about a year ago for a disney trip too lol), i'm not quite 50 but fit the bill with the rest of your description and what i've found that helps is alcohol...plain and simple just pace yourself because again we're not 22 anymore. we call it liquid pixie dust.

Liquid Pixie Dust -- I just love it!

 

[nurse.darcy]

Well, we're back!

Trip arrival day...2 miles walked.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom. I chose my new-ish sketchers sandels. They are padded and similar to chacos. 5.84 miles walked. No blisters, aches or pain! SO HAPPY I've been walking for 6 weeks in preparation! Soaking my feet in the cool bathtub that evening relieved all the swelling.

Day 3: Epocot. So pleased with previous day's shoes, wore them again. Walked 6.44 miles. HOWEVER, a problem developed. My feet felt GREAT and I was shocked and happy. But the previous evening. a yellow fly from the pits of hell bit my daughter right on her ankle where her teva strap crossed. She had a huge itching painful blister from the bite. So we switched shoes. She now got to wear the backless comfortable sketchers. Her one size too big tevas felt okay. I continued on cautiously.

Day 4: Animal Kingdom. 5.38 miles. Back to my sketchers but now my feet hurt. I think changing to tevas yesterday did something, and by the evening, my feet hurt were swollen and I couldn't wait to sit down on the plane to come home. I also had a blister from the tevas that moleskin wouldn't help.


Overall, we walked just under 20 miles. I think sticking with the same shoes, assuming they work well, is somehow crucial. I only saw 2 folks wearing inappropriate shoes..high heeled wedges. Ouch! This morning, my feet still hurt, but knees, hips and everything else feels fine.

I am a flip flop girl. I have about 30 pairs of flips and wear different ones every day. At AK I choose to wear my Keens because they provide better coverage and are more like hiking sandals. I have never had a blister or sore feet at WDW, other than dry cracked heels from wearing flips. . .lol. . .nothing some lotion and cotton socks at night while sleeping won't fix. . .lol.

I am all for finding comfy shoes, but seriously, I prefer switching shoes daily. . .

 

[Businessgypsy]

...a yellow fly from the pits of hell bit my daughter...

Hey, you got a Florida souvenir! I've seen metallic green bees, giant waterbugs and gnarly stick insects, but no biting yellow flies. Maybe it's an experimental escapee from Flower & Garden fest. You'll know when the babies emerge!

Nah, probably just a deer fly. They hurt like hell, but glad to say insect bites are rare at WDW compared to the rest of our lively state. Glad you had a good trip, and don't stop exercising!

 

[DMass]

i walk 3-5 miles most days of the week (started about a year ago for a disney trip too lol), i'm not quite 50 but fit the bill with the rest of your description and what i've found that helps is alcohol...plain and simple just pace yourself because again we're not 22 anymore. we call it liquid pixie dust.

Liquid pixie dust is great but you have to be careful. There's nothing sadder than a plastered pixie.

 

[Hisgirl]

Hey, you got a Florida souvenir! I've seen metallic green bees, giant waterbugs and gnarly stick insects, but no biting yellow flies. Maybe it's an experimental escapee from Flower & Garden fest. You'll know when the babies emerge!

Nah, probably just a deer fly. They hurt like hell, but glad to say insect bites are rare at WDW compared to the rest of our lively state. Glad you had a good trip, and don't stop exercising!

The yellow fly is actually called the Diachlorus ferrugatus (Fabricius). It's considered a 'fierce' biter and will come back and bite again and again once it has found a 'willing' host. A few years back I got bit on the face and it got horrendously infected. I had to go see a doctor while on vacation. Apparently the worst season can be May-June. They're awful and to be avoided if at all possible!