What do you do physically to prepare yourself for WDW?

[bettyann29]

We are leaving in a little over 2 weeks and just wondered if anyone does anything physically to get ready for Disney?? That sure is alot of walking and Im thinking of starting to do some walking in the evening to get ready.. My feet and legs always kill me at the end of the day.. Im not used to that much walking..

 

[Dislifer]

You're right...START WALKING!!! When I went to WDW 2 years ago I did started walking at night a few months before our trip. When I went to WDW I had no problem with my feet/legs. Last year when I went I didn't do this and I definitely wished that I had. Within a few hours at the parks my feet started to hurt. I really think you should physically prepare for the trip ... I know I'm going to for next time!!!

 

[LoveMickey]

I make sure I start walking a month or so in advance of our trip. My feet still bother me (I call them Disney feet) but the hot tubs help the feet and calves during our midday breaks and at night.

I usually walk at lunch, but you could walk for a little while twice a day to build up.

Oh and don't forget - do not wear new (unbroken in) foot wear to Disney.

 

[Marilou]

Yes...I'll definitely agree! Start walking! We try to get in a walk weekdays after dinner. We start out slow....strolling & short distances, then work up to fairly strong power walks at least 1 & 1/2 miles. We start up this "training" about a month or 2 before trip and about 2-3 weeks before trip we break in new sneakers....we always get new ones just before trip but break em in on our nightly walks.
It is amazing when we really think about it...we are in these parks from 9am till 11pm just about every night! No wonder we are so dang tired!!!

ahhh but I wouldn't have it any other way....would you?

 

[antmaril]

I fill my wallet with the tons of money I'm going to need to make sure I can lift it

 

[bleeps]

Along with the walking and bringing shoes you've already broken in comes another key -- a SECOND pair of great walking shoes that you've already broken in. Because we went in December and the suitcase space was tight (warmer clothes took up more room than usual!), I neglected to follow this rule that I normally set for all of us (DH, DS; 7, and me). Being able to switch off your shoes day-to-day really helps your feet!

 

[pepperw23]

I have been dieting (lots of food to be had at Disney ya know) and hitting the gym faithfully. You should walk at least twice a day to get your body ready. Add a little more time to each walk. Ya know what else I just thought of? You should wear your "disney shoes" to make sure they are comfey.

 

[pepperw23]

Yes...I'll definitely agree! Start walking! We try to get in a walk weekdays after dinner. We start out slow....strolling & short distances, then work up to fairly strong power walks at least 1 & 1/2 miles. We start up this "training" about a month or 2 before trip and about 2-3 weeks before trip we break in new sneakers....we always get new ones just before trip but break em in on our nightly walks.
It is amazing when we really think about it...we are in these parks from 9am till 11pm just about every night! No wonder we are so dang tired!!!

ahhh but I wouldn't have it any other way....would you?

lol, should have read the rest of the thread before I replied..lol


ummm...what she said lol.

 

[Marilou]

lol, should have read the rest of the thread before I replied..lol


ummm...what she said lol.

ROFL...I know I've done the same thing myself. It will just reitterate (sp) the facts right??? If more than one person has same advice then you KNOW it's the smart thing to do.

114 more days

 

[cinderkeli]

Well I just bought new tennis shoes and start walking to break them in. We leave in June.

 

[Marilou]

Well I just bought new tennis shoes and start walking to break them in. We leave in June.

Just make sure you don't go beyond "breaking them in" to "wearing them out" ! I know...stupid comment....falls under the "duh" category.
I usually get mine in late April for my June trip and untill my vacation, I will only allow myself to wear them for my "training walks" I don't want Mickey to see me in scruffy shoes. lol

 

[cinderkeli]

Thanks, I was just trying to wear them only for walking in the evening. I just need all this rain and snow stuff to go away so my shoes look nice. lol

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

I fill my wallet with the tons of money I'm going to need to make sure I can lift it

Seriously, though, there is so much walking involved at Disney. By day 3, every muscle in my body was hurting!! But, we did keep up a very rapid pace and most of the time I was packing my 2.5 yo on my hip. I think it was when we arrived at the Motor Car stunt show as the show was starting that did me in. The crowd was being hurried up the steps to the last availalbe seats. I practically ran up what seemed like 100 flights of stairs carrying this 2.5 yo that was asleep!!!! so he was just dead weight. The next day I couldn't hardly move. But, it was so worth it.

 

[BraveMom3]

I started the first of January on weightwatchers, and I have been doing about 1 1/2 miles 4 times a week on my treadmill. I've lost 12 pounds and hope to drop 10 more before our trip, May 26-June12. I am going to bump up my treadmill to 2 miles and add some strength training to boost that metabolism and firm up those upper arms! My pictures from last year in tank/sleeveless tops were a little scary!!! I have three children, ages 13, 9, and 8, and I want to be able to keep up with them and enjoy myself. Good luck everyone!

 

[jaletu2000]

Dreamer you must be an Olympian! How on earth did you manage to RUN up those stairs with a 2.5 year-old!? I could barely walk up with just me so I'm impressed!

But yes! do the walking. It makes a grand difference in how you feel and how soon you wear out at WDW. Even if you are young and in good shape, a little training before hand is advisable.

And if you are going to be pushing a stoller, don't forget to walk in the mall or neighborhood with it loaded (kids and packages) just for practice. Do your Disney shopping! Those strollers can be hard to maneuver(sp?), esp. in crowded parks, so a little practice can help.

Also - don't forget to drink your water! If you don't do that now, get into the habit. It will help keep you hydrated in the hot sun.
Have a great trip!

 

[bettyann29]

Thanks for all the comments.. I wish I had started walking a week ago.. I just decided a week ago that we were going on March 21.. originally it was for May.. But I will get a walk in today definitely.. I just cant believe how absolutely every muscle in my body hurts so bad, yet I can get up the next day and do it again I wonder if our kids feet and legs hurt like ours does? I wouldnt think so because they would whine so bad..

 

[disneyphanatic1911]

My daughters and I have been doing like two laps daily around the subdivision
trying to prepare for the loooooong walks at WDW.

I hope it works!

 

[Elysiannn]

The advice here is great but if you can't start a walking program - just take it easier in the parks once you're there. There is alot of walking and when you're feet start to gripe - take a rest! Take in a show! Do lunch or dinner!

Then when you go back to your resort at night - treat your feet to the spa or if your resort doesn't have a hot tub - fill up the tub in your room and soak the feet. Then put them up!!!

For me I ice my feet cause they get hot. Not too long and then I put some Dr. Scholl's foot lotion on them. It has peppermint in it and it helps to cool and make my feet feel better.

I agree with taking two different pairs of shoes and alternating them.

Take a rest mid-day back at your resort.

Starting a walking program before you go helps but if you can't just take it easier on you and your feet when you're there. Remember anything you don't get to do or see just means you get to go to WDW again in the future!!!!

Good luck and have a great time! Ely

 

[PaulaSue]

I have a treadmill and walk about 3 miles every 2 days at a fast pace. I had no problem with my feet or legs hurting. We went for 7 days to the parks.

 

[jann1033]

i have a number of health issues so i am extra careful not to get run down(run down =relapse) and i also start walking as much as i can( which isn't much) 6 months or so pretrip. as soon as the weather breaks i hope to be up to starting my "training" for our fall trip

i also agree though about the sit down and rest once you are there philosophy. it's so easy to go go go then you want to drop where as small breaks( like sit down to eat a snack instead of walking to the next attraction with it, eating a restful sit down lunch instead of rushing through a burger) seem to really help