Considering of going to Disney World? Take word: Until you are a really lively one that already lives in a heat (and humid!) local weather, slightly prep may be so as. Whereas there are alternatives for mobility aids and loads of locations to take a seat and relaxation at any of Walt Disney World’s a number of parks and resorts, if you happen to’re “hoofing it,” you won’t really be ready for what that appears like.
Disney owns roughly 40+ sq. miles of property in Orlando, Florida. Solely about half of Disney’s property is developed up to now, however that is nonetheless 20-ish sq. miles of Disney-themed gorgeousness to behold. And whether or not you are sticking to only the parks or making time to discover the resorts, you are certain to log heaps of miles of strolling every day. Sure, *miles.*
That is not all of your physique might want to deal with, although. You will must issue within the sizzling Florida temps, the huge quantity of Disney meals sloshing round in your stomach, and the wait occasions throughout busy durations (which imply that even while you’re not strolling, you are still standing).
Can you continue to do Disney? Completely! Nonetheless, it would not damage to prep your physique first. Listed below are a couple of tricks to take you from Disney+ to the Disney parks.
Begin Strolling
Most individuals plan their Disney World journey months prematurely, which is nice — it’s going to provide you with time to acclimate your physique to the change in tempo. Doing so is very necessary if you happen to sit at a desk most days and your longer walks are while you head to Goal.
So, how do you begin your Disney “coaching”? The consultants at Disney Meals Weblog counsel working as much as strolling round 5 miles comfortably forward of your journey. And whereas that may seem to be so much, simply know that many individuals common 20,000 – 25,000 steps a day (or greater than 10 miles) at Disney!
So, begin with a visit across the block, then add the following one, including slightly bit extra each few days till you are circling your complete neighborhood. Discover a route that works for you and maintain making loops till you are hitting one-third to two-thirds of the common steps taken at Disney.
Keep in mind: You will have time. Do not overexert your self — the very last thing you need is to go to Disney already compromised and/or in ache.
Pamper Your Toes and Legs
Not surprisingly, all that strolling does a quantity in your ft, knees, and again. To make it extra manageable, consultants say packing the fitting sneakers and provides is essential — and also you need to give them a take a look at run previous to your journey.
Now is just not the time to put on cute heels matching your Mouse Ears or carry brand-new sneakers. You will need to put on good, comfortable, broken-in sneakers. When Disney hosted my household, we noticed tons of individuals sporting Crocs or flip-flops, however I would not advise it until you are used to logging loads of miles in that sort of footwear (and miraculously handle to drag it off ache-free).
I like Keens Zionic Waterproof Mountaineering Sneakers as a result of they’re moisture-wicking, water-repelling, and tremendous supportive. I additionally extremely advocate good socks that supply mild compression to assist maintain your blood circulating, irrespective of how a lot strolling or sitting you do — like these from Brisira.
A remaining tip for (hopefully) preserving your backside half from going kaput? Use an anti-chafing product anyplace friction might develop into a problem, like internal thighs. I’ve finished Disney with Physique Glide and with out Physique Glide, and I will by no means return to with out.
Convey a First-Assist Equipment
Each park has a customer’s first help space tucked away someplace stuffed with skilled professionals keen to supply OTC meds, bandages, and even COVID exams. Really feel like you want to head to Pressing Care or an ER? Disney will transport you there and produce you again to the park or the lodge without spending a dime. Nonetheless, some issues are simpler to deal with by yourself with out sacrificing worthwhile time you possibly can be spending on Disney rides.
Apart from bringing your prescription meds, think about some ache relievers, allergy meds, and stuff for tummy troubles. For these abused tootsies, carry Neosporin, Band-Aids, blister cushions (Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Padding Strips are superb!), Epsom salt for end-of-day soaking, or an Epsom salt cream (Dr. Teal’s is a favourite amongst hardcore Disney-goers).
Know Your Weak point
Not males with beards. Nor sundresses. Not even spirit jerseys. On this case, your weaknesses are low blood sugar and dehydration. It is easy to get caught up within the hustle and bustle of a Disney journey and neglect to eat or drink, but it surely’s oh-so-important to recollect each.
At the start, be sure to carry a water bottle — and never a Stanley, as a result of these guys are heavy and fairly impractical within the parks. Disney World has water stations throughout, so that you simply have to pack a light-weight, spill-proof, and easy-to-carry receptacle you could refill. In case you do not fill it up earlier than you allow and not less than as soon as in the course of the day, you are not ingesting sufficient water. As a matter of reality, it’s a sensible thought to up your water consumption within the weeks main as much as Disney so that you get used to ingesting sufficient.
As for consuming, certain, Disney has tons of choices. In case you’re on a finances, although, do not forget you could pack meals to carry into the parks with you. For everybody’s well being, security, and happiness, think about cramming a small, soft-sided cooler below your stroller and stocking it with a couple of “requirements.” No stroller? A protein bar and a bag of Goldfish Crackers will slot in your fanny pack.
Make Issues As Straightforward As Attainable on Your Physique
Disney World is just not the time to attempt “toughing it out.” Put on that brace on your wonky knee. When you have a situation that makes you anxious about strolling, look into renting a wheelchair or ECV. Funds allowing, look into the brand new Lightning Lane system so you are not standing in line for therefore lengthy.
And maintain cool! Convey cooling towels or a neck fan. Florida temperatures vary from the mid-70s in the course of the uncommon “cooler” months to the high-90s and upwards of 100+ levels within the hotter months. It isn’t precisely one thing you may put together for (until you need to sit in a sauna each week main as much as your journey), so your greatest guess is to suppose forward to what gear will assist you greatest cope with the warmth and humidity.
The Backside Line
Whereas it’s very doable to go to Disney with out doing slightly bodily prep work and planning, the probability that you’re going to remorse skipping this step is excessive. A Disney trip is an enormous funding! Nobody needs to overlook out on the enjoyable (or waste their cash) by sitting out because of sore legs, blistered ft, or warmth exhaustion.
