Pondering of going to Disney World? Take observe: Except you are a really energetic one who already lives in a heat (and humid!) local weather, a bit of prep is likely to 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, when you’re “hoofing it,” you won’t actually 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 to this point, 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 cope with, although. You may need to issue within the sizzling Florida temps, the huge quantity of Disney meals sloshing round in your stomach, and the wait occasions throughout busy intervals (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 just a few tricks to take you from Disney+ to the Disney parks.
Begin Strolling
Most individuals plan their Disney World journey months upfront, which is nice — it’s going to provide you with time to acclimate your physique to the change in tempo. Doing so is very vital when you 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 specialists at Disney Meals Weblog recommend working as much as strolling round 5 miles comfortably forward of your journey. And whereas that may look like rather a lot, 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 subsequent one, including a bit of bit extra each few days till you are circling your complete neighborhood. Discover a route that works for you and preserve making loops till you are hitting one-third to two-thirds of the common steps taken at Disney.
Bear in mind: You might have time. Do not overexert your self — the very last thing you need is to move 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, specialists say packing the precise footwear and provides is essential — and also you wish to give them a check run previous to your journey.
Now is just not the time to put on cute heels matching your Mouse Ears or deliver brand-new sneakers. You may wish to put on good, comfortable, broken-in footwear. When Disney hosted my household, we noticed tons of individuals carrying Crocs or flip-flops, however I would not advise it except 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 Climbing Sneakers as a result of they’re moisture-wicking, water-repelling, and tremendous supportive. I additionally extremely advocate good socks that provide light compression to assist preserve your blood circulating, regardless of how a lot strolling or sitting you do — like these from Brisira.
A remaining tip for (hopefully) protecting your backside half from going kaput? Use an anti-chafing product wherever friction may change into a difficulty, like interior thighs. I’ve finished Disney with Physique Glide and with out Physique Glide, and I am going to by no means return to with out.
Convey a First-Support Package
Each park has a customer’s first help space tucked away someplace stuffed with educated professionals prepared to supply OTC meds, bandages, and even COVID assessments. Really feel like it’s worthwhile to head to Pressing Care or an ER? Disney will transport you there and produce you again to the park or the resort free of charge. Nonetheless, some issues are simpler to deal with by yourself with out sacrificing useful time you might be spending on Disney rides.
Other than bringing your prescription meds, take into account some ache relievers, allergy meds, and stuff for tummy troubles. For these abused tootsies, deliver 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 beginning, ensure you deliver 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 must pack a light-weight, spill-proof, and easy-to-carry receptacle which you can refill. Should you do not fill it up earlier than you permit and no less than as soon as through the day, you are not consuming sufficient water. As a matter of reality, it’s a sensible concept to up your water consumption within the weeks main as much as Disney so that you get used to consuming sufficient.
As for consuming, positive, Disney has tons of choices. Should you’re on a funds, although, remember which you can pack meals to deliver into the parks with you. For everybody’s well being, security, and happiness, take into account cramming a small, soft-sided cooler beneath your stroller and stocking it with just a few “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 to your wonky knee. You probably have a situation that makes you anxious about strolling, look into renting a wheelchair or ECV. Price range allowing, look into the brand new Lightning Lane system so you are not standing in line for thus lengthy.
And preserve cool! Convey cooling towels or a neck fan. Florida temperatures vary from the mid-70s through the uncommon “cooler” months to the high-90s and upwards of 100+ levels within the hotter months. It is not precisely one thing you may put together for (except you wish to sit in a sauna each week main as much as your journey), so your finest wager is to suppose forward to what gear will show you how to finest take care of the warmth and humidity.
The Backside Line
Whereas it’s very potential to go to Disney with out doing a bit of bodily prep work and planning, the chance that you will 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.
