[DVC-JP]

The guide books say, on average, a person walks 13 miles a day at the parks. With 4 or 5 days there, you can really wear yourself out if you're not prepared. I've been hitting the YMCA 4 nights a weeks for the past few weeks (bringing the kids too) trying to get the legs in shape and break in a new pair of walking shoes. Figure if I can do 3 miles in 45 minutes, I can do 13 at slower pace over the course of a day. Plan on sneaking in some healthy snacks as well (granola, fig newtons, fruit, etc.) Has anybody else given this much thought?

[karliebug]

My husband and I joke about this all the time. We always eat whatever we want at disney but always either lose weight or at least stay the same from all the walking.

[Dana]

The walking is interrupted by standing in lines and visiting attractions, so it's not to bad on the legs. I would suggest some walking before your trip not only for the healthy exercise, but for endurance at the parks. You won't tire as easily. Just listen to your body while there. If you feel tired, take a break. Even a bench for 15minutes will be helpful. Over doing it will only make the next day difficult due to sore muscles or fatigue. My DD and I take a break everyday around lunch to freshen up....we feel better and no one gets cranky.

[disneyguy]

My legs have never gotten tired while at Disney. Honestly it doesn't bother me, but maybe thats because I am young

[Dana]

Originally Posted by disneyguy

My legs have never gotten tired while at Disney. Honestly it doesn't bother me, but maybe thats because I am young

Maybe. Mine never bother me either, but I have a job that requires a lot of muscle at times. I can totally relate to people getting emotionally tired or just needing a break though...happens to me every day of my trip. I just need a little break to wash my face and change clothes and maybe just hang and then I'm good.

[Cavey]

DW isn't the most active person, but she has little problems at the park.

I'm a bit skeptical with the 13mile/day estimate. At a quick pace a hiker on flat ground can cover 3mph. So we're talking 4+ hours of walking. We'll at a day at WDW you spend a lot of time in lines, in shows, in attractions. I guess if your criss-crossing a park alot, you'd do it. But I think 3-5 miles might be a better estimate.

Oh, and I've done a 12 mile hike before (in fact, didn't finish it). My feet at WDW don't feel anywhere nearly as bad as that.

[PrincessJill]

I always feel soooo out of shape when I'm at Disney! I wear comfy shoes and everything, and my feet still kill me by the end of the day. I messed up one of my knees a few years ago so that's fun at Disney too. It's so embarrassing.. my parents are like the Energizer bunnies and I'm always dragging behind them like "Wait... *gasp*... must... rest...."

[BDavis932]

We wore a pedometer on our last trip, both my sister and I concluded that we walked at least 12 miles per day. We are park commandos (in the parks by 9am and not back until at least 10 or 11pm) so that may have something to do with it. Our legs seldom tire and we usually hit the pool after spending 12+ hours in the parks.

[Disneyguru]

Originally Posted by BDavis932

We wore a pedometer on our last trip, both my sister and I concluded that we walked at least 12 miles per day. We are park commandos (in the parks by 9am and not back until at least 10 or 11pm) so that may have something to do with it. Our legs seldom tire and we usually hit the pool after spending 12+ hours in the parks.

Wow, gotta give you credit. don't think I could do that.

[dznygrl]

I am a Park Commando as well...by the way, Heather (BDavis) trademarked that term, so she gets credit for it!! I just can't get my computer to do the TM symbol...

Anyway, I have never had any problem in WDW before, because I LOVE going at a breakneck speed. But after spending the holidays in full couch potato mode, and now that I work from home...I just noticed that I am probably in the worst shape I've ever been! I have gained 10+ pounds just since moving to Alaska...I got really toned at first because we spent so much time hiking & 4-wheeling, but as soon as winter hit it was "sit on the couch and don't dare venture outside" mode.

I highly doubt I could walk half a mile without getting out of breath. DH is probably in the same shape...which is SAD, because we have a $100-per-month membership to this incredibly awesome gym with like 50 million machines, aerobic classes & even a rock-climbing wall! So what am I doing sitting here at home, instead of at the gym getting in shape for WDW???

I really have NO idea.

[jodilt]

I used a pedometer 2 years ago on my trip and averaged about 4-6 miles per day. I can't imaging doing 12 per day! How many laps around the park is that? I do everything at least twice and shop 'til I drop, but still don't do 12 miles!

[aloha_stitch]

I'm always ready. I have these weights that are 5lbs each and they are the kind you can put on your legs or arms. I walk around the house with them on. I also have to run in Tennis everyday.

[hiner]

For our trip last year, we started on the tredmill 3 mos. before we went. We would take turns each night and walk about 1 and 1/2 miles. Broke in our new sneakers, had no problems with tired feet, or blisters and lost weight on top of it all.

We've already started for our upcoming trip. Not just to get used to walking again, but to lose those holiday pounds LOL.