A Disney vacation is unlike any other trip you’ve taken, especially when it comes to the physical demands on your body. As someone who has visited Walt Disney World for more than 25% of my life, I’ve learned a thing or two about preparing for the parks. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, these insider tips will help you avoid the rookie mistakes that can turn your magical vacation into a physical endurance test!
The Disney World Reality Check
Before diving into specific tips, let’s get real about what you’re signing up for:
- Orlando is HOT and HUMID – We’re talking about weather that can make you question your life choices if you’re unprepared
- Your Eating Patterns Will Change – Park food, irregular mealtimes, and the temptation of Mickey-shaped everything
- Different Ages = Different Challenges – Kids, adults, and grandparents will all experience the parks differently
Insider Tip: I’ve watched countless unprepared guests struggle with the physical demands of the parks. Don’t be that family sitting on the curb at 2 PM looking defeated!
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It’s Never Too Soon to Start Walking
Know ahead of time that you’re going to feel like you’re walking around the globe…twice…per day! This means that you’re going to want to start daily strolls around your neighborhood for an hour or so (in fact, the more the better). It’ll also give you a chance to break in your “Disney Shoes,” which is the pair of shoes that you’re planning to use during your vacation.
I put in around 35,000 steps per day during my Disney trips, but if you can prep for 15-20K steps before your vacation, it’ll help your cardio levels and make those long park days much more enjoyable.
QUICK TIP: Start your walking program at least 2-3 months before your trip for best results. Your feet will thank you!
Up Your H2O Intake
Sodas are expensive and can hinder your personality in the heat of Orlando, so being prepared to drink a ton of water will 100% help you have a more pleasant vacation.
Why can’t you just flip the switch and go from drinking everything that you do at home to drinking 10-15 250ml cups of water a day? It’s actually all about preparing your body and allowing your kidneys to adapt to the added fluids.
Besides, we should all be drinking more water anyway 😉
QUICK TIP: Start increasing your water intake 2-3 weeks before your trip, and practice carrying a refillable water bottle daily.
Adjust Your Sleep Patterns
I’m a night-owl (by profession), so having to change my entire sleep schedule on vacation is incredibly difficult. Those who spend time with me in the parks know that I’m not…the happiest….before 10am! This is something I’ve tried to change, but it’s all about starting early and working in increments of 20-minutes at a time and not putting too much into the process.
Just know ahead of time that you’re going to be waking up at 6am some days, especially when you want to be in the parks for Early Entry or rope drop at Park Open.
QUICK TIP: Start adjusting your wake-up time in 15-20 minute increments about two weeks before your trip.
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Remember: You’re Not the Only One on Vacation
Oh, I’ve made this mistake MANY TIMES!
Even if you’ve personally changed your sleeping habits and added more water into your diet…there are folks who you’ll be traveling with who haven’t. Don’t worry about pushing everyone to a limit that will make you want to “need a vacation after you get home from vacation,” because you’re only asking for trouble.
Family Prep Strategies:
- Bring your family with you on walks
- Add more “theme park” style food to your diet in the weeks ahead of time
- Watch YouTube POV (Point-of-view) videos with your kids, as they’ll appreciate knowing what to expect from fireworks and loud parts of rides
Remember that a memorable vacation starts long before you ever set foot on Main Street USA! It’s all about setting expectations and being prepared for the physicality that comes from visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort!
Listen to Your Body (The Park Will Be There Tomorrow)
This wasn’t in my original tips, but after watching countless guests push themselves to exhaustion: take breaks! The parks aren’t going anywhere. If your body is telling you it needs rest, find a shady spot, enjoy an air-conditioned attraction, or even head back to your resort for a midday swim and nap.
I can tell you the happiest guests are always those who pace themselves rather than trying to do everything in one go.
Looking for more insider tips for your Disney vacation? Check out my other articles about Disney Planning Tips and Disney Travel Hacks to make your next trip truly magical!