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How to Train for Disney World: Is It Necessary?

How to Train for Disney World: Is It Necessary?

I remember as a kid my grandparents had a treadmill in their house and it was only used when they had a vacation planned in Disney World. A few months before their trip they would start “training”. They would walk miles and miles every day in their designated Disney shoes on the treadmill.

I used to laugh at them.

Now I know that my grandmother was a genius.

How Many Miles Will You Walk in Disney?

Believe it or not, the average person in Disney World will walk around 10 miles in one day! That’s a lot for most people, now also consider how far 10 miles is on little legs.

After going myself many times, I thoroughly understand why Grandma would train before going to Disney! We’re not used to walking that much distance or that long during a day!

Don’t forget, for the people who want to soak in every minute Disney has to offer, that’s over a 12-hour day! You’re going to need some stamina!

Train Your Family for Disney!

Make getting ready for Disney World a family affair! If your kids are used to sitting in a stroller, maybe start having them walk to the park. It will help build up those little legs so they will be better used to things like standing in line.

Trust us, it really helps because they can’t be in the stroller all day. They will go nuts.

Here are some tips:

  1. Build up your stamina: Disney World involves a lot of walking, so it can be helpful to start walking regularly and gradually increasing your distance in the weeks leading up to your trip.
  2. Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that will allow you to move around easily. We’ve got you covered with the best shoes to wear to the parks here.
  3. Plan your visit: Research the park ahead of time and plan your visit to make the most of your time there. This can help reduce stress and ensure that you don't miss any must-see attractions.
  4. Stay hydrated and nourished: Disney World can be hot and tiring, so make sure to stay hydrated and nourished by bringing water and snacks with you, or by taking advantage of the food and beverage options available at the park.
  5. Manage your expectations: Disney World can be a crowded and busy place, so it's important to manage your expectations and be prepared for the crowds and long lines that may be present.

Strollers in Disney

If your kid is 4, 5, 6, even 7 or 8 years old, you may think that they have been out of strollers for years, so they don’t need one. Not so fast, Momma. Remember that these are 10-mile days. Your kid may be an energetic strong rockstar at home, but you know what they say, “ain’t no tired like a Disney tired”.

There is Z-E-R-O shame in renting a stroller for an older child. You will see big kids all over Disney being pushed in strollers.

PRO-TIP: You may think that there’s no way your kid will want to be pushed in a stroller. That was me thinking about my kid. At home, she is a tree climbing wild woman, but at Disney she was all about climbing into that stroller and taking a cat nap between rides. She’s in 2nd grade.

Renting Strollers at Disney

Strollers are super easy to rent in Walt Disney World so you don’t have to stress about bringing one with you.

You have 2 options for renting a stroller for your Disney Vacation. You can either rent from Disney when you arrive at the park or you can rent from a third party.

Renting Disney Strollers

Disney strollers can be rented at the front of every theme park and Disney Springs. You can pay $15 per day, or $13 per day for the length of your Disney vacation. Strollers need to be returned before exiting the park each day, and this includes park hopping.

You only need to pay the rental fee once per day, so just keep your receipt so if you decide to reenter the parks you can pick up a new stroller.

It is important to note that while the Disney Parks strollers are cute and Mickey themed, they are made out of hard plastic and are not particularly comfortable.

Renting Strollers from a Third Party

There are tons of third-party stroller companies around Orlando! If you Google “rent stroller for Disney” you will find pages of companies to choose from.

Renting from a third party can be a great option because you can often have the stroller delivered directly to your resort and you can choose exactly what kind of style fits your needs from their website.

It is important to note that any time you enter Disney transportation with a stroller, it will need to be folded up. This means buses, monorails, skyliners, boats, and even the parking lot trams.

Things to Consider with Strollers in Disney

Strollers are allowed in Disney World and can be a convenient way to transport young children around the parks. However, there are some guidelines to keep in mind:

  1. Size Limits: Strollers must be no larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long.
  2. Rental Options: Disney World offers stroller rentals at the parks, which can be a convenient option if you don't want to bring your own stroller.
  3. Parking: When you park your stroller, make sure to follow the instructions provided by Disney World Cast Members to ensure that it is parked in a designated area.
  4. Considerations for Park Hopping: If you plan on park hopping during your visit, keep in mind that strollers cannot be taken on Disney transportation between parks. You will need to fold your stroller and carry it with you on the transportation.
  5. Theft Prevention: It's a good idea to label your stroller with your name and contact information in case it gets misplaced. Additionally, do not leave any valuables or personal belongings in the stroller unattended, as theft can occur.

Tips for Walking in the Disney Parks!

How to Train for Disney World: Is It Necessary? 4

Walking in Disney World can be an exciting and enjoyable experience, as you explore the various attractions and themed areas of the park. Here are a few tips to help make your walking experience in Disney World more comfortable and enjoyable:

  1. Wear comfortable shoes: Disney World is a large park, and you can expect to do a lot of walking throughout the day. It is important to wear comfortable shoes that can support your feet and prevent blisters or soreness.
  2. Take breaks: Don't feel like you have to rush through the park and see everything at once. Take regular breaks to rest, eat, drink water, and enjoy the scenery.
  3. Use a map: Disney World can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time visiting. Take advantage of the maps available to help you navigate the park and plan your walking route.
  4. Stay hydrated: Walking around all day can be exhausting, so it's important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  5. Be aware of your surroundings: Disney World can get crowded, especially during peak times. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other guests to avoid collisions.
  6. Have fun!: Finally, don't forget to enjoy yourself! Disney World is a magical place, and walking around can be an opportunity to take in the sights and sounds and immerse yourself in the experience.

Is it Necessary to Train for Disney?

It's not necessary to train specifically for a trip to Disney World, but it can be helpful to prepare in certain ways to ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Having Disabilities in Walt Disney World

Some people may worry about a trip to Disney World because of a disability that may or may not be seen. Don’t worry! Disney has become an all-inclusive place so everyone can have the best day ever!

Renting an Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV)

If you have limited physical capabilities you should seriously consider renting an ECV or scooter. Just like strollers, there is no shame in needing one.

Most attraction queues have been updated to accommodate ECVs and wheelchairs, so attractions are no longer an issue either!

Just like strollers, you can rent an ECV either from Disney directly or from a third-party vendor.

Disability Access Service

Some disabilities can’t be seen and can prevent people from having a great experience at a place as busy as Disney World. This service allows you to book attractions so that you wait for your turn outside of the line. This does not mean you have no wait, you just wait for your turn somewhere outside of the queue.

Physical handicaps no longer qualify guests for DAS because of the new accommodations to the queue lines. However, conditions such as anxiety, autism, IBS, or any other condition that prevents you from waiting in a traditional queue will qualify.

To apply for DAS, go to your My Disney Experience to set up a zoom interview or visit Guest Relations at the entrance of any of the parks.