MY feet hurt -- walking around WDW and then some

[a2grafix]

Then possibly I could have walked more than 25 miles, more like 30 or 35.

Regardless, I'm amazed. There was a different kind of amazement when I was a kid and teen and early 20-something at Disney. But now that I'm an upper 30-something kind of dude I have a whole new understanding and respect for Disney and the layout of the whole resort area.

It's pretty amazing, and healthy to boot.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

I love the walking!

But you really do get a great workout in a week!

 

[shoppingnut]

I recently returned to The World this last September (Mmmmm free dining plan incentives... please tell me they're doing it again and I can convince the wife right now to go back!).

Now I'm no neophyte when it comes to the parks and the wife and I have been there more than a few times. However, this last time gave me my first foot-related injury.

I started off with my ultra comfortable Animal Kingdom sandals that are well worn and contoured to my feet. However, a sojourn to Splash Mountain got them wet and my normally protective callouses began to hurt.

By the 3rd day I had to switch over to my shoes (which before this trip were the norm). I was enroute, walking from MGM to Epcot along the waterfront when I felt a horrible stinging sensation in my left foot. It felt like I had a sliver, but I couldn't find anything to extract.

I continued onward. It was only after a bout of swimming at Coronado Springs that I examined my foot while perched precariously on my bed. On the toe next to the little toe, I had developed a blister. At first it was small but by the 5th day of the trip it had grown huge, almost as large as a quarter.

In fear of hobbling myself further, I risked cutting it open. Although my foot hurt, I switched back to sandals and was able to continue.

It was so strange having a foot injury during a trip. My advice is to change your footwear often so you don't wear down a specific part till the point of no return... switch things up and you'll be in much better shape.

Next time, be sure to pack some foam/padded moleskin, it works great.

 

[smk]

Hey kids ...

I returned recently (Oct. 20-26) from my first trip to Walt Disney World, my first trip to Central Florida in just over 14 years. Yes, I know a lot has changed and that was one of the main reasons why I planned the trip -- to see the world again and do as much as possible.

But I have to tell you, my feet and shins ached the day before I left and the day I left. Of course, the discomfort subsided by Monday when I returned to my job, but nearly two weeks after the trip I still have some discomfort in the arch of my left foot.

For four of the days I wore two pairs of socks with my sneakers because I wanted to protect my feet. Good news -- I only got one blister, and it was a small one at that.

Okay, with that out of the way, I must have walked AT LEAST 23-25 miles, or maybe more, during my stay at Disney and a side trip to Universal and Islands of Adventure.

I stayed at the Shades of Green and walked down the driveway and across the street down the Polynesian path to either the monorial or to the buses, or sometimes just walked to the transportation and ticket center to hop a bus to MGM or Animal Kingdom. Then I'd return back to the resort, change, and go right back out for the evening to either Boardwalk or, most nights, the Adventurer's Club at Pleasure Island.

For most of my trip I did two parks in a day and then did the nightlife. The last three days of my stay I did, basically, four parks -- three of the parks plus Pleasure Island. I think Thursday I almost did four parks plus the AC, but timing wasn't right for me to visit Epcot.

Unfortunately I forgot my pedometer. And oh, I forgot to say, I did Disney solo and went to Universal with a friend from Satellite Beach. So, basically I did what I wanted to do and changed my mind on a whim and still had a glorious time.

I wondering, though, HOW MANY MILES could I have actually walked while I was on vacation? I probably did more than most since I was on the go for 19-20 hours a day. Let's see now, I hit the Magic Kingdom twice, Universal and Islands of Adventure once, MGM three times, Epcot three times and Animal Kingdom twice. I also walked the Marketplace and visited most of the shops, and walked the Westside twice, spent one night at Boardwalk, and three nights at the AC at Pleasure Island. I also walked through the Contemporary for a while just to see the changes.

Oh, yeah, it was weird since I was on vacation and got little sleep. But I felt so refreshed, even though I probably slept anywhere between 3 and 5 hours a night. I guess when all the pressure of your job and daily worries are evaporated for a week, your body is in relax mode and you have big fun.

Thanks. Now discuss --

Kungaloosh!

I walk a lot in my job (so I really never have a hard time while in the parks) BUT I always wear CROCS so my feet/legs never hurt! Try' 'em, you'll like 'em! :wave:

 

[a2grafix]

I walk a lot in my job (so I really never have a hard time while in the parks) BUT I always wear CROCS so my feet/legs never hurt! Try' 'em, you'll like 'em! :wave:

Thanks for the advice. I have not bought a pair of crocs, but they are everywhere at Disney, as well as those little pin button things that go all around them.

It is amazing how Disney capitalized on footwear.

Thanks again for the footwear and protection advice, all of you.

Kungaloosh!

 

[SlusherGusher]

while were on this topic...Ive been to disney more times than i can count but i took off a couple of years from 2003-2006. when i went back last year i cried, actually cried in Epcot because my feet hurt sooo bad. ive started/walking jogging because im going again in a few weeks but im very nervous that im not going to enjoy my self as much because my feet will be in sooo much pain again. any suggestions????:veryconfu

If you plan on wearing sneakers or shoes, get a high quality insole to replace your existing insoles. My podiatrist recommended "Spenco Polysorb", they have different models for walking, running and cross-training. The only catch is I've never seen them in a chain drug store, just independent drug stores; though athletic shoe stores may carry them.

Also consider getting sock liners to wear under your regular socks, mine are made of silk. They wick moisture away from your skin and allow your outer sock rub against the sock liner instead of your skin, thereby reducing the chance of a blister. I got mine at a snow-skiing store, originally used them only for downhill skiing, but they work great for any activity.

Lastly, consider buying arch supports. Dr Scholls sells a couple different kinds, one is grey, the other is blue with red. What one you choose depends on your footwear's existing level of arch support and your own foot arch.

 

[teebin]

I can walk Epcot in a brand new pair of New Balance sneakers without one problem. Not trying to sell sneakers cause everyone is different. But they are all that I will walk long distances in as they always leave my feet happy and unscathed.