And they all have to do with WALKING!
#5. You're going to be doing a lot of walking (sometimes uphill!)
I've seen pedometers range from 5-13 miles in the Magic Kingdom for one day. You have to remember that human feet are for walking on the dirt, not concrete. So, get on the treadmill a few weeks before your trip and build up your endurance, your feet will thank you. Also, see #3. If you can walk 5 miles in one hour, you should be OK.
#4. Your adolescent is not an athlete (unless they're an athlete)...
...and all of those hours on youtube and even homework (ala, not being outside and sitting instead) converts to whining and complaining (I'm sure there's an equation somewhere for it!) which turns into your annoyance and frustration, especially in the hot and humid Florida weather. Don't assume they have "endless child energy", because your diet in the 70's and 80's was more than likely healthier than what this generation is consuming.
#3. MOLESKIN!
Yes, this is a thing. It's what you need if you don't heed the advice of #5. You or someone you know are probably going to get blisters on their feet or in between your toes and it's going to impede your fun. I need the South Park Ski Instructor Meme for this one: "You're not going to have a good time if you get a blister". Moleskin is basically an adhesive strip with a hole cut out in the center for the blistered area (if you didn't know already). You can find this at probably any shop or gift store in WDW.
#2. Baby Powder
Stock up on this stuff. Use it in your shoes, in between your toes and legs, it's worth its weight in gold if it prevents a) having to buy and use moleskin; b) your kids from complaining; and c) chaffing in between your thighs since you're going to be walking a lot. Nothing is worse than having a nagging injury or something comparable to take your focus off of the fun.
#1. Don't buy new shoes for your trip (to wear).
Flip flops are one thing for the Water Park, but wearing new running/walking/casual shoes throughout your trip will just make you angry! Breaking in a pair of shoes at this time is not a good idea and come to think of it:
#1a. Try not to change your routine to accommodate something.
There's a strange reason why the time change from daylight savings affects us and causes the most pedestrian and car accidents in the U.S. on a single day and it probably has something to do with routine. Some people can sleep-drive in a commute without any problems, but take away their one hour of sleep and everything goes haywire. Realize that not everyone lives in EST, and their jump forward is probably messing with them (it's not just jet lag). I know it's a hard sell to advise not changing a routine when the time change is forcing you to, but that's the nature of the vacation beast and you can try your best to gradually ease into things. So...
#1b. Don't try to see everything the first day!
Don't be that family that's running around, someone always barking orders at loved ones... "We're gonna miss NEMO and it's the last showing for the day!" Well, if you had taken into account that Sally, Jesse, and Raphael all needed showers and waking up before Mom and Dad got in there, the long line at breakfast, eating breakfast, someone taking a long time in the bathroom, the last five buses weren't for Animal Kingdom, your plan to ride Kilamanjaro Safaris early that turned into a 75 minute standby endurance (plus 20 minutes of animal delays two hours after the park opened), and your changed FP+ selection to DINOSAUR had you walking from Africa to Dinoland back to Africa for your Tusker House rezzy, you wouldn't be in this situation.
#5. You're going to be doing a lot of walking (sometimes uphill!)
I've seen pedometers range from 5-13 miles in the Magic Kingdom for one day. You have to remember that human feet are for walking on the dirt, not concrete. So, get on the treadmill a few weeks before your trip and build up your endurance, your feet will thank you. Also, see #3. If you can walk 5 miles in one hour, you should be OK.
#4. Your adolescent is not an athlete (unless they're an athlete)...
...and all of those hours on youtube and even homework (ala, not being outside and sitting instead) converts to whining and complaining (I'm sure there's an equation somewhere for it!) which turns into your annoyance and frustration, especially in the hot and humid Florida weather. Don't assume they have "endless child energy", because your diet in the 70's and 80's was more than likely healthier than what this generation is consuming.
#3. MOLESKIN!
Yes, this is a thing. It's what you need if you don't heed the advice of #5. You or someone you know are probably going to get blisters on their feet or in between your toes and it's going to impede your fun. I need the South Park Ski Instructor Meme for this one: "You're not going to have a good time if you get a blister". Moleskin is basically an adhesive strip with a hole cut out in the center for the blistered area (if you didn't know already). You can find this at probably any shop or gift store in WDW.
#2. Baby Powder
Stock up on this stuff. Use it in your shoes, in between your toes and legs, it's worth its weight in gold if it prevents a) having to buy and use moleskin; b) your kids from complaining; and c) chaffing in between your thighs since you're going to be walking a lot. Nothing is worse than having a nagging injury or something comparable to take your focus off of the fun.
#1. Don't buy new shoes for your trip (to wear).
Flip flops are one thing for the Water Park, but wearing new running/walking/casual shoes throughout your trip will just make you angry! Breaking in a pair of shoes at this time is not a good idea and come to think of it:
#1a. Try not to change your routine to accommodate something.
There's a strange reason why the time change from daylight savings affects us and causes the most pedestrian and car accidents in the U.S. on a single day and it probably has something to do with routine. Some people can sleep-drive in a commute without any problems, but take away their one hour of sleep and everything goes haywire. Realize that not everyone lives in EST, and their jump forward is probably messing with them (it's not just jet lag). I know it's a hard sell to advise not changing a routine when the time change is forcing you to, but that's the nature of the vacation beast and you can try your best to gradually ease into things. So...
#1b. Don't try to see everything the first day!
Don't be that family that's running around, someone always barking orders at loved ones... "We're gonna miss NEMO and it's the last showing for the day!" Well, if you had taken into account that Sally, Jesse, and Raphael all needed showers and waking up before Mom and Dad got in there, the long line at breakfast, eating breakfast, someone taking a long time in the bathroom, the last five buses weren't for Animal Kingdom, your plan to ride Kilamanjaro Safaris early that turned into a 75 minute standby endurance (plus 20 minutes of animal delays two hours after the park opened), and your changed FP+ selection to DINOSAUR had you walking from Africa to Dinoland back to Africa for your Tusker House rezzy, you wouldn't be in this situation.
