Top Tips for Staying Fit on a Disney Vacation

Let’s start with perhaps the most obvious of locations to stay fit … fitness centers. Did you know that fitness centers can be found onboard Disney Cruise Line ships and select Disney Resort hotels, spanning from Shanghai Disney Resort to Walt Disney World Resort? Additionally, all three Disney beach resorts feature fitness center facilities as well. While each gym may differ in available equipment, our panelists appreciate the chance to hop on a bike for a quick ride or engage in an arm-pumping session before tackling the challenges of carrying children, enjoying turkey legs, and savoring DOLE whips - sometimes all simultaneously!

Whether you are a walker or a runner, or what I like to call myself a very slow jogger, there are trails located throughout properties to help you get the blood pumping each morning. “I love to enjoy the many walking paths at several Walt Disney World Resorts, but my favorite is walking around Disney’s BoardWalk,” explains Keri. “Getting an early morning walk with a stop for coffee from BoardWalk Deli is a great way to get an extra Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah in my day!” Should guests find themselves at Hong Kong Disneyland, be sure to make time for a leisurely stroll through the captivating Themed Gardens at Disney Explorers Lodge. And while there, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Inspiration Lake, a fantastic location perfect for a revitalizing walk or jog where you can also enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and serene lakes. “My husband and I are passionate about our daily power walks, and even though we log thousands of steps on Disney trips, we still make time for trail walks,” said Elaine. “While walking in the theme parks is a means of getting around, trail walking helps us connect and focus on each other; it acclimates us to new surroundings while helping us get in sync.” And while there aren’t trails on Disney Cruise Line ships, there are decks to run on as well as a 5K on Disney’s Castaway Cay. Oh, did we mention there is a medal involved in this family fun 5K? Adrianna and her family love to run the 5K to stay healthy, but they also enjoy taking a bike around the island, and even searching for buried treasures while they swim and snorkel!

There truly are so many fitness offerings for guests at Disney parks and for those staying on Disney properties, but we have a few more great ideas up our sleeves! Mike gladly will share that his most consistent form of exercise on his family’s Disney vacation comes from pushing a double stroller, all while walking around the parks. The mileage only from walking can easily exceed 10 miles each day.

Danielle agrees that walking and pushing a stroller absolutely counts as exercise. “Now that I'm a stroller warrior, I've discovered a little hack to maximize our time at Disneyland while sneaking in some extra steps. Instead of hopping on the tram from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, I opt for a longer walk through the Downtown Disney District. Not only does it save me the hassle of breaking down the stroller twice for the parking lot tram, but it’s also a clever way to squeeze in an additional thousand steps before we even set foot in the park!”

Take the stairs ,suggests Tracie, on your next Disney cruise! “By taking the stairs instead of the elevator, I climbed over 40 flights on my last cruise in just one day! It’s also a great way to keep your kids active. I never think twice about ordering a second appetizer or dessert because I can walk off the extra calories heading back to my stateroom – maybe not all the extra calories, but it’s so worth it!”

However, the most creative idea might just be from Prince as he and his husband have created a fitness event they like to call “Exploration Break.” “Exploration Break is where we find opportunities to climb different elevations and take in the outdoors away from some of the busier parts of the park with a chance to find hidden details. Some of these spots include Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom Park and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure park. Venturing out even further to lands beyond the U.S., we love trekking through Adventure Isle in Disneyland Paris, Fortress Explorations at Tokyo DisneySea, and especially the Challenge Trails at Camp Discovery at Shanghai Disney Resort. They have options for more challenging courses that leave you elevated on ropes hanging over caverns and cliff faces that are the most unique attraction to get active experiencing at any Disney Destination worldwide!” Well done Prince, well done!

Here's to International Yoga Day and maintaining your overall fitness while still enjoying a magical Disney vacation. For more great suggestions and tips like these, please be sure to
stop by @planDisneypanel on Instagram, @planDisney on Twitter, or planDisney.com. We look forward to answering your planning questions.

Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney.

*Disneyland Resort hotel guests ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Fitness classes are for adults age 18 and older. Hotel guests ages 14 to 17 may participate in a fitness class if the minor’s parent/guardian consents in writing and accompanies the minor during the class. Classes that take place in the park do not include general park admission, and participants must exit the park when the class ends. Classes are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice, including due to inclement weather or otherwise. Upon arrival and check-in at the hotel, please check for the most up-to-date class location and policies. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.