Is it really the happiest place on earth?

LittleMissVintage
LittleMissVintage Posts: 142
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
Ok so I'm planning a trip to Disney with my family this June. I don't want this vacation to the happiest place on earth to end with the saddest plain ride home. Any tips on eating well and any extra exersize I can easily fit in between roller coasters.
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Replies

  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    With the 20 miles of walking you'll do everyday extra exercise wont be necessary, but some of the delux hotels do have gyms.

    As far as eating goes - check out allears.net. You will find their restaurants and menus listed.

    And yes it is the happiest place on earth if you could fit me in your suitcase for my words of wisdom I'd appreciate it =}

    Also check our disboards.com. They have alot of great info.
  • Shweedog
    Shweedog Posts: 883 Member
    Walking around the park all day should be enough. Food though is terrible there! Well, it tastes great but so very bad for you. I used to go to Disney Land every other weekend when I lived in Cali. Never been to Disney World but I hear they're very similar. Have fun!
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    skip the buns and fries, have side salads with burgers if you choose fast food. Most restaurants can accomodate your wishes if you tell them to hold back some things. You are in control pretty much. Walk faster than normal. Wake up early and go for an extra fast walk with no crowds around. DOn't let a vacation ruin your goals. Hit the hotel gym early when the family is sleeping. You wil have a much better day knowing you've hit that gym even if you had to get up early---

    We stay in a condo and save a ton of money on food by not eating all 3 meals in the parks or at a restaurant. I wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, I pack all my snacks with me too so I don't have to eat junk food at the parks. Then we either eat dinner in the condo or go outtside the park and eat---and save a ton of money---Disney world is very overpriced for nothing that spectacular. They do it because many people come there without vehicles so they don't have the option of driving outside the "world" to get food. I used to work at DisneyWorld so I know it well.
  • jojopel
    jojopel Posts: 348 Member
    You'll be doing tons of walking and when we went to Disney a few years ago, we were allowed to bring food into the parks. We bought an insulated back pack and loaded it with fruit, vegetables and other healthy snacks and water bottles.
  • shopgirl192
    shopgirl192 Posts: 102
    With the intense heat, and all of the walking around you will be doing, you won't have to worry about incorporating additional exercise. I went a few years ago, before I started my lifestyle change, and I ate ANYTHING I wanted.... chicken nuggets, ice cream, etc... and I ended up losing like 4lbs in the 5 days I was there. The heat in Orlando even now, in April is sickening, so just remember to DRINK WATER, LOTS OF IT! :)

    Have fun - and when you go to Hollywood Studios - get a Fast Pass for the Toy Story Attraction as soon as you enter the park - it's in the back and it's a long walk, but the FAST PASSES sell out by like 10am!
  • cc2r1511
    cc2r1511 Posts: 127 Member
    you will be doing a TON of walking but I would say to take some dumbbells along and do lunges, squats, or any other exercise in your hotel room before bed. Also, with eating, I would say really watch what you are eating.... stay away from sodas. Drink a TON of water. The restaurants there always have salads so that's a good option!

    It is a wonderful place and is so fun! have a great time!
  • workingitout
    workingitout Posts: 105 Member
    Last time we went to DisneyLand in CA, they had healthy options for dining. I was pleased that we could order grilled chicken and salads, and even the kids meals came with fresh fruit, etc. Not too bad!
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    With the 20 miles of walking you'll do everyday extra exercise wont be necessary, but some of the delux hotels do have gyms.

    As far as eating goes - check out allears.net. You will find their restaurants and menus listed.

    And yes it is the happiest place on earth if you could fit me in your suitcase for my words of wisdom I'd appreciate it =}

    Also check our disboards.com. They have alot of great info. And Disney in June? You'll sweat all your calories out anyways lol Mister fans at Home Depot are your friends.
  • kthom
    kthom Posts: 175
    There is lots of walking at Disney so that helps. Keep your eating outside of the parks though. Drink water instead of calorie drinks. You will have fun and don't stress about your weight loss during your holiday, we are trying to change our lifestyle change and that includes holidays. Your hotel probably has a gym too. Have fun!
  • shenson2522
    shenson2522 Posts: 45 Member
    Every morning I would get up and walk around that lake at Coronado Springs to get my coffee from the restaurant. I believe most of the hotels have a walking trail. It's a relaxing way to start your day. Enjoy your trip.
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    same goes for fastpass at Epcot for the Soarin ride---get it first!!!

    ALso, I disagree with people telling you not to exercise, only because the last time I went I did do added exercise and the pyshcological benefit was worth it. I felt so empowered knowing I went to the gym AND walked those miles at the parks. It will help you make better choices the rest of the day too.

    Pecos Bill cafe--located in Magic Kindgom frontierland--you can get a veggie burger, toss the bun to the birds---but they have like a buffet there for your toppins (sort of like fudruckers). Great place to load up on some veggies like mushrooms, onions, fresh salsa. Just ditch the fries and get a side salad instead.
  • mt_nest
    mt_nest Posts: 37 Member
    My family and I went to Disney World at Christmas time, about 12 years ago when our daughter was 10. We took my mom along, which could have been a disaster. We all had the most amazing time. I just kept saying the whole time, "This really is the happiest place on earth". I can't say enough about how we were treated, the food, the lodging. Everything was awesome. At the time, I had just lost some weight and was maintaining. It was very easy to stay on track because of all the healthy choices in the restaurants. However, you often are faced with the decision to either have a cheap hot dog or a sit down lunch/dinner. My suggestion would be to take snacks along in your bag to have during the day, then go back to the hotel for a nice dinner. And, of course many opportunities for walking. It's exhausting. Have a great time!!!
  • dragonbug300
    dragonbug300 Posts: 760 Member
    Whenever my mother and I visited Disney, we would both lose a bit of weight. We never use the motel gyms, either.
    Just make sure to eat healthy while eating out. Most places offer salads or other nutritional food choices. Often these are the cheaper items on the menu, too.
    Resist the sugar-foods offered in the parks and hotels. Keep fruit on-hand if you need to.
    Walk every opportunity you get. Don't use those golf carts and trams within the parks to get around. Hoof it. Carry the kids if you need to.
    Keep water bottles with you at all times. It gets hot!
  • cpumeu
    cpumeu Posts: 89
    FIRST!!!! IT IS INDEED THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON HEART....however, June! YIKES! Crazy Crazy packed. Are you going early June or Late June? Let me give you some of my must dos! I am assuming you are going with kids....not that I always do....I love DISNEY! Stroller is a must....even with no kids....I suggest you get a decent size soft cooler. they come with wheel now if you don't want to take a stroller, but if you have a stroller....I hang mine over the handles and pack it shuck full of frozen grapes, frozen strawberries and veggie stick with lowfat veggie dip. the cold from all the veggies will keep the dip cold . i also freeze a few bottles of water for later in the day....water water water....You will be doing alot of walking and in june ....alot of standing still in lines that don't seem to move....So move while in line....also if you don't already know get fast passes and baby swap....if you don't know what that is ask me...or someone you know cuz it allows for more rides and more fun....Also, fast passes don't expire so althought it may say return between this time and this time.....you can use it any time in the day...FYI....and if your a coffee drinker..keep your coffee receipt because you can refill all day for free.

    MOst important thing is don't eat the fried stuff...stay away from thier crazy wonderful sourdough bread...and share meals...
    have a wonderful time....looking forward to our next visit!!! We we jsut there over thanksgiving and loved it as usual!
  • cpumeu
    cpumeu Posts: 89
    On Heart...but also in my heart! LOL!
  • WhyW8
    WhyW8 Posts: 54 Member
    A lot of places in California have calorie counts on their menus now. Not sure if Disneyland will or not. A resistance band is a great tool - lightweight and easy to pack. Check out some fitness magazine websites for workouts you can print to take with you and do in the hotel room. You WILL be walking alot and may not have time (or energy) for anything else, and if you don't you shouldn't beat yourelf up over it because the walking alone is insane. Wear comfy shoes. Your hotel will prob. have a pool, so you can utilize that and may even have a gym if you can fit all that in. Make sure to stay hydrated too. Oh yeah, and HAVE FUN!
  • JPod279
    JPod279 Posts: 722 Member
    I went to Disney World a few years back. It was great. Check into the meal plans. You do have places that you can get fruit and healthier food in the morning (cereal, yogurt, etc...). You may want to take some bananas or canned fruit to snack on. I think even having beef jerkey would be a better snack than some of what they have. However, I would say don't completely deprive yourself. They have some fabulous restaurants. You will do a lot of walking and standing in lines which is better than setting all day. When I go back I want to hit the Brown Derby again. It was awesome! It is modled after the one in LA. My wife fell in love with their Cobb Salad.
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    Also the food courts at the hotels do have fruits, oatmeal, healthier choices. you will be fine.
  • Gennawest
    Gennawest Posts: 171
    I live right down the street from disneyland and a tip that I have (although no excer related) is to look for, and buy your tickets on line. There are companies around there that buy tickets in bulk and therefore sell them to the public for less than half of the price you will pay at the gate. All that you have to do it pick up the tickets in the morning. My friend told me she got a parker hopper ticket for 50.00. pretty cheap in comparison.
  • lipt8611
    lipt8611 Posts: 60 Member
    i went this past summer about a month before my half-marathon and used to go for a run around our resort while my fiance was in the shower. i also brought snacks into the park (dried fruit, fiber one bars, "healthier" snacks- always a better choice than the popcorn and turkey legs!) I also brought my camelbak pouch and carried that in my backpack to ensure i drank enough water. indulge a little, don't deprive yourself- you're on vacation! but make smart choices and eat when you're hungry.
  • erica79
    erica79 Posts: 242 Member
    I went in March and most places inside the parks sell salads or other semi healthy options. Like everyone said you will do a ton of walking so you'll get exercise there. Buy large water bottles to bring to the park so you don't have to pay for water. We would leave and refill and then go back to the parks. If you are eating outside the parks there are lots of restaurants that you can look at their nutritional info online before you go so you know where to go and what to eat once you are there. That's what I did. I was all set to go to The outback Steakhouse, The olive garden etc.
    I highly reccomend the fast passes. We'd grab one on the way back to the house so when we went back at 7 at night we could get right on a ride. Have tons of fun. It really can be the happiest place on Earth. My son won't stop asking when we are going back.
  • sbwood888
    sbwood888 Posts: 953 Member
    I see lots of people saying to pack along food, etc. I am too lazy to do that. I would never want to have to lug a big backpack with me all over the park and on every ride, etc. I would do the best I could while I was there. THey are bound to offer some at least NOT SO BAD options. We ate in an actual restaurant at Disney World and were able to get real food. If you choose to get a chicken sandwih that is not so bad. If you make wise choices at breakfast before the park and then selcted the best options in the park you will be fine. You will sweat your butt off if you are going to Disney World in Florida. We once went in July and it was SO hot!. You will also be on the go all day. Truly, I would do the best I can and enjoy my vacation. If you dont lose that week, so what? It will not derail your overall plan if you go slightly off plan for a few days. Just my opinion. Whatever you do, have FUN FUN FUN! Disney World is the best whether you are 3 or 93! :love:
  • luv_lea
    luv_lea Posts: 1,094 Member
    Yes! It is the happiest place on earth! When I went, I took a water bottle with me in my bag and just found water fountains to refill them with. Not only is it healthier, but saved lot of money. Also, when eating in the park I just looked for places that offered salads (which be careful~there are a lot of good places to eat!). If I went again I tihnk I would even take it a step farther and not only pack along water bottles but pack lunches/healthy snacks as well.

    You will walk a lot! between rides! LIke I saw someone else say~there are hotels that offer gyms, but if your not staying at one of those and still want to make sure to get in your exercise for the day~maybe try doing crunches/sit ups/push ups etc. in your hotel either morning or in the evening; on top of all the walking you will be doing, you should be pretty good.

    Good luck & have fun! :)
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    I see lots of people saying to pack along food, etc. I am too lazy to do that. I would never want to have to lug a big backpack with me all over the park and on every ride, etc. I would do the best I could while I was there. THey are bound to offer some at least NOT SO BAD options. We ate in an actual restaurant at Disney World and were able to get real food. If you choose to get a chicken sandwih that is not so bad. If you make wise choices at breakfast before the park and then selcted the best options in the park you will be fine. You will sweat your butt off if you are going to Disney World in Florida. We once went in July and it was SO hot!. You will also be on the go all day. Truly, I would do the best I can and enjoy my vacation. If you dont lose that week, so what? It will not derail your overall plan if you go slightly off plan for a few days. Just my opinion. Whatever you do, have FUN FUN FUN! Disney World is the best whether you are 3 or 93! :love:

    I agree. Its too damn hot to be weighed down with coolers and extra "stuff". Go light, bring a water bottle, and call it day. I promise you will walk off any crap you eat during that week anyways.
  • DisneyMommy
    DisneyMommy Posts: 281 Member
    Oh you will have so much fun!!!! Everyone here has given you some really great advice already. Stay hydrated and every where you go there will be healthy options. The walking is great but I didn't see which park you are visiting. CA or FL? If it's Disneyland, you'll maybe want to do some extra walking in the AM or work out with some weights or resistance bands in your room. Disneyland is much smaller than WDW. If you're going to FL, you'll have no problem getting in a great walking workout just getting around. Either way, have a great time! I'm such a huge Disney nut that I get so excited when I see other people going, LOL!
  • marianne_s
    marianne_s Posts: 983 Member
    Hi,

    I just got back from Orlando (as you can see from my photo...!)... I was there for 2 weeks & stayed @ Crowne Plaza Universal.


    The hotel had a gym, which I used 4 times.... 3 days I just did 30 mins on the ellipitical , and on the 4th day I played Jillian Michaels - No More Trouble Zones DVD on my iPhone. Also, on another day I did Turbo Jam Cardio Party workout in my hotel room.

    I tried to be good with my food choices, but I have to admit there were some days that I didn't even bother.....!

    I ate fast-food on quite a few days - because sometimes I was just too tired to go sit in a restaurant for a healthy meal. In fact, I was quite happy when I finally came back home - so I was able to have more control over my meals....!

    I mainly drank ice-tea (half & half) at meals, water at all other times. I even had alcoholic drinks (vodka, margaritas) on quite a few days.

    Well when I got back, I thought that I must've gained at least 5lbs....but I weighed myself on Tuesday and found that I had only gained 2lbs.....!

    So, as a lot of the other posts have suggested... you will burn a lot of calories from just walking around & being on your feet all day.... which may not be exercise calories, but this means your BMR (base calories) will be increased more than if you were at home in your normal routine.

    I mean... it worked for me.... and I was bad.... bordering on very bad.....!!!!


    Hope this helps...
  • LittleMissVintage
    LittleMissVintage Posts: 142
    Thanks for all the amazing tips guys. I'm glad to hear that there is a possiblitlty of losing while I'm there. Just to clarify.... When I say family I mean my sisters mom and dad (my parents just joined the vacation club and wanted to do a family thing, and my sisters b-day is in June). I tend to forget that people might think I mean husband and kids, sorry. I hope I can walk everywhere! I love walking but my family doesn't so I might just drag their lazy butts across the park. I am going to Disney world. We plan to take a day and tour our way through epoct, so that should burn some calories.
  • pittielover23
    pittielover23 Posts: 268
    Trust me, you are going to walk off A LOT of those calories. We go to Disneyland often (we live close and have passes) and Disney actually has many healthy options. Fruit and veggies, salads, frozen fruit bars ect. are located all over the park, so you don't have to eat crap all the time.

    Try to eat dinner in an actual restaraunt and not a quick afst food style place in the park, they will have healthier options as well.

    Most of all, have fun!!!!!
  • jam1166
    jam1166 Posts: 30
    I just returned from a trip to DisneyWorld with my family. I agree with the above posts, the walking will help you burn off the calories. Although I indulged at times, I ended up actually losing weight while there. Although the food is not great, I was pleasantly suprised that several places had healthy options (salads, apple slices or grapes instead of fries...). I didn't really want to go, but my husband and kids talked me into it and we had a great time! If you would like to, friend me. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have.
  • Aeriel
    Aeriel Posts: 864 Member
    I just came back from a week in Florida. While we did not go to Disneyworld, we did hit many other attractions. I was close to goal weight, eating cleanly for the most part before I left. 1 week down there of eating "regular food", drinking less water and more alcohol and indulging in foods/treats I normally don't meant a 13 pound gain in 9 days. However, most of that is water related, as I have dropped 7 already in 3 days home. I did plenty of walking, but the change in my eating and drinking habits really confused my body. Don't think it will last, but it was worth it to try all the seafood and new treats/foods available.
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