Exploring Disneyland with a Fitbit: A Surprising Workout

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I’ve always viewed Disney parks as indulgent zones where calories don’t count, but it seems I’ve had it all wrong. A writer named Mia Thompson took her Fitbit on a Disney adventure and discovered that the land of magic and endless tunes also doubles as an intense workout environment!

By the end of her day, she had racked up an impressive 11.5 miles, nearly 29,000 steps, and climbed the equivalent of 18 flights of stairs. She burned roughly 2,500 calories, which made the fried treats and drinks she indulged in later feel a bit more justifiable.

Mia isn’t the first to realize how active a day at Disney can be. The parks host various marathons and running events like the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and even a Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, all featuring enthusiastic character cheerleaders along the route. I’m not much of a runner myself, but I could see how encountering a giant Mickey Mouse might motivate me to sprint away in surprise! For seasoned runners, it’s a fun way to combine a race with a family vacation—almost 50,000 participants signed up for the Disney races over just three days, which is pretty close to the number who registered for the New York Marathon last year.

Even if you’re not participating in a special event, a regular day at the park can keep you active if you’re moving and avoiding long waits. There are even online communities discussing the Fitbit-Disney experience, with many reporting an average of 6-10 miles walked in a single day.

My last visit to Disney World—back in the pre-Fitbit days—was with my extended family when my youngest was just a year old. She needed her naps, so my husband spent a good chunk of time in our room, sometimes catching up on sleep himself. I wonder if Fitbit tracks naps? While he was resting, I was wandering the park, but it wasn’t quite the fitness frenzy people are raving about now. We spent a lot of time waiting in line, though I remember my brother getting a workout pushing a bulky double stroller through the crowds. If calories could be burned by giving people the side-eye, we’d have all lost a few pounds that day!

It’s funny, but I recall feeling more frustration than fitness during our visit. Maybe that’s just the reality of Disney World in Florida versus Disneyland in California, which seems to attract celebs who make the experience appear much more glamorous. For instance, actor Ben Rivers skipped the 2014 Oscars to spend the day there, while pop star Alex Taylor celebrated his anniversary at Cinderella’s Castle. Even famous faces like John Stamos have lifetime passes. There must be something truly enchanting about it, but I can’t imagine wanting a lifetime pass to a place where we spent our day trudging through lines for rides and snacks.

Mia didn’t mention if she had kids with her, but she did have a Fastpass and managed to enjoy five rides before lunch, while we barely hit two rides the entire day. She concludes that the “happiest place on earth” can also be a healthy one. Maybe next time, I should ditch the big family crew and strap on a Fitbit instead. I might feel a bit lonely, but at least I’d be in shape!

For more fun tips, you might want to check out our other blog about home insemination, which can provide insights into family planning and wellness. And if you’re looking to boost your fertility, take a look at resources like Make a Mom for some excellent supplements.

In summary, Disneyland might just be a hidden gem for fitness enthusiasts, proving that magical experiences and healthy activity can go hand in hand.