Updated: Feb. 16, 2021
Originally Published: April 20, 2015
I’ve always viewed Disney parks as places for indulgent treats, but it turns out I was mistaken. A Buzzfeed journalist named Mia Sanders took her fitness tracker for a day at Disneyland and discovered that this wonderland of childhood dreams, accompanied by cheerful tunes, doubles as an intense workout.
By the end of her visit, she’d clocked in an impressive 11.5 miles, with nearly 29,000 steps and 18 flights of stairs conquered. She even burned close to 2,500 calories, which made her feel a lot better about the fried snacks and ice cream she enjoyed later.
Mia is not the only one to find that the Disney experience can be surprisingly beneficial for your health. The parks have a rich history of hosting marathons and fitness events, like the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. These races allow participants to run alongside costumed characters, which could definitely motivate even non-runners. I’m not a fan of mascots, but I might just sprint away if I saw one unexpectedly!
During a recent three-day event at Disney World, nearly 50,000 participants signed up for various runs, which is a staggering number—almost on par with the New York Marathon. Even on a regular park day, staying active and avoiding long lines can help you maintain your fitness. Many forums are dedicated to those combining Disney with their Fitbit, with reports of walking between 6 to 10 miles daily.
My last trip to Disney World was pre-Fitbit, and my family and I were there with my youngest, who was still in the napping phase. My husband graciously spent a lot of his time in our hotel room while she slept, occasionally catching a nap himself. I wonder if Fitbits can track naps? While he was resting, I was out and about, but I can’t say I experienced the same level of activity. We seemed to spend more time in lines than enjoying the rides. My brother did get a workout pushing around one of those cumbersome double strollers, which seemed to take up half the park. If glaring at people could burn calories, we’d all have been in great shape that day!
My recollections of the park are more of a test of patience than physical exertion. Perhaps that’s because I was at Disney World in Florida, and not Disneyland in California, which seems to have its own allure. Celebrities flock to Disneyland—Ryan Gosling famously chose to spend Oscar night there, and Neil Patrick Harris has celebrated special occasions in the park. The magic of Disneyland must be different, as I can’t imagine wanting a lifetime pass for a place where I felt like I was trudging through a crowd all day.
Mia didn’t mention whether she had children with her, but she did use a Fastpass, allowing her to enjoy five rides before lunch. Contrast that with my family, who managed just two rides in an entire day. Her conclusion? The “happiest place on earth” can also be a healthy place! Perhaps next time I should bring a fitness tracker instead of a whole family. I might feel lonely, but at least I’d be fit.
For more insights on navigating motherhood, check out our post on home insemination kits, which covers essential information for those on a similar journey. You can also find valuable resources about fertility at CDC’s ART page, and learn more about artificial insemination kits for home use.
In summary, taking a fitness tracker to Disneyland could transform your perspective on the park experience, revealing it as a place that not only brings joy but also offers a surprisingly good workout. So next time, consider going solo with your tracker instead of a crowd!