Traditionally, I viewed Disney parks as venues for indulgence, where one could easily succumb to the temptation of calorie-laden treats. However, Buzzfeed journalist Clara Mitchell’s experience with a Fitbit during her visit revealed a different reality: these iconic destinations are actually excellent for physical activity.
At the end of her day at the park, Clara had logged an impressive 11.5 miles, taken nearly 29,000 steps, and climbed 18 flights of stairs. The calorie burn—almost 2,500—helped her feel less guilty about the fried delicacies and refreshing drinks she enjoyed later.
Clara isn’t alone in discovering the fitness potential of Disney. The parks have long hosted various marathons that attract runners from all over, including the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend. Participants often find themselves cheered on by costumed characters, which adds a unique flair to the running experience. While I’m not much of a runner myself, the thought of sprinting from a mascot might just motivate me to pick up the pace! Last year, around 50,000 individuals signed up for races over a three-day event at Disney World—almost rivaling the number of entrants in the New York Marathon.
Even outside of these special events, simply spending a day at one of the theme parks can keep you active. Many enthusiasts share their experiences on forums dedicated to the Fitbit and Disney connection, reporting an average of 6 to 10 miles walked daily.
Reflecting on my last trip to Disney World—before the Fitbit era—I recall the challenges of navigating the park with my extended family, particularly with my youngest child, who was just a year old at the time. She needed two naps a day, which meant my husband often stayed back while she rested. Did his Fitbit track those naps? He still managed to stay healthy, as naps are known to be beneficial, according to research.
While I was out exploring the park, my experience was more about waiting in lines than actual exercise. I remember my brother getting a workout pushing a cumbersome double stroller through crowds. If calories could be burned by giving disapproving looks, we would have all been in great shape that day.
My memories of the park lean more toward frustration than fitness. Perhaps that’s because my visit was to Disney World in Florida, which is often more crowded than its California counterpart. Disneyland, it seems, draws in a more glamorous crowd. Celebrities like Ryan Gosling have been known to skip major events, such as the Oscars, to spend a day there, and star-studded couples like Neil Patrick Harris and his husband have chosen to celebrate special occasions at Cinderella’s Castle.
Clara Mitchell’s article doesn’t specify whether she had kids with her, but she did manage to utilize a Fastpass, hitting five rides before lunch, which is a far cry from my experience of just two rides all day. She concludes that the “happiest place on earth” can also be a place for fitness. Perhaps I should consider bringing a Fitbit along on my next visit instead of a whole entourage. I might miss the company, but I’d certainly be more active.
In summary, visiting Disneyland can turn out to be an unexpected workout opportunity, as shown by the experiences of Clara Mitchell and others who track their activity with tools like Fitbits. Whether you’re there for the rides or the calories burned, a trip to Disney can be both fun and beneficial for your health.