When I think of Disney parks, I usually picture indulgent treats and endless fun. However, a recent experience shared by Buzzfeed’s own Jenna Parker revealed a surprising twist: a day at Disneyland can actually double as a solid workout! Armed with her Fitbit, Jenna discovered that this wonderland of joy and catchy tunes is also a fitness haven.
By the end of her visit, Jenna logged an impressive 11.5 miles, nearly 29,000 steps, and climbed 18 flights of stairs. She burned around 2,500 calories, which certainly helped justify the fried delights and refreshing beverages she enjoyed that evening. Who knew that a day filled with magic could also be a calorie-torching affair?
Jenna isn’t alone in this revelation. Many fitness enthusiasts have found that Disney parks host numerous marathons and running events, such as the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend. Participants are cheered on by beloved characters, making it a unique blend of fitness and fun. While I’m not exactly a runner, I can see how the idea of sprinting away from a giant Mickey Mouse might motivate some! In fact, the Disney World marathons draw nearly 50,000 participants over just a few days, rivaling the number of registrants for the New York Marathon.
Even without the organized events, a typical day at Disneyland can keep you active—especially if you stay on your feet and dodge those lengthy lines. Many fans of the Fitbit and Disney combo report walking an average of 6-10 miles a day. On my last trip to Disney World, long before I had a Fitbit, I was with my extended family. My youngest was just a year old and needed her naps, which meant my husband spent a lot of time in our hotel room while she snoozed. I’m pretty sure Fitbit doesn’t track nap calories, but hey, research shows naps are good for you too!
While I remember our time in the park as more of a test of patience than a fitness journey, perhaps that’s because we were at Disney World in Florida instead of Disneyland in California. Disneyland is a celebrity favorite, with stars like Ryan Reynolds opting to skip major events to enjoy a day at the park. Meanwhile, other celebrities like Kevin Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris have celebrated special moments there. I can’t quite see the allure of a lifetime pass, though—especially when our day was mostly spent pushing through crowds and waiting in lines.
Jenna did have a Fastpass, managing to hit five rides before lunch, while my family barely made it onto two rides all day. She concluded that the “happiest place on earth” can also be a healthy one. Maybe I should consider using a Fitbit on my next visit instead of bringing along a whole entourage—sure, I’d be lonely, but I might just shed a few pounds in the process!
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Summary
A day at Disneyland can be both fun and a surprising workout, as evidenced by Jenna Parker’s Fitbit experience, where she walked over 11 miles and burned nearly 2,500 calories. With events like marathons attracting thousands, even a regular day in the park can keep you active. So, next time you visit, consider leaving the family behind and bringing a Fitbit instead!