Some of the most famous theme parks will exhaust parents more than others so we had a look to discover which adrenaline-fueled destinations make the most physically demanding days out
With better weather on the horizon and the Easter holidays approaching, it feels like the perfect time to pull on those trainers and make way for a magical theme park day. Pack up the snacks and arm yourself with plenty of water because they’re not for the faint-hearted; with one expert warning, expect to ‘feel still and sore’.
And despite there being options all over the world to sink your teeth into it’s your feet you need to be thinking about. It’s no secret that you’ll get your steps in but there are some parks that are more strenuous then others, and for lots of reasons, and parents should come well equipped to handle the pace.
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A trip to a theme park is always both fun and tiring in equal measure, especially for parents spending their days chasing their kids as they dash between attractions to try and navigate queues to squeeze in as many rides as possible.
New research by PureGym has analysed the overall size of more than 60 theme parks from around the world, as well as the average temperature, number of rides and attractions, average queue time and maximum G-Force on a single ride, to give each an overall ‘exertion’ score and reveal the most physically demanding theme park in the world.
With a park spanning more than 541 acres and multiple worlds, Universal Orlando, Florida, was revealed as the most physically demanding theme park to explore, scoring 83.01 out of a possible 100.
This is no bad thing, though, and means you’re getting value for money in Universal Orlando – just make sure you’re prepped with comfortable footwear, plenty of fluids and a portable fan.
With multiple worlds to explore and the warm temperatures of Florida, it’s no wonder visitors often leave exhausted. To fit it all in, guests tend to enter under the famous arches from opening—sometimes even early entry—and leave at park closing time, which can mean up to 13-hour days.
The study found that Universal Orlando, in the USA’s Sunshine State of Florida, is the world’s most physically demanding theme park, which may leave visitors with some aches, as well as lots of memories, from the high-octane thrills on offer as it ranks top with a total exertion score of 83.0/100.
Covering a huge 541 acres and including multiple worlds such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World and the Simpson’s hometown of Springfield, there’s plenty of ground to cover to explore this park to its fullest. Not to mention, the Florida heat can make things even more tiring, particularly when it comes to queuing in the beating sun.
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is closely behind, with a score of 82.1/100. With a huge range of activities on offer, from thrill rides to shows, there’s plenty to keep both adults and children occupied for the day, while the park’s setting is often touted as one of the most beautiful of any theme park in the world, thanks to the panoramic bay views on offer.
Completing the top three most physically demanding theme parks to visit is Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, with a score of 80.4/100.
Another Florida favourite, Animal Kingdom is among the largest theme parks in the world and one with a huge variety of attractions to explore; from safari drives to 3D cinemas and thrilling rides that are sure to get hearts racing, there’s a lot to pack in, and is sure to leave visitor relieved to put their feet up at the end of such an exhilarating day.
Claire Phippen, Personal Trainer at PureGym Norwich, said: “Theme parks are incredibly popular, and for good reason – they offer a wide variety of rides and attractions, making them a great family day out. However, people may often find that they feel a little stiff and sore the day after a theme park visit, not only due to the high speeds and G-Forces experienced on the rides, but more likely due to some of the other aspects of the day that can be more physically draining than we may expect.
And it’s not just the walking. She says: “Theme parks require us to spend a lot of time on our feet; between waiting in long queues for rides or food, and walking long distances to explore the park, most visitors are far more active than they would be on a typical day.
“A sudden increase in movement like this, particularly without taking many breaks, can use up a lot of energy and put stress on our muscles that can leave us feeling a bit achy afterwards.
“Dehydration and heat exposure can often play a part, particularly at parks like the Universal Orlando which ranked at the top of our ranking, since they’re located in hotter climates with limited shade.”
If you’re looking for shade in Universal Orlando, head into one of their many air-conditioned shows and well-ventilated cafes or shops for a much-needed cooldown.
“Spending a lot of time in the sun, and often not drinking enough water while doing so, can increase fatigue and leave us feeling quite exhausted,” added Claire. “The food on offer at theme parks is usually ‘fast food’ too, so the high-sugar content is likely to leave our energy spiking and then crashing, only exacerbating feelings of fatigue later in the day.”
Do try the Today Cafe in Universal Orlando if you’re looking for something a little lighter and fresher – the warm smoked salmon bagel is heavenly.
“If you’re planning a theme park visit, but aren’t hugely active on a day-to-day basis, it’s worth making the effort to do some preparation before the big day out.
“Simple changes like walking instead of driving where possible or taking the stairs rather than the lift, can help to build stamina. While you’re at the park, taking time to have a proper break in a shady area with a big drink of water will also help keep your energy levels up, and make the whole experience a bit less exhausting!”
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