Just Like runDisney- But FREE | Get Up & Go Power Walk

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I discovered this cool way to visit Disney California Adventure- before the parks open- FOR FREE. What to know how it’s just like runDisney- but also not? Here’s everything you need to know about the Get Up & Go Power Walk at the Grand Californian Hotel in Disneyland.

 

Disneyland ticket with MaxPass

 

A while back I spent a few days at Disneyland for work.

Yes- it’s a tough job, I know, but someone has to do it!

Four days and three nights away from the family, eating Disney snacks and food and riding a few rides. Spending the days in classroom sessions where people shared the details of Adventures By Disney excursions and Aulani vacations.

I had to share a room with my boss and it overlooked the monorail, which you know, is the worst.

 

Get up and go power walk experience at Disney's grand californian hotel | Disneyland | rundisney | power walk

 

It was rough. So, soooo rough!

Ha!

I’ll say this about the decision to become a travel agent: it DOES indeed have it’s perks, especially when you need to stay at a Disney location in order to learn more about it.

I came home with my Disney heart and mind filled to the brim and really, you guys, we need to plan a huge Aulani trip together! I swooned and gasped during the entire presentation. So lovely!

For this agent training trip, we were hosted at the Grand Californian, one of the three Disneyland Resort properties located on site. I’ve stayed here before and enjoy just about everything about this resort.

 

Get up and go power walk experience at Disney's grand californian hotel | Disneyland | rundisney | power walk

 

Get Up & Go Power Walk At Disneyland

One thing I had been wanting to do for a long time but had not been able to work it into my runDisney schedule was the Get Up & Go Power Walk through Disney California Adventure.

It’s a 2 mile-ish power walk through DCA before the parks open.

Sounds a bit like a runDisney event, right? Much like runDisney, you wake up early and get your workout done as the sun comes up. There’s one big difference, however.

It’s FREE, yo! 

If you are staying at any of the Disney owned properties, you can also sign up for this early morning excursion.

  • Grand Californian Hotel
  • Disneyland Hotel
  • Paradise Pier Hotel

As runDisney fanatics, we couldn’t pass this up!

 

Get up and go power walk experience at Disney's grand californian hotel | Disneyland | rundisney | power walk
This sounded like a good idea the day before…

 

What time does the Get Up & Go Power Walk start?

EARLY.

It starts promptly at 6 am. Our morning had a good size group of early morning risers with about 18 of us showing up for the walk.

 

What is the pace required for the Get Up & Go Power Walk?

You must be able to keep a 15-minute per mile pace while you walk— and guys, this is harder than it sounds!

More on that in a minute.

 

How old do you need to be to participate in the Get Up & Go Power Walk?

There is an age requirement as well: must be 14-years old and anyone under 17 must have a guardian present.

The biggest bummer for families? No strollers are allowed since you need to be 14-years-old to participate. 

 

Cameras are Not allowed on the Get Up & Go Power Walk

I was hoping to live Instastory the whole event, but it was clear they meant no cameras right off the bat.

It was also obvious as to why: you will see some of the cast members and 3rd shifters preparing the parks for the day, and that’s the kind of magic killer Disney doesn’t want to be shown on social media.

Details from the Get Up & Go Power Walk experience

So that pace. Let’s chat about that.

I might be able to run/walk/run comfortably at a 15-minute mile pace, but solely walking that fast took a lot of effort.

 

Get up and go power walk experience at Disney's grand californian hotel | Disneyland | rundisney | power walk
Dave barely broke a sweat. Sarah and I? We were wiped out!

 

Our leader, Dave, was great with giving us a few tips to keep us at a true walk even when we wanted to run.

Think baby steps with short strides and quick turnovers. You might feel silly, but dang it, y’all, it WORKS.

It took conscious effort to remember those tips, but when I did, I couldn’t believe how fast and comfortable I could walk.

This might be a game changer in my Galloway running plan.

If I can get the walk faster than my usual 19ish minute per mile walk pace, my overall pace may drastically improve.

I worked on this a little this weekend during my 9-miler. For 2 miles I speed walked, specifically trying to keep that 15-minute mile pace that Dave had us rockin’ through DCA.

 

Get up and go power walk experience at Disney's grand californian hotel | Disneyland | rundisney | power walk
14:20 was my current walking pace as I snapped the pic. I envisioned getting to the FastPass line for Frozen… (overall lap was just over 15 minutes).

 

It’s going to take a lot of practice to keep this up. Seriously- I was whooped! Mad respect to the power walkers among us.

This is NOT easy!

If you are interested in trying this out before your day starts, be sure to sign up in advance.

You can grab your place for a FREE “runDisney” experience at the Guest Services desk in the main lobby of any of the 3 Disneyland Park Resort Hotels.

Have you ever tried power walking? What tips do you have for me?

Get up and go power walk experience at Disney's grand californian hotel | Disneyland | rundisney | power walk

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5 Comments

  1. I LOVE power walking! It’s my secret back up plan should I (God forbid) ever get a running injury that takes me out of that game. Such a fun post and look at you, Working Girl. Suffering for your career must be terrible . . .;). Glad you had so much fun!

  2. Sorry about your room! But looks like you had a great trip! I love power walking too. Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to read your next post.

  3. I found your post very interesting! I’ve always heard people say that starting too hard will lose your energy soon at the end. I think your idea makes a sense. Thanks a lot for sharing!

  4. You look so enjoyable and fresh. Glad to see you like that. The baby walk tip sounds interesting. I’ll try. How about slow run with 2 steps for each foot? I don’t lose energy quickly thanks to it.

  5. I’m trying to read up on “Power walk” as I have made a big decision to become a much healthier man until my second child is born. I tried to find good information in Swedish, but I found little or none. This however was much more interesting 😉 I do like to walk, and if I could get more out of it I’d be thrilled.

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