Holiday of a lifetime woes

Trust me, you’ll feel positively sylph-like in Orlando.

You sound a similar size to me.
Something I would recommend is being honest about what size you need to wear - clothes look much better when they comfortably fit, and sometimes that means going up a size.
A good well fitting bra.
I buy a lot of clothes from Roman and Yours - both seem to do a lot of summer clothes in larger sizes that fit really well and are very flattering. They also deliver pretty quickly!

You’ll come back fitter as it’s a lot of walking around and maybe swimming ( if you go to the water parks etc) and I bet it’ll be great, try not to worry.

Ah OP, don't let this ruin your Disney experience. You're going to have a fabulous time! You've done so well to get fitter and improve your mobility, don't be too hard on yourself.

Honestly, comfort is everything in the Florida heat. Just wear something light and easy to move in. WDW is very casual and honestly, no one notices or cares what anyone else is wearing, everyone is having way too much fun.

When I'm feeling body-conscious, I sometimes I find it gives me a bit of a boost if I treat myself to things that enhance my appearance in other ways. Things like getting my hair and nails done, new accessories like a nice bag, some new trainers or earrings. Maybe some new make up. Could you treat yourself to a few bits that make you feel good before your trip, OP?

Op get thee to the shops and buy the best fake tan you can afford. And keep applying it between now and your departure.

Also have a manicure and pedicure in a bright colour.

Next get the best haircut and colour that you can afford.

And take some Velcro rollers or a heat less curler with you to give your hair some bounce while you are away.

Throw in comfy sandals, a cotton wrap that you can use as a sarong or a pareo, a pair of sunglasses, a cross body bag, some skorts, T-shirts, comfortable trainers and possibly a sun hat and enjoy! 😃😃. You deserve to have a lovely holiday and enjoy your new found fitness! Hope you have a great time!

I feel your pain. I have spent years planning to lose weight before a holiday and then failed to do so until the weeks crept down and it was too late. Worse than hating how I looked and not being able to wear nice clothes was the inability to walk far, or do steps or hills. Every bloody year.

This year I got myself in Mounjaro and lost 2 stone in the 8 weeks before the holiday..I could have done with starting a few months earlier and having lost 2 more but even so it made a big difference. No chub rub, no huffing and puffing from simple exertion.

The boobs are still huge which makes me still look large and the bra straps dug in in the heat and exertion but even so...

If you never want to go through this again, please consider Mounjaro..It has been nothing short of miraculous for me. I am no longer in the obese category after 8 weeks and I've not been able to achieve that in decades.

As for clothes, long tunics and floaty wide trousers, t shirts and knee length shorts, dresses with belts to avoid the dreaded handing down from the boobs effect. Chub rub shorts from snag.

Oh and you know that you will be a lot thinner than most people there!

I could have written this post myself. we went last year for my 40th and I had a whole year to finally lose the weight. As always, the year flew around and I’d lost at best 7lbs. At 5’3 and a size 18, I thought I had ruined it for myself because ‘I hadn’t tried harder’ and was worried i would look and feel enormous. I needn’t have worried- there were tonnes of people there bigger than me, in a variety of shapes and sizes. The one common theme- everyone was there living their best lives, enjoying their dream holiday and just trying to keep cool no matter what their size. I packed baggy t-shirts, but in all honestly would have preferred vests as that humidity is something else and I permanently felt like a hot sweaty mess

Check out Carys Whittaker on instagram - she does a lot around body positivity and dressing for your size and how the clothes are the problem and not you. She has some fab holiday outfit ideas for bigger people and shows you can look fabulous at any size!

And also, I promise you’ll feel better when you get to Disney - there will be plenty people of all shapes and sizes, and of different levels of ‘frump’. It really does feel very inclusive in this way, and I promise you won’t feel out of place.

Ignore anyone telling you to diet now. Work with what you have. Enjoy the trip, it’ll be knackering but fun.

Have a look at Rew Clothing. They’re designed and handmade in Wales, in limited quantities and are VERY forgiving yet chic. You can often pick up their pieces on Vinted too. They do dresses, tops and trousers (and shorts) that fit up to size 22.

https://www.rewclothing.co.uk/

Get some shorts, I wore some for the first time in years, and buy linen tops. Americans are much bigger, you won’t feel self conscious. Don’t forget that you can put stick deodorant under your boobs too! Wearing pants liners or even pads meant for a light period can help when it’s all a bit hot and humid. And pack some Sudocreme because you can use it on chaffed skin, cuts, insect bites the lot.
think of all the steps you’ll be getting in!

OP I was worried about a DW trip a while back but got to Orlando to find that the one thing DW donAMAZINGLY well, and discreetly and inclusively, is cater for families of all shapes and sizes. They keep grps together on rides, and all seats, belts and buckles, lap bars etc are adjustable so little kids will have a snug for while the adult and larger people will be guided to larger seats, the correct side to sit on, the bar that adjusts individually etc.
There was anything any of us could go on - not the 6’5 uncle or the size 20/22 aunty.
There’s also rest areas, shade, water misting out everywhere to cool, and the best managing of queues I have ever seen. Always something to look at or do so you don’t even notice you’re hanging around.
They ruined all other theme parks for me for life! Wear comfy shoes, take your own snacks and bring re-fillable water bottles with ice. And temper you can take your own food etc in … it’ll save you a fortune to pack some sarnies if you can.

Never been to Disney, but have recently returned from a sun holiday as a size 20 with big boobs, and have previously been on holidays as a size 24.

I spent years in black linen trousers in summer, because I dislike my legs. I made a conscious decision not to buy any more as it’s so hard to get ones that don’t immediately look crumpled and go baggy after wearing for a few hours. Instead, I have some thin, loose cotton trousers that hold their shape better and are cooler than black linen.

Light dresses with snag chub rub shorts are great, I add a belt to most dresses otherwise they just hang off my boobs. Use a hair elastic as an additional belt loop if necessary. I’ve had surprising success with midi dresses from Primark (via Vinted for me but presumably also in store), 100% cotton, not lined but not see-through either.

I wore shorts this holiday for the first time since I was a kid, and felt less self conscious than I thought I would (and usually do in summer clothes generally) and realised it was because I was dressed suitably for the weather, like everyone else, rather than trying to hide my legs. Having said that, I make sure my shorts are almost to my knees, and have some structure to them, as I don’t feel comfortable with thigh on show.

Sainsbury’s is good for sleeveless tops that don’t cling to every bump, either wide-strapped sleeveless tops or sleeveless shirts. I don’t like my arms but the difference in temperature was surprising, and I’ve continued wearing the tops since being home, when it’s been warm enough.

And obviously, your most comfortable shoes!

Have an amazing holiday!

Have a look at Laura Adlington's instagram for some outfit inspiration - she is a size 24 and looks fab all of the time! She's got loads of summer outfit videos and has links to each outfit - lots of cool, floaty dresses.
Hopefully you can find some outfits that really make you feel good about yourself. The most important thing is that you enjoy yourself and have the best time.

You've going to the US. You'll probably feel pretty slim when you're there in comparison to many. Wear clothes you are comfortable in - no one is judging you. If you want to fit in buy a baggy Disney T-shirt and mini-ears that is what most of other people seem to wear at Disney.

That’s a great recommendation!

Bless you. I was in exactly the same position as you 20 years ago. 1st trip to Australia (sibling lives there), 1st flight for our 2 young kids - me not exactly beach beautiful! I agree with other posters that you need to take clothes you feel comfortable in. My photos (yes, real actual photos) show me wearing the same shirt at virtually every important occassion/landmark etc. (you could hand wash it in the hotels and it was so warm it dried overnight). We laugh about it so much now - I became known as the one shirt wonder downunder!

Not clothes wise but to help with body sweat in that heat. Take savlon as underneath big boobs can get sore also if you have an apron belly it's good for under that as well. Wear panty liners and change during day regularly it helps soak up sweat. If it gets to much walking in that heat you can hire a scooter or wheel chair. With regards to clothing wear what you are comfortable in

I doubt anyone will notice , there is so much to see and do at the parks and people will be concentrating on having a good time and not looking at anyone else! Just wear what is comfortable for you and enjoy it all.

This will probably come across rude, I don't mean it to but honestly... You'll look rather small in comparison to a lot of people you'll see in Florida/Disney.

Also, I know it's really hard when you don't feel happy in your body's but you could (are) waste years being unhappy and missing out on just enjoying your life! You'll look back and regret worrying so much about it. You're right, it really is the holiday of a life time, don't waste that time worrying and wishing, have the absolute best time with your loved ones and make amazing memories!

We went to disneyworld in April, it feels like a really big deal doesn't it, because of the cost etc. You'll have an amazing time I promise! Number 1) that bit of the US and disneyworld itself were super super inclusive, I saw ladies way way bigger than a size 22 wearing everything and anything they liked, getting lovely compliments etc, the rides are all very accessible and they have many larger guests who are much better accommodated than uk theme parks. You'll be one of the thinner, healthier ones I absolutely promise you and at no point did anyone look at anyone, judge anyone or have any opinions on anyone's body that I saw or heard.
Number 2) everyone raved about the huge amounts of walking, it honestly was no worse than a day at legoland. If you can do a day out in the UK, you can do a day at disneyworld. Space out your rest days, get comfy with knowing you will miss some things, take regular breaks in the air con (the shows are great for this as its all sitting down, really sweet and cold!) Just get good quality, comfy shoes and take blister plasters in case, drink lots of water.
Number 3) you'll forget what you look like, it honestly wasn't important, there is so much going on, we mainly took just photos of the kids anyway and we just loved the magic. I was bigger at the time, I wore sports skirts I'd never wear at home and felt totally fine in them, I never wear short skirts here but there it just made sense. Lots of people wore cycling shorts or leggings and disney baggy themed t shirts which float over any worrisome areas. Chub rub shorts also were amazing under dresses. Everyone is a sweaty mess by the end of the day anyway and the US felt a lot less fashion conscious than the UK, most people seemed to just wear colours or characters they liked.

Most importantly - it is what it is, the majority of people wish they could be slimmer on hols I think, what do you do? Have a miserable time beating yourself up? Dont do it to yourself! Absolutely throw yourself into it, remember you're there to have a great time not look a certain way and you will honestly have a blast. When I look back at photos, I don't see my thighs at all, I remember the kids laughing, I remember the magic, the happiness etc. Just relax and go with it! Have fun :-)

You can lose a lot of weight in two weeks. You have shown that you can commit to a programme with your walking and swimming, well done - that will give you a much nicer time on holiday! Now apply the same to your eating for two weeks.

Porridge for breakfast, made with whole milk so it keeps you full all morning.
A salad, no dressing, for lunch.
Normal evening meal, portion size controlled.

No snacks, no treats, no alcohol. Weigh everything. You’ll be amazed what you can lose in two weeks.

I went last year and I am overweight, not loads but enough to feel uncomfortable. Once I was out there I didn’t care at all what I looked like, I was having too much fun and there are so many people there in worse shape having the time of their lives.

Practically go for loose flowing dresse/linen shorts and I second someone else’s suggestion of snag shorts or cycling shorts because you will chafe. Even my daughters at size 8 and 10 had chafing. Also, shoes are so important, make sure whatever you take are well worn in and comfy - do not wear new shoes!!! I cannot reiterate this enough.

Also, everyone laughs when we said this but last August in Florida we were actually cold quite a lot. The air conditioning is ferocious and last august there was quite a few rainy afternoons/evenings. Especially in restaurants at night we all felt quite cool and wish we had taken a hoodie or 2.

Have fun, I am jealous, I want to go back!!

As someone who was a size 24 and not fit last time I went to DISNEY WORLD, here are my tips for survival.

1. You will be small in size compared to many Americans
2. My uniform is tailored but comfy shorts and a nice bright t-shirt, with socks and trainers. This means I fit in with most people around me, the clothes are comfortable, so I feel good. I couldn't wear dresses as a size 24 they just hung off my boobs and made me look ridiculous.
3. You are likely to get Disney rash, don't be alarmed.
4. I don't pack loads to carry as I can't be bothered, and the rides, food places and shops all have cold air con.
5. If your health and mobility are not as good as your fellow travellers then consider hiring a mobility scooter in the park on some days. I did this on my last trip as we were in a large group and I have medical issues that just make walking and more importantly standing still extremely painful. With the scooter I was able to do everything I wanted.

Diet is much more important than exercise when trying to lose weight (as oppose to just being healthier). Being fitter will be a big help though in walking around the parks as there is always a lot of walking at these places.

There is no point beating yourself up about what didn't happen and try not to overthink how you look - this is about having fun on a holiday of a lifetime not a modelling contest. Wear long floaty clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable would be my advice. Concentrate on comfort no matter what size you are IMO as the days may be long. hot and tiring. Just worry about having a great time!