If you’re a runner or an avid gym-goer, you might be wondering where you can get in a great workout while vacationing at Walt Disney World. I always bring my running clothes and shoes with me on any trip! Several of the resort hotels have workout facilities for guests staying at those hotels, so that might even factor in to where you stay.
Running Trails
Most of the Walt Disney World Resorts have at least some type of designated running path. To find it, head to the front desk and ask for a map, or look around outside and you should find it. Some of the paths aren’t very long, but you can double back and run them several times. I prefer looking at one of the outside maps but also taking a paper map with me if I’m not sure where I’m going. However, you can basically run along any sidewalk at any Walt Disney World resort to add in mileage.
It is not recommended to run on any road that doesn’t have a sidewalk- most of the roads between the theme parks don’t have a walkway and can get very busy, especially with WDW buses. You also can’t run at the golf courses on the golf cart paths. If you’d like to run on a road or inside a theme park, your best bet is to sign up for an official runDisney race.
A couple of my favorite running routes include from Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, and at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Soon you will be able to run from the Transportation and Ticket Center all the way to the Magic Kingdom! Fort Wilderness also has plenty of trails, and you can run to the Wilderness Lodge on a nice shaded path (which is great for sunny Florida weather!).
A running trail map at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Pools
I’m listing pools with a caveat- there aren’t any pools at Walt Disney World where you’ll have a dedicated swim-for-fitness area, such as lap lanes or water aerobics. But, if you can get up early and make it to one of the resort pools when they open in the morning, you’ll have a much better chance of uninterrupted swimming time. This is especially the case at one of the quiet pools- not the main pool area with water slides or restaurant/bar, but a smaller pool without anything fancy. These pools in general are much less populated, and almost every resort at Walt Disney World has at least one quiet pool (Port Orleans French Quarter does not have a quiet pool).
One of the quiet pools at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Fitness Centers
Most of the Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts (Plus Coronado Springs, moderate) at Walt Disney World have a gym right on site. The gyms are free to use if you’re staying at that resort. However, you can purchase a day pass if you’re staying at a different resort, subject to availability. If working out in the gym is important to you, consider staying in one of the resorts that have a gym right there.
The fitness centers have great equipment such as a few treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines. They also have plenty of free weights and a few weight machines. While they won’t have as many weight machines as you might be used to in your home gym, they have enough to get in a great workout!
Local Gyms
There are plenty of local gyms in the vicinity of Walt Disney World. If you have a car or don’t mind taking a taxi or ride share, you can pretty easily get to one. Many chain or franchise gyms will let you come and work out while you’re on vacation. Just give them a call or email and see about a guest pass.
Do you like to work out on your Walt Disney World vacation? What’s your favorite thing to do?
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We are your Disney Park Princesses – Sara, Sharla & Heather! (From left to right) We are three friends who work together, travel together, and love to treat ourselves. We believe that everyone should get to feel like royalty on their Disney vacation. 