Where to Run When you are Visiting Walt Disney World

Some people still like to get their workout in while on vacation. Others may want to try and do their virtual runDisney race while they are visiting Walt Disney World. Before you hit the pavement be sure to know where you can and can’t run while there. Read on for all the must know information.

runDisney Virtual Races

runDisney has moved many of their races to virtual. Races that have moved to virtual are: Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

It is sad and disheartening for all the runners who have been training and made plans for all of these races. I do understand the safety reasons that runDisney has decided to not have these in person races.

I have done several runDisney events and I agree with runDisney’s decision. I am not sure, even with limited participants, how they could safely maintain social distancing measures in this type of environment.

My heart goes out to all of you runners. I know that the Marathon and maybe even Dopey is on my bucket list. It is so disappointing to decide to run and have the event go virtual.

To all the runners that still compete virtually. Never forget, you still earned those miles and I’m cheering for you!

Where You Cannot Run

Walt Disney World is a beautiful property, and it is tempting to try out some new running routes while there. However, it is very important to know where it is acceptable to run while on Walt Disney World property.

Many will want to try and do the course that they were planning for race weekends. DO NOT DO THIS! During the race there are many safety measures in place that will help keep you safe while on the course.

I have outlined some of the must know places that are the most tempting, but still are not for runners. Read on to know where you cannot run, and read further for where you CAN run.

Theme Parks

It is so tempting to want to reenact the actual race by running through the theme parks. Although the parks may not be as crowded as we all remember, this is not safe.

Cast members will remind you that you cannot run through the theme parks. It is for the safety of yourself and others, do not try and attempt this.

This is what makes the runDisney races so special. You have access to running in places you normally wouldn’t. For now, I have to be patient even though I cannot wait to run down Main Street, U.S.A. again!

Disney Springs

As empty as Disney Springs may be in the early morning hours, running is not allowed. Some people will post about how they do, but it is technically against the rules.

Disney Security is there and will reprimand anyone if they are caught. I would not even recommend trying even if you have heard many people say they have and nobody said anything.

Roads

There are not many sidewalks throughout the Disney property. There are also a lot of people who don’t know exactly where they are going.

Do not run on the roads! This is for your safety! Disney also does not want people running on their roads.

Golf Courses

Disney golf courses are beautiful! I love playing a round of golf when I visit. However, as nice as the paved golf cart paths are, they are for golfers only.

Disney has clearly marked signs “For Golfers Only.” This is may be a hard one to stay away from, but again it is for your safety.

You do not want to get hit by a golf ball! So as nice as these paths look, leave them for the golfers.

Where to Run

So, with all these places listed about where you can’t run, where does that leave you to run? Disney has made this even easier for us runners!

They have designated running trails at several hotels, so that guests can log those miles in a safe environment even while on vacation.

There are several places throughout Disney property that you will find these trails. Below you will find all the places you can run!

At the time of this writing not all Disney resort hotels are open to guests. please only run on running paths that are currently open

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Disney All-Star Resorts

You can enjoy a 1-mile-and-under path near Disney’s All-Star Resorts. This includes, All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports.

The 1-mile-long path is paved and connects all 3 Resort hotels. I have used this path when staying at these properties. I did have to run the path several times to reach my desired distance.

Be careful as you cross the entrances to parking lots with this jogging trail

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

If you are staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort you can enjoy a 0.75-mile-long run. The trail here loops around Lago Dorado.

EPCOT Resort Area

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Staying over in the Epcot Resort Area you can enjoy several jogging courses.

If you are staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort or Disney’s Beach Club Villas you can enjoy loops around Crescent Lake and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

You can enjoy a 1.25-mile run at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. This trail will give you views of Barefoot Bay.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

At the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort you can enjoy a 1.4-mile run. This course takes your around Barefoot Bay.

Read a full review on this resort HERE.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels

At these hotels you can enjoy different distances. You can take a 0.8-mile loop around Crescent lake. Guests can also find 2, 3, and 4 mile routes.

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

At the Fort Wilderness Campground you will find a 3.1- mile long trail. This course takes you on a woodland trail or on the promenade along Seven Seas Lagoon. This could be your perfect run to get that virtual 5k!

Disney Springs Resorts & More

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter

I personally love running at this resort! You can run along the Sassagoula River. This 1.7- mile course has you run from one resort to the other.

These resorts are so beautiful! I highly recommend staying here when they reopen. Also, check for my review on the Fun Run here when these resort activities resume!

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

At Saratoga Springs you will find paved pathways throughout the resort. You will run along parts of Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. The jogging trails have distances that include a 1.44- mile and 0.8- mile loops.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

This is another beautiful resort that I love to run at! At this resort you can enjoy a 1.37- mile-long trail. This trail begins at Conch Flats and winds along the canal and fairways of Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.

When all resort activities resume I recommend the Resort Fun Run, The Southernmost Point 3K Fun Run. Read my review of this activity HERE.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Resort

Where these resorts sit along side Hourglass Lake, they share similar running paths. You will be able to find a 1.38-mile trail that goes along Hourglass Lake.

Check out fellow writer, Jamie’s, review on staying at Pop Century Resort upon reopening HERE.

Pirate Tip: check with the front desk at each resort on where the running trails start if you are not sure

Do you run while on vacation? Are you planning to log some miles on your next trip? Are you planning on completing a virtual race while visiting Disney World? Let us know on the Kenny the Pirate Facebook page. Don’t forget to join the KtP crew page too!

-Heather Alosa