Disney ResortsUpdates

Top Disney Resorts for Runners: Enjoy Great Trails and Fitness Centers

Heading to Walt Disney World Resort doesn’t mean leaving your fitness routine behind! Disney offers plenty of ways for guests to stay active, including beautiful running trails and well-equipped fitness centers. Whether you’re training for an upcoming race or just want to keep moving on vacation, Disney’s got you covered with plenty of options to stay on track.

Here’s a guide to the top Disney resorts for running paths and fitness centers, perfect for keeping up with your workouts while enjoying the magic of Disney.


1. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

For those looking to balance fitness and relaxation, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers a mix of scenic paths and fitness facilities. The resort features a 0.75-mile running loop around the picturesque Lago Dorado, making it an ideal spot for a sunrise jog. The tranquil waters and unique Spanish-inspired architecture create a beautiful setting as you run. If you’re looking to add distance, explore the winding paths through various sections like the Ranchos for a longer run.

A large, elegant hotel with a cream and light brown facade is reflected in a calm lake. The building features arched windows and is surrounded by trees and smaller structures. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

Fitness Facilities: Coronado Springs also boasts two full-service fitness centers with cardio machines, free weights, and strength-training equipment. Perfect for staying cool indoors, these facilities provide all the essentials to keep your training consistent, even on vacation.


2. Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts

Looking for an affordable stay without compromising your fitness routine? Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts are excellent value options, each offering access to a 1.1 to 1.38-mile running path that loops around Hourglass Lake. This trail connects the two resorts, giving you scenic views of larger-than-life Disney icons, whimsical décor, and the Disney Skyliner.

Why You’ll Love It: Begin your morning with a peaceful run along Hourglass Lake while the sun rises over the water, bringing the surrounding Disney icons to life. It’s a perfect, budget-friendly way to stay active and start your day in the parks feeling refreshed and energized.


3. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

For guests staying near EPCOT, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts offer some of the most picturesque running paths on property. A loop around Crescent Lake measures about 0.8 miles and provides peaceful waterfront views. Extend your run by heading toward Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT’s entrance, both of which are less crowded in the early morning.

Fitness Facilities: In addition to the beautiful paths, BoardWalk Inn features a fitness center with a range of cardio and strength-training equipment, perfect for cross-training or an indoor workout.

Pro Tip: Start your run early to experience Crescent Lake’s peaceful atmosphere and catch a glimpse of the parks waking up!


4. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort

For runners who love tropical vibes, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers a 1.25-mile path with views of the Skyliner and lush resort grounds. The loop is perfect for a morning jog, providing a tropical ambiance that will make you feel like you’re running through an island paradise.

A scenic view of a Disney World Resort at dusk with a purple and pink sky. The resort buildings are set along a calm lake, reflecting the colorful sky and structures. Trees and lush greenery surround the area, with a wooden walkway and an old cannon in the foreground.
Credit: Disney

If you’re staying at nearby Disney’s Riviera Resort, you can easily extend your run to explore both properties. While the Riviera doesn’t have an official running trail, its pathways and scenic landscaping create an enjoyable backdrop for an extended workout.

Why You’ll Love It: This area gives you a tropical setting combined with a serene lakefront, perfect for a relaxing yet invigorating run.


5. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter

For a tranquil, picturesque run, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort offers a 1.7-mile path along the Sassagoula River that connects Riverside and French Quarter. The scenic path takes you through charming, Southern-style landscapes that evoke the beauty of New Orleans, complete with gas lamps, manicured gardens, and quiet waterways.

Why It’s Perfect: Whether you’re running in the early morning or late evening, the Sassagoula River trail provides a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a refreshing change of scenery.

Pro Tip: Early morning is the best time to enjoy this trail, especially as the sunlight filters through the trees along the river.


6. Disney’s Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary Resort

If you’re staying at one of Disney’s Monorail resorts near Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of scenic running options. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort share a path along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, providing lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere for your morning workout. The pathway takes you near the Magic Kingdom entrance, making it a magical way to start the day.

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the running options are a bit shorter, but guests can still enjoy the stunning views and resort ambiance. The resort also features a fitness center for those who prefer an indoor workout.

Why It’s Magical: Running with views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon is truly a unique experience that adds a sprinkle of Disney magic to your fitness routine.


7. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

For guests looking for space and scenery, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an ideal spot. The resort offers multiple loops that wind around the peaceful Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, with distances ranging from 0.8 miles to 1.44 miles. The open paths and scenic surroundings make it easy to enjoy a quiet, refreshing run.

Fitness Facilities: Saratoga Springs also features a full fitness center with both cardio and strength-training equipment, giving you the option to balance outdoor runs with indoor workouts.

Pro Tip: The golf course setting provides a serene escape, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy nature while they run.


8. Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Another fantastic choice for runners is Disney’s Old Key West Resort. The 1.37-mile running path here takes you through charming canals and lush landscapes near the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. The quiet pathways and tropical foliage make it an ideal location for a peaceful run.

A scenic view of a waterfront restaurant with a light blue exterior and white roof. The building, reminiscent of Disney World Resorts, is surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. Several boats are docked at the wooden pier in front, and people can be seen dining outside under covered patio areas.
Credit: Disney

Why It’s Great: The relaxed, tropical atmosphere of Old Key West offers a scenic escape that transports you to the Florida Keys, creating a perfect setting for a leisurely run.


9. All-Star Resorts

Guests staying at Disney’s All-Star Resorts – Movies, Music, and Sports – can enjoy a 1-mile paved running path that connects all three resorts. This trail offers vibrant Disney theming and larger-than-life decorations, making it a fun route for runners who want a bit of Disney whimsy during their workout.

Why It’s Fun: Runners will appreciate the playful scenery, which includes giant sports equipment, musical notes, and beloved Disney characters. It’s a colorful, energetic way to stay active without leaving the resort.


Pro Tips for Running and Fitness at Disney World Resorts

To make the most of your fitness routine at Walt Disney World, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Florida’s heat and humidity can be intense, so drink water before, during, and after your run to stay properly hydrated.
  2. Run Early or Late: Plan your runs for early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. These times are also less crowded and more peaceful.
  3. Indoor Fitness Options: Many deluxe resorts and some moderate resorts have fitness centers with treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and more. Check if your resort offers a fitness center as a backup for rainy days or hot afternoons.
A person wearing a pink dress and pink Mickey Mouse ears stands on a sandy beach by a lake, facing away. In the distance, there are colorful buildings and a boat on the water near a Disney Deluxe Resort. The sky is cloudy, and there's greenery on the left side of the image.
Credit: V Mills

Final Thoughts: 

With so many incredible resorts offering running paths and fitness centers, it’s easy to stay active while enjoying a Disney vacation. Whether you’re a dedicated runner or just want to keep up with your fitness routine, Walt Disney World has something for everyone.

From sunrise runs around Crescent Lake to tropical jogs at Caribbean Beach, you can explore the resort grounds in a way that’s refreshing, fun, and uniquely Disney.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

Related Articles

Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker