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The Hidden Ride At Walt Disney World

Want to experience Walt Disney World in a way that doesn’t involve walking?

It’s true that you really do get those steps in when on a Disney vacation, and your feet need a rest at times. Time by the pool is a great way to do this, but may not always be that relaxing. The pool can be a busy place, particularly in the afternoon, and there may be too much noise to take a nap.

It’s also true that you can feel guilty of all of the indulging you are doing whilst exploring the Disney Parks. There are so many great snacks and quick-service locations to enjoy, but the calorie intake can be huge! Although you are getting the steps in, you may be looking for something that can help burn a few of those extra calories!

Maybe you’ve spent so much time in the Parks, that you’re wanting a change of scenery. Something a little slower in pace might seem appealing. There’s that Disney Resort Hotel that you’ve never stopped by before, and are wanting a new place to explore. You may even want to check out a Resort, ahead of planning your next Disney vacation.

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Credit: Disney Tips

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above scenarios, then we have the solution for you! How about exploring Walt Disney World Resort on a bike?

There are a number of Resorts that offer cycling as an activity for Guests. Participation is not limited to being a Disney Resort Guest either – anyone is able to take part in the fun.

Typically, there are two types of cycles available: bicycle; and Surrey Bike.

Credit: Disney

Bicycles

Bicycles are ideal for Guests who are wanting to ride solo. Adult and children’s bikes are available; even bikes with training wheels too! Child seats are complimentary so young children who are yet to learn to ride can join in too. No one gets left out in Disney World!

Guests under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet under Florida law. Helmets are complimentary with bike hire so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own from home. Prices start at $20 per bike, and the final cost is based on the length of hire time. 

Surrey Bikes

Surrey Bikes are another way in which you can explore Walt Disney World. They come in different sizes, seating 2 or 4 people. This is a perfect way to explore with the family. Each Surrey Bike has its own canopy, offering shade from the sun. Take it in turns to pedal, steer, and ring the bell to alert oncoming Guests. Prices start at $25 per bike, and the final cost is based on the length of hire time. 

Where can I cycle?

There are multiple Disney Resorts that offer cycling. A great way to get to the Resorts is to take one of the Disney Buses from the Parks. If you are driving, park close to the lobby area of the Resort you are visiting, to make it easy for you to find the bike rental station.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Stop by Barefoot Bay Bike Works at Old Port Royale, and hire your bicycles ahead of a 1.4-mile cycle. This route takes you along the edge of Barefoot Bay, passing the different islands of Caribbean Beach Resort.

If you can keep up a fast pace, you’ll be sure to complete multiple laps of the route, giving a good calorie burn. Why not get the Skyliner from Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, after a morning in the Parks? Afterward, take a walk over to Disney’s Riviera Resort to enjoy a Scavenger Hunt.

Credit: V Mills

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

If cycling along tranquil canals with a view of rolling golf course fairways sounds idyllic, then you’ll definitely want to cycle around the original Disney Vacation Club Resort. Stop by Hanks Rent ’N Return to hire a bike or Surrey Bike, and enjoy the shaded route, passing the gorgeous pastel-colored buildings of the Resort. 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Visit the Riverside Levee, located next to the Marina, to hire bicycles and Surrey Bikes. The cycle route takes you passed Riverside Mill and along the main walkway of the Resort opposite Ol’ Man Island. You’ll pass by the leafy Alligator Bayou and the grand buildings of Magnolia Bend.

Continue cycling along the river, waving to passing boats that are heading for Disney Springs. Get ready to pedal hard up to the road bridge, to cross the river, before heading back to Riverside Levee. A 30-minute rental will allow you to complete 2 rounds of the route at Port Orleans Riverside. 

Credit: V Mills

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Cycling is a perfect way to explore Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. As one of the largest Disney Vacation Club Resorts, it is split into 4 sections: The Springs; The Carousel; The Paddock; and Congress Park. Rent bikes and Surrey Bikes from Horsing Around Recreational Rentals near Community Hall.

The cycle route guides you around the Resort, passing The Springs and along the lake in front of The Paddock. This would make for a great afternoon activity before catching a boat to Disney Springs for the evening.

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Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

If cycling through pine forests and meadows surrounded by wildlife sounds perfect to you, then you’ll definitely want to hire a bike at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Bikes are available to hire from the Bike Barn, at the Meadow Recreation Area.

Once you arrive at Fort Wilderness, you will need to use the internal bus service. Ask the driver to let you know when you need to get off. If using the Disney Transportation System Buses, you will board the internal bus at the Outpost Depot Bus Stop. Alternatively, you can get the boat from Wilderness Lodge or Magic Kingdom Park. You will then use the Settlement Depot Bus Stop.

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Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Do you like the sound of cycling along a bustling BoardWalk, with a view of a lighthouse landing with boats servicing it? Then you’ll definitely want to hire a Surrey Bike from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Get ready to cycle the loop of Crescent Lake, watching the boats transporting Guests to and from Disney Resorts and Parks. Wave at Guests as you pass underneath the Skyliner, and look out for Guests following you so they don’t miss out on the fun! Be sure to stop by the photo booths on the BoardWalk afterward, to get a photo strip as a souvenir to remember your visit.

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Feeling inspired to give your feet a rest, and take in Walt Disney World in a different way? Plan a cycling adventure into your next Disney vacation, and enjoy exploring the beautiful Disney Resorts.

You’re sure to make special, and unique, Disney memories from this fun activity!

About Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!