
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, our number one packing suggestion is to bring comfortable shoes.
With four theme parks (Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom Parks), dozens of Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resort Hotels, and a huge dining, shopping and entertainment complex (Disney Springs), there’s over 40 square miles of magic to enjoy at WDW!
That’s a lot of walking. But what if you’re looking for ways to stay even more active on your Walt Disney World vacation?
If you’re worried about missing your gym time or your favorite yoga class, have no fear! There are plenty of fun ways to stay active at WDW.
Jogging Trails
If you’ve ever stayed at a Disney Resort Hotel, you’ve probably seen one of the many jogging trails on-site, if only as you walked to the bus stop.
There are miles of paths throughout Walt Disney World that are perfect for a picturesque stroll or a more vigorous cardio workout.
Some of our favorites? There’s a paved trail that connects Disney’s All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports Resorts, and it’s great fun to explore a new Resort while you’re working out.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter offers a beautiful path along the Sassagoula River that is great for walking or running. Then there’s the 3.1 mile-long jogging trail that takes Guests through the beautiful woodland of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (you may even spot some local wildlife as you jog).
Wherever you’re staying at Walt Disney World, there’s a jogging path with your name on it!
Gyms
During inclement weather, or if you’re simply missing free weights, you can head to one of Walt Disney World’s many gyms (or, as they’re frequently called, “health clubs” or “fitness centers”).
Check online before you book your Disney Resort Hotel to make sure there’s a gym on-site, if you’ll want to use it.
You won’t find a fitness center at any of Disney’s Value Resorts, nor at most of Disney’s Moderate Resorts (the exception is Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, which offers La Vida Fitness Center and Gran Destino Fitness Center).
They’re typically found at Disney’s Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts.
If you’re not staying at a Resort Hotel with a gym on-site, you can always talk to a Cast Member – Disney has previously offered day passes or length-of-stay passes for a fee, but many policies have changed since the COVID pandemic.
Swimming
Perhaps the most fun way to stay active at Walt Disney World is swimming!
Every Disney Resort Hotel offers at least one pool for Guests to enjoy. Feature pools are huge pool complexes that are excellently themed (Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts features a life-sized shipwreck, while Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is home to the Lost City of Cibola pool, starring a gigantic Mayan pyramid with a cascading waterfall).
Bicycle Rental
Guests who anticipate separation anxiety leaving their spin classes at home will be glad to know that you can rent a bicycle at Walt Disney World.
You’ll take in scenic views while getting a workout, and you can even rent kids’ bikes (even bikes with training wheels) if you want to make it a family affair.
Bike rentals cost $20, and this includes helmets and child seats. You can rent a bike at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts.
Yoga
There’s nothing like starting your day with a sunrise yoga class before heading out into the parks.
If this sounds like something you’d like to do, you’ll want to look online to make sure your Disney Resort Hotel offers morning yoga.
Typically, it’s only the Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts that offer these classes, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Yoga mats and towels are provided, and class sizes are limited, so you’ll want to arrive early to snag a spot!
Archery
Alright, you won’t work up as much of a sweat as you would jogging around your Disney Resort Hotel, or even joining a sunrise yoga class, but did you know you can practice (or learn) archery at Walt Disney World?
We love it when physical activity is disguised as a fun new skill! Guests who are at least 7 years old can take a 75-minute class with an archery expert at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
The Fort Wilderness Archery Experience costs $45 per person, and class size is limited to ensure personal attention for each Guest. So go ahead, channel your inner Merida or Hawkeye!
…And Much More
There are many other ways to get in a fun workout at Walt Disney World, from booking a tennis court for a game with friends to kayaking down a scenic waterway, to shooting a few hoops with the family.
Not all activities have reopened, and not all are available at every Disney Resort Hotel, so check online for more details.
Bottom Line
You’ll clock a lot of miles when you visit Walt Disney World – I remember being impressed when I reached 21,000 steps during one very long day in the parks.
But for those ambitious Guests who are looking for more than mileage, there are lots of different ways to stay fit and active while enjoying the magic of WDW.