3 Best Places to Jog/Run at Walt Disney World

Exercise might be last thing on most people’s minds when they visit the Walt Disney World Resort, especially because we count all the walking done at the parks as enough cardio for a day (or even a couple of days). But there is a group of people that need and even enjoy a good jogging trail.

Fear not health nuts (I say this in the most respectful way) Walt Disney World has a lot of good options when it comes to lacing up your shoes, grabbing your Garmin and hitting the pavement. I have been fortunate enough to have done a couple of RunDisney races and for the Princess Half Marathon I often used some of the running trails available to all at Disney World. I will share my three favorites:

Epcot Resort Trail:

This is a perfect trail to hit early in the morning, with the sun rising over the Boardwalk and the lovely views you will get all around, it is an interesting course, with a different panorama around every corner. You can run all the way from Epcot’s International Gateway to Hollywood Studios, while passing by Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht Club. Be advised that the actual Boardwalk area can get a bit slippery so use caution. And after your jog you can stop by the Boardwalk Bakery and indulge, right?

Distance: 7/8 mile – 3 miles, depending on course

Terrain: Paved, along with boardwalk surface (slippery when wet)

Accessibility: depending on time of year it can be a bit of a hassle parking at any of the Epcot Resorts but not impossible if you explain why you are there.

Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resort Trail:

Cannot think of a better way to get your miles in than by jogging between these two beautiful resorts. You get the contrast of each resort while enjoying lovely views of the 7 Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. And soon you’ll be able to take your jog all the way to the Contemporary while passing Magic Kingdom if you wish.

Distance: 2.5 miles (if you combine both Resorts)

Terrain: Paved

Accessibility: Pretty easy to get just by parking at the Magic Kingdom parking lot, or at one of the two Resorts (if available).

Port Orleans Resorts (French Quarter and Riverside):

Enjoy your jog while marveling at the beautiful architecture from both of these resorts. It is a pleasant run through paved and cobble stoned trails, with nice shade for most of the part. With this resort you can easily add on miles by going into all the sections of Alligator Bayou. Almost the entire trail will have you right by the Sassagoula River, a gorgeous waterway used by Disney to transport guests over to Disney Springs. And at the end, celebrate with a beignet.

Distance: 1 mile, with many add-on options

Terrain: Paved / paver stones

Accessibility: The easiest resort to park at, you will have no problems.

Make sure to check in your Resort, some have started offering 5K races around their facilities for a fee, but feel free to use any of these suggestions and the many more trails around, next time you visit Walt Disney World.