FROM: Running with the Mouse Published As Needed

Disney Resort Runs

Robert Mathis finds time to run while on vacation

- by Robert Mathis, March 8, 2011

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Unless you're a serious runner, or coming to Disney for a marathon, you probably don't think about where you'll be able to run while on vacation at Disney World.

But when I'm at Disney, I try not to lose any of my 'training runs' because I keep a busy race schedule and have to keep the miles up.

As a result, my Disney vacations always involve running. And that can pose a challenge.

Preparing for 'Vacation Runs'

Running unofficially at Disney World is possible but presents a few difficulties.

Busy Park Days  Most us plan our own daily 'Park Marathons'. These marathons start early, last late, and involve many miles of walking and many hours of standing (in lines). At the end of the day, your energy is drained and your training regimen compromised.

Transportation  With the advent of Disney's Magical Express, many of us don't rent cars - we let Mickey do the driving. It saves time and saves money better spent in the parks. Since you won't have transportation, you'll be stuck running at your resort (or at another resort). Disney is aware of runners' needs and provides maps of the jogging and running routes available at each resort. You can view the maps on my site, DisneyRunning

Weather  Depending on where you're from, the weather at Disney World can be dramatically different, especially in winter. Temperatures could be as much as 30-40 degrees warmer in Disney World than in your hometown. And don't forget the humidity! If you're from the West Coast, like me, it can be tough adjusting to Florida conditions even when walking in the parks, let alone running at your resort.

To help deal with the weather, I usually schedule my runs for the early morning, which has the added benefit of leaving me time for fun in the parks.

Run Along with Robert

Of all the jogging routes at the Disney resorts, my favorite is the one between the BoardWalk and Disney's Hollywood Studios, shown on the map:

You can start the route at any of the BoardWalk resorts, but I like to start at Jellyrolls. From there, you run down the walkway toward Hollywood Studios, its attractions looming closer as you continue.

You can, if you wish, return the same way, but I like to take a side path that you'll see after you've passed under the road and come up on the adjacent sidewalk. The path winds along the overpass and then down to the other side of the canal near the Swan Resort.

Next, I turn right toward the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. This part of the route has a slight elevation and affords some great views of Crescent Lake and Epcot. The path then descends to the wooden deck - which can be slippery when wet, so be careful!

Soon you'll be cruising past the Yacht Club and then along the Beach Club's Stormlong Bay, where your route will take you under the waterslide. You can continue running straight to the International Gateway before having to turn around or you can veer right and continue over the bridge to the BoardWalk. As you approach the ESPN Club, you'll have wooden deck underfoot once more.

Approaching the BoardWalk shops and restaurants, you'll smell wonderful aromas from the BoardWalk Bakery - where, as soon as my run is over, I head for breakfast.

I figure I've earned it!

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