If you are a runner or walker then heading to Walt Disney World allows you access to tons of trails, paths, and easy ways to get from one place to the other. With runDisney becoming more and more popular not only for runners but also for vacationers it’s good to know where you can find the runDisney paths sponsored by New Balance to help you avoid the crowds, get in a workout, or safely get to and from the parks or resorts.
Walking and Running Trails at Disney World
We LOVE walking. Like, really love walking. We walk a ton at home, love a good forest stroll or hike, and have walking workouts just in case we don’t get a walk outside in. So, the fact that there is a little path connecting Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian Walkway was an absolute thrill. And as Disney vacationers that don’t necessarily love crowds, busy times, or having to wait in lines for anything, having an escape walking path is our idea of a good time. These paths help us see more resorts, parks, and beaches without having to wait for transportation to get us there. Check out all the best walking paths at Disney World we love using.
Where can you find walking paths at Walt Disney World?
If you’re looking for trails that wrap around the Disney Resorts or parks so that you can get in a workout sometime during your stay, then consider our favorite trails across Disney World for walking, running, and strolling to de-stress!
On the Disney Boardwalk
The Disney Boardwalk resorts sit on Crescent Lake between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This allows a solid sidewalk that connects Disney Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, and the Yacht Club. If you’re looking for even more running or walking opportunities near this area you can walk the path from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios.
The Swan and Dolphin Resorts
You can also head to The Dolphin and loop the .8 mile loop around Crescent Lake that wraps behind the resort near the Fantasia Gardens Golf Course, and then comes back out at The Swan.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Walking Path
If traveling to Animal Kingdom Lodge, you may want to eat at Sanaa, because who doesn’t? But there are so many things to do at this Disney Deluxe Resort that you may want to go between both buildings. The main building is called Jambo House and houses Boma, The Mara, and the floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree during the holidays. But Sanaa is located in Kidani Village which can be reached by resort shuttle, or by the walking path at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s a nice trail, and you may even see a random Disney cat along the way! Check out the Walking Path from Jambo House to Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Fort Wilderness to Wilderness Lodge
If you’re looking for a hike or varied trail you can take the boat at Magic Kingdom over to Wilderness Lodge. From here you can access a 2.5-mile path that leads you through the woods and towards the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. UPDATE: The New Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge construction is on hiatus, but as it is located between these two resorts has impacted the pathway. As a result, this path is currently closed. We do however expect the path to be incorporated into the Reflections resort property once it’s completed.
The Polynesian Village Resort to The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
One of our favorite places to walk is on the path between The Polynesian and The Grand Floridian. This path is accessible and visible from both resorts and wraps the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can also access Shades of Green from this path. You can also continue the walk past the Grand Floridian straight to the Magic Kingdom Entrance.
Magic Kingdom to The Grand Floridian, Shades of Green, and The Polynesian Resort Walking Path
And as part of the 50th Anniversary plans, there is a new walkway to Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian so you can walk to and from the park. We love this option as a great way to avoid the crowds at the Monorail. But, be forewarned, this path is not shaded! And without a tree line, gets super hot from the Florida Sun! So, plan this route on cloudier days, or in the evenings. This is about a 15-20 minute walk.
Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Another great way to avoid the crowds at Walt Disney World is by taking the walking path from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the Magic Kingdom Gates. A great option during the busy holiday season when the monorail lines become congested. This is about a 5-10 minute walk to the front of the park.
The Path from Port Orleans Riverside to Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans Resort is one of the larger Disney Moderate Resorts with many walking paths to explore. Flanking the area along the Sassagoula River this is by far one of the most peaceful resorts to enjoy for an early morning run or late evening stroll.
The Disney All Stars Resorts Running Paths
If you’re looking for something easy to tackle and staying at the All-Star Resorts then this 1-mile walk or run may be what you need. Connecting the All Star Music Resort, All-Star Sports Resort and All-Star Movie Resort these paths are paved. Plus you get access to all three resort buildings, gift shops, and restaurants at the Disney All Stars Resorts.
Coronado Springs Resort Lago Dorado Path
Wrapping the Lago Dorado is a 3/4 mile pathway at Coronado Springs Resort is by far the most accessible path. But, if you’re looking to get in more walking or running time then this resort is covered in pathways you can experience. And since the Coronado Resort has so many areas that are varied, you won’t be at a loss for things to see along the way.
Caribbean Beach to Disney’s Riviera Resort
The Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort are connected by a very long pathway that surrounds Barefoot Bay. This is by far one of our favorite pathways to run or walk at Walt Disney World! Because you get the combination of amazing buildings, beaches, and a trail at 1.4 miles long. So, you can loop it once or multiple times for a more intense workout.
Pop Century Resort to Art of Animation
These two resorts are connected by a 1.38-mile pathway that wraps both the Pop Century Resort and the Art of Animation Resort. This path is special in the fact that you can actually read the placards spaced along the pathway. Each sign tells the history of each decade at Pop Century Resort and is a great way to get in some additional education on your Disney vacation. At Art of Animation, you can weave in between the themed areas to get more running or walking time. And depending on your plans for the day, you can also catch the Gondola here and head back to the Disney Boardwalk to find even more walks!
Walking Paths at Disney World
No matter when you visit Walt Disney World be sure to take some time to check out the Disney walking paths across the property. Whether you’re searing for runDisney paths for your morning run or just somewhere to have a nice stroll with coffee in hand, all these walks can be leisurely and fun. Check out the Disney jogging trails for even more places to break in your running shoes at Disney.
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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