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Keeping Fit While at Walt Disney World: 8 Things To Know

Photo Credit: Disney

Trying to stay fit and healthy while on vacation—especially while in the Disney Parks—is one of those things that, to most people, seems absolutely impossible. How on earth are you supposed to squeeze your daily exercise routine into a day packed with rides, shows, and other exciting (but distracting) forms of entertainment? Worse yet, how can anyone stay on a healthy diet with so much junk food all around? Fortunately, there are ways to ensure your health doesn’t go down the toilet during your Disney World vacation. Here are 8 of our best tips for doing so.

1. Walking the Parks

First of all, it’s important to keep in mind that simply walking through the Disney World parks gives you a significant amount of exercise. In fact, the average vacationer can walk as many as 10 miles per day. Why not get a pedometer and track those steps? If walking is a big part of your exercise routine, your step count should be more than covered, meaning you can remove that worry from your plate.

2. Jogging Trails

If walking isn’t enough for you, there is always the option of jogging. No, you can’t jog through the crowded parks, but there are several trails on Disney property that allow jogging, and most are lovely paths, meaning you can start your day off right with a nice jog and gorgeous view. Wondering where to look for these trails? Try the following options:

  • All-Star Resorts — There is a paved path connecting the three resorts that is perfect for walking or jogging.
  • Coronado Springs Resort — At this resort, the ¾-mile trail around Lago Dorado makes for a nice exercise path.
  • Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club Resort, and Beach Club Resort — These three neighboring hotels are surrounded by excellent paths. Not sure where to find one? Ask the front desk. They’ll be happy to help.
  • Caribbean Beach Resort — The 0.6-mile path at this resort gives runners lovely views of Barefoot Beach.
  • Swan and Dolphin Hotels — These sister hotels feature a nice trail that loops around Crescent Lake, as well as a few longer, more challenging options.
  • Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge — Here you’ll find a 2.5-mile trail that meanders through the resort grounds. There’s also a ¾-mile pathway that connects the two resorts.
  • Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts — Between these two hotels, guests will find a paved pathway that connects the two and offers a lovely view of Magic Kingdom.
  • Contemporary Resort — Make a loop around Bay Lake Tower on a nice, 0.9-mile path at this Magic Kingdom area resort.
  • Port Orleans Resorts — A scenic walkway connects the two New Orleans-themed resorts and gives guests a lovely 1.7-mile workout.
  • Saratoga Springs Resort — This beautiful resort has two designated jogging trails: one 0.8-mile option, and a second option that is 1.44 miles long.
  • Old Key West Resort — A winding pathway that begins at Conch Falls, the 1.37-mile walking path at this resort runs alongside the golf course and is quite lovely.
  • Pop Century Resort — This resort offers a paved path that winds through the grounds and along Hourglass Lake. Choose from the 1.1-mile or 1.38-mile loops.
  • Art of Animation — This resort’s trail winds through fun, character-filled courtyards and along the scenic Hourglass Lake in a 1.38-mile loop.

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3. Fitness Centers

Of course, fitness centers are also an option for those looking for something more intense than walking or jogging. All of Disney’s fitness centers are top-notch, but they are not available at all resorts. Therefore, those looking to workout during their vacation should choose one of the following resort options:

  • Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Boardwalk Inn
  • Coronado Springs Resort
  • Contemporary Resort
  • Grand Floridian Resort
  • Old Key West Resort
  • Polynesian Resort
  • Sarasota Springs Resort
  • Wilderness Lodge
  • Yacht Club
  • Beach Club
  • The Swan
  • The Dolphin

4. Healthy Restaurants

Almost all Disney eateries offer at least a few healthy options. This is great because it means no matter where your family or friends want to eat, you’re likely to find something healthy yet delicious on the menu. That said, there are a few restaurants that have particularly healthy menus. Try one of these if you’re looking for something low-calorie, full of nutrients, and interesting:

  • Cape May Cafe — Light seafood fare
  • Sunshine Seasons — Quick-service with grilled and veggie options
  • Garden Grill — All-you-can-eat meal with plenty of salad and vegetable options
  • Katsura Grill — Japanese food with delicious sushi as an option
  • Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe — Tex-Mex quick-service with options such as Fajita Salad
  • Tangierine Café — Middle Eastern food with plenty of flavorful low-calorie options
  • Be Our Guest — This eatery has tons of great, light sandwich and salad options
  • Plaza Inn — The strawberry salad at this location is to die for
  • Columbia Harbor House — This quick-service place has a couple of healthy options to choose from

5. Low-Calorie Snacks

Of course, walking around Disney all day does increase your appetite, and snacking is bound to happen. For this reason, we highly recommend making a grocery store run the day you arrive or ordering groceries for delivery from Garden Grocer. By doing this, you can choose healthy snacks you know your family will enjoy, and since Disney allows outside food and drink, bringing those in won’t be a problem.

All that said, if you don’t want to bring your own food in, there are healthy options throughout the parks. Watch for fresh fruit stands, delicious dill pickles, and yummy corn on the cob. All of these things can be found if you look hard enough, or you can always ask a Cast Member to point you in the right direction.

6. RunDisney Events

For those runners out there, RunDisney events are an awesome opportunity to combine running with the most magical place on earth. During these events participants race through the parks, each participant receiving a medal at the end. It’s tons of fun for beginners and seasoned pros alike, and we highly recommend trying one of these events out.

7. Exercise Classes

The Swan and Dolphin hotels on Disney property actually offer full-fledged fitness classes to their guests. If you’re looking for some serious workouts during your visit, this can be a major perk of staying in one of these two hotels.

8. Active Fun

Finally, we must mention the many opportunities for active fun at Disney World Resort. There are countless recreation opportunities that will keep you moving while still having a blast with your family. Try one of the following:

  • Bike and surrey bike rentals
  • Basketball
  • Canoe and kayak rentals
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Swimming

How do you keep fit while visiting Walt Disney World?

About Chelsea Gonzales