Getting (or Staying) Fit the Disney Way at Walt Disney World

Vacations are great, especially Disney ones, but sometimes your routine gets all topsy-turvy. You’re waking up at 5AM for Hollywood Studios rope drop, subsisting almost entirely on Mickey Pretzels and Dole Whips (do Dole Whips count as fruit?), staying at Trader Sam’s ’til they close, and skipping your morning jog. 

But if you make the time for it, there are a few ways you can still work on your fitness while at Walt Disney World. (Serious question: does that mean we get extra snacks?)

Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep up with your exercise routine at Walt Disney World.

Mickey Pretzel

Walt Disney World Fitness Centers

First, if you’re staying in a Disney Resort with a fitness center, this whole thing is no sweat (well, you’ll literally sweat, but it’ll be easy to do it!). Several Resorts have 24-hour fitness centers that Resort guests can enter by scanning their MagicBands. The size of the centers and the types of equipment offered  vary from Resort to Resort, but if your Resort has one, stop in for a workout! 

Click here to learn where you’ll find fitness centers, health centers, spas, and salons at Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World Pools

If lifting weights or running indoors on a treadmill isn’t your thing, every Disney Resort has at least one pool. If you want to swim laps, you’ll probably need to make a splash at pool opening, so be sure to check the hours for your Resort’s pool. If your Resort has a quiet pool, that one might be better in terms of space for swimming, but you may still need to dodge other swimmers and splashers.

Sea Serpent Waterslide at Port Orleans

Walt Disney World Running Trails

If it’s a nice day (or even a nice hour) without torrential rain or oppressive heat, you can go for a walk, jog, or run at your Disney Resort. There are paths and sidewalks all over Walt Disney World, and Resorts include a Running Trail on their Resort maps. (Stop at the front desk if you need help finding it.)

We recommend a playlist consisting of songs from Hercules, Tarzan, Moana, Mulan, and Frozen. They have great workout vibes. 

runDisney at Walt Disney World

If you are a serious runner (or you’d like to challenge yourself with a short- or long-distance trot), runDisney hosts a series of marathons and runs throughout the year. Many people plan their whole Disney trip around them. It’s a super Disney way to get some exercise and earn a Disney-themed medal. There is usually special runDisney merchandise too.

Nature Walks at Fort Wilderness

If a more leisurely workout is what you crave, opt for a nature walk at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The land there is vast and beautiful. It offers an opportunity to see some local flora and fauna (not so much merriweather, though). There are even bike paths and bikes for rent on site, too.

NBA Experience Activities

 

If you love basketball and can’t go the week without shooting some hoops, check out the NBA Experience at Disney Springs. The NBA Experience took the space over from DisneyQuest (RIP). The NBA Experience is a chance to live the life of a professional NBA athlete. You won’t be playing full games, but you can get a little cardio while doing dunk challenges, ball-handling courses, and jump shot challenges.

Walt Disney World Golf

If golf is the level of fitness that you prefer, Disney has four golf courses on property and regularly hosts tournaments.

Get Your Steps in the Parks

If these don’t sound like your kind of exercise, just remember getting around the parks themselves will rack up the steps all day long. Briskly walking from rope drop to Flight of Passage, rushing to your next Fastpass, or hustling to your dinner reservation in the back of the World Showcase are ways to get your heartrate up. And don’t forget the 40lbs of pins, ear hats, and Donald Duck plush you’re carrying around the park. 

Does writing about fitness count as exercise? If so, it’s time for a celebratory Dole Whip while riding down a waterslide. (We kid; we’d never bring food into a pool!)

How do you stay fit in Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

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