Disney World Resort Running Trails- We’ve Tried Them All!

The running trails at the Disney World hotels are a great way to get a little of the runDisney experience during your Disney World vacation.

The running trails around the Disney World hotels are a great way to incorporate an outdoor run into your Disney vacation. They are also a way to experience your resort from a different perspective and in a healthy way.

The best part? If you don't like to run, don't worry! These trails are great for walking too. I've ran around all the loops on this list and have great tips so that you know what to expect. Here's all you need to know about every single running (and walking) trail at the Disney World hotels.

Running Trails at Disney World

You'd be surprised at how many trails there are around the Disney World hotels.

There are a few things you need to be aware of though:

• For these trails, Disney provides a sign with a map of the trail and the trail's length
• All of these routes share the same traffic with pedestrians. Some routes even share traffic with bicycles, surrey bikes, or golf carts
• Make sure to remain on the designated trail and obey all posted signs
• Make sure to use caution when crossing roadways and intersections
• Be aware of any possible trail surface changes
• Disney advises you to wear light colored clothing during dawn and dusk hours to increase your visibility to other guests and Cast Members
• Always remember to stay well hydrated!

Let's go over each of the running trails around the Disney World hotels.

Seven Seas Lagoon

The running trail here almost fully circumnavigates Seven Seas Lagoon.

Going clockwise on this trail, you will pass by the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney's Contemporary Resort. Note that the trail does not connect between Disney's Contemporary Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center. If you choose to run the entire trail one way, you'll need to turn around to return to your starting point.

Distance: 3.1 miles one way, 6.2 miles round trip

Important Information: Most of this trail is exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. If you choose to run or walk this trail, we recommend that you do so in the early morning or in the evening. And since this trail is along the water, bug spray is essential

Crescent Lake

The running trail here goes around Crescent Lake and passes by the EPCOT resorts.

This includes Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Yacht Club, Disney's Beach Club, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. One of my favorite things about this route is that there are several variations you can run, including running toward the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve or along Epcot Resorts Boulevard. You can even add some extra mileage by running up and down the BoardWalk Canal.

Distance: 0.8 miles around Crescent Lake; 0.8 miles along the BoardWalk Canal

Important Information: The entirety of this trail is exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. This trail also gets heavily populated with guests in the evening. finally, the trail switches from concrete walkway, pavement, and wooden boardwalk. Be cautious especially after it rains as the boardwalk can be slippery. And since this trail is along the water, bug spray is essential.

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Barefoot Bay

For those looking for more mileage, Barefoot Bay is for you.

Barefoot Bay covers the area surrounding Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The entire trail is along the waterline of Barefoot Bay, giving you great views of both the resorts and Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. That means at night, you can take a stroll around Barefoot Bay and watch the EPCOT fireworks! You also have several options to add or subtract mileage, making it great for runners.

Distance: 1.22 miles; 2.2 miles if you add the trail around Caribbean Beach's Trinidad area

Important Information: The entirety of this trail is exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. And since this trail surrounds a lake, bug spray is essential

Hourglass Lake

This loop is easily one of my favorite running loops on Disney World property.

Hourglass Lake connects Disney's Pop Century Resort and Disney's Art of Animation Resort, with the Disney Skyliner station being in the middle of the lake. Along this trail, you get two of the most entertaining and whimsical resorts on Disney World property. And with plenty to see within each resort, you can add mileage by weaving through each of the resort buildings!

Distance: 1.29 miles (more if you want to weave through each resort building)

Important Information: The entirety of this trail is exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. And since this trail surrounds a lake, bug spray is essential. However, the trail around Hourglass Lake is wide, leaving plenty of space for runners and park guests

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins offers virtually endless running options.

Here, you can jog along the woodland trails or on the promenade along Seven Seas Lagoon. And while there's a main loop you can follow, you can add as much (or as little) mileage as you want by exploring each different campground. Along the way, you're surrounded by cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.

Distance: 1.4 miles around Big Pine Loop (more if you want to weave through each campground)

Important Information: Much of the trail is partially shaded, making it more ideal to navigate in the middle of the day

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Disney's Wilderness Lodge offers a beautiful trail between the lodge and Bay Lake.

It's not a long trail by any means, but it's a beautiful pathway that allows you to get some extra steps in. This trail goes around the main building and main pool, past the loading dock, and back toward the Copper Creek Cabins.

Distance: 1.7 miles round trip (much longer than the 0.5 miles mapped out on the resort running trail map)

Important Information: Since this trail is along Bay Lake, bug spray is essential. Most of the trail is also exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. Finally, the trail gets narrow and populated with guests around the pool area, so be cautious!

Disney's Port Orleans Resorts

The running trail here offers a great loop to add mileage to your run training.

Connecting both Disney's Port Orleans – French Quarter and Riverside, this running trail follows Sassagoula River. Not only is this trail a great way get more mileage, but it also offers beautiful views of the different theming of each resort.

Distance: 1.7 miles looping around Port Orleans – Riverside; 2.4 miles looping around  both Port Orleans – Riverside and French Quarter

Important Information: Most of the trail is exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. Additionally, the paths here are wide, making it easy to navigate with guests around. Finally, the entire trail goes by large bodies of water. Bug spray is essential here!

Disney's Old Key West Resort

The original Disney Vacation Club Resort has a great running trail for you to enjoy.

This trail is also great to get some decent mileage. It takes you from the Hospitality House, down the main road, past the pool, and around the Turtle Pond area before circling back to your starting point. You can add even more miles if you head toward the South Point area. And if you want even more miles, you can hop on the Saratoga Springs Nature Trail toward Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Distance: 2.2 miles (more if you want to head toward South Point or the Saratoga Springs Nature Trail)

Important Information: Much of the trail is exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. Additionally, runners/walkers are not permitted on the golf course or golf cart paths. And if you choose to take the Saratoga Springs Nature Trail, note that this trail is closed from dusk to dawn

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

If you're looking to maximize your mileage, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is it.

There's several routes around the resort that you can take, but the main trail takes you down the path overlooking Disney Springs and around the resort and its large lakes. Personally, this trail is one of the most relaxing trails to take whether you're out for a run or simply taking a relaxing stroll. And if you want more miles, you can hop on the Saratoga Springs Nature Trail toward Disney's Old Key West Resort.

Distance: 1.6 miles (more if you want to run through more of the resort buildings or take the Saratoga Springs Nature Trail)

Important Information: Most of trail is exposed to the sun, making it very hot in the middle of the day. However, there is more shade along this trail compared to any other trail on Disney World property. Additionally, much of the trail goes by large bodies of water. Bug spray is essential here!

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort has an underrated running trail.

The trail here circles around the waters of Lago Dorado. My favorite part of this trail is the scenery, especially the different horticulture around each resort building. And because the resort is spaced out, it's easy to add mileage by running through the different resort buildings. You can even add more mileage by heading across the street and along the sidewalk toward Disney's All-Star Resorts!

Distance: 0.75 miles around Lago Dorado; 1 mile if you go through the Cabanas, Ranchos, and Casitas area

Important Information: The entirety of the trail is exposed to the sun. In my personal experience, this trail is the hottest trail of all the trails on Disney World property. Additionally, much of the trail goes by large bodies of water. Bug spray is essential here!

Disney's All-Star Resorts

While the trail at all three of Disney's All-Star Resorts is not my go-to, it's still a great way to add mileage to a run from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (or vice versa).

The trail goes along the sidewalk on West Buena Vista Drive. One end point is outside the entrance to Disney's All Star Sports Resort, while the other is at the end of Buena Vista Drive past Disney's All Star Movies Resort. And while the trail is technically on the outskirts of the resorts, you can certainly run through each resort to add mileage and more interesting views.

Distance: 1 mile along the trail (more if you want to run through each resort building)

Important Information: The trail is slightly shaded, making it somewhat of a cooler option to run

What's My Favorite Running Trail?

Choosing my favorite running trail at Disney World isn't easy.

When choosing my favorite running trail, I look for three things. First, I want a trail where I can easily do more or less mileage depending on my training plan. Second, I want to feel like I'm escaping the busyness of life. Third, I want a variety of scenery to keep my run interesting.

Barefoot Bay is a great trail that provides several options for more or less miles to suit your training. The trails around Fort Wilderness offer a great way to escape life's busyness while also giving options to increase or decrease your mileage. Hourglass Lake offers a large variety of scenery to keep your run interesting.

However, the trail around Saratoga Springs is my all-around favorite pick. The trails here offer several options to increase or decrease your mileage. You can even lengthen your run by connecting to Old Key West. With its location around a golf course, you truly feel like you're escaping the busyness of Disney World. And finally, with a trail that passes by Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West, there is never a dull moment to the scenery.

The trail around Saratoga Springs offers the best overall walking or running experience you'll find at Disney World.

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