Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Epcot Resorts Running Trails

With the ever rising popularity of runDisney and Disney Running events, we all know that Disney is a fabulous place to run a Marathon or Half.

Disney World races are a lot of fun and make for great “racecation” trips, but what happens when you visit the parks on a non-race weekend?

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If you’re staying on property and interested in going for a run, you’re in luck! Disney’s running trails were recently revamped and are being sponsored by New Balance. Along with outdoor signs at most resorts, pocket maps of the jogging trail paths are also available at the front desk of each resort. (Yes, I’m the huge nerd who will whip out a pocket map during a run to make sure I’m following the proper trail…)

During our quick weekend trip back in October, I knew I needed to go for a run of some sort, but didn’t know where to go. Thankfully, my friend Melissa had the perfect place in mind.

Melissa has the amazing opportunity to run through the EPCOT area resorts on a regular basis. (This made it easier on me – she knew the water stop locations and the distance between each!)

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Thanks to AllEars.com for use of this map.

See the four different trails above? We did a combination of all of them, plus a little more…

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Our journey began at the Fantasia Gardens parking lot where we crossed through the Swan and into the Boardwalk area.

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It was a beautiful (yet warm) day, but we made great time and really enjoyed our run!

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After passing through Boardwalk, we took a turn towards Hollywood Studios.

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This path was incredibly familiar to me and felt odd without other runners/spectators along the way…but I loved it!!

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At the entrance of Hollywood Studios, we stopped for water, then continued back to the Boardwalk.

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So far, Melissa and I have run the 2010 Wine & Dine and the 2012 WDW Full Marathon together. We are both looking forward to 2014 Princess as well!

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The path back to the Boardwalk led us past the Swan/Dolphin resorts.

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After leaving Boardwalk, we made our way to EPCOT’s International Gateway area.

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We stopped for water, then continued our run towards the Beach Club/Yacht Club resorts.

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Again, the path near these resorts was very familiar and I loved it! Since I’m not registered for Marathon Weekend this year, it was nice having a chance to run around these areas during our trip.

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After leaving the Yacht/Beach Club area, we looped back around to Hollywood Studios.

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Thankfully, Melissa knew where she was going! :0) I am familiar with the area, but would have likely gotten myself turned around.

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We stopped for water again at Hollywood Studios, then completed our run through the Boardwalk, back to the Swan, and onto our vehicle at Fantasia Gardens.

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We also might have stopped mid-run for a little shopping at the Boardwalk. I couldn’t help it – there was a Christmas display in the window…and it was only October!

In total, our run finished out a little over 6 miles (closer to 6.5, maybe? I can’t remember for sure).

Even though I wasn’t spending time in the parks, I was elated to have the chance to run around and through this area. I’ve run at various other resorts in the past (Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside, Polynesian, etc), and I feel as if this route is by far the best. If you are staying at any of the EPCOT area resorts (Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin), and are interested in going for a run, skip the treadmill….it’s much more exciting outside! :0)

What’s your favorite Disney running trail? Have you had a chance to test any of them out?

24 comments:

  1. I have run three times at Disney World when it was not a race. I ran around the lake area at Caribbean Beach Resort and also at Port Orleans where there are many paths. Last weekend, we ran some of the route you mentioned while staying at the Boardwalk. That area has to be my favorite because there were so many things to see while running!

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    1. Port Orleans grounds are so beautiful...love running there! I agree, the Boardwalk area is my favorite! :0)

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  2. I'm so glad you posted this! I have always wanted to run this area and I will get to in February. We're doing a split stay during the PHM and the Wednesday morning after the race I plan to do a little run to stretch the legs since I won't have run since Sunday! So excited!

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  3. I love running that path, one of my favorite things about staying at the BW area resorts.

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    1. Agreed, it's a fun one for sure and a great perk for staying at a resort in the area.

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  4. How awesome! I didn't know they had running trails! Looking at some of your pics brings back memories of marathon weekend! I bet it was fun running those trails and running those familiar places. I would enjoy it more since all of that was towards the end of the marathon and all I could focus on was wanting to finish!

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    1. Oh so true! :0) I definitely enjoyed it more since I wasn't on mile 24 at that point!

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  5. I have not run that Epcot loop yet, but I have done the walk from HS,to Epcot resort area, to Fantasia Gardens and it is great. I love how peaceful it is because we are usually the only ones walking it at that time. (And the scenery is great too) I really prefer walking everywhere I can instead of taking Disney transportation! I'm doing GSC in Feb and I believe that Epcot resort is part of the 10K course, no? I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. We love walking everywhere, too! :0) I'm not sure about the 10K route, but it would be a lot of fun to run through Epcot! You're welcome, thank YOU!!

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  6. Thanks for the tips, I'm going to have to check that out when we go in Jan.

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  7. I have never been there. Boo

    Looks like there are lots of pretty places to get to run through, maybe someday I will get to go :)

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    1. There really are a lot of great things to see while running around the resorts! :0) Hope you get to see it one day!

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  8. I love running while at Disney particularly in the Winter months because then I don't have to run on treadmill!

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  9. Wow what a great post! That looks like a dream route! Next time I'm at WDW I'd love to do something like this!

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    1. Thanks, Desiree! We had a lot of fun running this route!

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  10. I've never been to Disney World, but this is good to know because I love to run on vacation. Thanks!

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    1. Welcome! :0) I enjoy running on vacation as well!

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  11. When did these trails get sponsored? Last time I stay on site at Disney was last October and I don't recall seeing them. Is it new since then? I hope so - I can't wait to try them out in February!

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    1. I can't remember...I heard about it a few months ago, maybe 6 months ago? From what I noticed, the resort trail maps were changed to add NB to the top, not sure what other changes were made, though. Hope you enjoy running around WDW in February! :0)

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  12. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, awaiting for more new post. Keep Blogging!
    Matt Levine

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