Running on a Disney Cruise Line Ship

Running while on vacation is definitely a personal preference. Some runners choose to go on vacation and not worry about a schedule while others like to stick to a training plan. While I'm not super strict about a specific training plan, running on vacation is definitely something I enjoy.

Thankfully, Disney Cruise Line makes the option of working out or running while on board possible!

#1 Jogging Deck

Located on deck 4, this is my favorite way to get in a run while out to sea! On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, 2.5 laps equals a mile. On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, 3 laps equals a mile. Pro tip: (This is kind of an obvious one) While the ship is in motion, your fitness watch will not register the correct distance - for example, I once ran a "4 minute mile" while cruising Alaska because the ship was also moving. Hah...right. I suggest bringing along a fitbit or step counter to help keep track of your movement.

#2 Fitness Center (located just inside the Senses Spa)

The Fitness Center on all four Disney ships offers a wide variety of ways to workout. From weight machines to the elliptical and treadmills, there's so many options for the fitness enthusiast. I once attempted running on the treadmill while the ship was in motion and my uncoordinated self almost fell off. True story. However, I do like the personal TV's that are located at most machines - those were a nice option! Pro tip: You also have use of the restroom and showers that are located inside the Senses Spa after your workout. The shower gel and shampoo/conditioner that's included in these showers are by Elemis and it's heavenly. Trust me on this one!

#3 Castaway Cay 5K

On most sailings, a 3.1 mile run around Disney's Castaway Cay is offered. At this moment, it's free to participate and runners each receive a race bib as well as a medal upon completion of the race. Runners can register once on board the ship at the excursions desk. This race is so much fun and a neat way to see the bike path as well as other parts of the island. If you're interested, check out these blog posts for more information on the Castaway Cay 5K.

• 2014 - Comparing the Castaway Cay 5K from 2009 to 2014
• 2014 Castaway Cay 5K Vlog
• 2017 Castaway Cay 5K Recap
• 2017 Castaway Cay 5K Vlog

And for the avid runDisney enthusiast, you can also add a Disney cruise to the end of your runDisney race weekend experience (currently available for Marathon Weekend in January). We participated in the "Castaway Challenge" back in 2015 and had a blast!

• 2015 Castaway Challenge Part 1
• 2015 Castaway Challenge Part 2
• 2015 Castaway Challenge Vlog

As you can see, there's many different ways to get those training miles or workout in while sailing with Disney Cruise Line! Check out this video below for a tour of the jogging deck and a glimpse of the Fitness Center located inside of the Senses Spa on the Disney Fantasy!

Have a magical day! :)

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty. 

Disney Cruise Day 4: Another At Sea Day (& My Birthday!)

Up next on our recent Disney Fantasy cruise was yet another at sea day. This day was a little extra special, though - it was also my birthday!!

My only major plan for the day to go for a 3.6 mile run (in honor of my new age) and brunch at Palo which I planned to thoroughly enjoy. This restaurant is definitely one of our favorites!

I love the jogging deck on the larger ships because I don't have to count as many circles to equal a mile! :)

Lo and behold...while out for my run, look who I "ran" into! The mouse himself!

I'm pretty sure he was headed to a character breakfast because Doc McStuffins was also out there with him. A quick selfie HAD to be taken because how often does that happen?!

Thankfully, my fit bit helped me keep track of mileage!

After the run, I went up to the Quiet Cofe Cafe for my first (and definitely not last) cold brew of the trip!

Our room door also had a few extra special decorations in honor of the special day!

After breakfast, we played a little Disney trivia and won! Yay! 

Before long, it was time to get ready for Palo.

We were seated in a corner booth overlooking the ocean.

Our waiter was fabulous! He really really did a great job!

Palo brunch operates with a small plate and menu option variety. Guests begin with three tables - the one to the right is pastries, the one in the middle is seafood, and the one on the left is hors d'oeuvres. 

I might have made a couple of trips here!

In the mean time, we were offered a menu which included breakfast and lunch items. We were encouraged to split the items so we could eat more. Logic, duh.

The eggs benedict were amazing!

I only had a slice of the flatbread, but it was pretty tasty!

My most favorite item here though is the lasagna. It's seriously the best I've ever had!

After way too much food, we were talked into trying the steak. 

It was good, but I was trying to save what little room was left for dessert.

Dessert was served in a similar appetizer fashion.

There were so many delicious ones to choose from!

At the end of it all, this awesome dessert plate was brought to our table along with a rose!

We loved our time here!

In true form of tradition, Jason had to change Palo to "Halo", even though he doesn't play Halo anymore! (We've taken this picture on every single cruise since 2009!)

After a really long nap, I woke up and asked Jason if he wanted to attend the DVC preview, "just to see" what was new and put our name in the hat for the $200 on board credit. He agreed and off we went.

Well, needless to say, we drank the koolaid and ended up buying into DVC on this cruise...but more on that later!

Dinner for this evening was served in royal court. I was so surprised to see a sweet little note from our server!

Isn't that precious?!

Dinner was good, although I was still a little full from Palo.

They wait staff also sang happy birthday that night.

Our blanket animal that night was a shark!

I had a great day celebrating my birthday on board the Disney Fantasy and received so many happy birthday wishes from cast members and guests alike! It really was a fun day!!

Up next: Beaches and Swimming in Tortola!