When most people think of vacationing, they think of rest and relaxation, but too many people think Disney World vacations have to mean you’re on the go all the time. I’m here to tell you that that is definitely not true!
In fact, there are some great ways to rejuvenate and really enjoy your vacation. One of my favorite things to do on my Disney World vacations, especially on arrival and departure days, is to just take a walk! Walks are also great when parks are busy and you just need to get away from the crowds, or you’re doing a Resorts Only vacation, which I also highly recommend!
There are so many beautiful places in Disney World that we often miss when we’re busy rushing from one FastPass to another and to our dining reservations on time.
I would like to encourage you to check out some of the following locations and take a relaxing walk during your next Disney World vacation!
Let’s take a look at the top ten places to take a walk in Disney World!
10 – World Showcase
World Showcase is inside EPCOT, so it does require a valid park ticket, but it is one of my favorite walks in Disney World because you can see eleven different cultures represented in this 1.2-mile walk. There are plenty of shopping, dining, and refreshment opportunities along the way.
Lots of people walk around World Showcase and never appreciate it for what it is though constantly rushing from one country to the next and missing the important details. Disney and even representatives from some of the countries have worked tirelessly to bring some incredible architectural details to each pavilion. Pay attention to these and take your time getting around World Showcase! You could easily spend a whole day or more here!
9 – Main Street USA
Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom also requires a park ticket, and it can be quite busy, so many people may wonder why it’s on a list of relaxing walks. But hear me out!
Main Street USA was designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia for Smalltown, USA. Whether you grew up in a place with a similar street or not, Main Street USA will make you feel at home. This walk offers some delicious smells and eats, great shopping, and ends in breathtaking views of Cinderella Castle.
My best advice for this walk is to do it in the middle of the day. In the early morning hours when the park is opening and guests are coming in, the sidewalks are often packed with people. Likewise, when darkness sets in and the nighttime shows begin, crowds gather for views of the Castle show and fireworks then flood the streets and sidewalks as they try to get back to their hotels and vehicles for the night. During the day, many people are deeper in the park, and Main Street USA is much more relaxing!
8 – Hourglass Lake
Hourglass lake is situated between Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This walk allows you to explore both resorts and get a view of the Disney Skyliner. Some of the highlights of this walk include larger-than-life animated characters on the Art of Animation side and similar structures representing pop culture throughout the 1950s to the 1990s.
This walk is definitely one of my favorites because there is an even mix of sun and shade, and there are also restrooms halfway between at the Generation Gap bridge where the Disney Skyliner joins the two resorts. You can and should also visit the food courts at each resort and check out some of the delicious food. These resorts’ gift shops also have some really unique souvenirs!
7 – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is the only resort on property that offers rustic accommodations alongside cabins, equipped campsites, and a lodge. Because of the nature of this resort, the 2.5-mile trail around this resort is a unique and very cool (pun intended) walk. It’s a very large resort, and most people get around on golf carts.
There are plenty of things to do along your walk too including fishing, archery, and even horseback riding.
6 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans has two sections: French Quarter and Riverside. There’s a 1.7-mile trail around the resort encompassing both sections. It allows you to see some of the best of both areas, and you can even stop for a snack or a meal along the way!
5 – Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
What is now Disney’s Riviera Resort used to be part of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Now, the trail around the large body of water at Disney’s Caribbean Beach links the two resorts in a beautiful walk alongside sparkling water and white sand beaches. Both resorts are very different, so be sure to explore each one. Don’t forget to check out the recreation at Riviera Resort including Bocce Ball, life-size chess, and lawn games.
4 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs is a very large, and getting around it can take a while. I have done a resorts-only stay here during a media event, and it is a very nice place to stay if you are visiting for a conference or are looking for a relaxing resort.
There are seemingly endless paths traversing the water and winding through differently themed areas. Another really cool thing about the walk around this resort is that you can pick up a guide made and complete a scavenger hunt finding different flora and fauna along the way.
3 – Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs often gets a bad rap because it is so large and so spread out. It also has several internal bus stops like Disney’s Coronado Springs, but it also has ferry service to and from Disney Springs make it easily accessible!
Saratoga Springs is one of my favorite walking resorts because it’s so relaxing! There are obviously pools and recreational opportunities along the way, but you can easily avoid those areas and perhaps never see another person along the way. Don’t forget to stop at the bridges crossing the water and look for the turtles! They’re entertaining! I’ve even had Cast Members stop and watch them with me! If you’re hungry, don’t forget to stop at The Artist’s Palette for a great meal or a snack!
2 – Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake ranks number two on my list of the ten best walks because of the sheer diversity of the trail. This walk takes you between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT past Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
While this is the longest and most challenging walk on the list, the reward is great! This walk will take you well over an hour, but I suggest allowing much more time because you’ll definitely want to stop at some of the shops and dining establishments at Disney’s Boardwalk!
The main problem with this walk is that there is intense sun most of the day because there is very little shade along the path.
If you have a park ticket, this walk will also take you to the International Gateway, which is EPCOT’s back entrance. It’s often much less crowded than the front entrance!
1 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The highest-ranked walk on this list is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at both Jambo House and Kidani Village mostly because pretty much anywhere you walk in this resort offers incredible views of the Savanna and the animals making it the most unique walk on our list.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great place to wander, and there are plenty of places to take a seat and rest along the way as you enjoy watching the animals graze!
What’s your favorite walk in Disney World?