Bikes And Beach Questions

[va32h]

You all have been so helpful - but you know that just encourages people to ask more and more questions!

My kids want to bring their bikes. Since bikes are also available to rent at FW, I am guessing there are bike trails or paths in the area. Yes or no? If no actual bike paths, are there enough places where motor vehicle traffic is at a minimum that I won't have to be paranoid that they will get hit by a car?

My daughter wants to know about the beach. Is it rocky? Is the water clean? Are you allowed to actually get in the water?

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[bama_ed]

There are wide bike/walking trails that parallel all the main roads in FW. They are paved concrete and are perfect for riding bikes on. They do not extend into the individual camping/trailer loops but are just long the main roads. There are also paved trails that cross the main area around the Meadow Trading Post, main pool, campfire/movie amphitheater, and such. There are bike racks at all major buildings such as the Trading Posts, petting zoo, marina, Pioneer Hall, main check in depot, etc. We took our bikes in May and the kids enjoyed them. It sure beat walking!

Lots of folks ride their bikes down to the marina to take the boat to the MK. So many bikes everywhere (even leaning against trees) no one seemed worried about theft...We rode the exercise/bike trail from Pioneer Hall at FW to the Wilderness Lodge to explore and look around too.

I'd say FW is a perfect place for biking!

As for the beach, others can chime in but it is sandy, smooth, and flat. Disney doesn't want you swimming in the lake just in the pools. I don't think it's a bacteria problem because they allow swimmers during the triathalons there. It's probably more of a lifeguard/liability/safety issue.

Bama ED

 

[Liz]

I know you can't go in the water but the beaches are clean, from what I remember. We haven't stayed at FW (yet) but went over there for dinner once.

Here's a link to a picture of the bike paths. At allearsnet.com it labels them as exercise/bike paths so it doesn't seem like you would have to compete with motorized traffic. Although I don't know if the golf carts can go down these paths.

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/ftw13.jpg

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/ftw10.jpg

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Golf carts are only allowed on the roads, so no worry there for the bikes. Traffic at FW is generally light since, once you are at your site there are few palces in FW you can drive to. You can drive to the Meadows Trading post or you can drive to the exit but thats it. As for swimmng at the beach it is not allowed, the water is a tad dirty, no lifeguards and yes occasionally alligators have been seen in the lake, not near the beach but... I woudldn't chance it. When they have the triathalon they have lots of people out monitoring the area and the gators would prefer to be left alone, so the noise from all the boats and people helps keep them away.

 

[Fiona R]

We were thinking of hiring bikes one day at Christmas.....how far can you explore on bikes, or is it just the exercise trail. There is a trail up to WL, can you go anywhere else? An off road resort tour would be good!!

 

[Paul in TX]

The only bike pathis the exercise path to the Wilderness Lodge---however at Xmas its fun to ride around the campground and see all the rigs decorated for the season---however I don't think you can keep the rental bikes overnight

Paul

 

[Fiona R]

The only bike pathis the exercise path to the Wilderness Lodge---however at Xmas its fun to ride around the campground and see all the rigs decorated for the season---however I don't think you can keep the rental bikes overnight

Paul

Thank you, so it's not really worth hiring for day then!