Runners' stairway from hell

[DLgal]

You/ve not been carefully reading all the reports from the ship then. We are actually on board. Two adults well over 70 and we are finding no end of things that are of interest.

Another instance where people are focusing on what could be better not on what is actually there and is good.

Well, I'm not in my 70s. I'm guessing we might have different ideas of what constitutes a fun time on a cruise ship.

 

[anricat]

For those being concerned about running up and downstairs I mean dear God if you’re running then maybe just SLOW DOWN and walk. Nobody’s forcing you to run up and downstairs. And slowing down for a few seconds it’s not gonna put your fitness goals in Jeopardy

What if I told you running isn't only about "fitness goals." There are a lot of reasons people run. When I'm running, going up and down stairs breaks up my rhythm and my stride. It's about getting into a consistent zen mode/pace that is part of what makes running great for me. Stop/start/stop/start is not the same experience.

 

[anricat]

Maybe they made the decision to no longer include an outdoor track feature on the ship and encourage exercise to take place in the fitness center and on Castaway Cay since it is a short cruise that regularly stops there.

And this is always definitely going to be the case? I mean, a few months ago, would anyone have predicted that the Dream was going to go to Europe next summer and sail 11 night itineraries? Who knows what the future will hold for the Wish. I do know that because of this, if it does ever do longer sailings, I'll likely avoid them!

 

[DLgal]

What if I told you running isn't only about "fitness goals." There are a lot of reasons people run. When I'm running, going up and down stairs breaks up my rhythm and my stride. It's about getting into a consistent zen mode/pace that is part of what makes running great for me. Stop/start/stop/start is not the same experience.

This is what running is for me too. It's important to establish a rhythm/pace and having that interrupted is super annoying. At home, I run on bike paths, primarily, so I don't have to stop at intersections and wait to cross.

 

[FWRR3]

But what's the aft connection on deck 4 between port and starboard? Nobody ever posts the back of the loop. Does it actually connect without going inside?

Still trying to check out aft loop (?). It's closed again today at Castaway. I could open the gate but a maintenance CM told me the area is closed. Forward loop is open around the bow.

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

Yep. I “run” in my neighborhood and I specifically pick routes and times where I don’t have to worry about loose dogs and cars (for both our sakes) so I can zone out a little. For me, it’s 80% about mental health, not physical.

People are going to walk laps for sanity reasons. If the promenade isn’t less obstructive than another circular route, people will walk laps in areas Disney doesn’t intend with carpet, such as stateroom floors, etc.

I bet people would pick a smaller circular route that’s on a single level and a complete circle over the larger less desirable circle of the promenade. Lol maybe above and around the main atrium?

People WILL need to walk, either give them a route or end up with people pacing in odd places.

 

[Henlady]

Approximately how many people actually run on the ships? I have been on deck 4 all times day and night. I have never seen more than a few people (3-5) running. The majority of times there was no one running. Honestly whats your guess, 40, 75, 100? So, if there is generally 100 people who run that’s only 0.04% of say an estimated 2500 adults on a 4,000 passenger ship. I can’t imagine any company adjusting plans to satisfy that low number of patrons. It’s impossible to meet everyone’s expectations or desires.

 

[mousefan73]

This is what running is for me too. It's important to establish a rhythm/pace and having that interrupted is super annoying. At home, I run on bike paths, primarily, so I don't have to stop at intersections and wait to cross.

I get it but we are all in a CRUISE. I don’t think Disney had runners on their mind when they design ships. For fitness they have a fitness center. I am also not happy on the new design Specially for my mother who simply cannot even do stairs. But I think we’re asking a bit much for a cruise line to design a ship to have a running lap track

 

[cschaaf]

Approximately how many people actually run on the ships? I have been on deck 4 all times day and night. I have never seen more than a few people (3-5) running. The majority of times there was no one running. Honestly whats your guess, 40, 75, 100? So, if there is generally 100 people who run that’s only 0.04% of say an estimated 2500 adults on a 4,000 passenger ship. I can’t imagine any company adjusting plans to satisfy that low number of patrons. It’s impossible to meet everyone’s expectations or desires.

That’s what I was thinking, it’s likely a very small percentage of guests that will want to run.

Walkers can make the pause and turn around when they run into the steps. It’s not ideal for them, but they can make it work.

I think it’s unfair to leap to the conclusion that the designers didn’t know what they were doing and didn’t consider things.

It is possible that they intentionally put stairs there to limit people from running because they get a lot of complaints from both runners and non-runners about each other being in the same space?

 

[mainstpostman]

I’m very curious to see if ships 6 and 7 are much different. This ship seems built for short sailings. Limited room storage, small adult only areas, lots of shopping, very fairytale themed. It’s almost as if it was built to be an extension of WDW. I’m looking forward to our 3 night in September, but it’s all too “in your face” for me for a longer sailing. I’m not sure I’d ever be able to relax on this ship.

Bingo!

 

[Ralph&Pam]

I get it but we are all in a CRUISE. I don’t think Disney had runners on their mind when they design ships. For fitness they have a fitness center. I am also not happy on the new design Specially for my mother who simply cannot even do stairs. But I think we’re asking a bit much for a cruise line to design a ship to have a running lap track

Actually, including a walking/jogging/running track on a cruise ship is quite common. Even small river ships frequently provide this feature.

 

[BamaGuy44]

Approximately how many people actually run on the ships? I have been on deck 4 all times day and night. I have never seen more than a few people (3-5) running. The majority of times there was no one running. Honestly whats your guess, 40, 75, 100? So, if there is generally 100 people who run that’s only 0.04% of say an estimated 2500 adults on a 4,000 passenger ship. I can’t imagine any company adjusting plans to satisfy that low number of patrons. It’s impossible to meet everyone’s expectations or desires.

It's low. How low who knows, but if it's over 1 or 2% I'd be shocked. I like to run the promenades, and let's just say I've never seen it exactly crowded lol. But when I go on the Wish in September I won't be able to do it. Oh well, plenty of treadmills I can get my cardio on. Yeah they're indoors so I can't run with the sea breeze on my face. Boo hoo. I'll just walk the promenade for that.

But I get it, anything that doesn't line up with someone's personal preference is gross incompetence.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

The real problem is the asymmetrical railings. Ick.

??? Why/how is that a problem? What is "ick" about them?

 

[allaboutthemouse]

I get it but we are all in a CRUISE. I don’t think Disney had runners on their mind when they design ships. For fitness they have a fitness center. I am also not happy on the new design Specially for my mother who simply cannot even do stairs. But I think we’re asking a bit much for a cruise line to design a ship to have a running lap track

Virgin Voyages has an awesome running track

 

[Kwami]

??? Why/how is that a problem? What is "ick" about them?

It just doesn't look nice. The double rail on one side looks ick to me. That's all. It wasn't a really serious post.

 

[Henlady]

Virgin Voyages has an awesome running track

Then it’s simple. If Virgin can offer you what you want and find necessary, then sail with Virgin.

 

[tidefan]

I am on now and I do not believe that the promenade goes around the aft of the ship. There are stairs back there (which as mentioned before are closed), but when I was off the ship today, it looks like they just go to doors that would go into the Arendelle restaurant on Deck 5, so I don’t think you can go completely around.

 

[Kwami]

I am on now and I do not believe that the promenade goes around the aft of the ship. There are stairs back there (which as mentioned before are closed), but when I was off the ship today, it looks like they just go to doors that would go into the Arendelle restaurant on Deck 5, so I don’t think you can go completely around.

That's what the deck plans show, too. I guess this ship just doesn't have a walking/running track like the others do.

 

[DCLMP]

This is what running is for me too. It's important to establish a rhythm/pace and having that interrupted is super annoying. At home, I run on bike paths, primarily, so I don't have to stop at intersections and wait to cross.

I got a lab a year ago mainly to run with because I run super early in the morning depending on the time year it’s pitch black out. I feel a little safer. The problem is she wants to stop and pee every 10 minutes it’s super annoying. I’m looking forward to running on the Magic next week without her. That said Im sure after a couple of days I’m going to miss her terribly.

 

[DCLMP]

But I get it, anything that doesn't line up with someone's personal preference is gross incompetence.

Find me another new mega ship without a running track. I doubt it exists…again Disney displays their uniqueness.