Running at AKV

[maciec]

My husband would like to get out and run in the mornings before we leave for the parks. Is there a safe place around AKV that he could get in a good 30 minutes? 15 out and then 15 back in.

 

[SamSam]

In a nutshell, no. But, he can run around the perimeter of the parking lot for 30 minutes. There are also good workout facilities at both Jambo and Kadani.

Having said that, someone did post once that they would get up very early (4:30) and run on Osceola Pkwy to Sherberth Rd, run down Sherberth and back. It's never advised to run on any WDW roads, but they found that very early the traffic was light and they felt pretty safe. Just be careful whatever you do.

 

[holcomb-mania]

If 30 min is all he could maybe do that on a treadmill. I tried 45 min like that but couldn't take it. The next day I ran down Sherbeth around 6:30-7am. Traffic wasn't heavy, but it was steady. There is no sidewalk, and the shoulder is very uneven. The curb can be high at times and the sandy soil can be unstable and I almost turned an ankle a few times stepping on almost invisible anthills. And going down to Irlo Bronson isn't really that far to boot.

Would I do it again? Prolly. I'll find out in November. I'm going Nov 27-30 and I'll be in a half marathon on Dec 5, so I'll need to run some while there.

 

[marynvince]

If you have a savana view, you could watch him. Makes for an exciting run, sometime for your life.

 

[DenLo]

If you have a savana view, you could watch him. Makes for an exciting run, sometime for your life.

And a way to get thrown out of AKV!

Seriously, I have seen posts regarding running and walking in the mornings around AKV and everyone posts there really isn't anywhere really safe. I'm beginning to think people that want to have walking/running paths at AKV should complain to DVC. However, I don't know the appropriate place. Maybe if enough people complain, DVC/Disney will build some paths. It must affect the cash guests at AKL too. Any ideas of who or where to write?

 

[MdmMim]

During one of my stays there, there was a runner in the hallway going back and forth. I don't condone this, but it seems there is a need for a running/walking path of some sort.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Other than the path between Kidani and Jambo (about 1/2 mile) and the parking lot, there aren't any places to run there. The resort is rather isolated from other resort, so you can't run to any place else. You are basically surrounded by public streets which aren't safe to run on at WDW.

 

[maciec]

that's what I figured and I will pass the information along to him. I really wish that the gym was free (for him atleast).

 

[lisasmith]

i agree

 

[satman1962]

I actually took a bus to Hollywood Studios and ran the path to the Epcot resorts and around Crescent lake which was great. The only problem was getting back to the lodge. No bus for a very long time so I hopped a bus to Animal Kingdom and from there another bus to the lodge. Wouldnt do it again though. Especially for a short run.

 

[DenLo]

that's what I figured and I will pass the information along to him. I really wish that the gym was free (for him atleast).

i agree

They charge to use a treadmill? Even at Kidani's workout room? This is not a member perk?

 

[LIFERBABE]

The gyms are free for guests at all deluxe resorts.

 

[yandbfan]

.... ran the path to the Epcot resorts and around Crescent lake which was great.....

Agreed, the best run is around Crescent Lake early in the morning. There is no where to walk/run around AKV unless you like parking lots.

 

[maciec]

The gyms are free for guests at all deluxe resorts.

I am confused .... why exactly would we have to pay $12 a day to use the gym then?

 

[meriface11]

During one of my stays there, there was a runner in the hallway going back and forth. I don't condone this, but it seems there is a need for a running/walking path of some sort.

wow. i know some people don't like to run on a treadmill because they think it's boring, but running up and down the hallway sounds way more tedious than running on a state of the art treadmill in a beautiful fitness center.

 

[DenLo]

I am confused .... why exactly would we have to pay $12 a day to use the gym then?

Good question. Did you get charged on your last stay at AKV?

 

[maciec]

Good question. Did you get charged on your last stay at AKV?

We haven't stayed yet at AKV. I was basing my question off of Liferbabes response to me. I read on Allears that it cost $12 per day to use the gym so I just assumed that was for everyone. Now I don't know.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We haven't stayed yet at AKV. I was basing my question off of Liferbabes response to me. I read on Allears that it cost $12 per day to use the gym so I just assumed that was for everyone. Now I don't know.

Guests of that resort don't pay a fee. It's only if you want to use a gym at a different resort or your resort doesn't have one and you want to use one.

 

[DenLo]

We haven't stayed yet at AKV. I was basing my question off of Liferbabes response to me. I read on Allears that it cost $12 per day to use the gym so I just assumed that was for everyone. Now I don't know.

I just checked out the Allears website and this is what is says:

Zahanati Fitness Center is open from 6:00am to 9:00pm at no additional charge to Animal Kingdom Lodge guests 14 and over. Those 14-17 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Guests of other resorts may use the fitness center for $12 per day, based on availability. The purchase of a spa treatment includes use of the adjacent fitness center for the day of treatment.

and for the Kidani Fitness Center:

Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center - Work out with weights or on treadmills, bicycles or elliptical cross trainers. Located near Samawati Springs Pool, this fitness center is open to all Walt Disney World® Guests over 14 years of age; an adult must accompany Guests under age 18 at all times. 24 hour access for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests.

I believe Kidani guests can use either fitness center. So it does not look like there is a charge for guests of AKL or AKV. Whew!

 

[maciec]

He will be really happy! thank you so much!