Running at VWL?

[Breyean]

Last time we stayed at BLT and asked about running trails, they told us to take the boat to WL and use the trails there. Seemed like a hassle, and I think the boats didn't run early enough, so we just ran past MK to the end of the pathway and back a few times. It sure beat running up and down the parking lots at AK, but that's another story.

Now we're thinking of trying VWL for the first time. I sort of recall seeing somewhere a sketch of running trails in the area, but I can't find it.

Does anyone know the map I mean, or has anyone stayed there and run and can give a first hand account of what's available there?

Thanks.

 

[erionm]

There is a paved path from VWL to FW. The segway tour at FW takes the paved path to VWL and then takes a non-paved route back.

 

[Deb & Bill]

http://www.disneyrunning.com/index.html

They have maps at that site.

 

[Granny]

The path from VWL to FW is in red in this satellite view:

It's a beautiful walk/run/ride through the "woods", and you have a decent chance of seeing some deer. I think you'll love it.

 

[sleepydog25]

Last time we stayed at BLT and asked about running trails, they told us to take the boat to WL and use the trails there. Seemed like a hassle, and I think the boats didn't run early enough, so we just ran past MK to the end of the pathway and back a few times. It sure beat running up and down the parking lots at AK, but that's another story.

Now we're thinking of trying VWL for the first time. I sort of recall seeing somewhere a sketch of running trails in the area, but I can't find it.

Does anyone know the map I mean, or has anyone stayed there and run and can give a first hand account of what's available there?

Thanks.

First, let me encourage you to stay at VWL--it's my home, so I am partial, but in terms of theming, relative solitude, and transportation choices, it's wonderful.

As for running, I've done so too many times to count. There is the paved path between FW and WL, and I've seen deer, rabbits, and even a hawk sitting on the ground with a dead mouse in its talons, so wildlife can be seen on occasion. However, I prefer to mix up my running routes while there. For example, I prefer to take the sandy nature trail that begins by the bike rental shop and follow it around the lake to the back side of FW. That route will take you to a small shack in the back part of a CM parking lot, and if you hang a right at that point (really, you can't go any other direction), you'll wind up at the FW stables after about 200 yards or so. However, if you prefer not to go that route, the nature trail branches off to the right about 1/3 mile after leaving the bike shop, and that branch hooks up to the main trail shortly after.

Once in FW, I enjoy running around the various side streets and avenues to extend my run. The last time I went, it was near Christmas, and RVers and campers had totally decked out their spots with holiday lights and decorations. Very cool! The one-way distance to Trail's End at FW from the walkway between the WL and VWL is just a tad under one mile (I usually run around the traffic circle just past Trail's End to ensure I make the distance over a mile). If you take the sandy trail route all the way, the distance is right at a mile.

Between the two trails and the side streets at FW, there are enough variables to relieve monotony. Enjoy!

 

[dsneygirl]

Once in FW, I enjoy running around the various side streets and avenues to extend my run. The last time I went, it was near Christmas, and RVers and campers had totally decked out their spots with holiday lights and decorations. Very cool! The one-way distance to Trail's End at FW from the walkway between the WL and VWL is just a tad under one mile (I usually run around the traffic circle just past Trail's End to ensure I make the distance over a mile). If you take the sandy trail route all the way, the distance is right at a mile.

Between the two trails and the side streets at FW, there are enough variables to relieve monotony. Enjoy!

We're not runners but like to bike this route. Once you get to FW there are so many loops you can wind around for quite a while.

 

[sleepydog25]

We're not runners but like to bike this route. Once you get to FW there are so many loops you can wind around for quite a while.

I absolutely understand how you could do that at FW. I like the vibe there (even if I'm not a huge camper type).

 

[buttercup10]

I'm an early morning runner and last time I stayed at VWL it was still dark at 6:30a in January and the running paths didn't have good (or any) lights once you get past a certain point, so it wasn't great for me. Don't know if they have improved it at all - now that I think about it, that trip was 3 years ago.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm an early morning runner and last time I stayed at VWL it was still dark at 6:30a in January and the running paths didn't have good (or any) lights once you get past a certain point, so it wasn't great for me. Don't know if they have improved it at all - now that I think about it, that trip was 3 years ago.

That's correct, none of those routes are lit. So you either need a headlight if you plan to run in the dark or wait until it's light out.