More Mouse: The Vacation Kingdom of the World: Walking the World

[MousePlanet AutoPoster]

The Vacation Kingdom of the World: Walking the World by Tom Richards

Take a hike the Walt Disney World way, at popular Disney Resorts.

Read it here!

[mkelm44]

I think the walkability of Disney is not only that there are places to walk, but they are places you want to walk. The paths available are well maintained, have good scenery, and still maintain the relaxing atmosphere. You certainly can get the same walking benefit you get on all of the paths at Port Orleans if you are walking on sidewalks and around parking lots, but do you enjoy it as much? To me walking at Disney is great because you are still removed from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, and even removed from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Admittedly after a day of walking through the parks the last thing you want to do sometimes is to walk even more, but it is well worth it!

[tomrichards]

Dear mkelm44: I agree with you wholeheartedly. The joy - as you say - of feeling removed from the hustle and bustle is wonderful. Your point that Disney designs places that are designed for walking is an excellent one.

[DisneyGator]

Totally agree, dude. I love the moderates. The size makes them beautiful. I love Coronado - I can't imagine a more beautiful resort anywhere, which includes some nice ones in Maui. CBR POR have great landscaping as well, though the Alligator Bayou rooms at POR look terrible IMHO. I'm going to POFQ in just a few weeks, and look forward to the beauty to this one.

[tomrichards]

DisneyGator: Thanks for the response. Enjoy your upcoming visit to Port Orleans French Quarter!

[CliffClaven]

It's been a few years, but the walkability of the entire resort, combined with the in-resort transit, is one of the biggest appeals. As a Californian, I especially enjoy how you can often avoid even the sight of traffic and parking lots. A lot of hotel windows necessarily overlook parking, but shopping, dining and swimming even at moderate resorts offer appealing views instead of automotive vistas. In too much of the real world, even the nicest restaurants face expanses of cars, in motion or at rest.

The Epcot resorts, on top of everything else, have the highest walkability factor. It's not as natural and peaceful as the moderate resorts, but there's lots more to walk TO. It's possible to enjoy a full vacation at WDW without a car; you can cover a huge amount of ground from the Epcot resorts without even getting on the bus.

You can not only circle the lake between the Yacht & Beach Clubs and the Boardwalk, but you can walk to Epcot (with the almost cozy World Showcase entrance) and the Studios (a bit of a trudge, but nice to know when there's a line for the boat or bus). And since you have more than the usual dining/shopping in both resorts (plus the Swan and Dolphin and miniature golf), you don't feel stranded or cut off as you do in a lot of hotels, even when you have a shuttle bus or your own car.

If you're going to stay at one of the Epcot resorts -- or even spend much time in Epcot itself -- get yourself in training for a LOT of walking. It's extremely pleasant, escaping from motor vehicles is surprisingly liberating, and it'll burn off at least some of the Disney calories. And there's nothing quite like walking from fireworks or a World Showcase dinner directly to your room, without stoplights, slow traffic or the search for a space disrupting your mood.