There is something special about the ability to leave your resort, go for a walk, and end up where you want to be without waiting on Disney transportation. Walkability at Walt Disney World is a luxury currently reserved for deluxe resorts. As DVC members, we get to experience a number of great accommodations within a walkable distance to the parks and Disney Springs. Here are the best DVC resorts in Disney World for walkability, what we could be seeing soon, and some dreams for the future.
Best Resorts for Walkability
1. Disney’s Boardwalk & Beach Club Villas: These two Epcot area resorts rank first on the list due to their walkability to not just one, but two parks. Guest staying at both the Boardwalk and Beach Club Villas have very close access to Epcot’s International Gateway, making a quick morning jaunt for a croissant in France or catching a ride on Frozen Ever After an easy feat. Amy and I have also found the walk from both these resorts to Hollywood Studios to be quite pleasant. The path runs alongside the same canal the Friendship Boats take and walking will usually get you there faster than taking a boat.
2. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: It’s hard to beat the walkability of Bay Lake Tower to the Magic Kingdom. We have found this especially wonderful as we pass the massive bus lines while exiting the park after fireworks. I can’t help but smile when we can forgo the transportation chaos, walk down a mostly quiet path, and head straight to our room. This also is useful for avoiding the long security lines at Magic Kingdom since you’ll be met with a much shorter security line on the walking path instead.
3. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: While Saratoga Springs is further away from the parks, its walkability to Disney Springs is one of the reasons it finds itself on my list of favorite resorts. Depending on which location in Saratoga Springs you stay, your stroll to Disney Springs could be a short one. With a large variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options such a short walk away, it makes Saratoga a great place for resort only stays or those who enjoy a little Disney Springs nightlife. For us personally, we just like to eat and Disney Springs is a great place for that.
Upcoming Resorts for Walkability
1. Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: With a permit filed by Disney with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection titled GRAND FLORIDIAN TO MK WALKWAY and recent construction noted in the area, there is some definite excitement over the possibility of a path that makes walkability between the Grand Floridan and Magic Kingdom a reality. As a Grand Floridan owners ourselves, we can’t help but be happy at this prospect.
2. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows: This rumored new path could also be great for stays at the Polynesian since you could effectively walk from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridan and then on to Magic Kingdom. I know that walk would be a little long for some, but sometimes it can be worth a longer walk at the end of the night to avoid a long and potentially crowded wait for transportation.
Future Wishes for Walkability
1. Animal Kingdom Villas: I know we can question the feasibility here. However, after examining a map, I still feel that the possibility of adding a walking path between the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Animal Kingdom theme park is there. It might be a longer walk, but giving this resort another transportation option aside from busses by adding the ability to walk to a park would really elevate this already beloved resort. We love Animal Kingdom Villas. It was the first home resort we purchased into. However, sometimes we question our choice to stay there because of the inconvenience of transportation. There is a reason this resort cost lower in points and less in cash than staying on the monorail loop or in the Epcot resort area. If you’re listening, Disney, a walking path could add great value to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
While we love walkability, there are always other great transportation methods available to those staying at DVC resorts such as the monorail, boats, and soon to open Disney Skyliner. When it comes to Disney transportation, what’s your favorite option? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know if you love the walkability of DVC resorts as much as we do!
I would also like to see a pathway from Kidani Village to the Animal Kingdom Lodge you don’t have to take a bus to get to the quick serve restaurant.
Totally agree with your pics and suggestions Paul. And Carla there is a path that runs from Kidani to Jambo. It is a walkway along the street that connects the two resorts together.
*picks
what about the walk form OKW to Disney Springs
I love the above for all the same reasons and as an avid exerciser, especially after Disney treats, my favorite walk is around crescent lake ,bcc/bwv. Even if not going to parks , I enjoy the Disney feel! I DO wish AKL had a better path as was there during training for a run Disney half and only could walk the parking lot to get a lot of mileage in.