Try not to let this shock you, but most – not all, but most – of my Walt Disney World trips revolve around runDisney. I know! This is an astounding statement!
All those miles run and wakeup calls at ungodly hours don’t exactly scream “add a workout to this trip.” In-room stretching, sure, but not strength training. Not to me. End result being that up until recently, I had never done more than idly glance into a Disney resort gym.
WHO USES THE GYM IN WALT DISNEY WORLD?
Whelp, that streak ended in December, when I skipped down to Orlando for a trip that had nothing to do with running and everything to do with Jollywood Nights. (Have I mentioned I’m in love with Jollywood Nights?) And just like that, my regular training regimen became relevant to my Disney trip.
Not every Disney resort offers a gym; that amenity is primarily reserved for higher tier accommodations. Thankfully, I was staying at two resorts with gyms on this outing. It was time to forge a new frontier in Disney vacationing!
COULDN’T YOU JUST, LIKE, RUN OUTSIDE?
Yes, Disney resorts do generally have very nice running trails. For my running days, I availed myself of these. I enjoyed a delightful loop around Barefoot Bay between Riviera and Caribbean Beach. Nothing like a jog under the Skyliner, no? And while staying at Gran Destino Tower, I trotted around Coronado Springs’ sprawling grounds. You really can’t knock a morning run at Disney.
However! Over the last six years, I have slowly developed a strength training habit. Well, habit might be the wrong word; I really hate strength training. I would quit strength training tomorrow and never do it again if not for the wildly annoying detail that it really does work. Blast! I hate the strength training but I love the results to the point that I keep doing it. Curse you, vanity!
So yeah, I had a couple strength training sessions on my schedule that required the use of weights. I am historically a touch self-conscious in a public gym setting. Yet over the last year or two I’ve become much braver about getting in there and lifting anyway. Thus far no one’s stopped to tell me I’m weak and my form sucks – so far, so good?
THE GYM AT DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT
It’s a good thing my gym courage was up, because the gym at Disney’s Riviera Resort tested me. I assumed most people who planned to work out would do so in the early morning, before the parks opened. Therefore, I reasoned, 9am on a Monday would be a solid time for my workout in a comparatively quiet gym.
Hahahaha NOPE. The gym, which is accessed outside on the ground floor, was packed – and tiny. The space is partially broken up by columns, the machine spread is sparse, and there isn’t even an in-room bathroom. You’ll have to leave the gym and use the public bathrooms just outside.
It’s not all bad, though! Riviera’s gym has some nice little amenities in a station in the corner by the window. In addition to a water machine and cups, you can grab yourself a granola bar, some cheap earbuds, and a cold, damp towel out of a dedicated fridge (dry towels are also available).
I was able to carve out a little space to myself in a corner by the towel fridge, but I only used weights and a yoga mat; any plans to try out a weight machine were abandoned. In retrospect I probably should’ve come back later, but I got it done.
I can only assume that Disney has some sort of algorithm for determining gym size by comparison to occupancy rates and historic usage. Or not; maybe they just cram it wherever they can find a space. And to be absolutely fair, the Riviera gym isn’t always packed. I came back on Tuesday afternoon and the gym was completely empty. I was able to grab this video without having to work around a single user.
THE GYM IN GRAN DESTINO TOWER
We switched from Riviera to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort halfway through our trip in order to splurge on Disney’s cheapest Club Level in Gran Destino Tower. Anyone can book a room in Gran Destino Tower, but the clientele is somewhat different; there’s an attached convention center and consequently an emphasis on the business crowd.
Business People like a little Business Gym in their Business Trips, and Disney anticipated this need with a much larger gym. The gym in Gran Destino can be accessed on the lobby level if I recall correctly.
The Gran Destino gym has around three times as much open space as in the Riviera, and plenty of machines. Going in the late morning probably helped with the crowds, but this gym could definitely absorb a much larger group than Riviera’s gym.
Gran Destino’s gym also has a towel refrigerator, water, etc. a la Riviera, although I didn’t see any snacks out while I was there.
As a bonus, the gym at Gran Destino has in-room bathrooms – and they are surprisingly nice. There are large two single-person rooms with a shower, towels, and some basic toiletries. Generally I prefer to shower in my own hotel room, but it’s still a nice backup for those who need it.
OPTIMIZING YOUR DISNEY GYM TIME
Whether or not you want to add some gym time to your Disney vacation is a personal decision. If you’re a theme park commando going hard all day, it might be better to give yourself the break!
If you are going to use the Disney gym, though, here are my recommendations.
According to the website, it would appear that most if not all Disney gyms are open 24/7 with your Magic Band (or phone or keycard or whatever). Every day and slate of guests will be different, but I’d recommend working out after 10am if not later if your schedule allows. Early afternoon and late at night are probably going to be your quietest times.
Advance recon can help you with this, too. Find the gym before you need it and peek inside once and awhile to get a feel for when it will be most open, especially if you’re picky about the weights and machines you’ll need. While you’re there, check out the amenities. Why not swipe a granola bar? You’re paying for it!
Sweat towels are already provided, so no worries about those. The free earbuds appear to be wired, so bring your own Bluetooth headphones if your device requires. Plastic cups are on offer for water, but I prefer filling up my own water bottle.
And remember: showing up for your workout on vacation is +1000 for speed, strength, and agility. For those boosts alone, why not investigate the gym on your next Disney trip?
Don’t forget, you can follow FRoA on Threads @fairestrunofall and on Instagram @fairestrunofall. If you have any questions or thoughts, leave a comment or email fairestrunofall@gmail.com. See ya real soon!