Walking from The Polynesian to the Grand Floridian resort may not sound like your ideal way to spend a Disney trip, but hear us out! It all started one day while eating yet another Dole Whip at The Polynesian with the realization that we would have to finish our favorite treat before we got back on the monorail. We were traveling back to Magic Kingdom but wanted to stop at the Grand Floridian on the way anyway and look for options. Luckily, there is a Disney Walking Path from The Polynesian, to the Grand Floridian Resort to Magic Kingdom. And since these are Disney Resorts within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, we were able to enjoy the rest of our dole whip after all. Here’s how you can get to it.
Walking From Disney’s Polynesian Resort to The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
If you’re at Magic Kingdom and heading to the Disney Monorail Resorts you can stop at anyone one of the resorts on the monorail line. But you don’t necessarily need to take the monorail back! In fact, you can walk from The Polynesian Resort to Grand Floridian, and then to Magic Kingdom beyond. If just headed to the Polynesian, then you can end up at the Polynesian Resort a number of ways. The Polynesian Resort is home to the Kona Cafe, which has one of the Best Breakfasts at Walt Disney World. Of course, you don’t need a reason to visit the Polynesian Resort, but we really love that Mimosa Flight at Kona Cafe! And if you’re up for Dole Whip, you can find that at the Pineapple Lanai, just near the pool. Whether you’re arriving via monorail or arriving by boat from Magic Kingdom, the path is easy to find once you get there.
Arriving by Monorail
If arriving via monorail to the Polynesian Resort, you’ll simply walk downstairs, and towards the Captain Cooks Restaurant. Walk past Captain Cooks and you’ll see a door at the end of the hall. That will lead you straight out to the path.
Arriving by Boat
If you’ve taken the boat to the Polynesian Resort, you can simply walk past the motorboats on the path to the right. This will lead you on the path towards the Grand Floridian. Our recommendation? Grab a dole whip first at the Polynesian and then meander onto the path. There are little paths that connect all the buildings on the map below. You can find this map right outside where the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show happens.
What You’ll See on the Walking Path to Magic Kingdom
One of the most noticeable things on this Disney Walking Path is the stark transition from the tropical paradise of the islands to the tranquility and white sands of the Grand Floridian. A beach on the way to the Grand Floridian. Notice the opportunity for lounging and absolutely no people! Behind you, you will notice yourself getting farther and farther away from the Polynesian. This walk is maybe half a mile.
Grand Floridian Wedding Pavilion Pathway
When you reach the Grand Floridian Wedding Pavilion you’ll notice the monorail and a driveway and all sorts of things you have never seen before. By all means, if you haven’t had your own wedding at Walt Disney World, take this time to pretend you had and strike a pose in front of the gorgeous Wedding Pavilion Gates! And if you keep walking, then the Grand Floridian appears in the distance.
Stop at the Grand Floridian Resort
When you finally reach your destination you can walk inside to the Gasparilla Island Grill to try any of the New Snacks at Walt Disney World. And of course, you can also just hang out at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Lounge in the lobby, or better yet, head to the Enchanted Rose Lounge for drinks and truffle fries. If you’re looking for a way to spend your afternoon, then we highly recommend Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Lounge.
From The Grand Floridian Resort to the Magic Kingdom Entrance
Once you’ve had your fill at the Grand Floridian you can catch the monorail back to Magic Kingdom. OR continue taking the walking path to Magic Kingdom. Just head to the motorboat area at Grand Floridian and start walking towards Magic Kingdom. No crowds, and a great way to add more steps to your day.
We hope you liked this mini photo tour of the walking path from the Polynesian Resort to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. These tend to be our two favorite resorts on Disney property so spending more time between the two is always a goal for us! Have you found any secret paths that lead anywhere? We also love the path from Epcot to Hollywood Studios simply to avoid the buses! If you’re staying on The Disney Boardwalk, we highly recommend just using that path as well.
