Directions to walk between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Magic Kingdom, with Pictures!
Note the walking path between Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Park will be temporarily closed beginning Feb. 13, 2024 and is expected to reopen late this spring.
The Grand Floridian is located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom theme park.
This walk is convenient for guests staying at the resort to access the park without waiting on or riding in a crowded monorail. It’s also great for theme park guests that might want to get out of the park for a bit, perhaps during the peak of temperatures and crowds, perhaps to have lunch at one of the Grand Floridian Resort’s dining locations or to cool off in the pools.
The Map
Below is a map overview of the walking route from the Grand Floridian Resort to the Magic Kingdom. The entire walk is just over three quarters of a mile (0.77) and takes 15-20 minutes to walk depending on your speed as it winds along the beautiful Bay Lake.
Directions
The directions are very simple, it’s a direct route once you leave the Grand Floridian area.
As usual in these walking posts, I’ll give directions from the resort lobby and here there are 2 ways you could go from the lobby. If you are walking from a diffferent building at the resort, just adjust.
From the Grand Floridian’s lobby, you can start your walk 2 ways, go out the front lobby doors or head to the left rear of the lobby and out the rear doors at the end of the hall.
If you go out the front simply turn right and head to the Bus Stop and Convention Center on the covered walkway. Pass the bus stop and you’ll come to a crossing sidewalk that leads to a traffic circle to the right. cross the circle and join the sidewalk next to the building ahead (Sago Key Building).
If you go out the rear of the building, turn left. then curve around the main building to the left. You’ll pass the marina on your right. Go between the main building and the one just to the right (Sago Key Building) following the sign for the Convention Center.
This is the point where the 2 routes come together. Here you will see a sign pointing the way labeled “Walkway to The Magic Kingdom.”
By the way, I’ve stayed in the Sago Key Building twice and it’s a great location right by the Gasparilla Island Grill and convenient to the Magic Kingdom Walkway.
Just follow the sidewalk past and around back of the Sago Key building. You’ll see the monorail track on your left and Bay Lake ahead to the right. From here it’s a straight (curvy) shot to the Magic Kingdom. You’ll cross 2 bridges on your journey.
As you leave the Grand Floridian property, you’ll see 2 trash cans these will be the last opportunity to throw something out until you reach the park. But you might want to exercise caution and give them a wide berth, as on my last walk past, this little guy was in the furthest out one and he got spooked by my passing and jumped out and gave me the stink eye until I was well past.
Next you will come to a low white bridge over a water management canal and then the sidewalk begins the curve to the right around the lake.
The next bridge that you come to is elevated over the water. This green bridge actually swings open to allow the Electrical Water Pageant boat and floats to pass into the lake from their daytime storage location in a canal to the left of the path.
The Water Pageant has always been stored here and installing a bridge that would allow the very tall floats to pass was critical to the installation of this new walking path.
Past the bridge the path gets a little more windy and passes under some shade trees. The entire route is well lighted at night!
You’ll soon come to the resort boat dock and pass by it to the side.
A little ways further and you will come to the Security Station.
After a security check you will be just a few steps from the Magic Kingdom’s entrance.
This is a beautiful walk and you may have to opportunity to spot some local wildlife on the way (besides the raccoon).
More Pics of the Route in Reverse
Getting back to the resort is simply reversing the path. Here are the pictures showing how it looks walking from the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
You will pass under the monorail tracks with the Monorail Station to your right, past the Security Tent and see the Boat Dock ahead.
Passing to the right of the Boat Dock.
THese next 3 pics are between the Boat Dock and the green bridge.
Crossing the Green Bridge
Between the 2 bridges.
Crossing the white bridge.
Approaching the Sago Key building.
And, passing by the traffic circle
Over to you
Have you taken this walk? What are your thoughts?
Let us know in the comments section below!
See All My Posts About Walking at Disney World:- Walking at Walt Disney World Overview
- Walk Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Walk between Disney's Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower and the Magic Kingdom
- Walk between Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Magic Kingdom
- Walk Between Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center
- Walk Between Disney's Hollywood Studios and the EPCOT Resort Area
This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the the Military Disney Tips Founder. He a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way. Check out Steve's Bio. Subscribe to Steve's email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link. |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation GuideÂ
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing ChecklistÂ
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort
Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts! |
Leave a Reply