The long-awaited walking path that will connect Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the Magic Kingdom is inching its way closer toward completion!
We hopped on the monorail to get an up-close and personal look of where things stood a few days ago. As seen in the pictures below, the most significant undertaking of the project (the bridge) is essentially complete. The bridge was fully retracted during our ride past, allowing waterway access behind the Magic Kingdom for the Electric Water Pageant when it resumes operations.
Landscaping and lighting work around the area was well underway with freshly planted palms and shrubbery on each side of the bridge.
A bit further down the path, we noticed continued construction on the surrounding area. This looks to be primarily for a more permanent security structure located closer to the Magic Kingdom boat dock.
Lastly, a small white tent is located right before the walkway descends into the Magic Kingdom entrance. This will likely be used for security or temperature screenings. Over the weekend, DVC Fan Member David Zakariaie had the opportunity to talk with a resort monorail Cast Member named Walt (for real) who stated that they would be utilizing the path soon to allow the NBA special after-hours access to the park.
With the path’s entrance located within the NBA “bubble,” we may be waiting several more months to set foot on it. Regardless, it is exciting to see this project nearing the finish line and offer guests of both the Grand Floridian and Polynesian another means of transportation to get to the Magic Kingdom.
Are you excited for this new walking path? Will it be your preferred method to get to and from the park? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to DVC Fan and The DIS for more information on when the path opens to the public!
This will be an enjoyable amenity. Do we have an estimated walking time between the Floridian and MK?
I believe walk time will depend on time of day, size of crowd when parades and fireworks etc. end, and room location at GF. Some folks are fast walkers as they do not have strollers or wee ones walking with them. I have walked the old paver walk to the bridge area a few times over the years. I am guessing the bridge is about the halfway mark of the walk to the GF property. I believe you could easily walk this in 15 minutes.
I am soooo excited about the new Grand Floridian – Magic Kingdom bridge. Over the past 10 years I have written letters after each WDW visit asking if a bridge to MK from GF was a possibility. I always received polite responses of “no”. But with some magic and pixi dust……………………… the project is almost complete. As a Grand Floridian DVC member I know I will enjoy this walk often. To be able to walk from the transportation center to the Contemporary passing through the Poly and GF and in front of the MK will be a great exercise walk each morning. See you in January. AND thank you. (Next question? A way to walk from the Contemporary to the transportation center??? I know folks will respond – it can’t be done! I believe there is enough Disney magic to make it happen in the future.)
Or…. walkway from Wilderness Lodge to Contemporary!
To get from the Contemporary to the Grand Floridian you will need to pass through the security outside the Magic Kingdom though.
It will be nice to use at park closing when monorail and boats are a gong show. During morning or off hours I’ll still use the boat or monorail. Especially in the warm weather.
We don’t stay at WL too often, but I’d happily walk to the MK from there if they provide a walkway! Close the loop and connect Contemporary with TTC! 🙂
And we’ll definitely use this path from GF, which is primarily where we stay. This path has been needed for a loooong time!
While we’re all wishing, how about monorail access from the wilderness Lodge? That would be a worthwhile investment!
Would be interested to know if you can walk from GF to BLT at times when MK is closed.