Walking Between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian

The pathway discussed in this article has closed due to construction of the new DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. When the new hotel opens, we will provide and updated walk through of the new path between the resorts. At this time in 2024 guests will need to take the monorail or watercraft between the two resorts.

One of the benefits of staying at either the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian Resort is that you can easily walk between them. Since the resorts are next door to each other, you can walk between them for dining, shopping, or leisure.

The walk between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on your starting point. For example, if you are traveling from the lobby of one resort to the other, it will take about fifteen minutes at an average pace.

Below, we’ll provide a walkthrough of the pathway between the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. We’ll start at the Polynesian’s lobby, the Great Ceremonial House, and make our way to the Grand Floridian.

On the day I made this journey, I was visiting the Polynesian to check out the new entrance and take a few photos for updates. After finishing up at the Polynesian, I decided to take a walk to the Grand Floridian. It was a beautiful day, and I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather.

When leaving the Great Ceremonial House to head over to the Grand Floridian, you’ll want to exit from the west side of the resort where Trader Sam’s is located. This exit is located in the hall off the lobby past Captain Cook’s. You’ll walk straight ahead, as if you’re walking away from the marina and the Lava Pool at the Polynesian.

As you move along, you’ll pass Fiji, a village building, on your right-hand side. About this time, the sandy shoreline will come into view. A swing sits in this area of the beach inviting guests to take in the views. If the weather is comfortable, it’s the perfect place to take a break.

Looking back, you can see that we are moving away from the Polynesian.

The Grand Floridian wedding chapel sits up ahead on the right.

As we continue our walk along the shoreline, we run into some of the outer buildings at the resort. Similar to the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian is spread out into several large buildings across the resort’s grounds.

The views along the walkway are stunning during the day. In the evening, the Electrical Water Pageant is visible from the pathway as well. If you are staying at either resort, make sure to see it after dinner one evening. You might also enjoy taking in the fireworks from the boat dock at Grand Floridian or the beach at the Polynesian.

Anyway, as we make the turn, we can begin to see the Grand Floridian’s main building, which is home to the lobby.

Here you’ll want to stay on the pathway that weaves around in front of the Disney Vacation Club building and behind the pool area.

It always seems, at this point, that you might feel like you’re going in the wrong direction.

Fear not. You’re almost there. This fountain, on the right, is a good indicator that you’ve nearly reached the lobby.

A covered walkway extends from the DVC building to the main entrance.

Here you’ll be greeted with the resort’s pretty front entrance.

Two antique cars sit outside.

A few seating areas are available underneath the monorail platform.

Before long, the planters will change out. Of course, these are always replaced with poinsettias during the holiday season.

Related: Grand Floridian at Christmas

When you enter the lobby, you’ll be greeted with a large bouquet of fresh flowers.

Aren’t they gorgeous?

From time to time, a piano player performs in the lobby. You can expect a mix of favorite Disney tunes and familiar classics. The pianist performed Clair de Lune on this visit, and it swayed me enough to sit and enjoy the lobby for a while.

Taking a walk between the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian for the sole purpose of taking a walk makes for an enjoyable part of your day at Disney World.

I would know because I make these walks regularly, and it’s part of how I became a resort gal.

For more information about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you might enjoy the following:

For more information about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you might enjoy these articles:

Have you ever taken a walk between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian? What is your favorite place to walk at Disney? Leave a comment with your thoughts below.