A Dose of Nostalgia: The Former Walking Path Between Disney’s Polynesian and Grand Floridian

Before the Island Tower was built between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, a small walking path allowed guests to access the resorts. Although a new walking path exists today, this review offers a dose of nostalgia, sharing photos of the former white sand beaches and the path many fondly enjoyed.

Of course, one of the many benefits of staying at the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian is that you can walk, take a monorail, or take a boat between them. This allows more shopping, dining, and leisure time at the resorts. The former walkway between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian lobbies took approximately 15 minutes. Below, we’ll take a scenic walk 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 visited the Polynesian to check out the new entrance and take a few photos for updates. After finishing up at the Polynesian, I decided to walk to the Grand Floridian. It was a beautiful day, and I wanted to enjoy 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. After you exit, you’ll continue straight, as if walking away from the marina and the Lava Pool.

You’ll pass Fiji, a village building on your right-hand side, as you move along. About this time, the sandy shoreline will come into view. A swing sits in this beach area, inviting guests to enjoy 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 ahead on the right.

As we continue walking along the shoreline, we encounter some of the resort’s outer buildings. Like the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian has several large buildings across its grounds. The views along the walkway are stunning during the day. In the evening, the Electrical Water Pageant is also visible from the pathway. If you are staying at either resort, you should see it after dinner one evening. You might also enjoy watching the fireworks from the Grand Floridian boat dock or the Polynesian beach.

As we make the turn, we see the Grand Floridian’s main building, which houses 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.

At this point, it always feels 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 Grand Floridian Villas building to the main entrance.

Here, you’ll be greeted by the resort’s main lobby and stunning floral displays.

Two antique cars sit outside.

Here are a few more photos taken from or of the former walkway.

We hope you enjoyed this step back in time! For more on Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you might enjoy one of the following:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Review
• Transportation Options at Disney’s Grand Floridian
• The Two Pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian
• Grand Floridian Restaurants List

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

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review
• The Kamehameha Club Level Review at the Polynesian
• Transportation Options at Disney’s Polynesian
• Pool Photos and Details for Disney’s Polynesian

In the Comments

Do you remember the former path between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian? What is your favorite place to walk at Disney? Leave a comment with your thoughts below.