The walkway connecting Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has now reopened.
Magic Kingdom & Grand Floridian Resort Walkway
Disney originally stated that this path would reopen in “late spring” 2023,” which would mean a reopening before the end of June. The walkway reopened just in time to meet that deadline.
The walkway opened in late 2020, finally giving guests a direct (although long) walking path from the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resort to Magic Kingdom. It can be found between boat launches and the Monorail station outside Magic Kingdom.
Along the path, guests can look out for a photo op of monorails passing.
Although it is a lengthy walk, there are several areas along the path that provide shade. Greenery in the area provides a scenic backdrop for a stroll.
The path closed in February of this year due to the ongoing refurbishment of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Crews have been working on the Sago Cay building, which is right next to the path’s entrance, but construction work seems to be nearing an end.
The temporary construction fencing near the treeline as well as the potted plant wall are signs that construction in this area isn’t complete, although the walkway is now open.
We captured a video of the walk from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian when it first opened. You can check out that video below.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Refurbishment
Reportedly, when now-former CEO Bob Chapek took over the Parks & Resorts division in 2015, he felt that the Grand Floridian was not up to standards. The comparisons to a Four Seasons didn’t befit the current state of Walt Disney World, and so it was no longer suitable as the flagship resort. But rather than shift focus to another resort hotel, the company decided to make changes.
The major overhaul of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort began with the Enchanted Rose Lounge, which replaced Mizner’s Lounge. It was given a “Beauty and the Beast” theme. Cítricos followed with a new “Mary Poppins”-inspired design. When the Grand Floridian Spa reopened in January 2022, it was revealed that it, too, had been remodeled. All the rooms of the resort are still being updated and some “Mary Poppins” theming has been added throughout guest buildings.
Narcoossee’s was closed from June 2022 to April 2023, and reopened with a revamped interior and “land and sea” menu. Read our Narcoossee’s review.
1900 Park Fare, the character dining buffet location at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is still closed for refurbishment. The restaurant has not reopened since it closed in March 2020 with the rest of Walt Disney World Resort due to COVID-19. When physical distancing measures were still in place, 1900 Park Fare was used as overflow seating for Grand Floridian Café for a short period of time.
The Grand Floridian Resort’s lobby will also be updated in the near future.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will celebrate its 35th anniversary on July 1, 2023.
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