Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US Inc has filed a new permit request with the Florida Department of Enviornmental Protection entitled “GRAND FLORIDIAN TO MK WALKWAY.” Assuming the title accurately reflects Disney’s plans, guests may soon be able to bypass the monorail and boat systems to walk between the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Guests familiar with this area of Walt Disney World will know that, while there is a foot path leading from the Magic Kingdom toward the Grand Floridian, it is the proverbial pathway to nowhere. The pathway ends about midway between the two points of interest with a simple park bench.

This corner of the Seven Seas Lagoon also features a bridge leading to storage and maintenance facilities for floats used in the Electric Water Pageant. For years, guests have speculated that the cost and/or difficulty of bridging this area with a foot path kept such a project from proceeding.


Current path (right center) which dead ends at canal used by Electric Water Pageant floats

More recently, Walt Disney World has been making significant investment to improve its infrastructure. Projects include new roadways–particularly surrounding the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios–new park and resort entry points, new bus depots, enhancements to the Transportation and Ticket Center, along with the Skyliner transportation system which will link two theme parks and a half-dozen resorts.

Earlier this year, Disney announced plans to remove the 20-year old “Walk Around the World” personalized paver stones. These pavers are part of the current abbreviated path leading away from the Magic Kingdom.

Aside from the title, this new permit does not provide any details on the project itself. It may be premature to conclude, with certainty, that Disney plans to construct a guest-accessible walking path between the two destinations.

The permit is currently active with a scheduled expiration date on July 7, 2024.