The World Drive Expansion Project construction between the Shades of Green Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will permanently close the pathway between the two on May 1, 2023.

Shades of Green Walkway Construction

According to a release from the Shades of Green Resort, the World Drive Expansion Project will begin between their property and the Grand Floridian Resort in the beginning of May. This construction work will necessitate the permanent closure of the walkway, as the expansion will cut through the path.

In order to help accommodate guests’ travel needs during this time, Shades of Green Resort will be adding additional buses to their Transportation and Ticket Center route. There will be no additional charge for guests to use this transportation.

Read the full announcement from the Shades of Green Resort below.

“Present & Future Guests,

As you know, there are always exciting things happening around Walt Disney World Resort, and we want to keep you updated on the latest developments.

Starting Monday, May 1, 2023, the World Drive Expansion Project will begin between Shades of Green and the Grand Floridian Resort. We know that it’s a lovely stroll on the walkway from our hotel to the Polynesian Village Resort unfortunately, it will no longer be accessible.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’re adding extra buses to the Transportation and Ticket Center route, so you can still easily get to your destination. And the best part? It’s totally free!

If you prefer to use your own vehicle, you can still do so, but please note that you will be responsible for the parking fee at the theme parks. Alternatively, you could use a ride-sharing service like Uber, Lyft, or the Minnie Van service connected by Lyft – all available within the Walt Disney World Resort.

We understand that change can be tough, but we hope you’ll bear with us as we work to make things even better for you. We’re always here to help and make your stay as magical as possible.”

Shades of Green Resort

Shades of Green is located near Magic Kingdom, just southwest of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. A short walkway connects the two resorts, which guests are encouraged to use and enjoy.

Shades of Green is a military owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property. This resort is not part of the Disney Good Neighbor Hotel program, nor is it owned by Disney. It features large, standard rooms: some of the most spacious hotel rooms available for booking on Disney property. A valid military I.D. is required to access Shades of Green, including use of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and dining areas.

Guests staying at the Shades of Green Resort can purchase tickets to several regional attractions at a significant discount on site. They also have both quick service and table service dining options available for visitors to enjoy. The Express Café, Java Cafe, and Chip n’ Dale’s Deli are quick service locations that specialize in lighter bites, breakfast foods, and sandwiches. Their two table service options, Manginos Steakhouse and Garden Gallery, are a standard table service and a buffet, respectively.

Shades of Green Resort is not included on the monorail loop that services Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, despite their proximity. Transportation around Walt Disney World is provided exclusively by a separate fleet of buses which shuttle guests to and from the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

Guests who chose to utilize the walkway between Shades of Green Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort could opt to hop on a monorail to take a ride over to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. With the upcoming walkway closure due to World Drive expansion, guests will not have that option beginning May 1, 2023.

Take a look at some of our previous coverage on the World Drive Expansion Project below:

• PHOTOS: Construction Continues on World Drive and Floridian Way as Phase II of Magic Kingdom Area Improvements Make Progress
• PHOTOS: Roadwork Continues on World Drive Near Magic Kingdom
• Permits Filed for Phase II of World Drive Roadwork at Walt Disney World

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.