Best way to get from MGM to the Dolphin

[may06orbust]

We will be at MGM for Star Wars weekend on our last day @ WDW. I've reserved a rental, Alamo @ the Dolphin. What is the quickest/easiest way to get to the Dolphin after lunch? Boat, Bus or just hoof it? TIA

 

[cigar95]

We will be at MGM for Star Wars weekend on our last day @ WDW. I've reserved a rental, Alamo @ the Dolphin. What is the quickest/easiest way to get to the Dolphin after lunch? Boat, Bus or just hoof it? TIA

No bus on this route, so you're down to two options.

If the boat is pulling in to the dock as you're coming out of the Studios, it will probably be your best bet. If the bus is nowhere in sight, you will probably get to the Dolphin before the next boat does, but the walking may be a little tiring, especially at the very end of your vacation. If it's hot, I would wait for the boat.

 

[may06orbust]

so hopefully it will not be too hot. How long of a walk would you guess?

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Of course, the time depends on how fast you walk. It can probably be done in 10 minutes...but I would say 15 minutes at a normal pace. As you leave the Studios continue on the walk with the water to your left and the parking lot on your right. This walk will turn away from the parking lot but the water will always be on your left. Once you walk under the overpass you will be on the outer limits of the Boardwalk resort. You will see the Swan and Dolphin ahead of you on the other side of the lake. Once you reach the bridge turn left and you are there.

 

[goofy4tink]

The walk from MGM to the S/D is about 12-15 minutes. I have done it in 8 but I was almost running...not something I would recommend!! It is not very shaded, so I don't like to do it in the middle of the day during the warmer months. But first thing in the morning or after dark it is very pleasant. I think that we have only taken the boat once in all the times we have traveled back and forth.
It is also very well lit. I walked it by myself,and with just my dd, and never felt unsafe.

 

[may06orbust]

for all of the helpful advice. This will be our family's first ever vacation to WDW. This board has been invaluable for my planning. Everyone is so welcoming, helpful and gracious. Thank you! Now all I have to remember is water on the left, water on the left, water on the left...

 

[princess pooh]

There are signs along the path so don't worry if you forget what side the water should be on . I usually like walking instead of taking the boat during off times. If there aren't a lot of boats running it can take forever to get one!

 

[goofy4tink]

for all of the helpful advice. This will be our family's first ever vacation to WDW. This board has been invaluable for my planning. Everyone is so welcoming, helpful and gracious. Thank you! Now all I have to remember is water on the left, water on the left, water on the left...

There is a DISer who also kept that 'water on the left' mentality...only problem was she was going TO MGM from the S/D. Imagine her surprise when the path ended as a dead end, nowhere near MGM!!

 

[cigar95]

There is a DISer who also kept that 'water on the left' mentality...only problem was she was going TO MGM from the S/D. Imagine her surprise when the path ended as a dead end, nowhere near MGM!!

I remember seeing that path! doesn't it end at Buena Vista, so you could go up onto the road, cross the canal, and then back down to the right path?

I was hoping to check this out on Google Earth, but that's part of the low-resolution image of WDW. (Boy, I wish they'd update that imagery - what a fantastic tool. I use it a lot to check out where the trees and hazards are on golf courses.)

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

The walkway from the boardwalk area used to stop at the overpass. A few years ago I took that walk and then walked up to find the road I believe you are talking about.
They expanded this walk a few years ago so now it continues under the roadway overpass and on to the Studios entrance.

 

[goofy4tink]

The walkway on the Boardwalk side goes all the way to MGM..you walk under the roadway, and keep on trucking to MGM. The pathway on the S/D side just ends. You can see it when you are on one of the boats. It doesn't go anywhere.