Car return at Dolphin

[Lyndarella]

If I return my rental car early on a Saturday morning at the Dolphin, can I get to the Studios by opening at 8:00? I am wondering what time the Friendship boats start running. I assume that's how I would get from the Dolphin to the Studios.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

There's also a walkway from the WDW Dolphin to DHS.

Cross the bridge toward BoardWalk and walk along the canal on the BoardWalk side. It means you don't have to wait for a boat. The walk is pleasant if the weather is decent and if you don't mind walking.

 

[Lyndarella]

I would love to do that! Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

The boats start running well before park opening if you don't want to walk.

 

[boBQuincy]

Afaik (and have experienced) the National/Alamo rental counter at Dolphin does not open until 8:00 am. If the counter is not open you just leave the car and keys with bell services and have the receipt emailed to you.

The boats are supposed to start operating at least an hour before the park opens, we have heard their horns on foggy mornings when we stay at Boardwalk!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Afaik (and have experienced) the National/Alamo rental counter at Dolphin does not open until 8:00 am. If the counter is not open you just leave the car and keys with bell services and have the receipt emailed to you.

True.

The business hours for National/Alamo at the WDW Dolphin are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week.

You can return your rental car 24 hours a day at valet parking. In fact, that's the only way to return a car there, even if the counter is open. There is no dedicated rental car return area.

However, you can only begin a car rental during the business hours.

 

[Lyndarella]

Which direction do the Friendship boats go around the lake and how many stops do they make?

 

[paults]

Which direction do the Friendship boats go around the lake and how many stops do they make?

If you use the S/D boat launch after dropping car off there are 2 lines on the ramp, just read the sign for HS and get in line.
The boats go HS-S/D-YC/BC -BW- Epcot and back in reverse order.

 

[goofy4tink]

The boat will go directly to DHS from the S/D. The S/D is the last stop on the Epcot to DHS route. It should take about 12 or so minutes to get to DHS on the boat from the S/D.