Dolphin- Transportation

[Planorunner]

We're thinking about staying at the dolphin (this will be our first trip and will have a 2yr old with us!).
I know there are better choices (staying on the monorail for example) if I want to be able to get to and from the parks quicker...however...considering the Dolphin...

I'm trying to decide if transportation alone is worth staying at the Dolphin vs renting a car and staying at one of the Marriotts OFF property.

We're going in June 11-16 so I assume this will be the start of peak time.

Does anyone have any experience with the Dolphin's bus transportation to and from the parks? Is it quick? Have you found yourself waiting in line a very long time?

THANK YOU!!!!

 

[SpecialK]

We were at the Swan in October and I thought the bus transportation was awful. The busses are routed to too many hotels so it takes FOREVER to get anywhere. We were two adults; I can't imagine dealing with it with a two-year old. I'd stay there again, but I'd definitely rent a car.

 

[NMAmy]

We've stayed at the Dolphin many times. The bus service is shared with the other Epcot hotels. We have not had long waits and we have been at Christmas, Easter, and off season. The bus to DTD seems to take forever but the rest were reasonable.

Plus, you can walk or take the boat to Epcot and MGM. It is extremely close to two parks--not just one like the monorail hotels.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I think any resort that shares bus service can have some problems. I have heard of long rides from the monorail resorts to AK and Studios due to sharing as well. When we were there in June we had to share with YC/BC and Boardwalk. I have heard others say they never shared with any other resorts other than S/D. I really think basically it's usually pretty good.

 

[disnut8]

We just went two weeks ago (not staying at the Dolphin) and I noticed that the Dolphin now shares the bus route with only the Swan and the Boardwalk. So the Yacht and Beach Clubs have their own routes. The buses pick up first from the Boardwalk, then the Swan and then the Dolphin. So the Dolphin will be the last one to be picked up and the last one to be left off. However - that is only for the buses. You need to remember that you will only need the buses for two parks - Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. For Epcot, you walk or take the boat and the same for the Studios.

You can avoid not having a seat going to a park by walking over to the Swan or the Boardwalk so you get on the bus sooner.

If you stay offsite, factor in your cost of the rental car PLUS the cost of parking each day and add time for the tram ride from the parking lots.