Everything has changed! I need to get from Dolphin to MK for Rope Drop

[HydroGuy]

Like many of you I had this all down to a science before COVID and G+! And now almost everything has changed.

In the past my preferred way of getting to MK for RD was to use the Disney bus system. Or, in some cases, I would use use Uber or (before that) taxis - and get dropped off by the entrance to the Contemporary and just walk to MK.

We are staying at the Dolphin this time. From what I gather both of those options have changed? Can anyone confirm these things I have come to understand?

1. Swan/Dolphin now has their own WDW bus system and no longer uses the Disney system. And the new S/D bus system drops off at the TTC and not at MK? So extra time must be allocated to catch the monorail to MK?

2. Ubers and taxis are no longer allowed to drive to the Contemporary for a drop-off to MK? Where do they go then? The TTC also?

If 1 and 2 are correct, I think I would rather just walk over early morning from the Dolphin to the Beach or Yacht Club and grab a Disney bus to MK.

Thoughts?

 

[Lewisc]

You got it right. You could also get a Disney bus from Boardwalk. Beach club is a longer walk then YC or Boardwalk

 

[Marthasor]

As Lewisc stated, you are correct. I would catch the bus from YC as it's not that far of a walk from Dolphin. On the way back, we just jump on either the BWI or BC/YC bus - whichever comes first. You could also walk to CR and get a lyft from there.

 

[HydroGuy]

You got it right. You could also get a Disney bus from Boardwalk. Beach club is a longer walk then YC or Boardwalk

As Lewisc stated, you are correct. I would catch the bus from YC as it's not that far of a walk from Dolphin. On the way back, we just jump on either the BWI or BC/YC bus - whichever comes first. You could also walk to CR and get a lyft from there.

Thanks! I have a plan now! Thanks for the Boardwalk bus tip! I should have thought of that other option. At one time in the past I think YC/BC and Boardwalk was all on one bus loop.

I need to check the current bus routes and how many stops they make. So many of the online maps are outdated.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would like to find a bus route map that is updated. All the links I have found seem to be not updated. E.g., they all show the Swan/Dolphin bus stops still included.

What I would like to know is which resorts are served on which routes. I.e., how many stops on the route and which stop is first or last. As noted in the thread title, I am only interested in MK bus routes right now.

 

[Lewisc]

Thanks! I have a plan now! Thanks for the Boardwalk bus tip! I should have thought of that other option. At one time in the past I think YC/BC and Boardwalk was all on one bus loop.

I need to check the current bus routes and how many stops they make. So many of the online maps are outdated.

AFAIK During off peak times buses stop at Boardwalk, BC and YC. During peak times Boardwalk might get a bus with another bus servicing both BC and YC. People leaving MK for S/D will frequently get on the first bus that pulls up to the bus depot, either Boardwalk or BC/YC. If it's a combined bus get off at either Boardwalk or YC, generally which ever stop is first.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks. Yah, on the return ride to S/D I get taking the first bus. I still would like to know how many stops each make.

On the way out to MK, I would like to know if all BC/YC/BW are on the same route and which picks up first or last of the 3. E.g., I may want to head to the latest pick up if we are running late or first pick up if we are running early.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Is it walking distance from Swan/Dolphin to Epcot and DHS?

 

[CarolynFH]

Is it walking distance from Swan/Dolphin to Epcot and DHS?

Yes, it's a 10-20 minute walk to either one, depending on your speed.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is it walking distance from Swan/Dolphin to Epcot and DHS?

It is much easier/faster to walk to Epcot than DHS from S/W IMO. Plus the boat that goes to both is direct to DHS (as S/D is the final stop in that direction) while there are 2-3 more stops on the way to Epcot. You can walk to/from DHS in a pinch but I have never had a need to.

 

[CarolynFH]

It is much easier/faster to walk to Epcot than DHS from S/W IMO. Plus the boat that goes to both is direct to DHS (as S/D is the final stop in that direction) while there are 2-3 more stops on the way to Epcot. You can walk to/from DHS in a pinch but I have never had a need to.

Yes, to walk to DHS from Swan/Dolphin you almost have to pass the boat dock (unless you exit front door of Swan and walk up to E. Buena Vista Dr., across the bridge, then back down to walkway on the other side of the canal). If a boat is just leaving, it’s quicker to walk, but if no boat is in sight it’s a tossup, and if one is just approaching, I’d take it!