Hi Fairygodmother,
We did the trolley for that reason, you can get on and off when you want. We did not book through Disney, we walked over and bought the tickets there. Yes, the driver does narration, and the fee that you pay is for the day. No problems getting on and off. You might want to check out this link:
http://www.historictours.com/keywest/ Hopefully it will work, if not let me know. It explains what both the train and trolley do, and you can even buy online for a discount. Again we had no problem walking a short distance and purchasing tickets there.
Disneypilots, I don't know of any way you can get your dining rotation in advance. Unless maybe if you are in catagory 1, 2, or 3, you might get special treatment.
The character breakfast is very early in the morning as I recall. I have never done it because of the early hour. I did Palo brunch last year on Key West Day. We don't dock until 12:00 noon, so a 10 or 10:30 brunch is what I believe I did. On a sea day the year before, I believe I did an 11:00 brunch.
Clara, we have late dining, I prefer it, so I requested it. You aren't so rushed, and early dining just cuts your day too short. If you have little ones though, they may fall asleep at the table for the first few nights until they get used to it.
I am still (not so patiently tapping) waiting for my docs. Last year I got my docs on 1/17 for a 2/15 sailing. So looks like tomorrow might be the day!
Robin