Your friend could book a ride with Mears. She may even end up on a DME bus. When we stayed at BCV a year or so ago, the bus stopped at the S/D first. I couldn't figure it out. I asked the driver who told me that if someone booked through Mears, they paid for the ride and could be put on the DME bus, but that it certainly wasn't a free ride.
I like to have a towncar if I'm staying at the S/D.
As far as EMHs...yes, the S/D both participate in that. I believe you can even have your packages sent back to the resort. But, you can not charge to your room like you can with the Disney owned resorts.