Which hotel to pick?

[Sue M]

No, no longer WDW I believe it's Mears now. The bus contract changed, so the buses from Swan and Dolphin can take you to MK but only to the TTC not to the MK bus depot. https://touringplans.com/blog/major...bus-transportation-what-does-it-mean-for-you/

Nobody knows if it's forever and the old way will come back but a lot of Swan/Dolphin guests have been using BW area resort buses to go to MK. We did not bus to MK when we were there last but we talked to a bunch of people who were. They were surprised to learn that until after they arrived. I only knew since I follow WDW news.

That’s a huge change. So now I guess the guests have to hike to the off site bus stops. I’d totally walk over to YC for bus!

 

[anjuan]

I would do the tower at CSR. There are no real high floors at AKL, and I assume your fiance likes high floors for the views, which means a standard view (which could just overlook a parking lot) could be disappointing. Lots of people mentioning Jiko--not open yet, and no opening date announced--and if it does open you could always use some of the $400 you are saving for an uber ride to and from dinner.

I wouldn't book Swan because as much as people complain that disney has reduced onsite benefits, I find some to be still very meaningful. Most significantly, dining reservations are extremely hard to get unless you have the onsite hotel advantage. Also, Swan buses to MK no longer go to the front of park--they drop off at TTC which is a long commute. I also really like being able to room charge to magic band. And since you are going in 2021, you'll have magical express if you stay onsite.

We're staying at the Dolphin and I wanted to correct one thing. The Swan and Dolphin currently can make reservations the same time as the other Disney resorts. I was able to book reservations for the full length of our stay when we hit 60 days out from our first day. I had no problems booking everything I wanted.

 

[bakerworld]

Have you thought about Saratoga Springs? The 5th floor could be requested and it is walking distance to Disney Spring. I will caution you to not be discouraged by the lack of dinning reservation openings because we found many eateries open to walk ups with fairly short waits (10 to 30 minutes). AK is very nice but every place is a bus ride away - ditto Coronado. I enjoy the Dolphin with it's associate amentias but I would walk over to one of the Disney hotels to use their bus transportation. Of course transportation from MCO will need to be Mears, Uber or car rental. And it is in walking distance to two parks, although it doesn't sound like you are particularly interested in the parks.