Hi there Charlene, I'm happy to welcome you to planDisney!
If there's anything I like planning for, it's travel logistics to help convey guests from point A to point B at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Destinations around the world! In fact, my husband and I love taking
all of the various forms of complimentary transportation just for the unique experience of each journey - and we definitely have our favorites that we enjoy taking to and from dinners out at the
Resort Hotels. I was happy to take the time to do a bit of research and provide you with some suggestions on how you can make your way back that evening:
- It appears that on the evening of September 29, 2023 the Park Hours end at 6:00 p.m. for regular day guests at Magic Kingdom Park but extend out to midnight for those attending Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
- I contacted the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel concierge team directly who confirmed that their dedicated shuttle buses will continue running at regular intervals that can range between 20 to 30 minutes until just after the event at 12:45 a.m. as a courtesy for their guests who may also be attending the party.
- Currently, guests will be able to take this bus from space C 11 at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) which would be a quick and convenient ride on the Resort Monorail from Disney's Contemporary Resort. (It's adjacent to the rideshare pickup location just over to your left as you exit down the ramp from the monorail and the friendly Transportation Cast Members will be able to point you in the right direction!)
- I highly recommend downloading the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin App as well as confirming with the shuttle bus driver when they drop you off in case there are any schedule or location changes.
If you're keen on
taking a bus from Disney's Contemporary Resort, an alternative method could involve waiting for one headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios where you can switch to
the complimentary Watercraft Service that can also take you directly to the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel as its first stop en route over to EPCOT. Another longer bus itinerary could involve you taking a trip out to
Disney Springs and enjoying the nightlife with post-dinner plans before heading back to the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel via their shuttle at the West Side Bus Loop.
I hope that this helps you out as you weigh your options Charlene, but we prefer those relaxing evenings heading back on a boat out on the water where you might even be able to catch glimpses of nighttime spectaculars as well as fireworks in the distance if you time it just right!
Come back again to planDisney for any more tips and tricks about anything else beyond transportation ahead of your upcoming visit!
And remember, sometimes it's less about the destination and more about the journey!
Prince