Call the hotel in advance and coordinate. If they have staff to prep the room, they may be able to make it happen. We usually do this for most marriott stays when we know we need the room earlier than confirmed check in.
Yes - there should be no issues. Just let the staff know you want to have access on your keycard
Walk and catch Disney bus.
I hate it too. For our upcoming stay at Reserve, I am packing a cheap shower curtain liner and suction cup hooks in case we get this setup.
There is a walking path for guests from the pool area of both the Swan and Dolphin abutting the play section for kids - wish I could describe this better. The walking path leads to a crosswalk with pedestrian activated traffic lights. On a recent trip, I walked from the Boardwalk to the Swan Reserve - it was easy on the main paths about 10 minutes. I am planning to stay at the Swan Reserve on my next trip with an AP rate, because cannot find a room in the Crescent Lake area in my price range. My biggest concern is not being able to charge to the magic band for dining, but will bring my food budget on Disney Gift cards. I used Disney gift cards last trip at a few restaurants and adding the tip was seamless -- just made sure to deduct the tip from the remaining balance, plus double checked my balance on the Disney Gift card website. The Swan Reserve looks like a lovely hotel with deluxe benefits, and with Mears Connect going to the resort, thought it is worth a try for a short five day stay for two adults.
No masks required outdoors.
The search here can be a bit confusing, AP discount found a bunch, but this post is probably what you need.
