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How to Use Disney’s Minnie Van Service

How to Use Disney’s Minnie Van Service

What do you get when you cross Disney-level service with a popular ride-sharing company like Lyft?

An innovative transportation option for Disney resort guests cleverly named Minnie Vans.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about Disney’s Minnie Van Service, including prices and when we do (and don’t!) recommend it.

Let’s dive in….

What is Disney’s Minnie Van service?

Building on the popularity of ride-sharing services like Uber at Disney World, Minnie Vans provide guests with point-to-point transfer in the comfort of a well-appointed (and polka-dotted!) 6 passenger Chevy Traverses and Chevy Suburbans.

But, unlike Uber or Lyft (which are both also available on the Walt Disney World Resort property), Disney’s Minnie Vans are driven by Disney Cast Members.

Minnie Vans Sign

Ideally, this means that you can expect the same high-level of customer service from your driver as you’d have from any other Cast Member interaction at Walt Disney World.

For many families unfamiliar with using a ride-sharing service, knowing that the driver is a Disney-trained Cast Member can help to ease any worries they might have when using one to travel to a Disney park or resort.

We use both regular Lyft and Uber and Minnie Vans on nearly every trip, and we do think there is a difference in the drivers. And, there is also a difference in the vehicles themselves. With Minnie Vans, you’ll consistently know what to expect, unlike Uber or Lyft where the vehicles vary greatly from ride to ride.

But, that consistency does come at a price.

Minnie Van prices

Now the big question, just how much will this Disney-level service set you back?

How much do Minnie Vans cost?

The cost of Minnie Van service varies depending on your destination, but all trips will start with a flat rate of $22.00 with an additional cost per mile (which is somewhere around $3.75).

Minnie Van Pricing

This is similar to how taxis and Uber/Lyft pricing works where you pay based upon the distance, but, Minnie Vans are now significantly more expensive than those other options with most trips costing at least around $30-$50 (or even more) one way.

It is definitely a pricey option.

minnie van in lyft app

With Minnie Vans, you are paying for the convenience.

You can see an estimate of your trip cost before requesting the Minnie Van by using the Lyft app.

Just put in a trip and follow the directions in the section below (just don’t hit the “Request Lyft” button at the bottom of the app).

Of course, if you need to get somewhere fast, and you use car seats, the price of a Minnie Van may definitely be worth it vs. the hassle of taking a bus.

But, for most situations, Minnie Vans aren’t the most budget-friendly option available, and we only use and recommend them in a few select situations that we’ll discuss below

When does a Minnie Van make sense?

That depends on your situation, but here are some times when we think a Minnie Van definitely makes the most sense:

  • When you are traveling between resorts AND you have little ones who need car seats (if no car seats are needed, use Uber or Lyft)
  • If you have an early morning breakfast reservation at a park or a resort AND you have little ones who need car seats (if no car seats are needed, use Uber or Lyft)
  • If you are headed to or from Magic Kingdom (because of the convenient drop-off and pick-up location)
  • If you are going to Hoop-Dee-Doo Review (because of the convenient drop-off and pick-up location)

In nearly every other instance, we’ve found that Disney’s Minnie Van Service will not be your best option, unless you just want to pay extra for a slightly more premium experience.

Check out the chart below to see how the different transportation options stack up against one another to help you decide if a Minnie Van is worth the extra expense.

Remember: Minnie Vans will not be less expensive than your other options, but they can definitely save you time.

comparing transportation options

How do you book a Minnie Van?

If you have used Lyft or Uber at Disney World before, the experience for requesting a ride with a Minnie Van is extremely similar.

Minnie Vans at Disney World

Step 1: Download the app

While Disney runs the Minnie Vans service, they utilize the Lyft app for deployment, so you’ll need to download that app to access the service.

Step 2: Open up the app and enter your pick-up location and destination

Once downloaded, you’ll use the app to request a van. To do that, you’ll start by entering in your pick-up point and destination.

Minnie Vans screenshot lyft

After you’ve done that, you’ll see a couple of different options, usually “Lyft” and “Lyft XL”. If the Minnie Van service doesn’t immediately display, scroll through vehicle type options until it appears.

Each option will show you the estimated time to be picked up and an estimated cost.

Minnie Van Screenshot lyft

Step 3: Select “Minnie Van Service”

Once you select Minnie Van Service, you’ll be shown a map with all the available vans and the estimated time for the arrival of yours.

Minnie Van screenshot lyft app

Since Minnie Vans look alike, Disney distinguishes them with a number system, which makes it easy to pick out yours if several pull up at the same time.

Step 4: Climb in and enjoy the ride

When your van arrives, climb in and enjoy the ride to your destination. You’ll find charging cords inside and animated shorts playing to keep everyone entertained.

Step 5: Pay

Payment for the ride is all done inside the app, so there is no reason to worry about having cash. Your credit card (or Apple Pay if you prefer) information will be used.

minnie vans sign animal kingdom

Minnie Van FAQs

Got questions about Disney’s Minnie Van service? We’ve got answers!

Who can use Minnie Vans?

Minnie Vans are available to all guests visiting Walt Disney World (not just those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel).

Is the Minnie Van service wheelchair accessible?

Similarly decked out vehicles are also available for guests using wheelchairs or ECVs at Disney World.

Here’s how you access those:

  1. Open the Lyft app within Walt Disney World Resort.
  2. Confirm your pickup location and tap “Select Accessible Minnie Van”. If accessible Minnie Van service doesn’t immediately display, scroll through vehicle type options until it appears.
  3. Track your vehicle’s progress on a map provided by the app. You’ll see the vehicle number to help you spot your car.
accessible minnie van lyft app

Where can Minnie Vans go?

Minnie Vans can be used throughout the Disney World Resort area including:

  • all Disney resort hotels
  • Magic Kingdom
  • Epcot
  • Animal Kingdom
  • Hollywood Studios
  • Disney Springs
  • Blizzard Beach
  • Typhoon Lagoon
  • Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Shades of Green, and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

There are several other locations where Minnie Vans have historically gone, however, at this time they do not. We do, however, expect these spots to be included at some point in the future:

  • NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE: Bonnet Creek Resorts including Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
  • NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE: Port Canaveral
  • LIMITED AVAILABILITY: Orlando International Airport

Can Minnie Vans go to the Orlando Airport?

Minnie Van service to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) is now available, however, it is limited to ONLY guests staying Club Level at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Currently, the service can be used from 6 a.m. until midnight.

The cost for this airport service is definitely one of the most expensive ways to get to and from MCO with a price tag of $199 one-way (or $398 for round-trip).

Space for luggage is limited, and the vehicles can only accommodate about 6 medium-sized bags.

Bookings can be made 60 days before your check-in date by contacting Disney Signature Services, which is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. You can call (407) 939-7777 or email Disney Signature Services but note that you must have a Club Level Reservation to book.

Can Minnie Vans go to Port Canaveral (Not currently available)

In the past, guests taking a Disney Cruise had the option to use a Minnie Van for transfer services to and from Port Canaveral.

The cost was a $249 each way (plus tip) and could be set up by calling Disney Cruise Line Embarkation Services at 1-800-395-9374.

No word on when (or if) this service will return.

What hours does Disney’s Minnie Van service operate?

Service is available between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m (subject to change).

Can I schedule a Disney Minnie Van in advance?

Unfortunately, unlike regular Lyft you can’t schedule a Minnie Van in advance.

How many people can fit in a Disney Minnie Van?

Minnie Vans seat up to 6 and can be either a Chevy Traverses OR Chevy Suburban.

Do you tip Minnie Van drivers?

We typically tip a couple of dollars per trip, more if they were assisting with luggage.

Tipping is typically done through the app after your ride is complete. You’ll have the option to select a tip amount or input a custom tip. The specific amount can vary based on factors such as the quality of service, distance traveled, and overall experience.

Can I take a Minnie Van to Universal Studios (or anywhere else off property)?

No. Unlike Lyft or taxis (both of which can travel throughout the entire Orlando area) Minnie Vans can only operate on Disney property which includes the 4 main theme parks, all Disney-owned resorts, Disney’s 2 water parks, and Disney Springs. Plus, when scheduled ahead,& available, Minnie Vans can go to Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral – but that is all.

So, if your plans take you offsite, you’ll need to check into different options for that.

Do Minnie Vans have car seats?

YES! They do. And this is one of the things that make Minnie Vans stand out.

All Minnie Vans are equipped with 2 versatile car seats.

minnie van with a car seat

These convertible seats can operate as both forward facing or rear facing traditional seats, or they can also be used as a booster seat (both with and without the back), meaning, as Disney says “even the tiniest of passengers can travel in style.”

Because it can be tricky for even experienced parents to properly install a car seat, Cast Members that drive them are extensively trained in the proper installation of all the different configurations of the seats.

By comparison, you can request a car seat with UberX, but there is a $10 surcharge, and they can only be forward facing.

Minnie Van Car Seat

Where do Minnie Vans drop-off and pick-up?

Not all pick-up and drop-off spots are created equal. Here’s where you’ll catch your ride at Walt Disney World:

Resorts

If you are going to any Disney resort, Minnie Vans can drop you off at the front, or, if you are headed to a resort that has separate buildings and parking lots (like a lot of the Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Villa resorts) they can drop you off at one of those. You can select your exact building for drop off and pick up inside the app.

Disney Springs

The official drop off location for Minnie Vans at Disney Springs is now in the main Disney Bus loop, which is located in kind of the middle of Disney Springs:

Disney springs transportation map rideshare bus parking lots

Magic Kingdom

One of the best perks when using Minnie Vans for transportation to and from Magic Kingdom is that the drop-off and pick-up location is actually located at the same area where the resort buses drop-off and pick-up.

This is different from Uber/Lyft, taxis, and driving your own car.

All of those options require you to start your journey to Magic Kingdom at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and then to transfer onto either the monorail or ferry to get to the park.

magic kingdom dropoff and pickup locations

Epcot

Minnie Vans drop-off and pick-up near where the buses are located out in front of the park.

epcot transportation pickup and dropoff locations

If you are leaving from the back of the park, though, it usually makes sense to walk through the International Gateway and over to the Beach Club Resort to pick up a Minnie Van there instead of walking all the way back around to the front of Epcot.

Animal Kingdom

Like Magic Kingdom, Minnie Van drop-off and pick-up is located at the bus loop, where the resort buses drop off and pick up.

animal kingdom dropoff and pickup locations

Hollywood Studios

Minnie Vans used to drop off right outside the front gates at Hollywood Studios, but now they drop off and pick up in the bus loop.

hollywood studios dropoff and pickup locations

Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon

The parking/bus/taxi area for the water parks are relatively small compared to the main theme parks, so your drop-off and pick-up points are nice and close to the front of the parks.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue & Trails End

Hoop-Dee-Doo has long been a family-favorite, but before Minnie Vans, your only options for getting there usually involved transferring between regular Disney buses onto the internal buses for Ft. Wilderness or arriving by bus/monorail to boat.

This process was not only cumbersome, but also extremely time-consuming. And, after a long day, the multistep process to get back to your resort was especially exhausting.

Minnie Vans, however, are allowed to drop off and pick up just a short walk away from where these two popular restaurants are, saving you a lot of transportation time.

Hoop Dee Doo transportation location

Is Disney’s Minnie Van Service worth it?

Having navigated the enchanting realm of Disney’s offerings, we can share that the decision to use a Minnie Van boils down to a mix of convenience, budget, and the desire for that signature touch of Disney magic.

But no matter how cute the cars are or how friendly the drivers, sadly it is often not worth the high cost.

While they provide a seamless and often direct route to your destination, the expense can add up, especially if you’re using the service frequently.

We found that Minnie Vans were most valuable during peak times when regular transportation might be crowded or during instances where time was of the essence. But, getting a Minnie Van isn’t guaranteed, which can be frustrating, too.

In the end, the worth of a Minnie Van experience hinges on the balance between the added convenience and the impact on your budget.

If you’re aiming to maximize park time, make the most of character dining, or celebrate a special occasion, a Minnie Van can certainly elevate your Disney adventure. However, if you’re looking to manage costs or have a more leisurely pace, the regular transportation options might suffice. As with any aspect of Disney, it’s about finding the blend that creates the magical experience you envision.

VIDEO: 5 Things You Should Know About Minnie Vans

Have you tried out the new Minnie Vans yet? Thinking about using one to get to a Disney park? Let us know how it went in the comments.

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