Minnie Van Service – Walt Disney World
written by Crystal Boston, Travel Specialist
Have you heard about the new ‘Minnie Vans’ at Walt Disney World? I recently had the opportunity to experience this new way to get around property.
With the new ‘Minnie Van’ service, all vehicles are driven by Disney Cast Members and the vans are owned and operated by Disney. Service is offered from 6:30 am – 12:30 am daily (subject to change). Currently, you use your Lyft app to request a ride. Disney has a fleet of ‘Minnie’ Vans and offers originating rides from all resorts and locations on property, and plans to add the service to the My Disney Experience (MDE) app. It’s a good idea to have a Lyft account already set up on your phone before arriving for your vacation.
New pricing went into effect mid-September 2018 – The flat rate of $15.00 plus a per mile fee will get you anywhere on property and, if you would like to tip your Disney Cast Member, tipping is also available through the Lyft app. See below for sample pricing from three resorts on property to Magic Kingdom.
Note: Once on Disney property, your Lyft app should offer the ‘Minnie Van’ service as a vehicle option – scroll through the regular Lyft options to “More”. If you don’t see the Minnie Van option, just inquire at the front desk, any Cast Member at Bell Services or the front lobby desk can assist you with set up and questions.
Once you are set up with the service, you are ready to request your first ride!
You should plan to reserve your ride about 15 minutes before your preferred pick-up time as wait times can be 15-20 minutes. The standard ‘Minnie Vans’ will seat up to 6 guests and all carry 2 car seats and each will accommodate rear facing up to booster. Vans are configured with bucket seats in the front row, captain’s chairs in the second row, and a third row bench seat that is best suited for your little ones or smaller adults. All vans offer phone charging via USB ports, and rear seat climate controls to help you adjust the temperate to your liking. And our driver even had Disney music on the radio!
If you require a mobility van, which will accommodate one mobility scooter/vehicle and up to a total of 8 guests, you will need to ask the front desk to request this type of van for you. There are 2 mobility vans currently in the fleet.
The ‘Minnie Vans’ will only provide service on Disney property and they will make multiple stops if needed – for example, if you originate at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and you have friends staying at Pop Century that you would like to stop and pick up – as long as you are all going to the same destination and you all fit in one vehicle you’re set! The ‘Minnie’ Vans will also make quick stops (around 5 minutes) at non-Disney locations on property, such as gas stations and McDonald’s.
**UPDATED**The Disney ‘Minnie Van’ service, is now also available for travel to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) for guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Unlike the regular ‘Minnie Van’ service, however, ‘Minnie Van’ airport shuttle service reservations must be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, not through the Lyft app. The shuttle service is available for flight arrivals from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and for flight departures from 9 a.m. to midnight. Each ‘Minnie Van’ can hold up to six passengers and eight medium-sized suitcases. Up to three complimentary car seats can also be provided and ADA accessible vehicles are available. The price is $150.00 one way.**UPDATED**
If you are headed to experience the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, your ‘Minnie Van’ will drop you off right at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort so you can skip the bus. At Magic Kingdom, they drop off and pick up at Bus Stop #8 in the bus loop – however, the Lyft app will show Ticket & Transportation Center. At the larger resorts, the ‘Minnie Van’ will pick up and drop off close to your room. And, if you take a ‘Minnie Van’ to a destination on property from your designated originating resort you can absolutely request a return ride!
If you happen to lose any items during your ‘Minnie Van’ ride, they will try to get your Lost & Found items back to the location closest to where you were dropped off or originated from.
I would definitely suggest trying the ‘Minnie Van’ service, especially for early morning dining reservations, signature dining experiences where you a bit more dressed up or getting back to your resort at park closing after a full day of parks. It’s quick and convenient and, well, it’s just FUN to ride in that red polka dot ‘Minnie Van’!!
*UPDATED: September 17, 2018 – Check back for future updates.