Walt Disney World’s Minnie Van Service

Here is our post on using Disney World’s Minnie Van Service to get around WDW as well to and from Orlando International Airport.

(Updated March  2022)

Disney has announced that their Minnie Van Service will be coming back in Summer 2022!

Minnie Van Service was discontinued after the 2020 shutdown.

What’s a Minnie Van?

Minnie Vans are a Disney owned and operated ride-hailing service similar to Uber and Lyft, that began operation around Walt Disney World in July 2017.

Minnie Vans work just like Uber and Lyft, but much better and at a higher price.

In fact you’ll use your Lyft app to order your Minnie Van.

The Minnie Van fleet consists of  Chevrolet Traverse Premier mid-sized SUV, which offer three rows of seating. The second row features captain’s chairs (two full size seats), and the back row can seat three, giving each van a guest capacity of six.

There are also several larger Minnie Vans which are able to carry up to 2 ECV scooters each.

Each Minnie Van comes with 2 Graco car seats (in the luggage area) which the driver is qualified to install properly.

These are a great totally safe version of Uber and Lyft for those who may not be comfortable with those options. These are driven by Walt Disney World cast members, so totally vetted and safe (though more expensive). The ride experience is far superior to the usually silent or sullen Uber/Lyft drivers,; cast members are friendly, knowledgable and talkative (if you want)! Plus the music played during the ride is Disney music themed on your destination.

Be sure to tip your driver for great service; either through the Lyft app or with cash. The individual driver will receive tips through the app in their next week’s paycheck.

When Would You Want To Use Minnie Vans?

With the 20 plus dollar price tag, Minnie vans might not be for everyone or for consistent use during a trip, but they can certainly fill an important roll in your transportation plans.

• When you need to get to a dining reservation, especially the early morning ones
• Resort to Resort trips, for dining (above), split stays (Disney transpo does not go Resort to Resort)
• For close theme park and Disney Springs drop offs and pickups
• At the end of the day when you just don’t want to deal with another line and bus ride

Who Would You Want To Use Minnie Vans?

Those who are already comfortable with Uber and Lyft will really enjoy the Minnie Vans, while it costs more, the experience is so much better.

I’ve used Uber and Lyft quite a bit in Orlando the last few years and only had 2 pleasant drivers. Many are quiet to surly, often with limited english. Minnie Van Drivers are Disney Cast Members, who are very pleasant and easy to talk to (if you choose), they have a wealth of knowledge about WDW and know the closest drop off spots for exactly where you are going.

For those who haven’t used Uber and Lyft before due to misgivings, you need not have any with Minnie van drivers or vehicles! I’ve always had a wonderful experience with a vetted Disney cast member.

In and Around WDW

Minnie Van Service is available anywhere within Walt Disney World Resort.

It is very convenient for getting to destinations quickly and in a relaxed conformable environment. The exact opposite of Disney’s bus service!

Minnie Van Service is perfect for those who might not be comfortable with other ride-hailing services and the unknown reputation of their drivers. Minnie Vans are driven by Disney World cast members (often those who have been with the company for many years. You will have a safe, secure, and pleasant ride!

Rates for the Minnie Van Service vary based on distance traveled from pick-up location to requested destination and time within Walt Disney World Resort, but most rides will be about $30 -$35; gratuity not included.

When I’ve ridden I’ve never paid over 22 bucks plus tip but the prices can go higher. Disney has started using Surge Pricing just like Uber and Lyft, in May 2019 at park closing time the price for a ride back to our resort surged to $43 plus tip.

The Minnie Vans currently operate from 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM daily.

Minnie Van Service Airport

The Minnie Van airport shuttle can pick up or drop off from the Orlando International Airport* and any Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Service is now also available for Shades of Green, the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Four Seasons Orlando, and Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels.

Those using Minnie Van airport service cannot use Disney’s Magical Express for their luggage! You’ll need to retrieve your luggage from baggage claim before catching your Minnie Van ride to WDW.

The Minnie Van pick-up location is near the baggage claim escalators.

Each vehicle accommodates up to 6 Guests, 8 medium-sized suitcases and can be equipped with up to 3 complimentary car seats.

The cost of the Minnie Van airport shuttle is $155 each way; gratuity not included.

The Minnie Van airport shuttle operates from between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily.

*Service can also be arranged for other local airports for other rates by calling (407) 828-3500.

Port Canaveral/Disney Cruise Line Minnie Van Service

Walt Disney World’s Minnie Van Service is now available for trips between Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line’s Terminal at Port Canaveral.

The one way Minnie Van Service between Port Canaveral and Walt Disney World will cost $240 and can accommodate up to 6 guests plus luggage.

The Resorts serviced are the same as for airport trips above.

How to Get a Minnie Van Ride

On WDW Property

On Walt Disney World property you’ll use the Lyft app to order tour Minnie Van.

When on WDW property just open your Lyft app, you may see a pop up like this one below the first time that you do.

When you have the app running:

• Swipe to the far end of Lyft ride types to see and Select Minnie Van
• Confirm your current pick-up location.
• Enter your Walt Disney World destination and tap “Request.”
• The app will display a map tracking the vehicle en route and give you an identifying vehicle number to help you spot your car.

 

Notes for Shades of Green Guests:

All Ride Hiring Services (Minnie Vans, Lyft, and Uber) service Shades of Green!

Just set your pickup as you normally would. But your driver may try to call you (before they start driving) to determine your location (whether you are at Shades or the Palm and Magnolia Golf Course Pro Shop [co-located with Shades]). Minnie Van calls will come from a Delaware phone number so be ready to answer.

Note: Minnie Van drivers are prevented from using the phone or replying to texts while driving. You will receive a message telling you so if you try. But if you miss the call from the driver they will receive (and see) your text.

When returning to Shades of Green all passengers will need to show ID (Military or Shades of Green Resort).

For Orlando International Airport

To arrange your one-way or round-trip ride you’ll need to call (407) WDW-PLAY – (407) 939-7529.

You can call up to 6 months in advance. Rides may still be booked until 11:59 PM the night prior to arrival.

Have your flight information available!

For WDW to the airport trips: When traveling domestically, request a pickup at least 2 hours prior to your flight departure, if flying international at least 3 hours prior to flight departure.

All cancellations made within 24 hours of pick-up time will forfeit a refund.

Those needing to utilize an accessible vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair or ECV should call (407) 828-3500 instead.

For Port Canaveral

The Minnie Van Service is currently only available to book directly with Disney Cruise Line via Embarkation Services at 1-800-395-9374.

you’ll need to provide your cruise reservation number, desired pickup time, and if there are any car seats or an accessible vehicle needed.

Your payment is taken in full over the phone at the time of the reservation, and there is a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Uber & Lyft

Using Ubering and Lyft to get around property is very convenient and often the cheapest paid method of getting around.

See our Using Uber, Lyft, and Minnie Vans at Walt Disney World Post

Get a $5 Lyft credit towards your first ride when you sign up for Lyft using this link. This promo is for your first ride only; this is perfect for a quick hop across WDW property. This works for Minnie Vans!

How about You?

Have you used Minnie Vans around WDW? Share your best tips in the comment section below!

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