Here is our post on using Disney World’s Minnie Van Service to get around WDW as well to and from Orlando International Airport.
What’s a Minnie Van?
Minnie Vans is 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 a Chevrolet Traverse Premier mid-sized SUV, which offers 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, knowledgeable, and talkative (if you want)! Plus, the music played during the ride is Disney music themed to 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 role 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.
Around Walt Disney World
Minnie Van Service is available anywhere within Walt Disney World Resort.
It is very convenient for getting to destinations quickly and in a relaxed, comfortable 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!
Minnie Van pulling up for a pick up at Shades of Green
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.
How to Request a Minnie Van Ride
On Walt Disney World property, you’ll use the Lyft app to order your Minnie Van.
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).
Minnie Van Pick Up at Pop Century
Uber & Lyft
Using Uber and Lyft to get around the 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!
Minnie Van Airport Service
Prior to the COVID-19 debacle, Minnie Van service from and to Orlando International Airport was available. Post panic, this service did not return for a long time. But it is slowly coming back.
- In 2024, this service became available for those staying in Consierge rooms
- On 13 August 2025, service was extended to those staying at all Deluxe Resorts
Hopefully, this will eventually trickle back down to the other Resort levels as time goes on!
The Minnie Van airport shuttle provides one-way or round-trip service to Orlando International Airport and any Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Deluxe resort guests can book this add-on service 60 days in advance by calling the Disney Signature Services at (407)-939-7777.
The airport service must be booked through the Disney Signature Services and not the Lyft app.
The Minnie Van pick-up location is near the baggage claim escalators. Your cast member driver will meet you at the bottom of the escalators to baggage claim and will be holding a sign with your name. They will assist with luggage if needed, and then wisk you to your Minnie Van,
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 $249 each way; this includes tax, airport fees, and a $20 gratuity for the driver. (Until Sept 2025, the price was $199, tip not included).
The Minnie Van airport shuttle operates from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
How about You?
Have you used Minnie Vans around WDW? Share your best tips in the comment section below!
FAQ: Walt Disney World’s Minnie Van Service
What is a Minnie Van?
Minnie Vans are Disney’s ride-hailing service operated through the Lyft app, using red-and-white polka-dotted Chevrolet Traverse SUVs driven by Disney Cast Members. Each van seats up to six guests and includes two child car seats.
How do I request a Minnie Van?
Open the Lyft app, swipe to the far-right ride types to select Minnie Van, confirm your pick-up point, enter your destination within Walt Disney World, and tap Request. You’ll see the vehicle number and real-time tracking.
Where can Minnie Vans take me?
Anywhere within Walt Disney World Resort—resorts, parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. They’re ideal for resort-to-resort dining, early breakfast ADRs, and quick hops after a long park day.
How much does a Minnie Van cost?
Pricing varies by distance/time. Typical rides run about $30–$35 before tip; surge pricing can push rides into the $40+ range during peak times (e.g., park close).
What are the operating hours?
Daily from 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM.
Do Minnie Vans have car seats?
Yes—each van carries two Graco car seats that your driver is trained to install at no extra charge.
Are Minnie Van drivers Disney employees?
Yes. Drivers are Disney Cast Members—vetted, trained, and typically very knowledgeable and friendly.
Do Minnie Vans service Shades of Green?
Yes. Minnie Vans, Lyft, and Uber serve Shades of Green. Drivers may call before pickup to confirm whether you’re at the resort or the co-located golf course pro shop. Returning to Shades requires military or resort ID for all passengers.
Can I use Minnie Vans to get to the airport?
Yes—Minnie Van Airport Service is available to Deluxe Resort Guests (as of August 2025). Cost is $199 each way, booked via Disney Signature Services (not in the Lyft app). Pickup at MCO is near the baggage claim escalators.
How do I book the Minnie Van airport shuttle?
Eligible guests can reserve it 60 days in advance by calling Disney Signature Services at (407) 939-7777.
What are the airport shuttle hours?
Daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
How many people and bags fit for airport service?
Up to 6 guests, 8 medium suitcases, and up to 3 complimentary car seats available on request.
Can I tip the driver?
Yes—tip in the Lyft app or in cash. App tips are paid to the driver in their next paycheck.
How-To: Request a Minnie Van Ride (Lyft App)
- Open the Lyft app: Enable location services and ensure you’re on Walt Disney World property.
- Select Minnie Van: Swipe through ride types to the far right and choose Minnie Van.
- Set pickup & destination: Confirm your pickup point; enter your WDW destination (resort, park, Disney Springs).
- Request: Tap Request. Note your vehicle number and watch the live map.
- Meet & ride: Look for the red-and-white polka dots. Enjoy Disney tunes and a smooth drop-off close to your exact location.
How-To: Book Minnie Van Airport Service (Phone)
- Confirm eligibility: You must be a Deluxe Resort Guest for the dates of travel.
- Call to book: Up to 60 days in advance, call Disney Signature Services at (407) 939-7777 to reserve (not available in the Lyft app).
- Know the details: Cost is $199 each way; service runs 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; capacity is 6 guests, 8 medium bags, up to 3 car seats.
- At MCO: On arrival day, meet your Minnie Van near the baggage claim escalators per your confirmation instructions.
- Tip your driver: Add a tip via Lyft (if enabled on your ride profile) or use cash.
This article was written by Steve Bell, founder of Military Disney Tips.
Steve is a retired U.S. military member who has been visiting the Disney Parks since 1971 and writing about Disney military discounts and vacations for the military community for over 18 years.
Read Steve’s Full Bio | Follow Military Disney Tips on Facebook
I just called to arrange a Minnie Van airport pickup and got a recorded message saying they are not operating at this time. Planning a July vacation. Do you know if they will be operating by then?
I imagine that they will be Kathy.
They re-starting summer, so hopefully June.
When I hear they are taking reservations I will post.
Hi Steve. Just to make sure. As of now- the Minnie Vans will pick you up at SOG for a resort dining reservation? (Someone told me they wouldn’t so thought I’d double check with you!!)
Hi Jennifer,
On property Minnie Van service has resumed. They served Shades of Green prior to the shutdown and I would think that they are once again.
Also I just checked my Lyft app and Shades of Green is a selectable pickup location.
We used the Minnie Van in Dec of 2023. We had our baby with us, so the convenience of the car seat and not having to deal with the busses was worth every penny. We used it for a return home to Shades of Green after a long day of exploring resorts.